Mythic+ DPS Rankings: PTR Tier List for The War Within (Patch 11.2 / Season 3)

Beast Mastery Hunter is one of the specs that have seen a lot of changes leading up to Season 3. They have an amazing tier-set, which further elevates their already strong sustain-damage. Their single-target & AoE damage output is considered one of the best especially when put in a physical comp. So far, the specialization looks quite strong, with rarely any disadvantage (except for no raid buff - Hunter's Mark sucks for M+).

Arcane Mage has received its fair share of changes leading to the Season 3 of TWW. They will retain its burst-orientated damage profile while simultaneously providing priority-target damage when doing so. Their funnel damage/single target is also considered one of the best, which can gain you a ton of time in Mythic+. Mage utility is also considered one of the best in 5-man orientated content especially when ran with a caster comp. At last, we all know how durable mage, which further solidifies their S-tier spot for now.

Enhancement Shaman received minor changes leading to Season 3, but luckily got an incredibly strong tier set. They are currently arguably one of the best DPS (by output) in PTR. Having great sustain damage, one of the strongest major cooldowns, and insane funnel damage, there isn't anything bad to be said about the spec. In addition to that, their single-target is also excellent. We believe the spec is among the S-tier contenders, only future tuning will solidify their positioning.

Balance Druid did get minor changes leading to Season 3. They've got one of the best tier-sets so far for Keeper of the Grove, which makes their funnel damage (previously almost negligible) one of the best. This way their single target becomes better (previous weakness) and they get to retain their amazing AoE damage. The utility of Druid is heavily desired in a 5-man group due to its offensive and defensive powers. The only downside of the spec is their potential squishiness, having only one active "major" defensive cooldown, which can sometimes cause some trouble. We believe that the shear power of the Keeper of the Grove tier-set will likely get adjusted hence why we hesitate to rank them that early on PTR, come back next week.

Havoc Demon Hunter hasn't currently seen any changes leading towards Season 3 of TWW, but received one of the most powerful tier-set across all DPS specs thanks to Aldrachi. Their sustained damage (outside of cooldowns) has significantly improved, which was previously one of their weakest points. In addition, their single-target and priority-target damage has skyrocketed, making them one of the best in that niche. On top of this, they have good utility, great self-sustain, and one of the most mobile DPS specs out there. In certain comps, I believe havoc can be considered S-tier; however, we need to wait for the final adjustments to see if their tier-set gets to be nerfed (it's highly likely).

Frost Death Knight will make their long-awaited comeback leading to Season 2 due to their "rework". Most notably, no more annoying Death and Decay casting ever, rework on Breath of Sindragosa and a lot more consistent damage. Their AoE damage is great, followed by incredible single-target & priority-target damage. In addition, Death Knights are also one of the most durable DPS classes in the game (which is a huge advantage). This early into PTR, I believe Frost is in a much better position compared to what they are in Season 2 and much more fun to play!

Shadow Priest received a complete rework in their playstyle and the majority of their talents leading to Season 3. Their damage is looking better as they have one of the best priority-target damage while doing AoE. Their single-target is among the highest, and they have great sustain and several minor cooldowns (as minor as every 30-second spike due to Void Torrent). In addition, they have finally received Shadow Crash quality-of-life update and now have 2x charges. Their utility remains strong, as Power Infusion and Power Word: Fortitude are considered great party-buffs to push keys. It's been a while, but we finally believe Shadow Priest is one of the best Ranged specs currently in. Time will tell if they will survive the tuning before the season release.

Marksmanship Hunter received a ton of changes leading to Season 3 of TWWW. They will retain their burst-orientated profile (thankfully!) which is a prominent feature of MM for a long time now and is incredibly useful against all key levels. In addition, their sustained damage is looking better than ever, even without your cooldowns. Their single-target has improved compared to Season 2 (with Mythic+ builds), which is a welcoming change. Overall, we believe Hunter is one of the strongest Ranged options so far in the PTR and only future tuning can cement their placement.

Demonology Warlock received one of the most powerful tier sets across all DPS specs, in addition to some baseline buffs to their already strong overall damage output. They will have better-sustained damage when running outside of cooldowns while having incredibly strong single-target output. In terms of utility, they will keep their unique Mythic+ package while being one of the most "tanky" Ranged DPS. Although Warlock doesn't have a unique party buff, their damage output offsets the spec limitation and can be considered in some of the caster-oriented comps.

Elemental Shaman will continue to be an amazing Ranged option in Season 3 of the TWW expansion, though they did not receive any changes, outside of a new tier set. Incredible burst, amazing priority-target damage, great damage off-major CDs, and one of the best party-wide utilities, is there anything else to ask for? Well, yes, their single-target is currently not amazing, so a buff in that department will rank them among the best contenders for the meta. Overall, we are happy with how the spec is playing, and we are hopeful that it will remain that strong before the release of the season 3.

Fire Mage is entering Season 3 in a much better state than it was last season, thanks to some baseline buffs and their great tier-set. It seems like they will return to their Mastery: Ignite playstyle which specifically focuses on single-target damage while doing AoE. Extremely effective damage profile for the highest levels of keys but due to the long ramp-up time it might underperforming for your casual level keys. To add on top of that, their single target is quite competitive. Just like every Mage spec so far, they have one of the best group-wide Mythic+ utilities.

Survival Hunter has received its fair share of changes, leading to the third and final season of Mythic+ in TWW. Their consistent damage is great since their major cooldowns are relatively short (as short as 60 sec) and their overall output is its best ever been in the whole expansion. Their strength lies in their AoE damage, paired with great priority-target damage. Their single-target is also decent, although nowhere near "OP" levels. We believe the spec is already performing much better than the previous season, and we hope they keep that until the season release. Only future tuning will show that.

Assassination Rogue received no changes leading to Season 3. Also, their rotation and spec-flow remain mostly unchanged so far. Nevertheless, their AoE outputs remain their strongest asset in Mythic+, especially considering the great priority-target damage while doing the AoE. Single-target is the biggest disadvantage, as the only way to counter it is if you pull mobs on top of the boss for an effective funnel. Overall, we still believe they will remain a solid melee contender in Season 3, especially when played in a physical comp.

Outlaw Rogue did not receive any major changes (except Killing Spree rework), but luckily for them, their tier set is amazing. The spec will retain its great consistent damage, but unfortunately, will still be target-capped. Their single-target will remain solid, as well as their priority-target damage while doing AoE. The lack of burst is also another issue the spec is suffering from, as that can be quite offsetting on the lower-level key,s where burst is important to capitalize on the lower health mobs. Their defensive profile will remain unchanged, and so will their amazing group-wide utility and mob control. So far into the PTR testing, Outlaw looks great, and its placement can be elevated in a physical-oriented comp.

Destruction Warlock unfortunately they haven't seen that many changes leading up to the next season, apart from their tier-set. They will still possess their great mass AoE damage (especially on higher keys where mobs live longer), decent single-target, and most importantly, great sustained damage, which are the primary factors why we consider this spec good. At last, every Warlock spec is quite durable and has a great party-wide utility, which fits perfectly for Mythic+. Overall, a good range option, overshadowed by its stronger sibling spec Demonology Warlock.

The performance of Devastation Evoker have received several positive adjustments, which will improve their performance in the upcoming Season 3 of TWW. The spec has retained its unique Evoker utility, while keeping its damage profile will be "bursty", which will help your performance across different key levels (with a much better-sustained damage profile). The output is not there to compete with the top-tier specs, but has been rapidly improving within the weeks of PTR testing leading to Season 3.

Frost Mage received minor changes leading to Season 3, with the most notable being Mastery buffs, Blizzard having longer cooldown, making you more focused on core spells like Glacial Spike, Ice Lance etc, and a new tier-set. They will retain their great burst damage profile (thanks to Icy Veins), while focusing on priority-target damage. Their single-target is also in a good state, which was previously criticized in the last season. In addition, Mage is one of the most durable DPS specializations, and also have one of the best Mythic+ utilities from a DPS point of view. To summarize, they are in a good state but nowhere near "OP" specs to be considered S-tier.

Feral Druid has received barely any changes leading to the Season 3. The specialization will retain its signature burst-orientated profile while being significantly weaker during dry periods. Energy starvation, unfortunately, is still present in the spec, resulting in pockets of time of just "waiting" for more resources rather than actively engaging with your rotation. Their utility, just like any Druid spec, will retain its power, as Mark of the Wild is one of the strongest party-buffs in the group. Overall, we believe Feral Druid to be a decent melee option which excels the best in physical orientated comp.

Windwalker Monk hasn't seen any significant changes leading to the Season 3 of TWW. Their toolkit, playstyle, and utility will mostly remain the same as nothing of significance has been added. Unfortunately, Windwalker Monk is one of the few specs that yet remains to have its target cap present, which can result in problems in mass AoE.

Arms Warrior received no changes leading to the Season 3 of TWW. Unfortunately for the spec, they haven't received enough "firepower" going into the next season to effectively compete with the majority of the DPS options, as their AoE/ST output is not looking great. Although they seem fairly "under-tuned" we believe that if Battle Shout is in demand for physical damage comp, they might see the light if Protection Warrior is missing from the party. We sure hope Warrior as a whole will receive some changes soon, hence why it is hard to estimate their current tier list position.

Unholy Death Knight has changed a ton going forward to Season 3 and sadly, not in a good way. The loss of their amazing Season 2 tier-set will be noticeable as the general power sadly is not there. Their once "The Best AoE" spec title is long gone (+ Bursting Sores is now target-cap), and while it is still decent, it's nowhere near where it was in Season 2. In addition, their single target is one of the lowest, they lost Abomination Limb (ability to stack mobs) and still do not have raid buff. I believe down the line, we are likely to see positive changes done for Unholy, as they urgently need them.

Augmentation Evoker has received no changes leading to Season 3, which results in no change neither to their power, nor to the rotation. They will retain their great utility, good mob control, and the ability to bolster your team's defensive and offensive profiles (especially as a DPS player) While there is still immense defensive value in taking Augmentation Evoker to your team, it will results in slower times throughout the dungeon as majority of the time, a regular 3rd DPS will just have more raw output.

Affliction Warlock has seen minor changes in the upcoming Season 3. They will remain with the same issues as Season 2, relying on Vile Taint for mass applying Agony, which becomes a significant problem once it's on cooldown and a pack has been engaged (manual re-applications of the Agony to multiple mobs is also problematic). Either decreasing its cooldown (of Vile Taint) or making it have several charges will have a positive impact on the spec. Nonetheless, when managing pulls and such scenarios do not occur, its performance is still at most average. Unfortunately, Affliction hasn't seen the changes they need yet but we are confident they will come.

Fury Warrior hasn't seen any changes leading towards Season 3. They still are one of the few DPS specs that are a 5-target hard-capped, which significantly reduces their AoE output. This puts you at an extreme disadvantage, as the majority of the dungeons next season consist of heavy AoE. Well, at least your single-target is decent! Jokes aside, we are confident changes will come for the warrior, perhaps next expansion./p>

Aside from the impressive Rogue's utility package, Subtlety Rogue has not seen any changes going forward to the next season. The spec is one of the few that yet do not hold rank, as nothing has changed for them from last season. We believe adjustments are on the way and for now will hold an opinion on behalf of their rankings. Come back next week!

Retribution Paladin has received mostly negative changes leading to the next season, most notably with the nerf to Divine Hammer, making it a 2-minute cooldown and reducing the amount of duration you ramp up. This significantly cripples their overall damage output but still will posses great AoE damage. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about their single target, as it most definitely needs some adjustments. The first preview of the spec on PTR is not bright, but we are sure once their bugs are resolved and adjustments are made, they will be just fine. Keep in mind that they also possess excellent defensive options in case of danger, and are considered to have one of the strongest utility toolkits among all DPS specs.