DistillNote

Beta, level cap 30 · data read 11 Oct

Which class should you play?

Answer two questions. We rank the classes with our own scores and tiers and show why. Race picks follow the faction switch at the top.

What will you do most?

Which role?

Our picks for you

Recommendation

Ranked by our overall score: the average of our PvE and PvP scores, out of 5. PvE desirability (0–5): spec performance, role scarcity, raid utility, and supply — fewer players of a class means more groups want you. PvP (0–5): community PvP tiers plus CC, escapes and self-healing. Equal weight. These are our own scores from those inputs, not a published ranking.

  1. Priest Holy

    Our score 4.65 of 5

    Our picks: PvE Holy · PvP Discipline · Leveling Shadow

    Alliance race: HumanHorde race: Undead

    PvE: Healers are the scarcest slot; second-least-played class; Fortitude + Shadow Weaving.

    PvP, Discipline: Power Word: Shield before the hit, Penance on the move, Fear Ward, Psychic Scream, dispels.

    The raid healer: Holy Specialization crit, Inspiration, Binding Heal (row 4), Spirit of Redemption → Prayer of Mending capstone.

    Recommendation

  2. Warlock Demonology

    Our score 4.5 of 5

    Our picks: PvE Demonology · PvP Affliction · Leveling Demonology

    Alliance race: GnomeHorde race: Orc

    PvE: Least-played class; summons, Healthstones, curses; Demonology 830 DPS on the 11 Oct sim.

    PvP, Affliction: Fear, DoTs, Death Coil, Soul Link.

    20% ahead of Destruction on the 11 Oct sim (830). Demonic Pact capstone (requires Soul Link ← Demonic Sacrifice) lets you keep a Demonic Sacrifice buff with a pet out; Master Demonologist, Demonic Brand, Decimation. Also the safest leveler of the three.

    Recommendation

  3. Shaman Restoration

    Our score 4.3 of 5

    Our picks: PvE Restoration · PvP Enhancement · Leveling Enhancement

    Alliance race: DwarfHorde race: Orc

    PvE: Since 24 Sep a group gets only one of Windfury, Grace of Air and Tranquil Air, even from different Shamans, so raids spread their Shamans across groups.

    PvP, Enhancement: Windfury burst, Frost Shock, Earth Shock kick, instant heals.

    Heals with Chain Heal, Mana Tide (row 4), Nature's Swiftness, Purification and the Riptide capstone (requires Healing Way 3/3).

    Recommendation
  1. Mage Arcane Our score 4.3 of 5Arcane Blast (row 3), Missile Barrage, Presence of Mind → Arcane Power (requires PoM).
  2. Druid Feral Combat Our score 3.95 of 5One tree, two roles: the 44/0/7 hybrid below tanks (Natural Reaction, Thick Hide, Heart of the Wild) and cats (Primal Bite, Rend and Tear, Shifting Power, Berserk).
  3. Paladin Protection Our score 3.875 of 5The 1 Oct pass was kind: Holy Shield to 30% block, and the 11 Oct sim has Prot Paladin first of the three tanks at 551, ahead of Prot Warrior at 479.
  4. Rogue Combat Our score 3.875 of 5Raid spec: Hack and Slash, Blade Flurry, Adrenaline Rush, Weapon Expertise (requires Blade Flurry).
  5. Hunter Survival Our score 3.375 of 5Forever's new identity: Lacerating Strikes capstone (requires Expose Prey), Strider Kick, Predator's Edge.
  6. Warrior Fury Our score 3 of 5#1 on the 11 Oct sim (951), 14% ahead of the next, now that crits feed Rage.