DistillNote

Beta, level cap 30 · data read 11 Oct

Best class for PvE

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 PvE score for each class, 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 4.8 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.

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

    Recommendation

  2. Shaman Restoration

    Our score 4.6 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.

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

    Recommendation

  3. Paladin Protection

    Our score 4.25 of 5

    Our picks: PvE Protection · PvP Retribution · Leveling Retribution

    Alliance race: DwarfHorde race: Undead

    PvE: Tank/healer + Blessings; Prot first of the three tanks on the 11 Oct sim (551), ahead of Prot Warrior (479).

    The 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. Redoubt lost a third of its block but you still need it 5/5 for Shield Specialization. Test the L30 route in Excavation Site: Wetlands and Razorfen Downs.

    Recommendation
  1. Warlock Demonology Our score 4 of 520% ahead of Destruction on the 11 Oct sim (830).
  2. Druid Feral Combat Our score 3.9 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. Mage Arcane Our score 3.6 of 5Arcane Blast (row 3), Missile Barrage, Presence of Mind → Arcane Power (requires PoM).
  4. Warrior Fury Our score 3.5 of 5#1 on the 11 Oct sim (951), 14% ahead of the next, now that crits feed Rage.
  5. Hunter Survival Our score 2.75 of 5Forever's new identity: Lacerating Strikes capstone (requires Expose Prey), Strider Kick, Predator's Edge.
  6. Rogue Combat Our score 2.75 of 5Raid spec: Hack and Slash, Blade Flurry, Adrenaline Rush, Weapon Expertise (requires Blade Flurry).