DistillNote

Beta, level cap 30 · data read 11 Oct

Best healer 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 tier for each class's best healer spec, then by our PvE score. 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.

No healer spec: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Mage, Warlock.

  1. Priest Holy

    Our tier S

    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. 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 Holy

    Our tier A

    Our PvE pick is Protection; as a PvE healer: Holy.

    Our picks: PvE Protection · PvP Retribution · Leveling Retribution

    Alliance race: DwarfHorde race: Undead

    Strong single-target and tank healing, Blessings (1 hour), mana efficiency; Light's Vigil adds a little group healing. No mobility. Reference L60 tree only — Priest and Shaman heal raids better right now.

    Recommendation
  1. Druid Restoration Our tier AOur PvE pick is Feral Combat. HoT-and-run, Nature's Swiftness, Swiftmend, Wild Growth, Natural Shapeshifter for cheap form-hopping out of roots.