Photo credit: dotesports.com
Season two of The War Within has officially launched, bringing exciting updates and class modifications for players of World of Warcraft. For those focusing on DPS roles in raids and dungeons, there are numerous powerful options to explore this season.
In order to keep players informed about the latest shifts in the WoW meta, we compiled a tier list that evaluates every DPS class, ranking them according to their strength, versatility, and effectiveness in the current competitive environment.
WoW The War Within DPS Tier List Criteria
This tier list is specifically tailored to the Undermine(d) patch, created to assist PvE enthusiasts as they engage with fresh content like the Liberation of Undermine raid and the Operation: Floodgate dungeon, ensuring they utilize the most powerful characters available.
Our rankings are categorized from S Tier to D Tier, emphasizing the performance of each class and specialization in the current Mythic+ dungeon scene and the Liberation of Undermine encounters.
Here’s how the TWW DPS tier list is structured:
S Tier – These are the top-tier DPS classes, outperforming others in both Mythic+ and high-end raid setups.
A Tier – This category includes strong DPS classes that excel in end-game content but aren’t invincible.
B Tier – These classes are reliable DPS choices. If you’re after a solid class without a strict focus on meta performance, these selections are ideal.
C Tier – This tier contains viable classes that need some buffs to enhance their effectiveness.
D Tier – Classes in this tier require significant buffs to be competitive in raids and Mythic+ scenarios.
With appropriate gear, specialization, and knowledge of class mechanics, any class can tackle end-game content reasonably well. If you find your preferred class in the C Tier, for instance, it may simply require a deeper dive into optimal specs and gear configurations to bridge any gaps.
Complete DPS Tier List for WoW Patch 11.1
As of now, there are no classes that can be categorized in D Tier. While certain specs might fall under this classification, the lowest any class is currently rated is C- overall.
S Tier
Class: Strength
- **Mage:** Raids
- **Shaman:** Raids, Mythic+
- **Warrior:** Raids, Mythic+
Mage
Diving into the Liberation of Undermine, Mages are a solid choice. Although they have faced ups and downs throughout the recent expansion, they currently stand out in the Undermine(d) patch, showcasing impressive performance in raid settings. Each specialization offers substantial damage output, with Fire being the most formidable option.
Fire specialization delivers remarkable damage stats, often surpassing other ranged DPS roles. Arcane and Frost remain in strong positions, making them viable choices for your next raid experience.
Recent ability adjustments in Patch 11.1 have helped Mages improve, particularly focusing on the resource management for Fire and enhancing Arcane’s 4-set bonuses from Nerub-ar Palace.
Shaman
Shamans have seen significant improvements, offering both Enhancement and Elemental specializations that shine in different contexts. For raids, Enhancement excels, while Elemental is the better choice for Mythic+ play.
A key alteration for Enhancement was a redesign on damage distribution, reducing dependence on Maelstrom Weapon spenders and making melee strikes more impactful. Elemental received notable adjustments as well, such as improved healing from Healing Stream Totem, enhancing survivability and adding more engaging visuals to the gameplay.
Despite their different gameplay styles, both specs provide a rewarding experience and substantial contributions in top-tier content.
Warrior
Warriors have transformed from a less desirable option pre-patch to become powerful and consistent in Patch 11.1, thanks to thoughtful talent redesigns and damage tweaks.
In raid situations, the Arms specialization is proving to be more favorable than Fury, boasting higher damage output and versatility. We classify Arms as an S Tier choice for raids, whereas Fury finds its place in A+ due to its toolkit compatibility with Liberation of Undermine.
Both specialization choices stand strong in Mythic+, but Fury, particularly when used with the Mountain Thane Hero Talent, shines with excellent survivability and a robust toolkit for dungeon challenges.
A Tier
Class: Strength
- Hunter: Raids, Mythic+
- Demon Hunter: Raids
- Rogue: Raids
- Death Knight: Mythic+
- Warlock: Raids, Mythic+
Hunter
Hunters are somewhat diverse in the current state of WoW, with Beast Mastery leading the pack while other specializations lag slightly. Nonetheless, the class is comfortably positioned in A Tier.
Beast Mastery Hunters excel in both raids and Mythic+ dungeons thanks to their impressive mobility and stable damage output. Survival and Marksmanship also provide solid options, though they do not quite measure up to the prowess of Beast Mastery at this time.
Demon Hunter
Havoc Demon Hunters are thriving in their gameplay, showcasing remarkable adaptability and versatility in both raids and Mythic+. This ability to adjust their fighting styles is crucial for the varied challenges presented by the bosses in the Liberation of Undermine.
The class pairs particularly well with the Aldrachi Reaver Hero Talent, significantly enhancing performance in both Mythic+ and raid stages.
Rogue
Rogues find themselves in A Tier as well, but their effectiveness can vary dramatically based on the specialization chosen. Players see notable success in Mythic+ and raiding with different specs, such as Outlaw, Subtlety, and Assassination, each providing solid damage and performance.
Patch 11.1 brought beneficial changes for Rogues, particularly enhancements to Trickster Hero Talent components like Unseen Blade and Surprising Strike, making these talents some of the best options available right now.
Death Knight
The Unholy specialization for Death Knights is currently excelling in Mythic+, showcasing formidable survivability. Frost Death Knights, while not performing as strongly in Patch 11.1 compared to earlier versions, still thrive in Mythic+ settings and are anticipated to rise in rankings following their buffs received in this patch.
Warlock
Across all specs, Warlocks seem to deliver consistent performance in Patch 11.1, thanks to minor nerfs and substantial buffs. One standout change includes a remarkable boost to Drain Life, enhancing damage to unprecedented levels.
Both Destruction and Demonology Warlocks are showcasing excellent damage numbers, while Affliction remains a solid option, particularly in Mythic+ compared to raids.
B Tier
Class: Strength
- Paladin: Mythic+
- Druid: Mythic+
- Priest: Raids, Mythic+
- Monk: Mythic+
Paladin
Paladins are experiencing adequate viability in Patch 11.1, though their performance remains fairly average. Retribution Paladins have solid damage potential for Mythic+ environments, particularly when paired with the Templar Hero Talent.
While they can hold their ground, players focused solely on melee power might find more rewarding options in classes like Warriors or Death Knights.
Druid
Druids are better positioned than in previous patches, though they are not showcasing any extraordinary attributes. Balance Druids perform reasonably well in both raid and Mythic+ scenarios, offering utility and consistent damage.
Feral Druids show some improvement but still lack distinction in raids, even after buffs designed to elevate their status. It is anticipated that Feral Druids will receive further adjustments in upcoming patches.
Priest
While Shadow Priests are not leading the charts as a dominant DPS choice, they maintain consistent performance across end-game content. Changes made in Patch 11.1 aimed to enhance this spec with a 13 percent damage increase and tweaks to the Voidweaver Hero Talent.
This class still has a somewhat fragile nature but can deliver significant damage and healing contributions when required.
Monk
Windwalker Monks encountered a mix of buffs and nerfs in Patch 11.1, leading to some tweaks in their toolkit. They are a fun option for melee players exploring Mythic+ dungeons without a need to play a top-tier class.
When running with less dominant ranks, using the Conduit of the Celestials Hero Talent is suggested for optimizing their gameplay.
C Tier
Evoker
Despite their unique theming, Evokers face challenges in the current landscape. Some players find success with Devastation Evokers in PvE, yet overall, the class lacks reliability at this point.
Notable adjustments in Patch 11.1 include enhancements to the Flameshaper Hero Talent and other visual improvements for an enhanced playing experience.
While Devastation Evokers did receive damage buffs specific to the Undermine(d) patch, those seeking reliable DPS options in raids and Mythic+ should consider alternative classes, although Evokers may see improvements as players delve deeper into Undermine(d).
For additional information regarding all changes introduced in Patch 11.1, be sure to review our detailed patch notes. We will continue to update this guide with the latest DPS rankings for TWW, providing players with fresh insights into effective class choices.
Source
dotesports.com