WOW Cataclysm Classic Best DPS Tier List

Players returning to World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic want to know which classes and specs are good for dealing damage in raids and dungeons. As for all healers and tanks they are often entertained in groups, as each of them has something to offer. While DPS classes are drastically different in terms of power. It is important to divide these into different tiers.

In this guide, we will list the top-tier DPS classes and specializations for WOW Cataclysm Classic. We will discuss, why each choice is ranked as it is and will always update the list to keep it accurate to the current state of the game. Also, make sure to keep enough stock of gold, the in-game currency of WOW Cataclysm, so you can use to get advantage over enemies playing with any class of your choice. 

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S-Tier: The Best of the Best

These are the top performers in Cataclysm Classic. They do significant damage and are frequently used to contest raid spots.

Unholy Death Knight

At the top of the list, we have Unholy Death Knights. They have incredibly strong burst damage due to abilities such as Summon Gargoyle. Single target and AoE (area of effect) damage are their strong suits, which makes them effective in any combat situation. Its Death Grip ability also adds another layer of utility and versatility that no other class can provide.

Fire Mage

Fire Mages can be the most damaging class in the game if they get upgraded equipment and their class benefits from it. They have a great combustion ability that does a lot of burst damage and can spread the damage to nearby targets. This makes them great both in dealing with single targets and AoE damage. Skilled players who know how to use Mage properly, can outperform almost any other class.

Demonology Warlock

Demonology Warlocks have been reworked since Wrath of the Lich King and are now incredibly powerful. They offer a variety of utility and excellent burst single target and AoE damage. As with other high-tier specs, they can output a lot of damage in any given scenario without swapping talents.

Survival Hunter

Survival Hunters are very powerful even with low-level equipment and only increase in power as they gain more equipment. They have great utility spells such as Misdirection, which is useful for almost all raids. Their AoE damage with Explosive Trap and Serpent Spread is the best in the game, and they can also deal single-target damage.

Elemental Shaman

Elemental Shamans have managed to shake off their scaling problems and are now considered some of the best damage-dealing classes. They provide many important raid buffs and have great AoE damage with Chain Lightning and Fire Nova. Their single-target damage is rather stable, which makes them versatile champions.

A-Tier: Strong Contenders

These specs are still very powerful and will usually have at least one spot in most raid groups.

Arms Warrior

Arms Warriors have come a long way since Wrath of the Lich King. They now have high sustained single-target damage and good AoE damage through Sweeping Strikes. They stay strong during the expansion and can even be the best DPS in the final tier.

Shadow Priest

Shadow Priests are decent damage dealers and bring a lot of utility to a raid team. They are very efficient in multi-target fights due to their damage over time capabilities. Even though they do not have good pure damage, they can be considered among raiders due to their versatility.

Frost Death Knight

Frost Death Knights are quite alike to Unholy, as they provide high damage and utility. They dedicate more time to the direct attack instead of pets and diseases. They are slightly less effective in overall damage compared to Unholy, but still quite powerful.

Affliction Warlock

Affliction Warlocks can bring a lot of AoE damage with them because of their strong DoT spells. They are particularly useful when several powerful opponents have to be attacked simultaneously. But they are a little less powerful than Demonology in the single target and AoE scenarios.

Assassination Rogue

Assassination Rogues have some of the highest sustained single-target damage in the game. They start a bit weak but become incredibly powerful later in the expansion, especially when they get legendary weapons. Their main drawback is weaker AoE damage compared to other top specs.

B-Tier: Solid Performers

These specs are in the middle of the pack. They're still good choices, but might not be as sought after as the higher tiers.

Retribution Paladin

Retribution Paladins provide decent DPS and necessary raid abilities. They have powerful burst damage abilities for one-target fights but lack the AoE potential of some other melee specializations. They are still helpful for most raids as a utility pick.

Enhancement Shaman

Enhancement Shamans are one of the most challenging specs to master, but the class can deliver significant DPS if utilized correctly. They have many cooldowns to handle which might be a bit difficult, especially in encounters where one has to provide single target and AOE damage frequently.

Balance Druid

Balance Druids, or “Moonkins”, have great utility in fights with Innervate and Typhoon. They have decent one-target damage and possess some of the best AoE in the game in the form of Starfall and Hurricane. Most raids will want one Balance Druid for their buffs and utility.

Destruction Warlock

Destruction Warlocks are good for all forms of combat but are generally inferior to Demonology in most cases. They have fairly high burst damage output but there is always a better option than the other Warlock specializations.

C-Tier: Average Performers

These specs are considered low in Cataclysm Classic. They are still viable to use but they are not as powerful as the higher tier and might not fit into the proper raid group.

Combat Rogue

Combat Rogues are average when it comes to damage-dealing abilities. They are simple to use but not as strong in terms of damage and usefulness compared to Assassination Rogues. They can still be useful, particularly in cleave scenarios, but are not considered optimal for most raids.

Arcane Mage

Arcane Mages have a powerful early game but are outshined by Fire Mages. While they have good burst potential, sustained damage can be an issue due to mana issues. They do not have the strong AoE skills that Fire Mages possess.

Beast Mastery Hunter

At higher levels, Beast Mastery Hunters are decent as a spec, although they are considered to be slightly inferior to Survival Hunters. Much of their damage comes from their pet, and if the pet is killed during a fight, it can be a problem. They come with some of the unique raid buffs which nonetheless can be offered by other stronger specializations.

D-Tier: Underperformers

These specs are not very strong compared to other specs in terms of damage and usefulness. They can have specific applications, but in general, they are not very appealing for raid setups.

Fury Warrior

Fury Warriors have evolved so much from the Wrath of the Lich King expansion. They require a lot of gear to be feasible and are worse than Arms Warriors in most situations. Their AoE damage is pretty low, and they do not offer any special raid utility.

Subtlety Rogue

Subtlety Rogues are mostly used in PvP, and such classes will not be effective in the PvE gameplay. They deal less damage compared to other Rogue specializations, and they do not possess any special utility that would make them valuable in raids.

Marksmanship Hunter

Marksmanship Hunters are at the bottom of the Hunter specs in Cataclysm. They do not have the high single-target damage of survival hunters or the utility of beast mastery. They are never ideal for a raid spot in most cases.

F-Tier: Not Recommended

These specs are not considered to be viable options for raiding in Cataclysm because of severe restrictions or lack of functions.

Frost Mage

Frost Mages are intended solely for PvP and are ineffective in most PvE content. They do not possess the AoE capabilities as Fire and Arcane Mages and do not offer anything special to raiding groups. Most of the time it is more effective to pick either Fire or Arcane for raids.

Conclusion

Some classes and specs are definitively better than others in Cataclysm Classic but it is all about how you play your chosen class. Concentration on the rotation, fight mechanics, and cooperation with the teammates. But as we have seen, with skill and dedication, you can get anything done in Cataclysm Classic raids.

However, always bear in mind that the objective is to enjoy and help your side triumph. No matter if you are on top of the damage measures or bringing essential utility, all classes are valuable in facing the difficulties of Cataclysm raids. Best of luck and have fun with the raid!