Welcome adventurers and heroes of Azeroth. As the release of the next Classic expansion draws nearer with each passing week, the strive to find the WoW Cataclysm Classic best classes becomes more and more discussed. In this guide, we will reveal the most up-to-date WoW Cataclysm tier list for classes, naming the best and the worst picks overall. Tier lists may be subjective and get outdated with new updates, but this one will stay relevant after the release of the expansion.
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In this guide we will provide a full list of classes regardless of their role or playstyle. Whether you prefer the thrill of squishy DPS specs or supporting your allies with buffs and heals, our Cataclysm class rankings list shall serve you as the ultimate guidebook for the most relevant classes in the upcoming expansion. It could give you some ideas as to which class you should try maining when it comes out.
So let us take a look at what classes will be top tier in the upcoming Classic expansion helping you prepare for the next trip down memory lane with our Cataclysm Classic top classes for all roles. Get ready to continue the old adventure that many gamers remember for how it changed the face of Azeroth.
How Our WoW Classic Cataclysm Tier List Works
Since you’ll be spending most of your time farming mobs and doing quests, we shall focus on Cataclysm PvE Tier List as our starting point, where we will be listing all classes from best to worst in terms how they perform in that aspect of the game. There will be classes of most group roles in the game.
- DPS classes that focus on dealing damage
- Tank classes that specialize in absorbing damage
- Support classes that provide heals and buffs
But fear not, as we will not ignore PvP content and briefly mention the wow cataclysm PvP tier list, as this is a big part of the game that has its own fans. It would be wrong not do it even if we still don’t have a lot of information to go on. Our first step here is to explain each tier and what it means in our PvE tier list Cataclysm in its Classic representation. So, let us do that now.
The structure of our tier list is familiar if you have seen any other tier list. It lists Classic Cataclysm best classes to play in several tiers marked with letters where S tier represents the best and C tier represents the weakest. But don’t get too judgemental if you see your favorite class or speak in a lower tier than you imagined it would be. As we’ve said, it’s just too early for the meta to form, and there will be lots of balancing updates that will surely change the disposition of classes across the tiers.
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Classic Cataclysm DPS Tier List Rankings
Let us finally proceed to our Cataclysm class tier list that is specific to Phase 1. Just keep in mind that every tier list is subjective and should be taken with a grain of salt since this game expects to receive lots of updates and fixes.
Let’s begin with the Cataclysm DPS rankings and where we will name not only classes but also their specializations. If you wish to see different lists for each role, we will certainly do that later on. For now, we poses limited information and it is simply too early to provide any kind of well-reasoned ranking before the game is out. BLOG20
So, if you love seeing your name in the top of charts that show damage-dealt, this Cataclysm DPS tier list is for you
Tier | Classes/Specs |
S-Tier | Fire Mage, Survival Hunter, Marksmen Hunter, Shadow Priest, Affliction Warlock, Unholy Death Knight |
A-Tier | Retribution Paladin, Demonology Warlock, Frost Death Knight, Elemental Shaman, Assassination Rogue, Balance Druid, Arcane Mage |
B-Tier | Combat Rogue, Arms Warrior, Enhancement Shaman, Feral Druid |
C-Tier | Fury Warrior, Destruction Warlock |
D-Tier | Beast Mastery Hunter, Subtlety Rogue, Frost Mage |
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Classic Cataclysm Overall Tier List Rankings
The main criterion for evaluating classes is their overall effectiveness in high-level PvE. In
- Tier S is for best classes Cataclysm that perform equally well in all pve activities and don’t have any substantial disadvantages.
- Tier A is for classes and specs that have at least one major flow. Maybe they received an update that made them worse, or they didn’t receive any fixes at all.
- Tier B is for the underperformers. These classes have some major drawbacks.
- Tier C is reserved for classes that lack core mechanics that are required for completing endgame content.
With this classification in mind, let’s present our tier list.
Tier | Classes |
S-Tier | Paladin, Priest, Death Knight |
A-Tier | Druid, Warlock |
B-Tier | Rogue, Mage, Shaman |
C-Tier | Hunter, Warrior |
Next, we will explain why each class and specialization is positioned in its respective tier. Following that, we will provide a brief overview of potential variations in Cataclysm class rankings, particularly in the context of PvP.
In the next part we will go over each tier and explain why does any given class has been placed in its tier. There will be a brief explanation that will let you know what makes this class good or bad. Just keep in mind that this is all done with a huge level of prediction, as the expansion isn’t out yet.
S-Tier Classes
We shall start with the best classes that will shine in the Classic Cataclysm as meta.
- Protection Paladin
Protection Paladins claim their spot in the S-tier with their unparalleled array of mitigation utilities and defensive spells. Renowned as the top-tier tanks throughout the Cataclysm expansion, they further solidify their position with mechanics strengthened by the introduction of Holy Power. The Guardian of Ancient Kings ability, with its versatility based on spec, enhances their defensive capabilities significantly.
- Holy Paladin
Holy Paladins shine in the S-tier due to their crucial healing abilities. Holy Radiance and Light of Dawn empower their AoE healing, making them indispensable in raid encounters. The introduction of the Holy Power resource mechanic not only strengthens Retribution Paladins but also enhances the overall healing potential of Holy Paladins.
- Shadow Priest
Claiming a top spot among damage dealers, Shadow Priests in Cataclysm rely on dangerous Damage over Time (DoT) effects and the deadly Mind Flay quick cast ability. The introduction of the new Shadow Orbs resource mechanic streamlines the damage-dealing process, solidifying their place in the S-tier.
- Death Knight
Frost and Unholy Death Knights emerge as top DPS Cataclysm classes, prized for their stability in both AoE and solo-target damage. Their capability to apply and maintain DoT diseases is streamlined with the introduction of Outbreak in Cataclysm. Even in the face of a buffed Protection Paladin, Blood Death Knights hold their ground with multiple absorption shields and potent self-healing effects.
A-Tier Classes
Next come the A-Tier classes suffering from one or more weaknesses but still remaining good choices for endgame content.
- Druid
Druids secure a position in the A-tier, with tanking capabilities boosted by Thrash and Swipe abilities. Feral Druids excel in hybrid Tank roles, though their solo target damage falls short in raid encounters. Restoration Druids lose the permanent Tree of Life form but gain an effective burst healing ability. Balance Druids, with the new Solar/Lunar Energy resource, enhance core mechanics and increase damage dealt.
- Destruction Warlock
Destruction Warlocks find themselves in the A-tier, gaining a touch of mobility with Fel Flame. The updated Soul Shard class resource mechanic, combined with the Soulburn spell, introduces periodic casting of Soul Fire. Despite these improvements, some mobility constraints persist.
- Affliction Warlock
Affliction Warlocks hold value for their multitude of DoTs, though they lack the burst damage required in specific encounters. Preference sometimes shifts to Demonology Warlocks, leveraging powerful bursts like Metamorphosis. Demonology Warlocks stand out for their ability to provide buffs to allies, with Demonic Pact boosting spell power by 10%.
B-Tier Classes
- Rogue
Rogues find themselves in the B-tier, with Assassination Rogues excelling in solo-target damage. However, Combat Rogues face challenges in certain raid encounters due to the situational nature of Killing Spree. Subtlety Rogues, with their demanding playstyle and reliance on burst abilities, lag behind in later Cataclysm patches, awaiting potential improvement with legendary daggers.
- Frost Mage
Frost Mages land in the B-tier, often considered one of the weakest PvE specs. The new Ring of Frost AoE ability proves useful in some situations, but the spec struggles with both solo-target and AoE damage. Arcane Mages experience buffs, but the gameplay remains too proc-based.
- Shaman
Shamans claim a spot in the B-tier, with Enhancement Shamans improving overall damage output but shining primarily in AoE situations. Elemental Shamans gain mobility with the Spiritwalker's Grace mechanic and become Cataclysm best DPS in single-target encounters. Restoration Shamans excel in healing multiple allies but face competition from other classes.
C-Tier Classes
- Hunter
Hunters navigate a challenging fate in the C-tier. Survival Hunters shine with great AoE and single-target damage, while Beast Mastery Hunters offer valuable buffs. Marksmanship Hunters, however, struggle with below-average raid damage output and excessive dependence on critical strike chance.
- Protection Warrior
Protection Warriors find themselves as the least potent tanks in Cataclysm's C-tier. Some defensive utilities pale in comparison to Protection Paladins, and success hinges heavily on the Mastery stat.
- Arms Warrior
Arms Warriors, capable of dealing significant damage to both solo and multiple enemies, find a place in the C-tier. Whirlwind spell buffs enhance AoE damage, but Fury Warriors, despite potential improvements with gear, often rank at the bottom of tier lists. Only Dragon Soul Tier Sets effectively boost their damage performance.
Potential PvP Meta in WoW Classic Cataclysm
When some classes landed in the lower tiers for PvE, it doesn’t meant that they won’t shine in PvP. For example, Marksmanship Hunter could easily make it all the way up to S-tier or A. Thanks to Trap Launcher spell being available since launch of Cataclysm, this may be the reason for that. Freezing Traps are going to be super effective in ranked arenas and large-scale battlegrounds! For more information, see our Cataclysm 3v3 tier list that’s coming soon. Besides, Hunters will enjoy Camouflage - a new invis ability, which will no doubt will be helpful in any PvP fight. And how would you like to reset all of these cooldowns with the Marksmanship spec’s Readiness?
The PvP Rankings would also see a significant shift for Rogues. The ability for Rogue to self-heal during battle thanks to the new Rogue's Recuperate spell is revolutionary. The Subtlety spec's ability to refresh significant saving spell CDs with preparation is more than just a welcome feature. Combined with the recently added Smoke Bomb save skill, taking on this kind of Rogue becomes very difficult. This makes the Subtlety Rogue's devastating solo-target damage and unsettling crowd-control effects inevitable and very deadly. The Rogues and Hunters provide as prime instances of how new class characteristics might counteract some of the drawbacks associated with one classes in PvP.
Conclusion
Fans of World of Warcraft around the world are in for a treat this year - the release of Cataclysm Classic is near and it will be awesome! In this article we’ve provided you with several tier lists - one for DPS meta, general classes tier list and a few words on the meta for PvP. With this knowledge it should be easier for you to pick your main class and your alts.
We don’t know yet how exactly the Classic version of Cataclysm will be structured and what Phases there will be. What we do know is that just like time and time before, the developers will be rolling out content updates gradually. This only means that the meta most likely will be shifting as new Phases release. That being said, we intend on keeping this article fresh and updated whenever there’s a change in the meta. Have a great time and good luck in the new adventure!
F.A.Q.
What class is the best DPS in WoW Cataclysm Classic?
In Cataclysm Classic Phase 1, S-tier DPS classes include Fire Mage, Survival Hunter, Marksmen Hunter, Shadow Priest, Affliction Warlock, and Unholy Death Knight.
How to pick a WoW Cataclysm Classic class?
Consider your preferred playstyle, whether it's DPS, tanking, or healing. Review the tier list for PvE activities and assess classes based on their strengths and weaknesses in different roles.
What is the most fun WoW Cataclysm Classic class?
Fun is subjective, but classes like Fire Mage, Survival Hunter, and Shadow Priest are known for providing enjoyable gameplay experiences.
What is the best dungeon spec in Cataclysm Classic?
Protection Paladin is considered an S-tier tank class for dungeons in Cataclysm Classic, thanks to its mitigation utilities and defensive spells.
What is the best DPS in Cataclysm Classic Phase 1?
In Cataclysm Classic Phase 1, S-tier DPS classes include Fire Mage, Survival Hunter, Marksmen Hunter, Shadow Priest, Affliction Warlock, and Unholy Death Knight.
What is the S tier in Cataclysm Classic?
S-tier classes in Cataclysm Classic include Protection Paladin, Holy Paladin, Shadow Priest, and Death Knight.
What is the least played class in Cataclysm Classic?
The information about the least played class is not provided in the given text.
What is the easiest class to play in Cataclysm Classic?
Ease of play is subjective, but classes like Protection Paladin and Holy Paladin are known for having straightforward mechanics.
What classes are always good in Cataclysm Classic?
Classes like Protection Paladin, Holy Paladin, Shadow Priest, and Death Knight consistently perform well in Cataclysm Classic.
What is the best overall PvP class in WoW Cataclysm Classic?
The text mentions significant shifts in PvP rankings for classes like Marksmanship Hunter and Subtlety Rogue due to new class characteristics, making them strong contenders in PvP.