Heroes of Azeroth!
In this article we are going to talk about Best DPS in Cataclysm.
Let’s dive into our Cataclysm DPS tier list for Phase 1. Please note that every tier list is subjective and should be taken with a grain of salt, as the game is expected to receive numerous updates and fixes.
We’ll be ranking not only classes but also their specializations. Keep in mind that at this early stage, we have limited information, and it’s too early to provide a well-reasoned ranking before the game is released.
If you’re eager to see your name at the top of the damage-dealt charts, this Cataclysm DPS tier list is for you!
Based on 4 128 reviews 
Based on 4 128 reviews So, for a general understanding of the strength of classes and their specializations, we will give a description of each tier category to make it easier for you to navigate.
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | The top tier includes the strongest classes in the game right now. They deal the most damage and offer useful abilities. Players often pick these classes in large numbers because they perform exceptionally well. |
| A-Tier | The high tier consists of powerful DPS classes that deal significant damage and have useful abilities. While they might not have the highest damage output possible, they’re still very effective. You’ll often find multiple players using these classes in raid groups. |
| B-Tier | The mid tier includes classes that deal average damage. They’re still viable because they do a decent amount of damage, but they usually can’t match the top tier in terms of damage output. However, they often bring useful buffs to raids, which compensates for their lower damage. |
| C-Tier | The low tier includes specializations that are on the weaker side for damage. They are still usable and can offer some useful buffs and debuffs. They can also be enjoyable to play. However, these specs are unlikely to top the DPS meters, and it may be challenging to find a raid group as they are not in high demand. |
| D-Tier | Specs in the bottom tier are generally considered not viable. While they can be enjoyable to play, you will likely struggle to get into raids with these specs. Your damage output will be quite low, and you might even get kicked from groups because of it. |
Let’s go to the Cataclysm DPS Tier List!
Regarded as one of the top damage-dealing specializations in Wrath of the Lich King, the Fire Mage makes a strong comeback in Cataclysm, boasting formidable single-target and area-of-effect damage. Even in the early stages of the expansion, Fire Mages outperform Arcane Mages on the 4.3.4 patch, given sufficient gear.
However, in the initial phase of the expansion, Fire Mage might not be considered S-Tier due to its reliance on gear. To compete with other caster specializations early on, Fire Mages need significant amounts of Critical Strike Chance, Haste Rating, and Mastery. Only after reaching Best in Slot (BiS) gear can Fire Mages rightfully claim their place in the S-Tier, although they can still be considered A-Tier until then.
The Fire Mage underwent significant gameplay changes, transitioning from a single proc mechanic centered around Hot Streak to a specialization focused on managing Damage over Time (DoT), particularly with the major alteration to Combustion. While Hot Streak remains crucial, mastering the timing of Combustion is now pivotal for distinguishing between skilled and mediocre Fire Mages.
The inclusion of the Impact talent marks another significant gameplay shift, particularly in tandem with the revised Combustion mechanics. With Impact, Fire Mages can spread all existing dots, including Combustion, onto a target, significantly enhancing their effectiveness in cleave and AoE encounters.
These gameplay alterations elevate the already high skill ceiling of Fire Mage, making it one of the more complex specializations to master, especially considering its challenging scaling dynamics. Nonetheless, Fire Mage surpasses the other two Mage specializations in terms of damage output, with only Arcane Mage outperforming it until Fire Mages acquire optimal gear.
In terms of utility, Fire Mage offers a unique buff, in addition to the standard mage buffs. Fire Mages can apply the Critical Mass debuff to a target, boosting the Critical Strike Chance of all spells against that target by 5%. Notably, this effect does not stack with a Destruction Warlock’s Shadow and Flame talent and applies solely to spell-categorized abilities.
Apart from Critical Mass, Fire Mages receive similar utility spell adjustments as other mage specializations:
Despite its increased complexity and gear requirements, Fire Mage remains one of the most potent caster specializations throughout the expansion, particularly as legendary gear becomes accessible.
Affliction Warlocks are still doing great at the start of Cataclysm, especially in dealing damage to single targets. But when it comes to fights with lots of enemies, they struggle a bit more. Their strategy gets more complicated because they have to manage their damage-over-time effects and special abilities carefully, which requires a high level of skill.
There are some big changes for Warlocks in Cataclysm. One major change is how Soul Shards work. Instead of having to collect a bunch of Soul Shards, they now have a system with three refillable slots. These shards are used to make other abilities stronger with a spell called Soulburn. Many of the Warlock’s abilities that used to need a Soul Shard no longer do.
However, there’s a limit of three Soul Shards per fight, unless you kill additional enemies with Soul Drain. There are some cases where you can use Soul Shards more, like with Soulburn: Seed of Corruption, which gives back a Soul Shard if it works.
Also, their curse spells were split into two types: Bane and Curses. So, spells like Curse of Agony and Curse of Doom became Bane of Agony and Bane of Doom. This adds another damage-over-time effect to manage, making things more challenging.
Affliction Warlocks now have better survivability, especially with Soulburn: Drain Life and Fel Armor, which heals them based on their single target damage.
Their single-target damage is still strong, with new abilities like Demon Soul, Mastery: Potent Afflictions, and the changed Pandemic talent. They’re really powerful in the final phase of a fight, compared to other classes.
But in fights with lots of enemies, they struggle more compared to before. They have some abilities to deal with this, but they’re harder to use effectively. For example, Demonology Warlocks might perform better in these situations.
In terms of utility, Warlocks still have many of the same spells as before, like Ritual of Summoning and Soulstones, plus some new ones like Dark Intent and Jinx. These can help their group’s performance. However, some of their effects don’t stack with similar abilities from other classes, like Unholy Death Knights or Balance Druids.
Shadow Priests are proving once again that they’re one of the best damage specializations in the game, especially in Cataclysm where they’ve become even stronger. They’ve claimed a top spot in the S-Tier. Not only do Shadow Priests deal a lot of damage in different types of encounters, like Single-Target, Cleave, and AoE, but they also bring useful abilities to any group that accepts their shadowy companions.
In Cataclysm, Shadow Priests keep most of their gameplay mechanics from WotLK Classic, with a few new changes to their toolkit. They’re still focused on damage over time (DoT), and stats like Haste Rating and Mastery are important for their play style. They gain buffs through talents like Evangelism, Shadowy Apparitions, Shadow Orbs and Archangel, as well as a major buff to their Mind Sear ability. However, their overall play style remains similar to WotLK Classic.
While their Single-Target Damage is still very strong, their AoE and Cleave abilities are even better now, especially since Mind Sear now affects its main target.
One challenge for Shadow Priests at the start of the expansion is their gear dependency. They need a good amount of gear before their damage becomes really strong.
Shadow Priests also gain more utility in Cataclysm. They keep their useful abilities like Mass Dispel, Fear Ward, Shackle Undead, Power Word: Fortitude, Hymn of Hope, Vampiric Touch, Dispersion and Vampiric Embrace, and they also get Leap of Faith.
Most of their utility abilities can stack with other spell effects, but there are a few exceptions. Vampiric Touch’s Replenishment Effect doesn’t stack with similar effects from a Retribution Paladin’s Communion, a Destruction Warlock’s Soul Leech, a Frost Mage’s Enduring Winter, or a Restoration Druid’s Revitalize. Power Word: Fortitude doesn’t stack with a Warlock’s Blood Pact (Imp Buff) or a Warrior’s Commanding Shout. Shadow Form doesn’t stack with a Balance Druid’s Moonkin Aura or a Shaman’s Wrath of Air Totem.
Survival Hunters are in a great spot at the start of Cataclysm, being very powerful in both dealing damage and surviving. They’re become more popular since WotLK Classic due to their strong damage output and fun gameplay.
Hunters now use Focus instead of Mana as their resource, which has improved their gameplay. Survival Hunters have also received changes to boost their damage and address their lack of utility from WotLK Classic.
They have new abilities like Cobra Shot, Black Arrow, and Explosive Shot that work well with their Mastery: Essence of the Viper, making them even stronger.
A significant change is that they can now shoot while moving, although this doesn’t benefit Survival Hunters as much due to the Sniper Training mechanic. However, with Aspect of the Fox, they can cast Cobra Shot and Steady Shot while moving, which is helpful in fights where you need to move a lot.
There have been big changes to the Hunter class, including the Trap Launcher, which allows them to place traps from a distance, unlike before where they had to be close to their target.Their Hunting Party talent has also been improved, now giving an Attack Speed Increase Effect instead of a Replenishment Effect. This makes them more valuable in raids, as there are only a few classes that can provide this buff. Hunters still have their utility from the previous expansion, like various traps and abilities such as Misdirection, Tranquilizing Shot and Distracting Shot, which are very useful in raids.
Overall, Survival Hunters are a strong choice in Cataclysm, offering high damage, utility, and survivability.
Demonology Warlocks are greatly improved in Cataclysm, moving up to the top of the A-Tier. They now deal very high damage in both single-target and AoE encounters, especially excelling in heavy AoE situations. They also provide a lot of utility, similar to other Warlock specializations, with the highly valued Demonic Pact buff.
One significant change for Warlocks in Cataclysm is the Soul Shard system. It’s been completely reworked into a system with three refillable slots, which are used to empower abilities through the Soulburn spell. Most abilities that used to require a Soul Shard no longer do, but you’re limited to three per fight unless you kill additional enemies with Soul Drain.
Their curse effects were split into two categories: Bane and Curses. This change adds another damage-over-time effect to manage, making their rotation more challenging.
Demonology Warlocks received a major revamp to their rotations with the addition of the Hand of Gul’dan spell and other talents like Inferno, Cremation, and Impending Doom. With the ability to use Metamorphosis multiple times in a fight, their damage has greatly increased, especially in heavy AoE situations. In terms of utility, Warlocks still have many of the same spells as before, like Ritual of Summoning and Soulstones, plus some new ones like Dark Intent and Jinx, which allow them to apply Curse of Elements to multiple targets. However, getting the Jinx effect can be harder for Demonology Warlocks due to talent point limitations.
Overall, Demonology Warlocks have become much stronger in Cataclysm, with the potential to even reach S-Tier if played well. Their damage output is less dependent on gear and more on the encounter, making them highly desirable for raids with heavy AoE encounters.
The Frost Death Knight remains strong in Cataclysm, especially in single-target fights, although it’s also effective in cleave and AoE encounters. While it hasn’t undergone major changes like some other specializations, its proc mechanics, like Rime and Killing Machine, have been significantly improved.
Compared to its state in WotLK Classic, Frost Death Knights now have a much stronger Howling Blast ability, which no longer has a cooldown. This boosts their AoE potential but also increases the complexity of managing runes since spamming Howling Blast isn’t always the best strategy. Players need to be careful with rune management and spreading damage-over-time effects before using all their runes.
Early on, Frost Death Knights perform well even without top-tier gear, thanks to their proc-based gameplay. As they acquire better gear, skilled Frost Death Knights can achieve high damage output, sometimes even surpassing Unholy Death Knights, especially at lower gear levels.
In terms of utility, Frost Death Knights retain their debuffs and utility spells from previous expansions, along with the Improved Icy Talons talent. They also have access to general utility spells like Frost Fever, Death Grip, Chains of Ice, Path of Frost and Horn of Winter. Raise Ally has been improved to act as a proper battle resurrection ability, making Frost Death Knights even more desirable in groups.
Some spells, like Ebon Plaguebringer, Horn of Winter, and Brittle Bones, don’t stack with similar effects from other classes, so players need to be mindful of this when forming groups.
In Cataclysm, Balance Druids solidify their position as top-tier damage dealers, excelling in both single-target and AoE encounters. Few specializations can rival their power in AoE situations, with only a handful, like Fire Mages, Demonology Warlocks, Survival Hunters, and Unholy Death Knights, able to keep up.
While their basic abilities remain largely unchanged, Balance Druids see a significant revamp to their Eclipse mechanic. Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse now have their own resource bar, making it easier to manage and emphasizing the mechanic’s importance. Casting spells categorized as Lunar fills the bar for Solar Eclipse, and vice versa. This dynamic gameplay replaces their previous monotone style with a more interactive and proc-based approach.
This overhaul introduces new abilities and talents like Sunfire, Starsurge, Wild Mushroom, Euphoria and Lunar Shower, enhancing both single-target and AoE damage. However, the introduction of MP5(Restores X mana per 5 sec) nerfs impacts their mana regeneration, now relying more on Euphoria and Dreamstate, which is conditional on Innervate availability.
Balance Druids face a gear dependency issue, with their full potential unlocked as they acquire their Best in Slot gear. Their interactive play style also demands a higher skill level, challenging some players to maximize damage output. Nonetheless, once geared up, Balance Druids consistently rank high on damage meters, especially in AoE encounters.
In terms of utility, Druids shine with abilities like Cyclone, Innervate, Stampeding Roar, Rebirth, Remove Corruption, and Mark of the Wild. Balance Druids contribute unique utility spells such as Typhoon, Moonkin Aura, and Earth and Moon.
However, some of their effects don’t stack with similar ones from other classes, like Mark of the Wild with Blessing of Kings, Earth and Moon with Curse of the Elements, Ebon Plaguebringer, or Master Poisoner and Moonkin Aura with Shadow Form and Wrath of Air Totem.
The Arcane Mage hasn’t seen many changes in Cataclysm, except for its increased mana consumption. Known for its challenging mana management, it’s now even tougher to keep up. While it can deliver massive burst damage, it struggles to maintain its spot in the A-Tier due to its constant mana depletion.
In single-target encounters, it’s easy to spam one button and dominate the damage meters, as long as you can avoid running out of mana too quickly. However, Arcane Mage lacks significant AoE damage, with only Arcane Explosion available, which risks generating too much threat and requires being too close to the target.
Cataclysm didn’t bring major changes to the Arcane Mage’s gameplay, leaving it largely the same. Despite abilities like Evocation and Conjure Mana Gems, sustainability remains an issue, and its lack of mobility reduces its effectiveness in encounters where mobility is crucial. Improved Blink tries to address this but falls short in most cases.
In terms of utility, Arcane Mages offer two unique effects: Arcane Tactics, which boosts raid member damage, and Focus Magic, which increases critical hit chances. These effects don’t stack with others like Ferocious Inspiration or Communion.
Their utility abilities like Time Warp, Arcane Brilliance, and Ring of Frost remain valuable additions to group play, providing buffs, crowd control, and time manipulation.
To truly shine in Cataclysm, Arcane Mages need adjustments to their mana management issues. While they may excel in the early phases if mana is managed well, they risk being overshadowed by Fire Mages in later phases unless Blizzard addresses these concerns.
Retribution Paladins maintain their strong position in Cataclysm, boasting impressive burst damage and utility just like in WotLK Classic. They undergo significant changes to their kit, including a revamped resource system and new damaging abilities.
The introduction of Holy Power as a resource allows Retribution Paladins to utilize powerful abilities like Templar’s Verdict, Inquisition and Zealotry, enhancing their damage potential.
Changes to Crusader Strike and Divine Storm alter their functionality, with Crusader Strike guaranteeing Holy Power in any situation, while Divine Storm only grants it if it affects four or more targets. This adjustment reduces their cleave capabilities in encounters with fewer targets.
While Retribution Paladins excel in single-target encounters due to these changes, they still perform well in cleave and AoE situations. Skilled players can expect to rank high on damage meters, especially as they acquire more powerful gear throughout the expansion.
Utility also sees significant improvements, with auras and blessings being condensed into more powerful abilities. Word of Glory, enabled by Holy Power, provides instant healing, offering a lifeline in critical situations and empowering damage through the Selfless Healer talent when used to aid an ally.
Additionally, Retribution Paladins provide a 3% damage increase and Replenishment Effect through the Communion talent, although it doesn’t stack with similar effects from other classes.
While they retain their specific abilities like Hands and auras, some powerful spells from WotLK, such as Aura Mastery, Divine Intervention, and Divine Sacrifice/Divine Guardian, are no longer available to them.
Unholy Death Knights remain formidable in Cataclysm, though their AoE potential is diminished compared to WotLK Classic. Their gameplay sees a revamp for easier rune management, courtesy of the reworked Reaping passive, which consistently generates Death Runes. While they excel in single-target damage, their AoE capabilities suffer due to the absence of the Wandering Plague talent.
Despite this setback, Unholy Death Knights still shine in cleave and AoE encounters, performing strongly even with suboptimal gear. As they approach their Best in Slot gear, their damage potential spikes, especially with the introduction of the Outbreak spell, facilitating disease spread with Pestilence.
In the early phases, their Frost counterparts may outperform them in single-target encounters. However, as the expansion progresses, both specializations boast impressive damage output, heavily influenced by player skill. Unholy Death Knights continuously scale throughout the expansion, ensuring their relevance.
In terms of utility, they retain standard Death Knight debuffs and spells, augmented by the unique Ebon Plaguebringer talent. Additionally, they contribute general utility effects like Frost Fever, Death Grip, Chains of Ice, Path of Frost, and Horn of Winter. The improved Raise Ally ability enhances their desirability in groups, further complementing the Ebon Plaguebringer effect.
It’s crucial to understand that Ebon Plaguebringer doesn’t combine with Earth and Moon, Curse of the Elements or Master Poisoner. Likewise, Horn of Winter doesn’t stack with Battle Shout or Strength of Earth Totem.
Elemental Shaman (A-Tier)
Elemental Shaman got some fantastic buffs with Cataclysm! They’re excelling in Single-Target, Cleave, and AoE Encounters, along with better mana management and utility. These buffs, combined with those from WotLK Classic like Fire Elemental Totem reset, make them top-tier throughout the expansion.
Improved mobility and damage come with changes like revamped Lightning Shield, Elemental Mastery boost, no cooldown for Chain Lightning, and Spiritwalker’s Grace for casting while moving. These, plus buffs to other abilities, maintain their damage high, especially with legendary caster staff availability.
Shamans rival Paladins in utility, offering various totems for Armor, Haste, Damage Negation, and more, plus Purge to remove magical effects and Heroism/Bloodlust. However, the addition of Time Warp mage spell reduced their necessity in raid comps.
Elemental Shamans gain significant buffs with Totemic Wrath, replacing Totem of Wrath, and retain Elemental Oath. But remember, Totemic Wrath doesn’t stack with Demonic Pact, and Elemental Oath doesn’t with Feral Druid’s Leader of the Pack, Fury Warrior’s Rampage, or Subtlety Rogue’s Honor Among Thieves.
Wrath of Air Totem conflicts with Balance Druid’s Moonkin Aura or Shadow Priest’s Shadow Form, while Strength of Earth Totem doesn’t stack with Death Knight’s Horn of Winter or Warrior’s Battle Shout. Mana Spring Totem clashes with Paladin’s Blessing of Might or Felhunter’s Fel Intelligence (Warlock Pet).
Assassination Rogues shine in Cataclysm, boasting exceptional Single-Target & AoE Damage and powerful utility. The Talent Tree overhaul, including the addition of Mastery, replaces Armor Penetration, making their poisons deadly.
With revamped talents like Master Poisoner, Venomous Wounds, Cut to the Chase, Murderous Intent, and Quickening, Assassination Rogues excel in damage, mobility, survivability, and energy regeneration. While they might not lead in damage early on, they scale up significantly, especially with the legendary daggers later in the expansion.
Their rotation remains familiar to veterans, but with increased damage and fewer cooldowns to manage. In terms of utility, Rogues bring a range of crowd-control abilities like Cheap Shot, Kidney Shot, Kick, and more, providing critical support in various situations. However, their powerful Master Poisoner effect doesn’t stack with similar effects from Balance Druid’s Earth and Moon, Unholy Death Knight’s Ebon Plaguebringer, or Warlock’s Curse of the Elements.
Combat Rogue (B-tier)
Combat Rogues in Cataclysm rise to the top of the B-Tier, with potential to reach A-Tier if played skillfully. They undergo significant changes to their talent structure, moving away from specific weapon requirements. Now, Combat Rogues can use any weapon without penalty, leading to a more dynamic gameplay experience.
Their gameplay shifts to managing cooldowns efficiently, with talents like Restless Blades encouraging optimal use of finishing moves to reset Adrenaline Rush and Killing Spree quickly. Another critical mechanic is Bandit’s Guile, which boosts damage but requires cycling through opponents, making Combat Rogues excel in Cleave environments.
Once considered straightforward, Cataclysm turns Combat Rogues into a more challenging specialization, demanding precise energy and combo point management. Spamming Sinister Strike, Eviscerate, and Rapture is no longer viable; instead, players must strategically incorporate Revealing Strike into their rotation.
Despite these complexities, their AoE rotation remains straightforward with Fan of Knives as a powerful tool, although it received a significant nerf, emphasizing the need for a high-quality Thrown Weapon.
In terms of utility, Combat Rogues offer a variety of crowd-control abilities like Cheap Shot, Kidney Shot, and more, along with the unique Savage Combat effect. However, this effect doesn’t stack with Blood Frenzy or Brittle Bones.
The most significant change in Cataclysm for Enhancement Shaman is the revamped passive, Mental Quickness. This change removes the ability to gain Spell Power from any source other than Attack Power. Previously, Enhancement Shamans had highly customizable builds, like Spellhance, that are no longer viable due to this alteration.
Both the Single-Target and AoE rotations have undergone major modifications. Lava Lash and Searing Totem play a much larger role now. While the Single-Target rotation resembles the one from WotLK, with a focus on Lightning Bolt weaving, the AoE rotation now requires skillful use of Chain Lightning, Fire Nova, Fire Totem and Magma Totem.
Enhancement Shaman’s damage output heavily relies on the player’s skill and the encounter itself. They are also highly gear-dependent, making them weaker at lower item levels.
In terms of utility, Shamans are comparable to Paladins, offering various buffs and effects through their totems. However, with the addition of the mage spell Time Warp, which grants the same effect as Heroism/Bloodlust, the need for Shamans in raid compositions is reduced.
Enhancement Shaman’s unique buff, Unleashed Rage, is easily replaceable. Since Paladins are often in high demand, Unleashed Rage becomes situational, especially since Blessing of Might also provides an Melee Attack Power by 20%.
Note that the following spells don’t stack with similar effects:
In Retail Cataclysm, Marksmanship Hunters faced a decline compared to their previous prowess, largely due to adjustments in the 4.3.4 patch. Initially, they boasted formidable damage in both Single-Target and AoE encounters. However, subsequent patches saw their overall damage nerfed, while Survival Hunters received significant buffs intended to surpass Marksmanship in all aspects.
The Hunter Class underwent a substantial resource shift, moving away from Mana to the new resource – Focus. Marksmanship Hunters also saw alterations to address their mobility issues from WotLK Classic. Notably, they gained the ability to Auto-Shot while moving, eliminating the need for Sniper Training as with Survival Hunters. This, coupled with Aspect of the Fox allowing casting while moving, addressed mobility concerns in encounters with high movement requirements.
Despite these changes, Marksmanship Hunters typically fall within the middle segment of damage meters, heavily reliant on player skill. Talents emphasize Focus management, with abilities like Bombardment, Rapid Recuperation, Termination, and Master Marksman reinforcing this aspect. However, they can be outperformed by specializations that offer both resource management and damage empowerment or solely focus on damage-enhancing effects.
Utility changes include significant updates to the Hunter class, notably Trap Launcher, allowing trap placement without melee range restrictions. Hunters retain utility from the previous expansion, including various traps like Snake Trap, Freezing Trap, and Ice Trap, along with abilities like Misdirection, Tranquilizing Shot, and Distracting Shot, invaluable in raid encounters.
Marksmanship Hunters offer Trueshot Aura and Readiness as unique effects. Trueshot Aura, however, doesn’t stack with similar buffs, while Readiness is valuable for doubling utility abilities, allowing chaining of vital abilities like Misdirection and Freezing Trap for maximum crowd control.
Arms Warriors in Cataclysm witness a remarkable resurgence, transitioning from an underwhelming specialization in WotLK Classic to one of the most dynamic and interactive ones. Benefiting from the 4.3.4 patch, they leverage broken talents to amplify both Single-Target and AoE Damage, marking a complete reversal in their rotation.
While their prowess in Single-Target, Cleave, and AoE encounters is evident, their damage output initially lacks the same potency, revealing its true potential as the expansion progresses. The attainment of Gurthalak, however, remains a late-game endeavor, impacting their ranking in the B-Tier, with potential to ascend to A-Tier with proper play and BiS equipment.
Key changes, such as powerful procs and talents like Wrecking Crew, Sudden Death, and Lambs to the Slaughter, bolster Arms Warriors’ Single-Target capabilities. Moreover, these talents prove invaluable in AoE encounters, particularly with Sweeping Strikes. Bladestorm now delivers significant AoE damage, while Rend finds wider application with the Blood and Thunder talent.
In terms of utility, Arms Warriors contribute general utility spells available to all warriors, along with two unique effects. Cataclysm introduces Rallying Cry alongside existing utility spells like Commanding Shout, Battle Shout, and Demoralizing Shout, enhancing the warrior class’s overall desirability and serving as a crucial panic button to prevent raid wipes.
Arms Warriors possess two potent utility passive effects. Mortal Strike, despite a nerf from WotLK Classic, remains a readily accessible healing reduction effect. Meanwhile, Blood Frenzy comprises two components, empowering Physical Damage Dealers and enhancing bleed damage inflicted on targets. However, these unique effects cannot stack with similar abilities, necessitating diverse class compositions in 10-man raids to replace them.
It’s important to note that the following utility effects don’t stack with similar effects:
Feral Druids start off decently in Cataclysm with a massive talent tree overhaul, although they fall short of their former glory in WotLK Classic. Despite this setback, experienced Feral Druids can rise to the top tiers with proper play, conquering the B-Tier and even securing spots among the A-Tier specializations.
The introduction of Mastery: Savage Claws emphasizes a Damage-over-Time gameplay, requiring Druids to maintain their DoTs consistently due to the absence of Armor Penetration. Notable changes in the Single-Target Rotation include Stampede and Blood in the Water talents, the latter facilitating a smoother execution phase. Stampede potentially introduces a new Bearweaving mechanic, adding complexity to the rotation, particularly in encounters necessitating shapeshifting.
However, Feral Druids continue to grapple with AoE encounters, lacking reliable AoE abilities beyond Swipe, a longstanding issue from WotLK Classic.
Druids maintain their impressive utility, offering Cyclone, Innervate, Stampeding Roar, Rebirth, Remove Corruption and Mark of the Wild. Additionally, Feral Druids contribute three potent unique effects: Mangle, Infected Wounds and Leader of the Pack. While replaceable, these effects necessitate diverse class compositions to replicate their utility in raid comps.
It’s important to note that the following effects don’t stack with any similar ones:
Fury Warriors experience a significant decline in Cataclysm, overshadowed by Arms Warriors. While capable of dealing high damage in the first phase, they are outclassed by Arms due to minimal improvements and unreliable proc-based gameplay. This results in gameplay where players often wait for procs while spamming basic abilities.
Although Fury Warriors perform decently in Single-Target encounters, their damage is lower compared to other Melee Damage Dealers and caster specializations. They excel in Cleave and AoE encounters, benefiting from talents like Meat Cleaver.
In terms of utility, Fury Warriors offer the same general utility spells as all warriors, with two unique effects. Cataclysm introduced Rallying Cry, enhancing the warrior class’s utility and serving as a panic button in raids.
The main issue with Fury Warriors is that their unique utility effects can be easily replaced by more favorable effects. Rampage can be replaced by Moonkin Aura or Leader of the Pack, while Furious Attacks can be replaced by Mortal Strike, Widow Venom, Wound Poison or Improved Mind Blast.
It’s important to note that the following utility effects don’t stack with similar effects:
In Cataclysm, Destruction Warlocks face a challenging position, being described best as “average.” They struggle to stand out in terms of damage output in all types of encounters, whether Single-Target, Cleave, or AoE situations. While they receive minor buffs to their abilities, they cannot compete with more popular specs or their fellow warlock specializations. While potent in PvP, in PvE environments, they are reduced to being just another caster. However, with proper play, they can still deal significant damage, especially as the expansion progresses and Cleave situations arise.
Warlocks undergo significant changes, notably the revamp of the Soul Shard system into a refillable 3-slot resource system. This eliminates the need to stack numerous Soul Shards in bags and reworks how abilities are empowered through the Soulburn spell. Additionally, Curse Effects are split into Bane & Curses, adding complexity to rotations.
In terms of Single-Target Damage, Destruction Warlocks remain relatively unchanged, with minor adjustments like the Empowered Imp talent triggering instant Soul Fire casts and the introduction of Shadowburn as an execution tool.
For AoE and Cleave encounters, Destruction Warlocks gain Bane of Havoc, enhancing their Cleave potential. However, their AoE damage still lags behind other Warlock specializations and Caster Specializations.
In utility, Warlocks retain most spells from WotLK Classic, with additions like Dark Intent and the Jinx talent, which applies Curse of Elements to multiple targets. However, these effects are available to all Warlock specializations.
It’s important to note that certain effects don’t stack with similar effects, such as Curse of Elements not stacking with Ebon Plaguebringer, Earth and Moon, or Master Poisoner, and Blood Pact not stacking with Power Word: Fortitude or Commanding Shout.
Beast Mastery Hunters are positioned at the bottom of the C-Tier in Cataclysm, with low expectations for PvE content. Blizzard intended Beast Mastery to be a leveling and PvP specialization, leading to its lackluster performance in PvE. The specialization relies heavily on its pet, which can be easily killed, and its gear. Its talents focus on quick burst damage, which is more suited for PvP rather than PvE.
Unlike Marksmanship and Survival Hunters, Beast Mastery lacks powerful Single-Target enhancing abilities, making it less competitive in PvE scenarios. The Hunter Class underwent a significant resource change, moving from Mana to Focus. Additionally, the ability to Auto-Shot while moving benefits Beast Mastery Hunters, allowing them to maintain their damage output during encounters that require movement.
In terms of utility, Hunters have undergone major changes, with Trap Launcher being a notable addition. This allows Hunters to place traps without being in Melee Range, improving their flexibility in raid encounters. Hunters retain utility from previous expansions, including various traps and abilities like Misdirection and Tranquilizing Shot, which are valuable in raids.
However, Beast Mastery Hunters’ unique effect, Ferocious Inspiration, doesn’t stack with similar abilities, making it less impactful. Other specializations like Retribution Paladins and Arcane Mages provide similar effects, rendering Beast Mastery’s unique effects less valuable.
While Beast Mastery Hunters can bring exotic pets with unique abilities for utility, many players find this to be more of a hassle than a benefit and prefer traditional buffs.
Subtlety Rogues were once considered jokes in PvE encounters, primarily designed for PvP. However, with Cataclysm’s launch, they have seen improvements in their viability for both Dungeons and Raids.
While Subtlety Rogues may start as bottom-tier damage dealers, their performance improves significantly with the legendary daggers later in the expansion. Currently, they are overshadowed by Assassination and Combat Rogues but can still provide unique benefits in certain raid compositions.
Their damage improvements stem from Mastery: Executioner and Serrated Blades. Mastery provides a significant bonus for finishing moves, while Serrated Blades help maintain Rupture constantly on a target.
In terms of utility, Subtlety Rogues offer the same Rogue abilities as other specializations, with two unique effects:
In Cataclysm, Frost Mages undergo a significant overhaul in gameplay, adopting a more interactive proc-based style. However, despite these changes, the spec remains somewhat of a joke within the community, overshadowed by Fire Mage and Arcane Mage dominance.
The primary shift in gameplay revolves around Frostbolt’s application of the chilled effect, with vastly improved proc chances. Piercing Chill talent further enhances proc effects, making it easier to generate Fingers of Frost procs, particularly in Cleave Encounters. This improvement over the WotLK situation makes Frost Mage more viable in PvE.
With chill effects applied more easily, Frost Mages can consistently enhance their Ice Lance and utilize Deep Freeze on cooldown. The Brain Freeze talent contributes to consistent stacks, thanks to the ease of applying chill effects. These changes collectively strengthen Frost Mage’s PvE rotation compared to its WotLK counterpart.
In terms of utility, Frost Mages offer three distinct effects: Replenishment, Chilled and Frozen. They retain Replenishment Effect through the Enduring Winter talent but can’t stack with other refreshment effects such as those from Retribution Paladins, Destruction Warlocks, Shadow Priests, or Restoration Druids.
However, the utility of the Chilled and Frozen effects diminishes in Raid Encounters compared to Dungeon Encounters, reducing Frost Mage’s unique utility. Moreover, other Mage specializations share two of the three effects Frost Mages can grant.
Additionally, Frost Mages have utility changes mentioned down below:
It so happens that in WoW Cataclysm there is a very large number of DPS specializations. A wide range of classes is presented, we have identified who is better and who is worse. Fortunately, each player will be able to choose a specialization to suit their taste, be it melee DPS or even magical DPS. We can definitely say that all are well balanced and only a small part of the specializations languish at the bottom of the tier list. We wish you to find your character and enjoy WoW Cataclysm Classic!
For The Azeroth!
What is the Best DPS in Cataclysm?
In Cataclysm Classic, Fire Mages emerge as the premier DPS class, leveraging the ability to snapshot Combustion for substantial burst damage throughout encounters. Their prowess extends to both single-target and AoE scenarios, rendering them highly sought-after for raid compositions.
What is the most enjoyable DPS class in WoW Cataclysm?
Due to the large number of DPS specializations, it is difficult to say which is the most enjoyable. Try to play for everyone. Perhaps you like the magic type, or maybe it’s a melee type with a two-handed weapon.
What is the bottomless DPS class in WoW Cataclysm?
Unfortunately, Frost Mage in WoW Cataclysm is the weakest on the tier list. Based on data, at least in phase 1, but the spec may be revealed later.
How can I decide and choose a DPS class in WoW Cataclysm?
If you are a veteran and are not afraid of difficulties, then it is clearly worth paying attention to specializations that you have long wanted to try and master, but for some reason you passed by. For beginners, it is better to try Fury Warrior, Elem Shama, Feral Druid, Arcane Mage and Marksmanship Hunter.
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