You can get by with any class below level 20 unless you do stupid things or get bad respawns. Paladins die as fast as the Warriors in this bracket. Does a class easily leave or survive danger? Survival is more vital than fighting opponents, traveling, or soloing elite objectives. Since the official hardline allows grouping (and groups form for every elite task), soloing group quests are obsolete. Auction house plays a big role; buying better stuff makes some classes level up faster if your taste allows.

WotLK Phase 4 Hardcore Class Tier List

S Tier: Rogue, Mage

• -Rogue: In the whole game, there is only one class that can leave battle at any time and still move away safely. As with Hunter's Feign Death, Vanish can't be blocked either. You can only fail Vanish if you have a DoT on you or if you mess up the time of incoming spells or attacks. This is easy to avoid by watching what your enemies are doing.

• - Mage: The Mage is the only class that can easily escape dangerous situations. You have access to many powerful spells, including Polymorph, Counterspell, and an Ice Barrier. Both Frost Nova and Blink have exceptionally quick recharge times. Caster enemies are easy to deal with (unless you pull numerous casters that do Shadow or Nature damage and have no line of sight), and a Frost Mage can't be killed by a melee enemy unless they root you. Until you are more than 150 yards away from the mob after you, you can use Frost Nova, Blink, Ice Barrier, Ice Block, and Cold Snap.

A Tier: Priest, Paladin, Hunter, Warlock

• -Priest: As a priest, you can pretty much live forever. It's a joke, but DoT and wand works. It's easy and works, though it can get boring at first. Mind control and mind soothe are two very underrated skills. Mind control, in particular, lets you complete some of the hardest elite tasks by yourself.As a priest, you can pretty much live forever. It's a joke, but DoT and wand works. It's easy and works, though it can get boring at first. Mind control and mind soothe are two very underrated skills. Mind control, in particular, lets you complete some of the hardest elite tasks by yourself.

• -Paladin: A Paladin who is skilled in close combat. We recommend stocking up on Swiftness potions, Mana potions, and Target dummies before taking on typical mobs because you cannot die. You can quickly and easily escape any cave by drinking the Blessing of Freedom with Swiftness potion. After that, you can keep moving forward while using your Divine Shield to stave against harm. If your pursuers are still there, leave the target behind and make a break for it.

• -Hunter: The hardest thing about being a Hunter is taking care of your pets and staying away from other mobs without making them angry. Once you know what your pet can and can't do and become aware of your surroundings, you will be able to quickly kill enemies. We suggest always having between 50 and 60% mana, even if it means a little less DPS. You don't want to be at 10% mana while facing four mobs at once and your pet is dying because of respawns or bad play. Also, don't be afraid to start over if you feel uncomfortable with something. 

• -Warlock: It's like a cross between a Priest and a Hunter. You can easily "dig your own grave" as a Warlock, just like a Hunter can. He has many ways to do this. Pet and Fear can bring in more mobs, and Life Tap can really tap your life.

B Tier: Druid

C Tier: Warrior, Shaman