Cataclysm Classic is fast approaching and players everywhere are preparing to resume their adventures in Azeroth as it is reshaped by the elemental forces. As with any new expansion launch, figuring out the best Cataclysm classes to play will be top of mind for many. Read our Cataclysm Classic class and spec tier list, we're ranking the best dps, tanks and healers.

Cataclysm Classic Best DPS, Tank & Healer - Cataclysm Class & Spec Tier List  

While the full scope of class balance won't be clear until live, reviewing the revamped mechanics and new tools available can give insights into which specs may rise to the top. Our WoW Cataclysm Classic DPS, Tank and healer tier list highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each class in Cataclysm Classic raids, considering their damage output, utility, and versatility in various encounter types. Don't forget that the situation may shift frequently as the devs respond to data and feedback. Every class brings valuable utility so have fun exploring options regardless of initial placement. Now, let's dive into WoW Cataclysm Classic best DPS, tanks, and healers!

Cataclysm Classic DPS Tier List

S Tier

Fire Mage: This class stands out as the top DPS in Cataclysm Classic due to its ability to snapshot Combustion, allowing for significant burst damage throughout the fight. Fire Mages excel in both single-target and AoE situations, making them highly desirable for raid compositions.

A Tier

Arms Warrior: Known for dealing high burst damage, especially in AoE scenarios, Arms Warriors benefit from a specific buff that allows them to ignore armor penetration for a short period, resulting in significant damage output.

Unholy Death Knight: Similar to Arms Warriors, Unholy Death Knights possess strong burst damage capabilities, particularly in AoE situations. They rely on their ghoul's attacks for additional damage and excel in single-target fights as well.

Survival Hunter: With solid sustained damage and decent utility, Survival Hunters perform well in both single-target and AoE encounters. They bring valuable raid buffs and debuffs to the group, making them a desirable DPS choice.

Assassination Rogue: Known for their consistent and high single-target damage, Assassination Rogues are reliable DPS performers in Cataclysm Classic raids. They excel in situations where sustained damage is required.

Retribution Paladin: Retribution Paladins offer strong burst damage potential, especially in single-target encounters. They also bring utility to the raid with buffs and off-healing abilities.

Shadow Priest: Cataclysm Classic is considered the expansion for Shadow Priests due to their improved damage output in both single-target and AoE situations. They bring valuable utility with their buffs and healing capabilities.

Affliction Warlock: Affliction Warlocks provide consistent damage over time (DoT) effects, making them valuable in sustained DPS situations. They excel in single-target fights where their DoTs can fully ramp up.

Elemental Shaman: Known for their versatility, Elemental Shamans offer solid AoE damage and bring valuable raid utility with totems. They excel in fights where AoE damage is crucial.

B Tier

Frost Death Knight: While Frost Death Knights offer decent burst damage, they are not as strong as Unholy Death Knights in Cataclysm Classic raids. They perform adequately in both single-target and AoE situations.

Demonology Warlock: Demonology Warlocks offer moderate DPS with a focus on pet damage. While they have decent AoE capabilities, they may not perform as well as other classes in Cataclysm Classic raids.

Balance Druid: Balance Druids provide consistent ranged DPS with strong AoE capabilities. They are versatile in various encounter types but may not excel as much as other DPS classes.

Feral Druid: Feral Druids offer decent DPS as melee DPS with the ability to switch to off-tanking if needed. While they are versatile, they may not top the charts in terms of damage output.

Outlaw Rogue: Outlaw Rogues provide solid single-target damage but may lack the sustained DPS of Assassination Rogues in Cataclysm Classic raids.

Destruction Warlock: Destruction Warlocks offer burst damage potential but may struggle with sustained DPS compared to Affliction Warlocks. They are still viable but may not be as desirable in certain raid compositions.

Enhancement Shaman: While Enhancement Shamans offer decent burst damage and utility with totems, they may not perform as well as other melee DPS classes in Cataclysm Classic raids.

Cataclysm Classic Tank Tier List

S Tier

Death Knight: Blood Death Knights reign supreme as the top tanks in Cataclysm Classic. The new Mastery system significantly boosts their survivability, with Death Strike healing increased dynamically based on Mastery, and Mastery providing a shield based on their maximum health. Additionally, they have strong damage output, useful cooldowns like Shield Wall and Dancing Rune Weapon, and utility such as Battle Rez. They are a staple in every raid group tackling heroic content.

A Tier

Paladin: Protection Paladins are strong contenders for the off-tank position. While they no longer have access to Divine Sacrifice, they still bring valuable utility like Hand of Sacrifice and Divine Protection. Their Guardian of Ancient Kings ability offers a potent defensive cooldown. They may not be the strongest main tank or top in damage output, but they provide solid performance and utility in raids.

Druid: Feral Druids excel as off-tanks due to their high damage output and versatility. Their talent trees overlap, allowing them to deal significant damage even while not tanking. They benefit from Mastery stacking for both damage and survivability and provide utility with combat resurrections. In a 10-man scenario, Feral Druids shine as the undisputed off-tank kings.

C Tier

Warrior: Protection Warriors unfortunately lag behind in Cataclysm Classic, especially in the early stages of the expansion. They struggle to hit avoidance caps and heavily rely on block values, making them the weakest tank class initially. While they excel in AoE scenarios and have good damage output, they may struggle to secure raid spots. They could see some use towards the end of Firelands and Dragon Soul, but for now, they are placed in the C tier.

Cataclysm Classic Healer Tier List

S Tier

Restoration Druid: Restoration Druids excel in Cataclysm Classic due to their reliance on spirit for mana regeneration. Their ability to maintain healing over time effects on multiple targets makes them incredibly valuable in both raid and dungeon settings. Additionally, their mobility and utility with abilities like Tranquility and Innervate further solidify their position as top-tier healers.

Discipline Priest: Discipline Priests shine in Cataclysm Classic with their unique playstyle focused on preventing damage rather than solely healing it. They utilize shields, absorbs, and powerful cooldowns like Power Word: Barrier to mitigate incoming damage, making them invaluable for handling high damage phases in raids and providing steady healing throughput in dungeons.

A Tier

Holy Paladin: Holy Paladins are known for their strong single-target healing and utility in Cataclysm Classic. With abilities like Beacon of Light and powerful single-target heals like Holy Light and Flash of Light, they excel at keeping tanks alive during intense encounters. Their utility spells like Hand of Protection and Lay on Hands also make them valuable additions to any raid or dungeon group.

Holy Priest: Holy Priests offer versatile healing capabilities with a mix of single-target and area-of-effect healing spells. They provide consistent healing throughput and bring valuable raid utility with abilities like Guardian Spirit and Divine Hymn. Holy Priests are reliable healers in both raid and dungeon environments, capable of adapting to various encounter mechanics.

B Tier

Restoration Shaman: Restoration Shamans are competent healers in Cataclysm Classic but are slightly overshadowed by other healing classes in terms of overall performance. While they offer powerful raid cooldowns like Healing Tide Totem and Spirit Link Totem, their reliance on mana management and lack of strong single-target healing options place them in a slightly lower tier compared to other healers.