The 20th anniversary of World of Warcraft (WoW) is Already here, and with it comes the release of the WoW Classic 20th Anniversary servers on November 21, 2024. These servers give players the chance to relive the magic of Azeroth as it was in 2004, but with a fresh twist. The Classic Fresh servers introduce quality-of-life improvements like Dual Specialization (Dual Spec), no buff limits, and other enhancements designed to streamline gameplay while maintaining the spirit of the original experience.
As new and veteran players flock to these servers, many are eager to answer a classic question: Which DPS class is the best in WoW Classic? While all classes can excel in the right hands, certain DPS options consistently outperform the competition, especially in endgame raiding and dungeons. Whether you're chasing raid meter glory or just want to be a valuable member of your group, this guide ranks the best DPS classes in WoW Classic to help you make the most of your journey.
Understanding DPS in WoW Classic
The best DPS class in WoW Classic ultimately depends on your playstyle, gear, and the content you plan to tackle. Some classes, like the Mage and Warlock, shine in any gear state, offering consistent damage output and valuable utility. Others, like the Warrior, require significant gear investment to reach their full potential.
While the meta often emphasizes certain "S-tier" classes, remember that choosing a class you enjoy playing is just as important as its ranking. Every class can contribute to endgame success when played well, but for those who crave peak performance, this ranking focuses on the best DPS options.
S-Tier DPS Classes in WoW Classic
Mage
The Mage is one of the most versatile and consistently high-performing DPS classes in WoW Classic. With strong single-target and area-of-effect (AoE) damage, Mages excel in raids, dungeons, and PvP. Their reliance on spells rather than gear ensures they perform well from early leveling all the way through endgame content.
Beyond damage, Mages bring invaluable utility to groups. They can summon portals for group transportation, create food and water to keep party members going, and use crowd control spells like Polymorph to handle tricky encounters.
If you're looking for a reliable and straightforward DPS class with excellent utility, the Mage is the top choice. It's especially popular in the WoW Classic 20th Anniversary experience for those who want to start strong and contribute meaningfully to every encounter.
Warlock
The Warlock is another excellent DPS option that offers high utility alongside impressive damage. While its raw DPS output doesn't quite match the Mage's, the Warlock compensates with unique abilities that make it one of the most valuable classes in the game.
Warlocks can summon party members to dungeons and raids, provide Healthstones for healing, and use Soulstones to grant combat resurrections. Their DoT-based (damage-over-time) abilities excel in extended fights, and Warlocks scale well as gear improves.
Choose Warlock if you want to play a DPS class that's both impactful and indispensable to any raid or dungeon team.
Warrior
When it comes to sheer damage potential, few classes can match the Warrior. At the pinnacle of endgame content, Warriors dominate DPS charts, leaving most other classes in the dust. However, there's a catch: Warriors are highly gear-dependent, and their true potential only emerges once they've acquired top-tier equipment.
Leveling a Warrior can be a grind, as their damage output at lower gear levels is underwhelming compared to classes like Mage or Warlock. However, for those who are willing to invest time and effort into gearing up, the payoff is enormous. Warriors are the kings of melee DPS in raid environments, and their performance scales dramatically with each new raid tier.
If you're a competitive player who thrives on dominating DPS meters, the Warrior is your ideal pick—just be prepared for a challenging journey to level 60 and beyond.
A-Tier and B-Tier DPS Options
While the S-tier classes tend to dominate, other DPS options can still perform well in endgame content.
Hunter: Hunters excel in leveling and offer consistent single-target damage in raids. They're relatively gear-independent, making them a solid choice for those who prefer ranged combat.
Rogue: Rogues provide exceptional burst damage and strong utility in PvP scenarios. While not as dominant as Warriors in raid DPS, they remain competitive in skilled hands.
Shadow Priest: Though often relegated to support roles in raids, Shadow Priests can deliver impressive damage in specific scenarios, especially in PvP or dungeon content.
Quality-of-Life Improvements in WoW Classic Fresh
The WoW Classic 20th Anniversary servers include new features that make playing DPS classes more enjoyable. Dual Spec allows players to switch between two talent specializations without visiting a trainer, giving classes like Warriors and Priests more flexibility between PvE and PvP builds. The removal of buff limits also empowers classes like Warlocks and Mages, enabling them to benefit from a wider range of consumables and raid buffs.
These updates ensure that WoW Classic remains true to its roots while addressing pain points that previously limited player choices. Whether you're a veteran seeking nostalgia or a newcomer exploring Azeroth for the first time, these changes make the 20th-anniversary experience more rewarding.
Conclusion
The WoW Classic 20th Anniversary servers offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience World of Warcraft in its prime with modern enhancements. Whether you opt for the Mage's consistency, the Warlock's utility, or the Warrior's unrivaled late-game damage, each class brings something unique to the table.
Ultimately, the best DPS class for you is the one that aligns with your preferred playstyle and goals. As you dive into Azeroth, take advantage of the updated features, nostalgic content, WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold, and streamlined gameplay to make your mark in WoW history.
MMOexp WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Team