Mythic+ DPS Rankings: A Tier List for The War Within (Patch 11.1 / Season 2)

Elemental Shaman will continue to be an amazing Ranged option in Season 2 of TWW expansion. Incredible burst, amazing priority-target damage, great damage off-major CDs, and one of the best party-wide utilities, is there anything else to ask for? Overall we are happy with how the spec is playing and we are hopeful that it will remain that strong before the release of the season.

Enhancement Shaman received a total rework of some of their talents which resulted in a playstyle difference. Fortunately for the spec, they currently are arguably the best DPS (by output) in the game. Great sustain damage, short offensive cooldowns, insane funnel damage, there isn't anything bad to be said about the spec. Just like in Season 1, Enhancement shaman is incredibly strong and at the same time, fun to play. Even after the recent nerfs, we believe the spec is among the S-tier contenders, especially if physical damage orientated meta becomes a reality!

Fire Mage is entering Season 2 as one of the best DPS specs in Mythic+. Their newly introduced tier-set is one of the best designed sets out there and offers an immense power-spike to the spec, allowing you to have higher Combustion uptime. Their single target and AoE output is phenomenal and is considered one of the best. Just like every Mage spec so far, they have one of the best group-wide Mythic+ utilities.

Feral Druid has received its fair share of changes leading to the Season 2. The specialization will retain its signature burst-orientated profile while being significantly weaker during dry periods. Energy starvation, unfortunately, is still present in the spec, resulting in pockets of time of just "waiting" for more resources rather than actively engaging with your rotation. Their utility, just like any Druid spec, will retain its power, as Mark of the Wild is one of the strongest party-buffs in the group. Overall, we believe Feral Druid to be one of the strongest melees entering Season 2.

Balance Druid is currently currently performing as one of the best-rated options in Mythic+ so   far into the PTR for Season 2. Although their single target has improved (thanks to the recent buffs), their thorough strength lies in the AoE damage profile, which is among the best in the game. The utility of Druid is heavily desired in a 5-man group due to its offensive and defensive powers. The only downside of the spec is their potential squishiness, having only one active "major" defensive cooldown, which can sometimes cause some trouble.

Shadow Priest received no significant changes leading to Season 2. Their damage profile is quite rampy which excels much better when targets live longer due to their major cooldown - Voidform being such a long duration. When the key level is higher both AoE and single-target/priority-target damage are great, however when things do not last long, it is a dreadful experience (especially when you enter a pack without Shadow Crash). Their utility and defensiveness remain strong, which is positive for the spec as both factors are considered valuable. Overall, we expect to be extremely good on the higher level keys, especially if magical orientated meta persists, and likely move rankings depending on the key level. Further improvement can be achieved if neither of the Priest healers end up being S-tier, due to their overlapping Mythic+ utility.

Frost Death Knight will continue to be a great melee choice in Mythic+ leading to Season 2 of TWW. They retain their signature burst (both in AoE and single target) while keeping incredible priority-target damage present. Although durability has been nerfed during Season 1, they are also one of the most durable DPS classes in the game (which is a huge advantage). Overall, one of the better melees to main in Season 2!

Aside from the impressive Rogue's utility package, Subtlety Rogue has one of the best bursts in the current Mythic+ meta, which makes it extremely competitive on all key levels. The strong AoE damage profile, paired with great priority-target damage while doing so is their biggest asset. In addition, their single-target is also considered above average. Utility and durability are largely unchanged, but we all know how strong defensively rogues are!

Frost Mage received quite significant changes leading to the Season 2, with the most notable being less spamming of Ice Lance in your rotation and a much beefier Blizzard (damage, radius and duration increased). The current power of Frost Mage ranks them among the best ranged options on our DPS tierlist, with great burst and sustained damage (especially on ST), as well as good priority-target cleave in it. In addition, Mage is one of the most most durable DPS specializations, and also have one of the best Mythic+ utilities from a DPS.

Retribution Paladin's current AoE burst damage output will remain strong (just like last season), while retaining their signature group-wide utilities for a DPS, which is a valuable asset for anyone who wants to play this spec. Although the specialization is considered way above average in performance, it lacks the output and the priority-target damage to compete for the highest ranks. Due to having short offensive cooldowns and being incredibly bursty, they are likely going to be one of the best specs for low-level keys. Keep in mind that they also possess excellent defensive options in case of danger, and are considered one of the easiest specs to play in the current iteration of World of Warcraft.

Assassination Rogue received no significant changes leading to the Season 2. Also, their rotation and spec-specific talents remain mostly unchanged so far. Nevertheless, their AoE outputs remain their strongest asset in Mythic+, especially considering the great priority-target damage while doing the AoE. Single-target is the biggest disadvantage, as unfortunately, Assassination rogues will likely need some tuning around that. Overall, we still believe they will remain a solid melee contender in Season 2, but not as dominant as they were last season.

Beast Mastery Hunter is one of the specs that have seen a lot of changes leading up to Season 2. Sadly (or not?) Beast Mastery Hunter will retain a similar playstyle, which will disappoint some and delight others. After their most recent tuning, the specialization has "fallen from the top", having their single-target & AoE damage outputs (both sustained and burst) significantly nerfed. At last, Bestial Wrath uptime has also increased (thanks to our tier-set) which brings you in "minor cooldowns" more frequently. A massively improved version of the spec compared to Season 1 and with that, they are climbing the rankings!

Destruction Warlock is starting the Season 2 with a great performance, leading to one of the better Ranged DPS specs so far. Incredible mass AoE damage, good single-target, and most importantly great sustained damage, are the primary factors why we consider this spec good. In addition, the playstyle went through some needed changes which slightly shifts the rotation (especially if you have talented Mayhem/Demonfire Infusion builds). At last, every Warlock spec is quite durable and has a great party-wide utility, which fits perfectly for Mythic+.

Affliction Warlock has seen minor changes in the upcoming Season 2. Their gameplay will remain similar, with a slight rotation change coming from their newly introduced tier-set. They will remain with the same issues as Season 1, relying on Vile Taint to do most of its work in AoE, which becomes a significant problem once it's on cooldown and a pack has been engaged (manual re-applications of the Agony is also problematic). Either decreasing its cooldown (of Vile Taint) or making it have several changes will have a positive impact on the spec. Nonetheless, when managing pulls and such scenarios do not occur, its performance is incredible, with the current output on both ST and AoE (especially in AoE with its great on-demand burst + priority-target damage).

Demonology Warlock received one of the most powerful tier sets across all DPS specs, which further supplements their already strong damage output. They will have better-sustained damage when running outside of cooldowns while having a stronger burst (compared to Season 1). In addition to this, the benefit to the additional Demonic Cores will allow them to have better mobility, which is always a welcoming change. In terms of utility, they will keep their unique Mythic+ package while being one of the most "tanky" Ranged DPS.

Unholy Death Knight will continue to be in great shape, retaining its signature strong AoE burst and a good sustained damage profile. The spec offers better sustained damage off major cooldowns in Season 2 and just like its sibling spec, is incredibly durable in any environment. Unholy single-target is a feature that drags them down, on top of their priority-target damage not being a strong feature. Although it is a fun spec to play (especially if you love RNG, San'lyn says hello), they are considered "average" regarding performance.

Arms Warrior have seen some recent nerfs to their damag,e for both single-target and AoE. Their executed damage profile (when there is demand) still remains as one of the best in the game. Although their utility will remain mostly the same, they have gained some quality-of-life changes on the general tree, leading to an increase in their durability capabilities.

The performance of Devastation Evoker have received several adjustments, more specifically being able to play both builds (Flameshaper/Scalecommander), allowing you for more flexible gameplay. In addition, the tier set will offer a major power to the Devastation Evoker, making it one of the better ones out there. The spec has retained its unique Evoker utility, while keeping its damage profile will "bursty", which will help your performance across different key levels (with a much better-sustained damage profile). Unfortunately, the output is not there to compete with the top-tier specs, but has been rapidly improving within the weeks of PTR testing leading to Season 2.

Windwalker Monk recently received positive changes that are focusing on improving their AoE damage output, like the removal of Mark of the Crane and beefing up the Spinning Crane Kick itself and some further buffs to the Mastery effect. There are some new cool talents added like Slicing Winds (familiar spell?) which does decent damage but increases your mobility options. Unfortunately, Windwalker Monk is one of the few specs that yet remains to have its target cap present, which can result in problems in mass AoE. Regardless of that, their single-target is one of the best, followed by strong AoE output on low-target packs. It is important to note that the utility package is largely unchanged, and it is still going to have immense value for any team.

Augmentation Evoker has received a ton of attention leading to Season 2, unfortunately, with the majority of it being negative. Their powers have been significantly reduced with the most recent Shifting Sands and Close as Clutchmates major nerfs. In addition, Ebon Might has been redesigned and no longer buffs tanks/healers, which is another massive blow to the spec. They will retain their great utility, good mob control, and the ability to bolster your team's defensive and offensive profiles (especially as a DPS player), but this time, with a much smaller impact. While there is still immense value in taking Augmentation Evoker to your team, it will no longer be as dominant and thus, for the first time in 2 years, Aug is falling off the S-tier rankings.

Survival Hunter has received its fair share of changes leading to the second season of Mythic+. There have been numerous attempts to shake up how this spec plays out ultimately keeping its rotation mostly unchanged. Their consistent damage is great since its major cooldowns are relatively short and thanks to their newly redesigned 4-piece, will now be even better. Unfortunately, the output is considered "mid", which is the major factor for their placement. If further changes come we will consider their placement and update the rankings.

Marksmanship Hunter received a complete rework and is now in a much better state compared to before. With versatile builds, you can choose what exactly you would like your damage profile to be (going for mostly AoE talents? better single-target or 2-target cleave? etc.) They will retain their burst-orientated profile (thankfully!) which is a prominent feature of MM for a long time now and is incredibly useful against all key levels. Their single-target has improved compared to Season 1 (with Mythic+ builds), which is a welcoming change. Overall, the spec will have mediocre damage when dealing damage without any cooldowns and also one of the few "target-cap ranged specs", which are the leading reasons for its placement, further positive adjustments will allow them to climb higher.

Fury Warrior will retain their signature burst-orientated profile as well as their general rotation (with a minor changes done to it). The most recent damage nerfs will negatively impact their rankings and demotem them down a tier. Furthermore, they are one of the few melee specs that is a 5-target hard capped, which significantly reduces its AoE output past 5 targets (compared to the rest of the DPS) On a good note, they have done a general revamp of the Warrior tree so now more than ever you will enjoy higher durability (+10% Stamina)and extra mobility! In addition, their Mythic+ toolkit remains mostly the same, having the lowest utility options across all DPS specs.

Arcane Mage has received its fair share of changes leading to the Season 2 of TWW. The general playstyle has seen some shifts with the priority of spells, depending on your overall talent choice, and making their minor cooldown - Touch of the Magi stronger. This will directly result in improvement in their consistent damage since that was one of the major issues leading up to the patch. In addition to all of that, Arcane has one of the strongest tier-sets with a massive power spike attached to them. They will retain its burst-orientated profile while simultaneously providing priority-target damage when doing so. The rankings of Arcane can fluctuate depending on the key level, as the higher the key goes the better the spec becomes (due to mobs having higher health and enduring your whole burst). Complexity issues / Hybrid builds are still part of the problem, making the barrier to entry one of the highest among all specs, which is never a good thing.

Outlaw Rogue did not receive any major changes, but luckily for them, their tier-set is amazing. The spec will retain their great consistent damage, but unfortunately will still be target-capped. Their single-target will remain mid, as well as their priority-target damage while doing AoE. The lack of burst is also another issue the spec is suffering from, as that can be quite offsetting on the lower level keys where burst is important to capitalize on the lower health mobs. Their defensive profile will remain unchanged, and so will their amazing group-wide utility and mob control.

Havoc Demon Hunter has recently seen several positive damage adjustments for the upcoming Mythic+ season. Their sustained damage (outside of cooldowns) has significantly improved, which was previously one of their weakest points. In addition, their single-target and priority-targe damage has skyrocketed, making them one of the best in that niche. Although their damage profile is currently among the best, they have several bugs that still inflate their damage ( Wounded Quarry being the most important one) and thus makes it impossible to predict their rankings. There is a confirmation from Blizzard, that those bugs will go away starting with the weekly reset on the 25th of February. After this, we will re-evaluate and rank them.