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

Augmentation Evoker is going to continue to be one of the best Ranged options in Season 2. Although Ebon Might has been redesigned and no longer buffs tanks/healers, the addition to Close as Clutchmates will make Augmentation just as useful to your allies, with great utility, good mob control, and further bolstering their DPS/defensive profiles, but this time, you will do more damage yourself. Overall, we are delighted with the spec's current performance and expect it to remain of the strongest specs.

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 "risen through the rankings", having one of the best AoE damage outputs (both sustained and burst) compared to all other DPS specs. Single-target / priority-target damage has also improved, making them an even more attractive option. At last, Bestial Wrath uptime has also increased (thanks to our tier-set) which brings you in "minor cooldowns" at all times. A massively improved version of the spec compared to Season 1 and well deserved S-tier for the first time in a long time.

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. Time will tell if they will remain in the current shape before the release of the season.

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.

Destruction Warlock is starting the Season 2 PTR with an incredible performance, leading to one of the best DPS specs so far. Incredible AoE damage, amazing 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). In addition, every Warlock spec is quite durable and has a great party-wide utility, which fits perfectly for Mythic+.

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.

Balance Druid is currently currently performing as one of the best-rated options in Mythic+ this early into PTR for Season 2. Although their single target is moderate (even after post ST buffs), their AoE damage profile is among the best in the game. The utility of Druid is also one of the most desired in a 5-man group. The only downside of the spec is their potential squishiest, having only one active "major" defensive cooldown, which can cause some trouble at times.

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.

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). This early into testing, it doesn't seem that the spec dominates the Mythic+ scene like in the days of Season 1 (due to output) but its still one of the better melees out there.

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, with amazing single-target damage, while 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. Overall a relatively strong pick for a melee spec, suitable to be played in any group composition.

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 ranks them among the upper bracket 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.

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.

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.

Arms Warrior have seen some noticeable rotation changes for both Colossus (no longer spamming Execute for Colossal Might stacks) and Slayer. Furthermore, they have recently undergone massive buffs which will result in a significant improvement in their damage output. 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.

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 around A-tier with the current output on both ST and AoE (especially in AoE with its great on-demand burst + priority-target damage).

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 changes will now put them in a much higher position than before. 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.

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). At the same time, also, unfortunately, keeping its main disadvantage present - having 25 yards ability range as an offensive caster can be quite punishable. Unfortunately for them, their sibling spec, Augmentation Evoker is currently one of the best performing DPS specs which often results in a huge disadvantage for being chosen over.

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.

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 competitive, 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. There are quite a few bugs that inflate their damage, once that's done we will rank them (currently around A-tier performance).

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 some adjustments to the spec, to shake up the playstyle or tune-up its power since they haven't seen any (strange..).

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, but still not nearly enough compared to the majority of the spescs (especially without major cds). Overall, the spec will have mediocre damage when dealing damage without any cooldowns, which is one of the leading reasons for its placement, further buffs will allow them to climb higher.

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 are still present, making the barrier to entry one of the highest among all specs, which is never a good thing.

Havoc Demon Hunter is entering Season 2 with one of the worst damage outputs across all specs. Their sustained damage (outside of cooldowns) is one of the major points that needs urgent attention. Their tier-set bonus is also one of the weakest when compared to the rest % gain bonuses from all DPS specs. Although they have been recently buffed, Havoc Demon Hunter requires more damage adjustments in other to climb the rankings. General talent revamps, % aura buffs or general tier-set revamps are also something that would greatly benefit the spec.

Aside from the impressive Rogue's utility package, Subtlety Rogue tier set is currently not working on PTR. We will come back to this spec next week.

Assassination Rogue received no significant changes leading to the Season 2. Not only that but their rotation and spec-specific talents remain mostly unchanged so far. Their tier-set is among the weakest, while also being buggy enough to not be able to be tested initially on PTR. Once they patch up the tier-set we will evaluate their performance and rank the spec.