WoW Wrath Classic: Best PVP Class Tier List (WotLK)

Players looking to become a Gladiator in the arena should know that it is possible to obtain with any class in WoW Classic. However, just like in PvE there are some specializations that are much better equipped to handle certain situations in PvP than others.

Be sure to check out our other Tier Lists for WottLK:

Knowledge of each specialization is essential to making sure you are prepared for even the toughest of situations in PvP. Seeing each specialization ranked is helpful for players to know which opponent could potentially be a problem for them. It’s important to note that each specialization within a class has access to a number of the same abilities. We wanted to highlight the main specialization-unique differences that give each of them an advantage or disadvantage over other specializations.

It’s also important to note that certain classes perform better at later stages in WoW Classic: WotLK than others due to the availability of better stats on gear and how a specialization scales with that gear.

WotLK PvP Tier List Ranking Criteria

This tier list for the Wrath of the Lich King expansion for World of Warcraft ranks all classes and specializations against each other based on their performance in Player versus Player combat. The main metrics that we use to rank each class are based upon 3 factors:

1. Crowd Control Effects
   • Does this class make good use of controlling or countering enemies?

2. Damage
   • Does this class provide amazing burst damage?
   • Are they able to pressure their target with consistent sustained damage?

3. Synergy with other classes
   • Do they provide any support to their team?
   • Are there buffs and debuffs that compliment other classes on their team?
   • Do the crowd control effects share a diminishing return and for how long can they lock down a target?
   • How many classes can they perform well with?

WotLK PvP Specialization Tier List

The table below shows an at-a-glance view of all 30 specializations and where they rank against each other in Wrath Classic. Continue reading for a more in-depth analysis of each specialization that includes other commonly seen group compositions that work well together.

Specializations in this tier consistently show up to PvP with a strong toolkit and take command of the playing field. You will often see these classes in many top arena compositions as they can work well with almost any class.

Subtlety Rogue

Sub. Rogues are the undisputed kings of PvP. The skill level to play them effectively can be fairly difficult but in the right hands they absolutely dominate. While their damage is lower overall they control the battlefield with so many of their abilities. The key ability they have is Shadowdance, giving them a remarkable advantage to use their crowd control skills and set up kills. They work so well with many different team compositions.

Notable compositions that include Subtlety Rogues are:

• Shadow Priest and Restoration Druid or Restoration Shaman.
  • High crowd control and high survivability

• Mage and Discipline Priest
  • High crowd control and good survivability

• Retribution Paladin and Discipline Priest
  • Good crowd control, great survivability

• Balance Druid and Discipline Priest
  • Higher Burst and good survivability

Holy Paladin

Paladins, in general, have a very great set of defensive cooldowns at their disposal with their Auras and Hands skills. Holy Paladins in particular make great use of these as a phenomenal support class. Sacred Shield absorbs damage and improves with spell power which Holy Paladins have a lot of. Beacon of Light effectively doubles their healing. They also have high defense and are very good at mana conservation. They pair well with nearly any class but especially so with high burst damage classes.

• Unholy Death Knight and Arms Warrior
  • Very high burst damage and great survivability

• Elemental Shaman and Arms Warrior
  • Very high burst damage and good control

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Arms Warrior

Arms Warriors are the best melee burst damage class at PvP, for both single target and cleave. They are very dangerous particularly against healers when combining Mortal Strike with Unrelenting Asssault. They can also completely destroy multiple targets in AoE with Bladestorm if they don’t get disarmed. Most teams with Arms Warriors will choose to go full in on the insane burst damage, those can include:

• Elemental Shaman and Holy Paladin
  • Very high burst damage and good control

• Unholy Death Knight and Holy Paladin
  • Very high burst damage and great survivability

Discipline Priest

Disc. Priests have a large number of buffs and shields they can give to support their team. They have strong heals and good dispels and can be played defensively or aggressively with Penance and Mana Burn. The only downside is that they don’t have a good way to escape melee or physical slows. They also work well in a large number of different team compositions, such as being paired with:

• Retribution Paladin and Marksmanship Hunter
  • High Burst damage and good defense and healing

• Mage and Subtlety Rogue
  • High crowd control and survivability

• Hunter and Feral Druid
  • High Burst damage

Frost Mage

Frost Mages have really great control with their slows, freezes, and stuns. They also have very high burst potential with the infamous shatter combo. They also have good mobility but if they are not aware of their surroundings they have very poor survivability. Team combinations that pair well are:

• Subtlety Rogue and Discipline Priest
  • High crowd control and good survivability

• Warlock and Restoration Shaman
  • Very high crowd control and sustained damage

• Shadow Priest and any Healer
  • High crowd control and good survivability

Specializations in this tier are very strong at PvP and can perform very well with the right team. Not every team with one of these specs in them is going to have every scenario covered. Nonetheless, they can cause a lot of problems for under prepared targets.

Marksmanship Hunter

MM Hunters have incredible opportunities for burst damage, crowd control, and defensive capabilities. This is achieved with Readiness resetting their abilities to open up multiple opportunities. They can also provide disarm with Chimera Shot which is particularly helpful against Arms Warriors. Many other classes pair well with them including:

• Feral Druid and a Healer
  • High crowd control and good burst damage

• Retribution Paladin and any Healer
  • Great crowd control and good survivability

Feral Druid

The Feral Druid's play style provides a strong crowd control combo with an instant cast Cyclone from Predatory Strikes. Being able to control one target while they burst down another while using Berserk is another reason they are so dangerous. They also have access to good defensive capabilities in Bear Form and Survival Instincts. They pair well with other classes that also give a lot of crowd control:

• Marksmanship Hunter and any Healer
  • High crowd control and good burst damage

• Arms Warrior and any Healer
  • Very High burst damage