DPS TIER LIST for Classic WoW Season of Discovery (Phase 1)

Hey everyone, welcome back! With the Season of Discovery just around the corner, it’s time to analyze the top-tier DPS classes for PVE in Black Fathom Deeps at level 25. In this guide, we’ll create a tier list for Phase 1 of the Season of Discovery, focusing on the best DPS at level 25.

Discovering Top Tier DPS for PVE in Black Fathom Deeps

We’ll start with the Warrior, using our tier list and talent calculator to guide our strategy. The key here is to select runes for the chest, hands, and legs first, then build our talents around those choices, keeping our focus on maximizing DPS at level 25.

Warrior’s Rune Selection and Talent Building

In the current gaming landscape, each class has unique strengths in PVE and PVP. For Warriors, rune selection is pivotal as it greatly influences the talent build. At the chest slot, options like Blood Frenzy, Flagellation, Raging Blow, and Warbringer are available. Considering the level 25 constraints, Flagellation stands out with its 25% physical damage bonus, making it an optimal choice given the absence of advanced rage spenders.

Choosing Runes for Hands and Legs

For hand runes, Warriors have choices like Endless Rage, Quick Strike, and Single-Minded Fury. Single-Minded Fury, with its consistent 10% increase in physical damage and movement speed when dual-wielding, seems the best for a significant DPS boost. For the legs, runes like Consumed by Hate and Furious Thunder are on the table. In line with Single-Minded Fury, Consumed by Rage, boosting melee damage by 25%, appears to be the most beneficial, elevating the Warrior’s DPS output notably in this phase.

Maximizing Warrior DPS at Level 25

If you pop Blood Rage, you’re effectively getting a 50% damage bonus and 10% attack speed, which sums up to a 60% physical damage bonus with all these runes. For a two-hander build, Frenzy to Salt, which increases attack speed by 20% with two-handers, would be a good choice. In this case, we wouldn’t choose Single-Minded Fury, but perhaps Endless Rage, as rage builds slower with a two-hander. Alternatively, Quick Strike offers an additional strike.

For this build, let’s pretend we’re dual wielding. The Fury tree at low levels isn’t very effective, so our best bet would be to go with dual wield arms, a strategy that worked well in my hardcore experience.

We’ll start with improved Rend and two points into Heroic Strike to reduce its rage cost. Then, we’ll add two points into Improved Charge, three in Tactical Mastery, and three in Deep Wounds for bleed damage.

Building the Optimal Warrior Talent Tree

We aim to get Overpower, which is crucial for dual wield arms leveling or raiding at this stage. With one point left, we must ensure we have Improved Overpower, which is highly beneficial since, at low levels, you’ll miss frequently, triggering Overpower often.

After that, with one point remaining, Impale is a logical choice as it increases the Critical Strike damage bonus of all abilities. This build, in my opinion, maximizes damage output for Warriors at level 25.

Maximizing Warrior DPS: Dual Wield and Two-Hander Strategies for Level 20-30

While the Fury tree with Improved Cleave and Battle Shout might seem viable, dual wield arms from level 20 to 30 has proven to be exceptionally strong based on my testing and experience. This build sustains high damage output, suitable for dual wielding or using two-handers.

For two-handers, swap out Single-Minded Fury for Endless Rage or Quick Strike and include Frenzy to Salt. However, given that Warriors at this level have limited AOE capabilities, with only Cleave and not yet Whirlwind, they fall just short of the S tier in terms of overall class comparison.

Warlock Strategy: Optimizing for S Tier DPS

Warlocks in fantasy gaming possess an arsenal of intriguing rune options. Demonic Tactics, enhancing the critical strike chance for both Warlock and pet, is a solid choice. However, Rain of Fire, particularly with its Lake of Fire enhancement, stands out. This effect drastically increases fire damage for the Warlock and their demon pet by 40% over 15 seconds, especially potent when paired with an imp’s Firebolts.

In the realm of hand runes, Chaos Bolt is the optimal pick. This formidable spell launches a devastating fire attack, hitting its target reliably and allowing fire spells to bypass absorption effects. When combined with Lake of Fire, the damage potential of Chaos Bolt is amplified significantly.

Building the Warlock’s Talent Tree

For leg runes, Incinerate is the prime selection. In a spell rotation involving Rain of Fire and Lake of Fire, followed by Chaos Bolt and regular Incinerate usage, it substantially increases fire damage by 25% for 15 seconds. This leads to a synergy that boosts Chaos Bolt’s power by 65%. Delving into the Destruction talent tree, a fire-centric build emerges. With points in Cataclysm for mana efficiency and Bane to enhance spells like Immolate, the build is completed with Devastation for higher critical strikes and Improved Firebolt for the imp. This approach positions Warlocks as formidable adversaries in early-stage gameplay, especially at level 25.

Warlock and Hunter Strategies for S Tier DPS

Warlocks excel with spells like Lake of Fire and Chaos Bolt, further empowered by their minions, notably imps. Hunters, equipped with impactful runes like Expose Weakness that boost attack power post-critical hits, capitalize on their pet synergy in gameplay.

Optimizing the Hunter’s Build

Hunters in fantasy settings have access to a diverse array of hand runes, including Explosive Shot, renowned for its PVE DPS efficacy. For leg runes, choices like Kill Command and Serpent Spread offer unique tactical advantages. The latter, enabling Serpent Sting to hit multiple targets through Multi-Shot, is particularly effective in raid environments, showcasing the Hunters’ versatility and power in group settings.

For building a Hunter, particularly in the Marksman specialization, skills such as Efficiency for mana efficiency and Lethal Shots for increased critical strike chances are crucial. Aimed Shot becomes a key skill in their offensive repertoire. This build can be tailored to suit different playstyles, with options to either reduce the cooldown of Arcane Shot or enhance Hunter’s Mark, depending on the player’s preference for Arcane Shot usage. This approach positions Hunters as formidable contenders, capable of delivering high damage in various combat scenarios.

Optimizing Rogue and Mage Builds for Maximum DPS

In the realm of Rogues, the combination of Deadly Brew and Mutilate hand runes stands out. Deadly Brew, inflicting Deadly Poison alongside other poisons, and Mutilate, form a formidable duo. For leg runes, Envenom is the preferred choice, meshing seamlessly with these abilities.

Constructing a Rogue’s talent tree involves strategic choices. For the Assassination path, begin with Malice to boost critical strike chances by 5%, then incorporate Ruthlessness, a couple of points in Murder, and fully invest in Lethality for increased critical strike damage.

Vile Poisons is an ideal final choice for augmented damage. In contrast, the Combat path offers a 5% hit bonus and an enhanced critical chance for Mutilate with Improved Backstab. Nevertheless, for optimal damage at level 25, Assassination is the superior route. Rogues excel in single-target damage but fall slightly behind Warriors in the S tier due to their limited cleave ability.

Building the Mage’s Talent Tree

In a fantasy setting, Mages seeking peak DPS should strategically select runes and talents. The chest rune Burnout enhances critical strike chance but increases mana cost for some spells. Alternatively, Fingers of Frost can significantly boost damage. A Frost Mage build utilizing Ice Lance, Fingers of Frost, and Icy Veins, complemented by Cold Snap in the talent tree to reset Icy Veins, can result in extremely high DPS, establishing Mages as powerhouses in combat scenarios.

Optimizing Mage and Shaman Builds for High DPS

Frost Mages should center their build around Fingers of Frost and Ice Lance, augmented by Icy Veins for faster casting, and further enhanced by Cold Snap. Fire Mages, conversely, might opt for Burnout to increase spell crits, Living Bomb for AOE damage, and Icy Veins for casting speed. This path includes Ignite for continuous damage, Incinerate for increased crit chances, and an enhanced Flamestrike for AOE. Both Frost and Fire builds endow Mages with formidable damage capabilities, ensuring their prominence in high-level engagements.

Building the Shaman’s Talent Tree

Shamans focusing on enhancement should begin their build with dual-wielding runes, offering both dual-attack advantages and a 5% hit chance boost. The key hand rune, Lava Lash, is particularly effective with a Flametongue-enchanted offhand. Integrating Shamanistic Rage reduces damage taken and aids in mana regeneration.

In the enhancement tree, Ancestral Knowledge provides extra mana, while Thundering Strikes increases critical strike chances. A focus on totem enhancement and Improved Lightning Shield is advisable over two-handed builds at this level.

The pinnacle of this build is often Flurry, enhancing attack speed. Shamans, with their significant damage potential but limited AOE capabilities, maintain a strong position among top-tier classes.

Optimizing Priest and Druid Builds for Maximum DPS

For Priests at level 25, choosing the right chest glyph is paramount. Void Plague and Twisted Faith are the top contenders, with Twisted Faith taking the lead for enhancing Mind Flay and Mind Blast against Shadow Word: Pain-afflicted targets.

Mind Seer is the go-to for the hand slot, offering significant AOE capabilities. The leg slot is ideally filled with Shared Pain, spreading Shadow Word: Pain to additional targets and effectively creating a shadow cleave. This synergy with Twisted Faith amplifies AOE damage in group encounters.

In the Shadow talent tree, Spirit Tap is vital for mana regeneration, sustaining high DPS levels. Shadow Affinity becomes beneficial, particularly in scenarios where tank threat management is less critical. The build focuses on enhancing Shadow Word: Pain and Shadow Focus, with additional points to optimize Mind Blast and Shadow Weaving, making Shadow Priests a force to reckon with in environments like Black Fathom Deeps.

Building the Druid’s Feral Talent Tree

In the Feral Druid build, the Wild Strikes rune is essential, akin to Wind Fury, providing a substantial boost in attack power. This rune enhances both the Druid’s damage and the raid’s overall performance by occasionally enabling extra powerful attacks. Mangle is a key component, increasing the effectiveness of bleed effects and Shred. Savage Roar stands out for leg runes, boosting cat form physical damage by 30%.

The Feral talent path begins with Ferocity, reducing Rake’s rage cost. While Feral Aggression has its merits, the early-stage benefits of Brutal Impact and Feral Instinct are more pronounced. Sharpened Claws is indispensable for damage increment, and Feline Swiftness enhances mobility. The culmination of this build is Blood Frenzy, boosting the critical strike rate and thereby the overall DPS. This strategic build positions Feral Druids as formidable combatants, especially effective in their cat form.

Constructing the Druid’s Balance Talent Tree

For Druids embracing the Balance path, or Boomkin, prioritizing Fury of Stormrage is crucial for reducing Wrath’s mana cost and adding a healing aspect. The selection of Sunfire for its initial and ongoing DoT effect is strategic, though it demands precise coordination with Moonfire.

Star Surge becomes a core ability, benefiting from enhancements to Wrath or Starfire. In crafting the Balance talent tree, essential choices include Improved Wrath and Moonfire for enhanced damage.

Nature’s Reach is selected for a longer casting range, complementing Improved Thorns to assist tanks with threat management. The culmination of this build is in Vengeance, aimed at increasing damage output. This comprehensive Boomkin Druid build is adept at inflicting significant damage, though it may initially have limitations in AOE and cleave, placing it in the A tier for its category.

Paladin DPS Strategy for Black Fathom Deeps

Paladins have gained impressive abilities, positioning them strongly for the Black Fathom Deeps raid. The chest engraving of choice is Divine Storm, offering a powerful weapon attack that damages multiple enemies and heals party or raid members based on the damage dealt. Crusader Strike stands out for hand, providing consistent damage output and aiding in mana recovery. For leg runes, Exorcism emerges as the top choice, now applicable to all targets and guaranteed to critically strike against Undead and demons, making it a valuable asset in the Paladin’s DPS arsenal.

Building the Paladin’s Talent Tree

In crafting a Paladin build, particularly for the Retribution specialization, the focus is on efficient mana regeneration through Crusader Strike, making Benediction potentially less essential. Key choices include Improved Blessing of Might and Improved Judgment for reduced cooldowns, along with the indispensable Improved Seal of the Crusader.

Seal of Command, a primary damage dealer, is integral to the build, complemented by Conviction for an additional 5% critical strike chance. At level 25, this Retribution Paladin configuration is poised to be exceedingly formidable. Looking ahead to the next phase with the level cap increasing to 40, Ret Paladins are projected to ascend as the premier DPS class in raids.

Evaluating DPS Classes for PVE at Level 25

In this analysis, Ret Paladins emerge as the frontrunners in DPS at level 25. Hunters are foreseen to outperform Warlocks, with Mages potentially eclipsing both due to their high damage capabilities. Shadow Priests and Warlocks are likely to be closely matched in performance. This speculative assessment for PVE at level 25 during Phase 1 of the Season of Discovery is open to feedback and further refinement. It is part of a series dedicated to exploring strategies for the Season of Discovery, with future content planned to include a PVP tier list.

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