Welcome, adventurers! I’m Librarian Husky, your guide through the ever-evolving landscape of the Season of Discovery. Whether you’re a veteran raider, a theorycrafting enthusiast, or a curious explorer, this guide is designed to provide insights, strategies, and analysis to help you navigate the challenges of Blackwing Lair and beyond. Let’s uncover the secrets of new set bonuses, refine our rotations, and strive for optimization together.

Overview of BWL Set Bonuses

Blackwing Lair (BWL) is coming soon to the Season of Discovery. Some of the new set bonuses seem unusual, and simulation data was analyzed to evaluate their potential. This guide summarizes key findings and provides a tier list based on full Phase 5 gear simulations during a 60-second fight. Blizzard appears to aim for balancing classes at approximately 5,000 DPS, but there are significant outliers.

Top Performers

The top-performing classes in the Season of Discovery showcase extraordinary DPS numbers, often exceeding Blizzard’s intended balance of 5,000 DPS. Retribution Paladins dominate the charts with staggering damage potential, while Rogues and Feral Druids follow as strong contenders with optimized rotations and gear setups. These classes leverage unique synergies from the new tier bonuses and weapon combinations, setting the stage for potential adjustments to preserve balance in future phases.

Retribution Paladin: Dominating DPS Charts

Retribution Paladins lead the DPS charts on the PTR, achieving 62,000 DPS with the six-piece tier 2 set and an Untamed Blade. Even swapping to a Drake Talon Cleaver barely impacts their DPS. Talent selection remains simple, with Consecrate included only for accessibility through the Holy tree.

Core Forging and Tier Set Adjustments

The upcoming phase introduces Core Forging, allowing tier 2 gear to include tier 1 set bonuses. This mix-and-match system offers greater flexibility to optimize performance. Some standout combinations will be highlighted as their impact on gameplay is substantial.

Seal of Mdom and Damage Breakdown

Seal of Mdom dominates the damage breakdown for Retribution Paladins. While Consecrate contributes little to overall damage, Seal of Mdom is responsible for the majority. Even if adjustments or nerfs occur, the new rotation remains engaging and dynamic, making this class both fun and effective.

Rogue: Backstab Build Dominance

Rogues are another top-performing class, reaching 5.7k DPS with a backstab-focused build. This setup utilizes five pieces of tier 2 and elements of the Zul’Gurub set. The build emphasizes ability damage over poison damage, with combat talents replacing assassination talents due to the absence of Deadly Brew. While it excels in PvP, further adjustments may occur before release.

Feral Druid: Reliable Performance

Feral Druids clock in at 5.3k DPS in current simulations. By utilizing tier 1 and tier 2 six-piece bonuses, they achieve steady, reliable damage. The tier 1 four-piece bonus, which allows bleed effects to crit, provides additional benefits for raid environments. Despite some feeling the bonuses are underwhelming, this setup offers consistent performance.

DPS Optimization

Feral Druids will see a boost in DPS with specific setups, such as equipping the Hand of Ragnaros. Talents remain mostly unchanged, focusing on ability damage. Interestingly, an elemental sharpening stone provides superior crit bonuses, outperforming Wild Strikes in maximizing output.

Warrior: Two-Hand Fury Returns

Warriors reach 5.1k DPS, with two-hand fury builds slightly outperforming dual-wield setups. This build takes advantage of tier 1 six-piece and tier 2 two-piece bonuses while incorporating a Helm Rune switch to Taste for Blood. Overpower becomes a crucial part of the rotation, while Whirlwind is deprioritized for efficiency.

Mid-Tier Performers

Mid-tier performers in the Season of Discovery deliver consistent DPS around the 5,000 mark, aligning more closely with Blizzard’s balancing goals. Classes like Fire Mages, Warlocks, and Hunters exemplify steady and reliable contributions in raids. While not as explosive as top-tier performers, their rotations and setups remain effective and engaging, with potential for optimization through gear upgrades or minor buffs. These classes offer a balance of performance and utility, making them dependable choices for most raid compositions.

Fire Mage: Reliable but Unchanged

Fire Mages achieve around 5k DPS with a combination of tier 14, tier 0.5, and highly sought-after off-pieces. The talent setup follows the standard fire build, with Ice Shards included. While the rotation remains unchanged, buffs to tier 2 or Zul’Gurub frostbolt sets could improve their standing.

Warlock: Pet-Focused Felguard Build

Felguard Warlocks match Fire Mage DPS at 5k, leveraging tier 26 six-piece and Zul’Gurub three-piece sets. This build emphasizes pet damage, with Orcs gaining additional advantages through racials. While straightforward, pet management is key to maximizing performance.

Affliction Warlock: SM Ruin and Shadow Bolts

Affliction Warlocks achieve 4.9k DPS with a standard SM Ruin build. This setup utilizes tier 16 and off-pieces such as the Scythe of Chaos, which offers significant damage despite not reducing mana costs for summoning pets. The rotation mirrors familiar vanilla playstyles, maintaining reliability.

Hunter: Optimized Rotation and Gear

Ranged Hunters achieve approximately 4.8k DPS with tier 2 six-piece bonuses and specific PvP gear. While the spec remains largely unchanged, the six-piece bonus significantly enhances Chimera Shot damage, making it a key component for maximizing output.

Utility and Lower-Tier Performers

Utility and lower-tier performers prioritize support roles and versatility over raw DPS. Classes like Balance Druids, Elemental Shamans, and Shadow Priests fall into this category, offering essential buffs, debuffs, or raid utility despite their lower damage output. While their DPS hovers below the 5,000 benchmark, these classes contribute significantly to overall raid success through unique mechanics and synergy. With potential future buffs and adjustments, these specs may become more competitive while maintaining their critical utility roles.

Balance Druid: Machine Gun Starfire

Balance Druids (Boomkins) sit at 4.5k DPS, utilizing tier 2 six-piece and Zul’Gurub three-piece bonuses. The rotation emphasizes rapid Starfire casts, offering a unique and consistent playstyle. Despite lower DPS, Boomkins provide valuable raid utility.

Elemental Shaman: Clearcasting Mastery

Elemental Shamans achieve 4.4k DPS, relying on clearcasting mechanics from tier 2 six-piece bonuses. While talents remain unchanged, the absence of tier 16 requires manual Flame Shock refreshes, slightly hindering Lava Burst resets.

Enhancement Shaman: Dual-Wield and Two-Handed Builds

Enhancement Shamans using dual-wield builds achieve 4.3k DPS, focusing on Windfury procs and melee damage. Two-handed builds remain a slightly less optimal but enjoyable alternative, with Drake Talon Cleaver providing the best results.

Shadow Priest: Work in Progress

Shadow Priests currently sit at 4.2k DPS, with limited simulation data available. Their damage breakdown shows potential, but the spec feels underdeveloped. Improvements to gear and abilities could enhance their standing in future phases.