In the World of Warcraft Classic: Season of Discovery, every class is capable of playing the DPS role in group content. However, not all classes are destined to dominate the damage charts. With the introduction of DPS Runes in Phase One, each SoD class has received a boost, making almost every spec more potent than in Vanilla. Despite these improvements, certain classes stand out as the best DPS options in SoD, surpassing others in terms of damage output.
While Healing and Tank specs can be effective at endgame when played skillfully, even the most skilled players may find it challenging to rival the damage output of the top SoD DPS classes. This guide evaluates the best SoD DPS classes, considering the leveling process but ultimately focusing on their endgame DPS performance in instances like BFD and other group content.
Shaman
In the Season of Discovery, Shamans find themselves in a unique position. While they have gained newfound strength in Tanking, thanks to the introduction of new Runes, their performance in healing and DPS roles falls short.
Despite Enhancement and Elemental Shamans having access to a few new spells, their ability to compete in terms of DPS at endgame is notably challenging, as indicated by initial DPS logs from the first few weeks. Until Phase Two unfolds, Shamans are advised to refrain from assuming DPS roles in endgame group scenarios. Instead, they may find greater success exploring Offhealer or main Tank roles during this phase.
Priest
Among the visually striking classes in WoW, Shadow Priests exude a captivating aesthetic. However, in the initial phase of the Season of Discovery, this particular spec encounters obstacles that hinder its potency. Notably, Shadow Priests grapple with faster mana depletion compared to most other caster DPS classes. Additionally, the absence of Shadowform until Level 40 contributes to their struggles.
Shadowform, a pinnacle Talent in the Shadow Tree, signifies a substantial leap in power for Shadow Priests. However, until the arrival of Phase Two, the combination of Homonculi, Mind Sear, and Deadly Plague falls short of propelling the spec to the pinnacle of DPS charts.
Druid
Similar to Shamans, Druids find themselves in a unique position concerning the hierarchy of DPS in the Season of Discovery. Feral Druids showcase formidable strength, while Balance Druids struggle to achieve the perceived level of potency. This dynamic echoes the traditional WoW experience for Druids, with a notable exception: Feral consistently outshines Balance in group content, primarily due to the impact of Wild Strikes.
Wild Strikes, a recent Druid Rune, bestows upon the class the Windfury ability—a potent group buff for melee DPS, widely regarded as one of the most powerful in WoW. Despite the historical limitation for the Alliance to use Windfury, a skill typically associated with Shamans, Druids can only unleash this Rune while in their shapeshifted form.
Paladin
Paladins assert their supremacy on damage meters with two out of three potential group specs: Healing and Tanking. Paladin Healers trail only Priests in their support capabilities, while Paladin Tanks stand out as arguably the top choice for Tanking in Phase 1. However, the luster dims a bit when it comes to the primary DPS spec, Retribution.
Retribution Paladins gain access to new and enjoyable tools like an instant Exorcism and the Seal of Martyrdom. Despite these additions, when compared to other melee DPS options in SoD, they find themselves positioned in the middle of the pack. It’s important to note that Retribution Paladins aren’t subpar in the Season of Discovery; however, their DPS output fails to rival that of a Rogue or Warrior.
Mage
Mages showcase exceptional prowess in several aspects while encountering some limitations in others. Renowned for providing unparalleled utility to groups with their ability to create Portals and conjure free food and water, Mages also excel in solo play and AoE farming. Their formidable AoE spells, the crowd control effects of the Frost tree, and an array of potent Runes contribute to their versatility. Additionally, Mages now boast healing abilities.
However, Mages encounter challenges in endgame group content like BFD. When played skillfully, Mages can lead the DPS meters, especially during scenarios where Tanks engage numerous trash mobs simultaneously. Yet, in single-target boss encounters, Mages may face the issue of rapidly depleting mana due to the resource-intensive nature of their rotations.
Warlock
Warlocks emerge as arguably the premier caster DPS in the Season of Discovery, although players face a decisive choice for impactful endgame damage. The Affliction tree proves to be one of the less effective DPS specs in Phase 1 of SoD, while the Destruction playstyle stands out as one of the best.
Destruction Warlocks gain access to exceptionally potent abilities through Phase 1 Runes, including Lake of Fire and Incinerate. In contrast, the Affliction tree offers Haunt, beneficial for solo open-world questing, but lacks the same impact in group scenarios. Opting for Destruction is the key to committing to the most formidable caster class in SoD.
Warrior
Warriors, akin to Rogues, face the challenge of being challenged to level due to their abilities being closely tied to the strength of equipped weapons. The Warrior’s DPS output improves significantly as their gear becomes better and they acquire additional Runes. Endurance is key; sticking with the Warrior class until level 25, upgrading gear, and mastering skill rotations can catapult them to regular appearances at the top of the DPS charts.
Choosing between the Fury and Arms specs for DPS Warriors in SoD is a close call, often boiling down to personal preference. As the seasons progress, the impact of Warriors’ Talent trees and skill selections will become increasingly significant, allowing for more nuanced and strategic gameplay. If you want to buy WOW SoD gold, then U7BUY is the best place for that. It allows beginners an easy way to level up. You can check it out here.
Conclusion
The Season of Discovery in World of Warcraft Classic brings a diverse landscape of strengths and challenges for each class. From the formidable versatility of Warlocks to the nuanced choices faced by Warriors, players navigate a rich tapestry of options.
As the phases unfold, talents evolve, and gear improves, the dynamics of each class’s performance shift. In the end, the intricate balance of strengths and weaknesses, the Season of Discovery promises a dynamic and engaging journey through Azeroth.
