Phase 5 Classic Anniversary: Best DPS Tier List, Healer & Tank Rankings

As WoW Classic celebrates its 20th Anniversary, Phase 5 brings back one of the most iconic events in MMO history—the opening of the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj. With AQ20 and AQ40 raids live, players are diving into new gear sets, revamped encounters, and fierce competition for top-tier performance. Whether you're a returning veteran or a fresh adventurer, understanding the current meta is key to dominating Phase 5. Let's break down the best-performing classes and specs across DPS, Healing, and Tanking roles in this celebratory phase.

🔥 DPS Tier List: Who's Burning Brightest?

DPS players form the backbone of any raid group. In Phase 5, gear scaling, set bonuses, and encounter mechanics have reshaped the damage landscape. Here's how the top specs rank:

🥇 S-Tier: The Dominators

These specs consistently top the meters and are highly sought after in raid groups.

Fury Warrior

Insane scaling with gear and buffs

Top-tier single-target and cleave damage

Benefits massively from world buffs and raid synergy

BiS in AQ40 with new Tier 2.5 sets

Fire Mage

Exceptional burst and AoE damage

Combustion cooldown enables massive crit windows

Best caster DPS in Phase 5

New raid gear enhances spell power and crit

Feral Druid (Cat)

High burst potential with new gear sets

Strong single-target DPS

Can swap to off-tank role if needed

Benefits from bleed-heavy encounters

🥈 A-Tier: Reliable Raiders

Solid performers with strong utility and consistent output.

Affliction Warlock

Great for sustained fights

Powerful DoTs and raid-wide debuffs

Scales well with spell power gear

Beast Mastery Hunter

Reliable ranged DPS

Pet mechanics offer flexibility

Great mobility and kiting potential

Shadow Priest

Decent DPS with Vampiric Touch and Shadow Word: Pain

Provides raid-wide buffs

Utility makes up for lower raw damage

🥉 B-Tier: Situational Picks

Viable in the right hands or specific encounters.

Elemental Shaman

Strong AoE with Chain Lightning

Inconsistent damage output

Mana management can be tricky

Combat Rogue

Steady melee DPS

Good in cleave-heavy fights

Lacks burst compared to Fury Warrior

⚠️ C-Tier: Niche Roles

Useful in PvP or utility roles, but not top-tier for raid DPS.

Frost Mage

Excellent crowd control

Lower damage compared to Fire Mage

Still viable in PvP or slow-heavy encounters

Arms Warrior

Solid AoE and utility

Struggles in single-target DPS

Better suited for PvP or support roles

💉 Healer Rankings: Keeping the Raid Alive

Healing is more than just topping meters—it's about survivability, utility, and adaptability. Phase 5 introduces new gear and raid mechanics that favor certain healing styles.

🥇 S-Tier: Raid Essentials

Holy Priest

Versatile toolkit: AoE, single-target, and absorption

Prayer of Healing and Power Word: Shield are raid staples

Can be hybridized into the Discipline for Power Infusion

Most stacked healer in raid groups

Restoration Shaman

Chain Heal is unmatched for raid-wide healing

Totems offer massive utility (Windfury, Mana Tide, etc.)

Strong AoE healing, especially in Horde raids

🥈 A-Tier: Strong Support

Restoration Druid

Excellent HoTs like Rejuvenation and Lifebloom

Combat res (Rebirth) is invaluable

Great for sustained healing over time

Discipline Priest

Shields and preventative healing

Power Infusion boosts caster DPS

Ideal for high-damage encounters

🥉 B-Tier: Situational Healers

Holy Paladin

Strong single-target healing

Lacks AoE capabilities

Best suited for tank healing

Blessings and auras provide raid-wide buffs

🛡️ Tank Rankings: The Frontline Guardians

Tanks are the cornerstone of raid stability. In Phase 5, threat generation, survivability, and utility define the best tank specs.

🥇 S-Tier: The Unshakables

Protection Warrior

Best threat generation and survivability

AoE and single-target taunts

Versatile builds (Deep Prot, Fury/Prot)

Dominates in both raids and dungeons

Feral Druid (Bear)

High health pool and armor

Strong AoE threat

Can swap to DPS when not tanking

Great for off-tank roles

🥈 A-Tier: Dungeon Specialists

Protection Paladin

Exceptional AoE tanking

Struggles with mana and single-target threat

No taunt ability limits raid viability

Best used in dungeons or niche encounters

🥉 B-Tier: Niche Tanks

Blood Death Knight (if available in your realm)

Strong self-healing

Unique utility

Requires high skill to maximize effectiveness

Less popular in Classic meta

🧪 Pro Tips:

Use event-exclusive gear and buffs to maximize output

Stock up on consumables tailored to your class

Pair with support classes (e.g., Shaman for Bloodlust) for synergy

Always prioritize player skill and group coordination over raw tier rankings

💰 Gold Farming & Economy Impact

As Phase 5 unfolds, players are not only chasing top-tier DPS but also exploring ways to maximize Classic Anniversary gold gains—whether through raid consumables, crafting, or farming high-yield mobs in Silithus and beyond.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Building the Perfect Raid Team

Phase 5 is all about synergy, gear scaling, and specialization. Here's how to optimize your group:

Stack S-Tier DPS for maximum damage output

Balance healers between AoE and single-target capabilities

Choose tanks based on encounter needs—Warriors for raids, Paladins for dungeons

Support specs like Shadow Priest and Elemental Shaman can boost overall raid performance

With the rise of WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Boosting, players can now fast-track their alts or help guildmates catch up for AQ raids, making team composition even more flexible in Phase 5.

📣 Community Bonus

While you're gearing up for AQ raids and optimizing your class picks, why not take a break and test your luck in our mini game hub?

Join our Mini Game Discord Channel—exciting prizes are waiting for you!