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!
