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World of Warcraft Class Rankings

6 minutes read
Four Wow characters standing around the fire on the character select screen
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Arguably, the most popular MMO (massively multiplayer online) game of all time is World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft (WoW) has evolved significantly since its release in 2004, with each expansion bringing changes to class balance, abilities, and playstyles. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, choosing the right class is crucial to your experience. So I’m going to rank all current World of Warcraft classes based on their versatility, performance in PvE and PvP, and overall fun factor. So, let’s get into it!

13. Hunter

The Hunter drawing back the string on his bow
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

In World of Warcraft Hunters bring ranged damage and pet utility. This makes them a great solo class which is great for when you have to do those long solo quests. However, their performance in high-end content can sometimes lag behind other ranged damage dealers. When I played Wow I can say the Hunter class was one of my least favorites as well.

12. Monk

The Panda Monk standing in front of a shrine
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Next, we have none other than the Monk. Monks do offer a unique martial arts playstyle. They also come with a solid tanking, healing, and melee DPS (damage per second) kit. While fun to play for many, they do have some complexity to them. Then their reliance on resource management keeps them from ranking higher in the World of Warcraft class rankings.

11. Evoker

Next up is one of the classes I’ve had the least time with the Evoker. Introduced in Dragonflight, Evokers bring a unique draconic flavor to WoW with their mid-range spellcasting and mobility-focused playstyle. Their Devastation specialization excels in burst damage, while Preservation offers a fresh take on healing mechanics. While new, their impact in both PvE and PvP is undeniable.

10. Demon Hunter

The Demon hunter going in for an attack with his weapons
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Next up in the World of Warcraft class rankings is the Demon Hunter. I remember when I first saw this class I thought it looked so cool. The Demon Hunter is a highly mobile and fast-paced class. Demon Hunters excel in both tanking and melee DPS. Their unique double jump and glide mechanics set them apart from the rest. For some though their reliance on mobility can make them challenging to master.

9. Shaman

A Dwarf Shaman showing off his shield and staff
Image Credit: Vablo via Deviant Art

Next up is a class I always wanted to master, but just ended up playing the ones I was used to. The Shaman brings utility to their groups with unique totems. These totems provide a wide range of abilities. They also provide strong burst potential and have healing capabilities. While not always topping the DPS charts, their flexibility makes them a solid choice. And a great supporting class for any party in World of Warcraft.

8. Rogue

A Worgen Rogue brandishing a dagger
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Even though there are a few games where they rank high, rogues usually don’t get a lot of love. In this game, rogues excel in stealth-based gameplay, high burst damage, and crowd control. Keep in mind they do require a strong knowledge of positioning and cooldown management. In World of Warcraft, their impact in both PvE and PvP is absolutely undeniable.

7. Priest

The Priest page in Blizzards website that shows the priests abilities
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Next on the list, we have the priest which is a staple healing class. Healing always feels like a lot of responsibility to me, so not my usual go-to class in any game. World of Warcraft Priests shines in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Their discipline spec offers a unique blend of damage and healing. Although they have their shadow specialization which provides strong caster damage.

6. Mage

The Mage floating in the air with a castle in the background as she gathers a spell in her hands
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Number six on the list is none other than the mage. Mages are the masters of arcane power. Mages can be great as they provide some of the best burst damage in the game. People also can utilize their ability to teleport to their advantage. Then their crowd control and deal AoE damage makes them invaluable in both PvE and PvP. Mage isn’t my favorite, but it ranks up there as one of my favorites to play in World of Warcraft.

5. Death Knight

The Death Knight in armor with his sword brandished
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Number five happens to be the very first class I played since I joined around the Wrath of the Lich King expansion. As the first hero class introduced in World of Warcraft, Death Knights offers an engaging mix of melee combat and self-sustain. Both their tanking and damage specs remain powerful choices in most expansions. Plus, they have one of the coolest appearances in the game.

4. Warlock

Three Warlocks posing together in a sandy region with a building in the background
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Next, we have my personal favorite World of Warcraft class, the Warlock. Warlocks offer very strong damage over time abilities which are useful in multiple scenarios. They also have access to their pets for utility and high survivability. Their powerful burst in PvE and PvP, coupled with their ability to self-heal, makes them a solid pick for any content.

3. Warrior

A Warrior standing showing off his big sword with fire coming off the hilt
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

One of the main staples of World of Warcraft is none other than the Warrior. Warriors will bring raw melee damage and powerful tanking abilities. Tanking is another thing like healing that entails a lot of responsibility at times. Their skill ceiling is high, but the payoff is immense for those who master their rage mechanics. Leading to being one of the most important members of any WOW party.

2. Druid

A Tauren Druid aiming his staff
Image Credit: anotherwanderer via Deviant Art

Almost number one, but not quite is our “Jack of all Trades,” the druid. Druids are the only class that can perform all four roles in World of Warcraft. They can be tank, melee DPS, ranged DPS, and be the healer. Their flexibility, combined with mobility and crowd control, ensures they remain a strong choice in any content.

1. Paladin

Uther Lightbringer the Paladin standing stoically with his hammer and tome in hand
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment

Now the class that holds the number one spot for classes in World of Warcraft is the Paladin. Paladins are one of the most versatile classes in the game. They have to ability to excel in tanking, healing, and damage-dealing roles. Their strong defensive cooldowns, utility, and burst potential make them a favorite in both PvE and PvP.

Final Thoughts

Just like with all MMOs every class in World of Warcraft has its strengths and weaknesses. Speaking from experience always remember that personal preference plays a significant role in what class is best for you. Whether you enjoy tanking, healing, or dealing damage, there is a class to match your playstyle. As Blizzard continues to update and balance the game, rankings may shift, but the diversity of playstyles ensures there’s always a compelling choice for every player. With the rumors of the game headed to Game Pass and more expansions on the way, we might see a fluctuation of new players trying out the game. Let me know what you think of the rankings.

Chris Jones

Sports, Wrestling, Gaming, Family Man, Anime, and MTG. Old school JRPGs and Turn-Based games are my favorite. Enjoying podcasting and writing.