With the WoW Classic Anniversary update rolling in and players gearing up for another round of early-expansion theorycrafting, one question is popping up everywhere again: which DPS specs actually come out on top in Phase 1? We got you a TBC Classic Anniversary dps tier list, ranking the best dps from S to D tier based on Phase 1 of  (Kara, Gruul, Mag).

TBC Classic Anniversary DPS Tier List - WoW Anniversary DPS Ranking

Early TBC gearing heavily favors certain casters and Hunters, while some melee specs—especially Rogues—fight an uphill battle. Whether you’re returning after a long break or planning your roster for launch night, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each DPS spec can save you a lot of frustration later on.  Below is a breakdown of why each spec sits where it sits in the WoW Classic TBC Anniversary dps tier list.

S Tier 

• Arcane Mage

Arcane is arguably the strongest Phase 1 spec, especially in 10-man raids like Karazhan. Extremely high single-target burst. Very strong mana management with group support. Early gear benefits Arcane more than Fire/Frost.

• Destruction Warlock

Warlocks are monsters in TBC, and Destruction is their strongest Phase 1 build. Aggressive single-target damage. Benefits quickly from early hit, crit, and SP gear. Strong synergy with party buffs and curses.

• Beast Mastery Hunter

BM is one of the easiest and strongest early-game specs. Low gear dependency. Pet damage scales incredibly well. Consistent, reliable DPS across all encounters.

• Survival Hunter

Survival is nearly as strong as BM, especially with good agility gear. Great raid utility (Expose Weakness).

Solid DPS even early on. Less gear-dependent than melee.

A Tier 

• Fury Warrior

Warriors are good immediately — IF they get weapons early. Gear dependent, but strong once geared. Scales harder than almost any other melee. Performs especially well in 10-mans if geared.

• Demonology Warlock

A strong spec with solid scaling but slightly behind Destruction: Great utility with Demonic Pact. Good damage but not top-tier early. Scales harder into later tiers.

• Fire Mage

Fire isn’t bad, but early raid gear doesn’t favor it over Arcane. Needs crit to shine. Still strong on multi-target and cleave.

B Tier 

• Affliction Warlock

Strong utility, consistent DoT damage, but: Slower ramp. Lower burst than Destro.

• Arms Warrior

Good in PvP, and in PvE the damage is “fine.” Brings Blood Frenzy (raid buff). Lower output than Fury.

• Enhancement Shaman

Great group support and decent damage. Relies on uptime and good weapon RNG. Very valuable, but not top-tier meters.

• Elemental Shaman

Reliable, consistent caster DPS. Very strong in 5-mens and early raids. But not explosive enough to reach A/S tier.

• Retribution Paladin

Huge improvement from Classic, but still middle-tier. Great utility and buffs. Damage is fine, but not exceptional. Much more fun than Classic Ret.

• Shadow Priest

Extremely useful for mana regen, DoTs, and group support. Not a top DPS spec, but not meant to be. Utility alone guarantees raid spots.

C Tier 

• Balance Druid

Brings strong raid utility but lacks early damage. Scales better in later tiers. Low DPS compared to mages/locks in Phase 1.

• Feral Druid (DPS)

Feral is more valued as a tank in early TBC. DPS side struggles with energy and gear scaling. Playable, but not competitive.

• Outlaw/Combat Rogue

Rogues have a very rough Phase 1. Little utility. Pure single-target but weaker than BM, Mages, Locks. Poor dungeon desirability (“rogues bring nothing”).

D Tier

• Frost Mage

Frost is simply not a raid DPS spec. Strong defensively, weak damage. Outclassed by Arcane and Fire in every way.

• Assassination Rogue

No early poison scaling, low energy efficiency. Extremely weak until much later gear.

• Subtlety Rogue

Works in PvP, not PvE. One of the lowest DPS specs in the game early on. Rogues overall struggle, but Sub is the lowest point.