Blizzard’s Anniversary tuning, updated class interactions, and Phase 1 BiS testing on the PTR have reshaped the raid meta in ways that feel both nostalgic and completely new. Read our WoW Anniversary raid tier list, ranking best raid classes and specs.

TBC Classic Anniversary Best Raid Specs - WoW Anniversary Raid Tier List

This TBC Classic Anniversary raid tier list is based on extensive testing on the Anniversary PTR (Public Test Realm). He evaluates specs based on three main criteria. Their raw damage or healing performance. The buffs, debuffs, and unique tools they bring to a raid. How sought-after the spec is for both 10-man (Karazhan) and 25-man raids. The "Anniversary" version has changes from original TBC, like Double Dragonstrike (Dragonmaw) being possible, which massively boosts Fury Warriors. The testing was done with Phase 1 BiS gear, so performance might differ at actual launch.

S Tier 

These specs are considered top performers in their role, highly desired, and bring significant power or utility.

Beast Mastery Hunter: 

Top physical DPS, brings powerful buffs (Ferocious Inspiration), and is very stackable. Easy to play effectively.

Destruction Warlock: 

Top caster DPS, especially in AoE. Brings essential curses (Curse of Elements/Recklessness) and scales incredibly well. A raid staple.

Arcane Mage: 

Extremely strong single-target damage, outshining Fire in the current meta. Benefits greatly from external mana support (Innervate, Mana Tide).

Feral Druid (Tank/Bear): 

Considered the best single-target threat tank, very durable, and can also deal good damage. Often asked to off-tank.

Fury Warrior: 

The premier melee DPS, especially with the Double Dragonmaw bug. Deals massive damage and is a core part of any physical damage group.

Brewmaster Monk: 

(Note: Monk is not in original TBC; this is likely a speculative or custom addition for the Anniversary event. The video text focuses on classic classes.)

Holy Priest: 

Top-tier healer with excellent AoE healing (Circle of Healing, Prayer of Mending) and efficiency. A locked-in healer spot.

Restoration Shaman: 

The #1 healer due to Bloodlust/Heroism and Chain Heal. Brings essential totems (Windfury, Mana Spring) and is irreplaceable.

A Tier 

Excellent specs that are highly valuable but might be slightly more situational or outshined by the S-tier in raw output.

Enhancement Shaman: 

Crucial for any melee group. Provides Windfury Totem, which dramatically increases the damage of Warriors and Hunters. Their personal DPS is also solid.

Survival Hunter: 

Brings the vital Exposed Weakness debuff (increases raid physical damage) and has very high personal DPS.

Affliction Warlock: 

Brings strong curses and utility (Shadow Embrace). Damage is good, especially with a Shadow Priest, but ramps up slower than Destruction.

Demonology Warlock (Felguard spec): 

More durable and has good cleave/AoE. Excels in movement-heavy or multi-target fights (like Magtheridon). Very useful.

Fire Mage: 

A strong spec that is only A-tier because Arcane exists. If Arcane were nerfed, Fire would be top-tier. Brings the Critical Strike debuff (Improved Scorch).

Arms Warrior (Kebab Spec): 

Brings the vital Blood Frenzy debuff (increases physical damage taken by the boss) and deals strong damage while dual-wielding.

Protection Warrior: 

A strong single-target tank with excellent threat. Struggles with AoE threat but is a very reliable main or off-tank.

Shadow Priest: 

A utility powerhouse. Provides massive mana regeneration to casters (Vampiric Touch), healing (Vampiric Embrace), and critical debuffs (Misery, Shadow Weaving). Damage is decent.

Restoration Druid: 

The third-best healer. Brings unique buffs (Mark of the Wild) and consistent raid healing with HoTs (Lifebloom, Rejuvenation). Very versatile.

B Tier (Viable / Niche Pick)

These specs are functional and can definitely clear content, but they face stiff competition or bring less overall value.

Balance Druid (Boomkin): 

Brings excellent buffs (3% spell hit, 5% spell crit) and Faerie Fire. Personal DPS is acceptable but doesn't scale as well as pure casters. Desirable to have one in a 25-man.

Elemental Shaman: 

Brings key totems (Wrath of Air, Totem of Wrath) and Bloodlust. Personal DPS is okay but falls off later. Fills a caster support role.

Retribution Paladin: 

Can deal good damage if Seal Twisting correctly. However, its key debuff (Judgment of the Crusader) can be provided by a Protection Paladin, reducing its unique necessity.

Combat Rogue: 

Brings the Expose Armor debuff. Personal DPS is fine but generally lower than top melee. Often competes for a single "utility melee" spot.

C Tier (Struggling / Hard to Justify)

These specs are significantly outperformed in their role and are hard to recommend for optimized groups.

Holy Paladin: 

Suffers from pure single-target healing in an AoE-heavy raid environment. While tank healing is strong, other healers bring more raid-wide utility and throughput. Buffs can be provided by other Paladin specs.

D Tier (Very Weak / Not Recommended)

The lowest-performing spec for raiding in the current meta.

Assassination Rogue: 

Lacks the crucial utility brought by Combat (Expose Armor) and offers less damage than other melee options. Simply outclassed.