🔥 Best DPS Classes & Specs in Mists of Pandaria Classic
Up-to-date DPS tier list, comparisons, and playstyle recommendations, with references you can trust.
Survival 
Destruction 
Unholy TL;DR 🏆
In Phase 1, most sources agree the strongest overall DPS you can bring are: Survival Hunter, Destruction Warlock, and Unholy Death Knight. This aligns with community and expert lists (e.g., “according to Icy Veins”, “according to Method”, and “according to Warcraft Tavern”).
S-Tier 🔥 (Phase 1)
Survival Hunter S-Tier
Explosive cleave, early AoE power, and valuable utility (Misdirection, traps). Frequently stacked in early raid comps, according to Icy Veins and Warcraft Tavern.
Unholy Death Knight S-Tier
Gargoyle burst, excellent sustained AoE, and unique tools (Death Grip, raid haste), according to Icy Veins.
A-Tier đź’Ş (Phase 1)
đź“Š Comparison Table, S-Tier vs A-Tier
| Spec (Icon) | Role / Strength | Key Utility | Stackability | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survival Hunter | Ranged burst & AoE | Misdirection, traps | High | Icy Veins |
| Destruction Warlock | Top cleave burst, strong ST | Healthstones, Gateway | High | Method |
| Unholy DK | Gargoyle burst, sustained AoE | Death Grip, Haste aura | Medium–High | Icy Veins |
| Arms Warrior | Consistent single-target | Skull Banner | Medium | Icy Veins |
| Subtlety Rogue | Top sustained ST (skill-capped) | Smoke Bomb | Medium | Method |
| Frost Mage | Proc-driven burst & control | Spellsteal, slows | Medium | Icy Veins |
How Rankings Shift Later ⏩
Expect the meta to evolve as gear and trinkets scale. Community previews suggest specs like Beast Mastery Hunter, Affliction Warlock, Fury Warrior, and Fire Mage gain ground in later phases, according to Wowvendor. For phase structure details, see the Phase Overview on Icy Veins.
Pick by Playstyle 🎯
“Easy to slot & ranged”
Survival Hunter or Destruction Warlock.
“Melee burst + utility”
Unholy DK or Arms Warrior.
“High skill, high ST”
Subtlety Rogue or Frost Mage.
Sources & Further Reading đź“š
- • “According to” Icy Veins – MoP Classic DPS Rankings
- • “According to” Method – MoP Classic DPS PvE Tier List
- • “According to” Warcraft Tavern – MoP DPS Rankings
- • “According to” Wowvendor – MoP Classic DPS Tier (predictions)