I'm a little bit confused as to what class to play. I was playing a warlock up to level 7 and was told that Warlocks are more of a DOT Steady DPS class, by somebody, who recommended I play an Elementalist Shaman.

But I've read here in the forums that there are a couple of contenders for this, Moonkins, Mages, Hunters.

Somebody on my server even recommended a Shadow Priest.

Any insight into these classes would be appreciated - I'm new and don't really know anything about this game.

I just want to be able to level fast and be somewhat viable/good in PVP lateron. (I don't mind learning a class and playing to its potential.)

Destruction Warlocks have insane sustained burst DPS so whoever told you they're a DOT heavy class is right in a way, but only if they're Affliction. Arcane Mages also can put up incredible burst DPS, espically with the Arcane Barrage/Missles combo. The others I'm not really familiar enough to know about so yeah.

Leveling up locks use DOTs a lot but get to 80 and switch to destruction then still back and enjoy the crits.

Hunters have insane DPS at times, but only if they can stand still and shoot, not to mention stay focused on one target.

Shadow Priests can do some great damage but their role is not one of being a main DPS.

To me Locks and Mages would be your best bet in regards to burst DPS.

Ele shamans have some burst dps but not as much as other classes, beause at 75 I think they get a spell that should always be a crit since you should always keep your DoT up.

Arcane.



Mage.


we have a few very good geared ones in my guild, one being my own, all put out around 6-9k dps in 5 man heroics.

I call bullshit! 9k in a 5man? Not a chance

quote 1david10

I call bullshit! 9k in a 5man? Not a chance

Easymode as an arcane mage.

I've also seen elemental shamans pull 7-9k burst on 5man bosses.

Destro warlocks have ok burst but rng plays a big role.

Destro locks are getting a burst nerf anyway, so I wouldn't put them high priority when choosing.

Personally, I'd go Mage or Ele Sham.

Arcane Mage for sure. Elemental Shaman has a limited bit of burst, but can still do pretty well.

Shadow Priest is more DoT based and sustained damage than burst.

It's possible to stay with the Warlock even if they're getting a nerf. But stick with it if you want to. They can still do pretty well, as they're a pure DPS class, or just go with the Mage. One way or another burst casterness.

I'm a lock and the burst damage of destruction can be pretty fun to look at. As for the upcoming nerf, I'm unaware of what they're actually doing but that's going to bum me out if my favorite spec becomes unreliable.

Not becoming unreliable, they're just transferring some of your burst damage to a DoT (Immolate, I think.) It's supposed to work out where the damage is the same, just not as bursty.

Conflagrate: now deals damage equal to 60% of your Immolate or Shadowflame and causes 20% additional damage over 6 sec.

I believe that's down from 80%, hence the 20% DoT.

It doesn't exactly reduce the damage done, but it does decrease your dps, which is what most people seem to be stupid enough to judge a person on.

Key words there: when geared.

Anything can pull high dps if geared properly. Thing is, an Ele Shaman in roughly the same gear as a Mage shouldn't pull nearly as high dps. You know, the whole hybrid vs. pure thing. Even in blues Mages can pull some insane dps. Shamans, not so much.

Sure, the squishiness can be a problem sometimes, but that shouldn't really be a dps's concern considering your healers should be on top of that. Plus Mages have some insane threat reducing abilities, and a couple OHSHI~ buttons.

I will agree that Ele Shamans can faceroll more so than some Mages, but honestly... Keybind Arcane Barrage on every key and you'll win 95% of the time. @_@