Exploring The New Tank Classes In WoW Classic: Season Of Discovery

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Some new classes have joined the fray when it comes to tanking, thanks to the new rune system in WoW Classic: Season of Discovery. The meta as we know it shifts each phase of SOD. This SOD Tank Tier list will outline where each class lands as a formidable tank for dungeons and raids. The information given is based on Phase 1 of WoW Classic: SOD, which involves a level cap of 25 and raiding the Blackfathom Deeps.

As players explore the evolving landscape of WoW Classic, it's important to stay updated with the latest tier lists and rankings. The ongoing updates and changes may influence the effectiveness of each class, particularly as players reach the new level cap and engage in challenging raid scenarios. This article aims to provide an insightful overview of the current tanking classes and their rankings, making it easier for players to choose the right tank for their adventures.

Note: As the WoW Classic season continues to be discovered, these Hardcore Gamer tier lists will be updated, and classes will often shift around, especially at the beginning of each phase as the level bracket slowly rises to 60. This list is built on current expectations of how each class will perform in a raid or dungeon scenario.

What You Will Learn

The impact of the new rune system on tanking classes in WoW Classic.
Detailed rankings of each tank class based on their performance in the current meta.
Key strengths and weaknesses of each tank class, helping players make informed decisions.
Updates and shifts in the meta as players progress through the phases of Season of Discovery.

Why Trust Hardcore Gamer's WoW Tier Lists?

With experience since original vanilla wow days back in 2004 and 2005, private servers, and WoW Classic, the Hardcore Gamer team then attended Blizzcon 2023 to further experience what WoW Classic: SOD had to offer. Hands-on time with the demo on the Blizzcon floor allowed the team to test out several classes and specializations. Researching the new runes available for each class allows additional theory crafting to the process to build this expected Tank tier list.

WoW: SOD Tank Tier List Ranking Criteria

It is important to outline the main factors we took into consideration when building this Season of Discovery Tank tier list. The factors applied are based on each class's ability in the Blackfathom Deeps raid. Below the factors considered are in order of importance when weighing each factor:

Damage Mitigation (Single Target and AoE)
Threat
Utility
Other buffs or synergies they bring to the raid

Season of Discovery Tank Tier List Overall Ranking

To jump to a specific tier or class, click on the table below.

Tier

S A B C

Class

Warrior Paladin Warlock Druid Shaman Rogue

Best Tanks in WoW SOD

Warrior

Difficulty	Mitigation	Threat	Utility
Moderate	High	High	Low

Warriors excel as tanks with a focus on high mitigation through talents like Shield Specialization, granting a 5% increased chance to block attacks with a shield. The Improved Shield Block talent not only enhances damage mitigation but also generates additional rage on successful blocks. Last Stand enhances survivability by temporarily increasing maximum health, providing a crucial buffer in challenging situations. Points invested in Toughness contribute to increased armor, further reducing overall damage taken.

The Warrior's ability to generate threat is commendable, particularly with tools like Devastate and Sunder Armor. The flexibility in Rune choices, such as opting for Warbringer or Blood Frenzy, allows for adaptability based on playstyle and group dynamics. Additionally, the Consumed by Rage Rune provides a significant damage boost when reaching 80 rage, enhancing threat generation and DPS during critical moments in combat.

However, Warrior tanking comes with challenges. The class is heavily gear-dependent, meaning the effectiveness of a Warrior tank is closely tied to the quality of their equipment. Managing rage can be complex, especially in the early stages of a fight, impacting the Warrior's ability to balance survivability and threat generation. Warriors may encounter difficulties in generating threat on multiple enemies simultaneously, particularly without talents like Defiance.