How we rank
This is a pre-launch prediction for healing level-60 dungeons and the first raid tier, in pre-raid gear. We weigh throughput, mana efficiency over long fights, raid-wide utility (dispels, buffs, mana return) and how flexible the spec is between tank healing and raid healing. Faction matters: in Classic, Paladins are Alliance-only and Shamans are Horde-only, so each fills the same “must bring” slot on its side.
The ranking leans mainly on well-established Classic Era raid experience, adjusted for the Forever talent changes we can see in the game client. One caveat: the client’s Forever talent data is partly stale. Many talents only ship rank-1 text, and server hotfixes will change the trees. So we only react to clear shifts. We will update this list after launch.
- S: The backbone of any raid’s healing.
- A: Excellent, with a narrower role.
- B: Works well as a support or hybrid. It will not top healing meters.
S tier
Holy Priest: Has the most tools of any healer: big single-target heals, Prayer of Healing, dispels and Fortitude. Spiritual Guidance now converts a much larger share of Spirit into healing, and Spirit of Redemption lasts longer.
Restoration Shaman: Chain Heal was already a top raid heal. Healing Way becomes a flat 33% Healing Wave bonus, and Purification jumps to 10%. On top of totems, that makes Shaman the Horde’s anchor healer.
A tier
Holy Paladin: Very mana-efficient single-target healing and Blessings that raids depend on. The new Light’s Vigil and Voice of Truth, plus stronger Holy Power, broaden the toolkit. Holy Shock’s healing drops in the client data, though, so we keep it just below S.
Restoration Druid: HoTs, Innervate and Battle Rez are always welcome. Swiftmend now heals for the full HoT, and Improved Tranquility gets a 60% shorter cooldown. It falls short of S only on raw raid throughput.
B tier
Discipline Priest: Power Infusion and Divine Spirit remain great raid buffs. Forever adds Contingency Plan (an emergency shield on an ally) and Mental Strength (now +15% Intellect). Strong, but a support spec rather than a primary healer.