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World of Warcraft: Forever · class guide

Survival Hunter: Races

Every race Survival Hunter can be, ranked against each other: best first, with how much the choice matters.

Best races for Survival Hunter

Best races for Survival Hunter in PvE

Race matters some

Race has a small effect on Survival Hunter, about 2% in total. Human Ruthless, which applies to ranged and melee attacks, edges out Wind Blessed haste, then Orc follows. Human is the best Alliance pick. Skyborne (Windshaper) is the best Horde pick.

  1. Human S tier

    Will to Survive gives Human the strongest safety here, which makes it the best pick for Survival Hunter.

    Why S, and its scores

    Ruthless adds 2% crit to ranged and melee attacks, and Survival's crit synergies make it worth about 2% more damage (an estimate). Will to Survive removes all stuns on a 3 minute cooldown, and Perception detects stealth for 20 seconds. Safety scores 3 of 5 for Survival Hunter. The Human Spirit adds 5% Spirit, which helps regen a little. Leveling scores 1 of 5.

    It has no race ahead of it. The next race, Skyborne (High Order), trails by 0.10 and sits in tier S. It falls short on safety (Walk on Air against Will to Survive, 1 of 5 to 3).

    Scores for Human for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 4
    Survival and utility25 3
    Leveling and downtime20 1

    Weighted score 3.15, the best for this spec, which is S tier.

    What would move it: It would lose first place if testing showed Wind Blessed on Skyborne (High Order) worth more than the estimate for Survival Hunter now, or if Ruthless were cut in a patch.

    The Human race page

  2. Skyborne High Order S tier

    Skyborne (High Order)'s Walk on Air trails Human's Will to Survive on safety.

    Why S, and its scores

    Wind Blessed adds 3% haste on Auto Shot and cast shots, an estimated 2 to 3% more damage. The ranged wind-up bug may cut into it. Walk on Air is a 10 second glide on a 90 second cooldown, and that is the whole safety kit. Safety scores 1 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Read Ley Line doubles health and mana regen (15 minutes at a ley line, 30 seconds elsewhere) and can be cast while moving. Leveling scores 3 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human. The best, Human, is 0.10 ahead because it is stronger on safety (Will to Survive, 3 of 5 against 1). This race wins on leveling (Read Ley Line) but not by enough. That is within 0.50 of the best, so it stays in tier S.

    Scores for Skyborne (High Order) for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 4
    Survival and utility25 1
    Leveling and downtime20 3

    Weighted score 3.05, 0.10 behind the best race for this spec, which is S tier.

    What would move it: It would lead outright if a test showed Wind Blessed worth more than the estimate now, or if Ruthless on Human lost value.

    The Skyborne race page

  3. Skyborne Windshaper S tier

    Skyborne (Windshaper)'s Walk on Air trails Human's Will to Survive on safety.

    Why S, and its scores

    Wind Blessed adds 3% haste on Auto Shot and cast shots, an estimated 2 to 3% more damage. The ranged wind-up bug may cut into it. Walk on Air is a 10 second glide on a 90 second cooldown, and that is the whole safety kit. Safety scores 1 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Skysight adds 10% movement speed for 30 seconds, or 15 minutes at an elemental convergence. Leveling scores 3 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human. The best, Human, is 0.10 ahead because it is stronger on safety (Will to Survive, 3 of 5 against 1). This race wins on leveling (Skysight) but not by enough. That is within 0.50 of the best, so it stays in tier S.

    Scores for Skyborne (Windshaper) for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 4
    Survival and utility25 1
    Leveling and downtime20 3

    Weighted score 3.05, 0.10 behind the best race for this spec, which is S tier.

    What would move it: It would lead outright if a test showed Wind Blessed worth more than the estimate now, or if Ruthless on Human lost value.

    The Skyborne race page

  4. Orc S tier

    Orc's Blood Fury trails Human's Ruthless on damage.

    Why S, and its scores

    Savage adds 1% crit, and Blood Fury adds 10% attack power for 15 seconds, about 1% on a pull (an estimate). Whether the pet inherits it is unconfirmed. Hardiness cuts stun duration 20%, and Shatter Curse removes Curses and Banes and cuts magic damage taken 5% for 8 seconds, every 3 minutes. Safety scores 3 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Hardiness helps against stuns, and little else helps leveling. Leveling scores 2 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human, Skyborne (High Order) and Skyborne (Windshaper). The best, Human, is 0.35 ahead because it is stronger on damage (Ruthless, 4 of 5 against 3). This race wins on leveling (Hardiness) but not by enough. That is within 0.50 of the best, so it stays in tier S.

    Scores for Orc for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 3
    Survival and utility25 3
    Leveling and downtime20 2

    Weighted score 2.80, 0.35 behind the best race for this spec, which is S tier.

    What would move it: It would lead outright if a test showed Blood Fury worth more than the estimate now, or if Ruthless on Human lost value.

    The Orc race page

  5. Troll A tier

    Troll's Berserking trails Human's Ruthless on damage.

    Why A, and its scores

    Berserking adds 10% ranged speed for 10 seconds per 3 minutes, about 0.6% on average (an estimate). Rapid Regeneration heals 50% of maximum health over 6 seconds, but any movement, action or damage cancels it. Regeneration adds 20% health regen. Safety scores 2 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Regeneration adds 20% health regen (20% of it works in combat), and Beast Slaying adds 5% damage to Beasts. In beast-heavy zones that is the biggest leveling edge, an estimated 1 to 3% over a leveling session. Leveling scores 4 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human, Skyborne (High Order), Skyborne (Windshaper) and 1 more. The best, Human, is 0.75 ahead because it is stronger on damage (Ruthless, 4 of 5 against 2) and safety (Will to Survive, 3 of 5 against 2). This race wins on leveling (Regeneration) but not by enough. Tier A covers up to 0.83 behind; tier S needs 0.50 or less.

    Scores for Troll for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 2
    Survival and utility25 2
    Leveling and downtime20 4

    Weighted score 2.40, 0.75 behind the best race for this spec, which is A tier.

    What would move it: Closing about 0.25 of weighted score, through a higher tested value for Berserking or a change to Ruthless on Human, would lift it to tier S.

    The Troll race page

  6. Night Elf B tier

    Night Elf's Elune's Light trails Human's Ruthless on damage.

    Why B, and its scores

    Elune's Light adds 10% crit for 15 seconds, about 0.8% on average (an estimate), and it can line up with pet cooldowns. Shadowmeld can be used in combat to discourage attacks (2 minute cooldown in combat), and Quickness adds 1% dodge. Safety scores 2 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Quickness adds 2% movement speed that stacks with other speed effects, and Wisp Spirit adds 75% speed as a wisp. Leveling scores 3 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human, Skyborne (High Order), Skyborne (Windshaper) and 2 more. The best, Human, is 0.95 ahead because it is stronger on damage (Ruthless, 4 of 5 against 2) and safety (Will to Survive, 3 of 5 against 2). This race wins on leveling (Quickness) but not by enough. Tier B covers up to 1.17 behind; tier A needs 0.83 or less.

    Scores for Night Elf for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 2
    Survival and utility25 2
    Leveling and downtime20 3

    Weighted score 2.20, 0.95 behind the best race for this spec, which is B tier.

    What would move it: Closing about 0.12 of weighted score, through a higher tested value for Elune's Light or a change to Ruthless on Human, would lift it to tier A.

    The Night Elf race page

  7. Dwarf B tier

    Dwarf's Earth Fury trails Human's Ruthless on damage.

    Why B, and its scores

    Earth Fury adds 2% to the crit bonus, about 0.1 to 0.4% more damage. Big Game Hunter adds 5% damage to Beasts. Stoneform removes bleed, poison and disease, grants immunity to them and cuts physical damage taken 10% for 8 seconds, every 3 minutes. Safety scores 4 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Big Game Hunter adds 5% damage to Beasts, and Find Treasure adds chest loot. In beast-heavy zones that is the biggest leveling edge, an estimated 1 to 3% over a leveling session. Leveling scores 3 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human, Skyborne (High Order), Skyborne (Windshaper) and 3 more. The best, Human, is 1.00 ahead because it is stronger on damage (Ruthless, 4 of 5 against 1). This race wins on leveling (Big Game Hunter) and safety (Stoneform) but not by enough. Tier B covers up to 1.17 behind; tier A needs 0.83 or less.

    Scores for Dwarf for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 1
    Survival and utility25 4
    Leveling and downtime20 3

    Weighted score 2.15, 1.00 behind the best race for this spec, which is B tier.

    What would move it: Closing about 0.17 of weighted score, through a higher tested value for Earth Fury or a change to Ruthless on Human, would lift it to tier A.

    The Dwarf race page

  8. Tauren C tier

    Tauren's Endurance trails Human's Ruthless on damage.

    Why C, and its scores

    Endurance adds 2% to the crit bonus, about 0.1 to 0.4% more output, an estimate. The health helps, not the damage. War Stomp stuns up to 5 enemies for 2 seconds on a 90 second cooldown, and Endurance adds 5% health. Safety scores 3 of 5 for Survival Hunter. Plainsrunning adds up to 30% movement speed while moving, and Endurance adds 5% health. Leveling scores 3 of 5.

    Ahead of it: Human, Skyborne (High Order), Skyborne (Windshaper) and 4 more. The best, Human, is 1.25 ahead because it is stronger on damage (Ruthless, 4 of 5 against 1). This race wins on leveling (Plainsrunning) but not by enough. Tier C covers up to 1.50 behind; tier B needs 1.17 or less.

    Scores for Tauren for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    The spec's job55 1
    Survival and utility25 3
    Leveling and downtime20 3

    Weighted score 1.90, 1.25 behind the best race for this spec, which is C tier.

    What would move it: Closing about 0.08 of weighted score, through a higher tested value for Endurance or a change to Ruthless on Human, would lift it to tier B.

    The Tauren race page

How these are ranked

Forecast. Rated from the client data and our research, before anyone has played it at this level on this build. Where the data stops, the write-up says what it assumed. Rated as of , build 1.60.1.70450.

For each of the 28 specs, every race that can play it, ranked against each other for that spec: what the race's racials give it in PvE, leveling 1 to 60 and then in dungeons and raids at 60. It answers one question per spec: which race should I pick for it?

A tier says how far a race trails the best race for the same spec, never how it compares with another spec's races: an S Dwarf Protection Warrior and an S Undead Fire Mage are each the best for their own spec. The best race of every spec is S. Each spec also says how much the choice matters: on some specs the best and worst races are a few percent apart, on others one racial decides it.

The scores are the racials' worth on fixed anchors (1 to 5). The tier comes from the weighted score's gap to the spec's best: 5 minus 1.5 times the gap, against the thresholds, so S is within 0.50 of the best and F more than 1.83 behind.

The racials are rated from their tooltips and the client's numbers; none has been measured in play. The percentages are estimates, and no racial is worth more than about 3% of a spec's output, so a damage spec's races are often close and its pick is a matter of a few percent.

Where a racial answers something a spec cannot do without, the gap is larger: Stoneform for a tank, a mana return for a healer, a fear break for a melee spec. Those specs say race matters a lot.

The rubric: each criterion scored 1 to 5
CriterionWeightWhat it measures
The spec's job55What the racials add to what the spec is for at 60: damage for a damage spec, healing and mana for a healer, survival and threat for a tank. 5: about 3% or more of the spec's output, or one racial the role leans on most fights (a tank's Stoneform, a healer's large mana return). 3: about 1 to 1.5%, or a role racial that helps on some fights. 1: nothing that adds to the spec's job.
Survival and utility25Racials that keep this spec alive or help its group, beyond its main job: removing or ignoring a common danger (fear, poison, disease, curse, stun), a damage cut, a threat drop, an interrupt or stun the spec lacks. 5: helps on most fights. 3: one racial that helps on some fights. 1: nothing.
Leveling and downtime20Makes leveling this spec quicker or easier: less eating and drinking, more health, speed, a strong solo cooldown. 5: a large help throughout. 3: helps a little, or helps some of the levels. 1: nothing.
S 0.50 or less behind the best
The best race for this spec, or as good as makes no difference.
A 0.83 or less behind the best
A little behind the best; a fine pick if you prefer it.
B 1.17 or less behind the best
Behind the best, but nothing you will notice most nights.
C 1.50 or less behind the best
Clearly behind the best on what this spec needs.
D 1.83 or less behind the best
Well behind the best; pick it for other reasons.
F more than 1.83 behind
The furthest behind for this spec.

What the ratings assume:

  • Racials as of the stated build: the client's tooltips, cooldowns and numbers, after the 15–16 Oct racial rework.
  • The spec played as its class guide sets it out, in its usual group role at 60, and leveled as that spec.
  • Gear: leveling gear, then pre-raid blues at 60.
  • No Legacy perks and no world buffs.
  • Faction is not rated. Both factions' races sit on one scale; each spec names the best pick on each side.
  • The game rules of the stated build. A patch that changes a racial makes a new version.

Best races for Survival Hunter in PvP

Race matters some

Survival fights at melee range, so it is stunned more often and bled by Rogues and Warriors. That makes Stoneform and the stun answers worth more than they are for the other Hunter specs, and a big burst window still leads. The spread is 1.40, so the choice matters some. Human is the best Alliance pick. Orc is the best Horde pick.

  • Best Alliance pick: Human S tier
  • Best Horde pick: Orc S tier

  1. Orc S tier

    Orc leads Survival Hunter: Blood Fury gives it the best burst, and Hardiness adds breaks.

    Why S, and its scores

    Breaks scores 3 of 5: Hardiness cuts stun duration 20% at all times, and Shatter Curse removes curses. Burst scores 5 of 5: Blood Fury adds 10% attack power and spell power for 15 seconds on a 3 minute cooldown, and Savage adds 1% crit. Defensives scores 2 of 5: Shatter Curse cuts magic damage 5% for 8 seconds. Mobility scores 1 of 5: Orc has nothing here.

    No race is ahead of it. The next race, Human, is 0.20 behind and sits in tier S. It falls short on burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Ruthless, 2) and defensives (Shatter Curse, 2 of 5, against 1 here).

    Scores for Orc for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 3
    Burst25 5
    Defensives25 2
    Mobility and detection20 1

    Weighted score 2.85, the best for this spec, which is S tier.

    What would move it: It would lose first place if testing whether Blood Fury's cooldown is 3 minutes (older notes say 2) went against it, or if its Blood Fury were cut in a patch. Human is 0.20 behind, so a small change could close it.

    The Orc race page

  2. Human S tier

    Human stays close to Orc for Survival Hunter: Will to Survive keeps it in tier S, short on burst and defense.

    Why S, and its scores

    Breaks scores 5 of 5: Will to Survive frees you from all stuns on a 3 minute cooldown. Burst scores 2 of 5: Ruthless adds 2% crit (on ranged attacks this is unconfirmed, so it is an estimate). Defensives scores 1 of 5: Human has no defensive racial. Mobility scores 2 of 5: Perception is a 20 second stealth detection on a 3 minute cooldown, and Spirit is 5% higher.

    It is 0.20 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier S. The gap comes from burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Ruthless, 2) and defensives (Shatter Curse, 2 of 5, against 1 here). It does lead on breaks (5 of 5 against 3) and mobility (2 of 5 against 1).

    Scores for Human for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 5
    Burst25 2
    Defensives25 1
    Mobility and detection20 2

    Weighted score 2.65, 0.20 behind the best race for this spec, which is S tier.

    What would move it: Settling whether Ruthless applies to ranged attacks (unconfirmed) could close the 0.20 gap to Orc: one more point on burst is worth 0.25.

    The Human race page

  3. Dwarf A tier

    Dwarf stays close to Orc for Survival Hunter: Stoneform keeps it in tier A, short on burst.

    Why A, and its scores

    Breaks scores 3 of 5: Stoneform cleanses Bleed, Poison and Disease, a narrow family. Survival fights in melee, against the Rogues and Warriors whose bleeds and poisons Stoneform clears. Burst scores 1 of 5: Earth Fury adds a tiny 2% crit bonus. Defensives scores 3 of 5: Stoneform cuts Physical damage 10% for 8 seconds. Stoneform can share a window with Deterrence. Mobility scores 1 of 5: Dwarf has nothing here.

    It is 0.75 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier A. The gap comes from burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Earth Fury, 1). It does lead on defensives (3 of 5 against 2).

    Scores for Dwarf for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 3
    Burst25 1
    Defensives25 3
    Mobility and detection20 1

    Weighted score 2.10, 0.75 behind the best race for this spec, which is A tier.

    What would move it: Reaching Orc means making up 0.75. One more point on defensives is worth 0.25, so settling the real size of Stoneform's 10% Physical cut would not be enough by itself. It would take a patch to its racials.

    The Dwarf race page

  4. Night Elf B tier

    Night Elf trails Orc for Survival Hunter on breaks and burst, and Elune's Light does not make up the difference.

    Why B, and its scores

    Breaks scores 1 of 5: Night Elf has no break from control. Burst scores 3 of 5: Elune's Light adds 10% crit for 15 seconds on a 3 minute cooldown. The crit window feeds Mongoose Bite and Counterattack. Defensives scores 2 of 5: Night Elf has only a 1% dodge gain. Mobility scores 2 of 5: Shadowmeld, 2% extra speed and a one-level stealth edge for Rogues and Druids help, and Shadowmeld against players in combat is untested.

    It is 0.90 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier B. The gap comes from breaks (Hardiness, 3 of 5, against 1 here) and burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Elune's Light, 3). It does lead on mobility (2 of 5 against 1).

    Scores for Night Elf for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 1
    Burst25 3
    Defensives25 2
    Mobility and detection20 2

    Weighted score 1.95, 0.90 behind the best race for this spec, which is B tier.

    What would move it: Reaching Orc means making up 0.90. One more point on mobility is worth 0.20, so settling whether Shadowmeld discourages attacks in combat against players (untested) would not be enough by itself. It would take a patch to its racials.

    The Night Elf race page

  5. Tauren C tier

    Tauren trails Orc for Survival Hunter on burst and breaks, and War Stomp does not make up the difference.

    Why C, and its scores

    Breaks scores 1 of 5: Tauren has no break from control. Burst scores 1 of 5: Endurance adds a 2% crit bonus. Defensives scores 2 of 5: Endurance adds 5% health. Mobility scores 3 of 5: War Stomp stuns five enemies within 8 yards for 2 seconds (0.5 second cast, 90 second cooldown, and a stun or interrupt cuts it), and Plainsrunning adds speed while moving.

    It is 1.20 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier C. The gap comes from burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Endurance, 1) and breaks (Hardiness, 3 of 5, against 1 here). It does lead on mobility (3 of 5 against 1).

    Scores for Tauren for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 1
    Burst25 1
    Defensives25 2
    Mobility and detection20 3

    Weighted score 1.65, 1.20 behind the best race for this spec, which is C tier.

    What would move it: Reaching Orc means making up 1.20. One more point on mobility is worth 0.20, so settling whether War Stomp lands before a melee attacker closes the 8 yard gap would not be enough by itself. It would take a patch to its racials.

    The Tauren race page

  6. Troll C tier

    Troll trails Orc for Survival Hunter on breaks and burst, and Berserking does not make up the difference.

    Why C, and its scores

    Breaks scores 1 of 5: Troll has no break from control. Burst scores 3 of 5: Berserking adds 10% attack and casting speed for 10 seconds on a 3 minute cooldown. Defensives scores 1 of 5: Rapid Regeneration heals 50% over 6 seconds but any damage, action or movement cancels it, so it works only out of combat. Mobility scores 1 of 5: Troll has nothing here.

    It is 1.35 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier C. The gap comes from breaks (Hardiness, 3 of 5, against 1 here), burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Berserking, 3) and defensives (Shatter Curse, 2 of 5, against Rapid Regeneration, 1).

    Scores for Troll for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 1
    Burst25 3
    Defensives25 1
    Mobility and detection20 1

    Weighted score 1.50, 1.35 behind the best race for this spec, which is C tier.

    What would move it: Reaching Orc means making up 1.35. One more point on burst is worth 0.25, so settling how much Berserking's 10% adds in a real fight (an estimate) would not be enough by itself. It would take a patch to its racials.

    The Troll race page

  7. Skyborne High Order C tier

    Skyborne (High Order) trails Orc for Survival Hunter on burst and breaks, and Wind Blessed does not make up the difference.

    Why C, and its scores

    Breaks scores 1 of 5: Skyborne has no break from control. Burst scores 2 of 5: Wind Blessed adds 3% haste at all times. Defensives scores 1 of 5: Skyborne has no combat defense, only Read Ley Line, which doubles health and mana regeneration out of combat. Mobility scores 2 of 5: Walk on Air is a 10 second glide on a 90 second cooldown, and Read Ley Line can be cast while moving.

    It is 1.40 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier C. The gap comes from burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Wind Blessed, 2), breaks (Hardiness, 3 of 5, against 1 here) and defensives (Shatter Curse, 2 of 5, against Read Ley Line, 1). It does lead on mobility (2 of 5 against 1).

    Scores for Skyborne (High Order) for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 1
    Burst25 2
    Defensives25 1
    Mobility and detection20 2

    Weighted score 1.45, 1.40 behind the best race for this spec, which is C tier.

    What would move it: Reaching Orc means making up 1.40. One more point on burst is worth 0.25, so settling whether the 0.5 second Auto Shot wind-up bug is fixed would not be enough by itself. It would take a patch to its racials.

    The Skyborne race page

  8. Skyborne Windshaper C tier

    Skyborne (Windshaper) trails Orc for Survival Hunter on burst and breaks, and Wind Blessed does not make up the difference.

    Why C, and its scores

    Breaks scores 1 of 5: Skyborne has no break from control. Burst scores 2 of 5: Wind Blessed adds 3% haste at all times. Defensives scores 1 of 5: Skyborne has nothing in combat. Mobility scores 2 of 5: Skysight adds 10% speed for 30 seconds and can be cast while moving, and Walk on Air is a 10 second glide on a 90 second cooldown.

    It is 1.40 behind Orc, the best race for this spec, and sits in tier C. The gap comes from burst (Blood Fury, 5 of 5, against Wind Blessed, 2), breaks (Hardiness, 3 of 5, against 1 here) and defensives (Shatter Curse, 2 of 5, against 1 here). It does lead on mobility (2 of 5 against 1).

    Scores for Skyborne (Windshaper) for Survival Hunter
    CriterionWeightScore
    Breaks and escapes30 1
    Burst25 2
    Defensives25 1
    Mobility and detection20 2

    Weighted score 1.45, 1.40 behind the best race for this spec, which is C tier.

    What would move it: Reaching Orc means making up 1.40. One more point on burst is worth 0.25, so settling whether the 0.5 second Auto Shot wind-up bug is fixed would not be enough by itself. It would take a patch to its racials.

    The Skyborne race page

How these are ranked

Forecast. Rated from the client data and our research, before anyone has played it at this level on this build. Where the data stops, the write-up says what it assumed. Rated as of , build 1.60.1.70450.

For each of the 28 specs, every race that can play it, ranked against each other for that spec in PvP: what the race's racials give it at level 60 in open-world fights and battlegrounds, against players of similar level and gear. It answers one question per spec: which race should I pick for it in PvP?

A tier says how far a race trails the best race for the same spec, never how it compares with another spec's races. The best race of every spec is S. Each spec also says how much the choice matters.

The scores are the racials' worth on fixed anchors (1 to 5). The tier comes from the weighted score's gap to the spec's best: 5 minus 1.5 times the gap, against the thresholds, so S is within 0.50 of the best and F more than 1.83 behind.

The racials are rated from their tooltips and the client's numbers; none has been measured in play, and diminishing returns on control in this build are not yet confirmed.

A break from the control a spec suffers most weighs most: a stun break for a melee spec that must stay on its target, a fear break for a spec that can't answer fear itself. Where a spec already has its own answer, the racial is worth less to it.

The rubric: each criterion scored 1 to 5
CriterionWeightWhat it measures
Breaks and escapes30Racials that free this spec from the control it suffers most. 5: an on-use break from a whole family of control (all stuns, or all fears and charms) on a cooldown of 2 to 3 minutes, or an always-on cut to control that works every fight. 3: a break for a narrower family (roots and slows, or one effect type such as curses or poisons), or one that only partly fits how this spec is controlled. 1: nothing.
Burst25Racials that raise this spec's damage (or a healer's healing) against players in its burst window. 5: about 10% or more, lined up with its own cooldowns, or an always-on gain the spec uses fully. 3: a smaller gain, or one the spec only partly uses (a physical bonus on a mostly spell spec). 1: nothing.
Defensives25Racials that keep this spec alive against players. 5: one that turns a losing fight: a large damage cut or immunity on use, more health, or healing in combat that a player can't stop. 3: a small or narrow one: a few % cut against one school, a small health or dodge gain, a heal that damage interrupts. 1: nothing.
Mobility and detection20Tools that win fights outside the numbers. 5: an area stun or interrupt the spec lacks, stealth or stealth detection that changes its fights, a lasting speed boost that works in combat. 3: one such tool, or several small ones (a short sprint, a safe fall). 1: nothing.
S 0.50 or less behind the best
The best race for this spec, or as good as makes no difference.
A 0.83 or less behind the best
A little behind the best; a fine pick if you prefer it.
B 1.17 or less behind the best
Behind the best, but nothing you will notice most nights.
C 1.50 or less behind the best
Clearly behind the best on what this spec needs.
D 1.83 or less behind the best
Well behind the best; pick it for other reasons.
F more than 1.83 behind
The furthest behind for this spec.

What the ratings assume:

  • Racials as of the stated build: the client's tooltips, cooldowns and numbers, after the 15–16 Oct racial rework.
  • The spec in a PvP-minded build, as its class's open-world PvP research sets it out.
  • Gear: pre-raid blues. No honor gear yet.
  • Opponents of any class and race, so a racial is worth what it does against the whole field, not one matchup.
  • Faction is not rated: population, queue times and which faction's classes are stronger are not part of the score. Each spec names the best pick on each side.
  • The game rules of the stated build. A patch that changes a racial makes a new version.