Tier lists
How we rate professions
Every spec has two profession lists, one for PvE and one for PvP. All of a mode's lists rate the twelve professions on the same rubric, and much of what they say about a profession holds for every spec. That part is here, once; each spec's list keeps what is its own.
A spec's professions are ranked for PvE and for PvP. Each one's best partner is the best-ranked other primary profession on the same list, or, for a crafter whose materials are gathered, its gatherer when that ranks within one tier of the best.
In PvE
How much a profession helps this spec, leveling 1 to 60 and then in level-60 dungeons and raids. Gear the spec never wears and consumables it never uses count for nothing.
The subjects are all twelve professions: six crafting, three gathering and three secondary.
Each entry names its best partner: the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec, or, for a crafter whose material is gathered, its gatherer when that ranks within one tier of the best. The spec's best pair is its best-ranked primary and that entry's partner.
A forecast. Forever's item stats aren't public yet, so gear scores rest on what each item binds to and on Classic's values; raid gear counts from 9 Dec, when raids open.
Forever moved the healing potions from 
Alchemy to 
First Aid, and its camp items' buffs don't stack with the matching class buffs: both change the Classic answer for many specs.
Each criterion is scored against fixed anchors, then rescaled within this spec's twelve so the best scores 5 and the worst 1. A criterion whose twelve scores span one point or less keeps them as scored.
| Criterion | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Self-use at 60 | 40 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. It makes bind-on-pickup gear or items this spec wears or uses in raids and can't get any other way, or consumables it uses every raid night that would cost real gold to buy: 5. Useful self-made items it could also buy on the auction house, or one bind-on-pickup piece that is a modest upgrade: 3. Nothing this spec wears or uses at 60: 1. |
| Leveling help | 25 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. Upgrades this spec's gear or kill speed throughout 1–60, or turns its own kills and travel into income or supplies as it levels: 5. Helps for part of the climb, or saves some gold and downtime: 3. Takes time and gold while leveling and gives this spec nothing back until 60: 1. |
| Gold | 20 | Not scored here: the profession's score on the Professions for Gold: Settled list, rounded half up, then rescaled with the other criteria. It is the same on every spec's list. |
| Utility | 15 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. Something no other profession gives this spec, used often: Jumper Cables, transmutes, a camp item it relies on: 5. An occasional convenience: 3. None: 1. |
What each tier means
An entry’s tier comes from its weighted score. A tier set by hand instead says why in its write-up. Within a tier, the best score comes first.
- S 4.25 or more
- The best choice for this purpose. Strong on the criteria that count most, with no real weakness.
- A 3.75 or more
- Very strong. A little behind S, or one clear weakness.
- B 3.25 or more
- Good. Does the job well without special effort.
- C 2.75 or more
- Workable. About average on the rubric; nothing stands out either way.
- D 2.25 or more
- Weak. It works, but you will feel the gap; pick it for other reasons.
- F below 2.25
- Poor for this purpose. Avoid it unless something else decides for you.
What the ratings assume
- The game rules of the stated build. The list is re-rated on a patch that moves a score.
- A character that levels 1 to 60 and then runs dungeons and raids as this spec; raids count from 9 Dec.
- The profession is leveled alongside the character, reaching 300 at or soon after 60.
- No Legacy perks.
- Gathering, crafting, the auction house and vendors only.
How sure we are
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.
What most lists say about each profession
Where most of the PvE lists say the same thing about a profession, it is said here once. A spec whose list says something else keeps its own words on its list.
Alchemy in PvE
Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative: 4.15 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.35 below the 4.50 rounding step).
Strengths
- Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative
Weaknesses
- Leveling help, 2 of 5
Rated on assumptions:
- That raid gear and consumables at 60 score on Classic's values; Forever's item stats are not public yet and raids open on 9 Dec.
Blacksmithing in PvE
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 2.05 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.45 below the 2.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Weaknesses
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
- Utility, 1 of 5
Rated on assumptions:
- That raid gear and consumables at 60 score on Classic's values; Forever's item stats are not public yet and raids open on 9 Dec.
Cooking in PvE
Leveling help, 3 of 5: Nearly all Forever food gives +5% kill XP while well fed (client data), the same for every class, and it saves some downtime: a help for part of the climb.
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.80 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.30 above the 1.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Weaknesses
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
- Utility, 2 of 5
Enchanting in PvE
Gold, 3 of 5: 2.55 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.05 above the 2.50 rounding step).
Weaknesses
- Leveling help, 2 of 5
- Utility, 2 of 5
Rated on assumptions:
- That raid gear and consumables at 60 score on Classic's values; Forever's item stats are not public yet and raids open on 9 Dec.
Engineering in PvE
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.95 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.45 above the 1.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Strengths
- Utility, 5 of 5
Weaknesses
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
Rated on assumptions:
- That raid gear and consumables at 60 score on Classic's values; Forever's item stats are not public yet and raids open on 9 Dec.
First Aid in PvE
Gold, 3 of 5: 2.85 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.35 above the 2.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Strengths
- Leveling help, 4 of 5
Weaknesses
- Utility, 2 of 5
Fishing in PvE
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 2.25 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.25 below the 2.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on self-use at 60, and its 1.15 is 1.10 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Leveling help, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
- Utility, 2 of 5
- Self-use at 60, 1 of 5
What would move it: One more measured point on self-use at 60 (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Herbalism in PvE
Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative: 4.00 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.50 below the 4.50 rounding step).
Strengths
- Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative
Weaknesses
- Self-use at 60, 1 of 5
- Utility, 1 of 5
Leatherworking in PvE
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.65 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.15 above the 1.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Weaknesses
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
- Utility, 2 of 5
Rated on assumptions:
- That raid gear and consumables at 60 score on Classic's values; Forever's item stats are not public yet and raids open on 9 Dec.
Mining in PvE
Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative: 3.75 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.25 above the 3.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Strengths
- Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative
Weaknesses
- Leveling help, 2 of 5
- Utility, 1 of 5
Rated on assumptions:
- That camp buffs such as the Camp Chair and Lodestone work inside instances; this is untested in Forever.
Skinning in PvE
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 2.05 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.45 below the 2.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Weaknesses
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
- Utility, 1 of 5
- Self-use at 60, 2 of 5
Rated on assumptions:
- That camp buffs such as the Camp Chair and Lodestone work inside instances; this is untested in Forever.
Tailoring in PvE
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.85 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.35 above the 1.50 rounding step).
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Weaknesses
- Self-use at 60, 1 of 5
- Leveling help, 2 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on self-use at 60 (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
In PvP
How much a profession helps this spec fight other players at 60, in the open world and in battlegrounds together. Leveling is the PvE list's.
The subjects are all twelve professions: six crafting, three gathering and three secondary.
Each entry names its best partner: the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec, or, for a crafter whose material is gathered, its gatherer when that ranks within one tier of the best. The spec's best pair is its best-ranked primary and that entry's partner.
A forecast. Forever's item stats aren't public yet, so gear scores rest on what each item binds to and on Classic's values; raid gear counts from 9 Dec, when raids open.
Forever moved the healing potions from Alchemy to First Aid, and its camp items' buffs don't stack with the matching class buffs: both change the Classic answer for many specs.
Each criterion is scored against fixed anchors, then rescaled within this spec's twelve so the best scores 5 and the worst 1. A criterion whose twelve scores span one point or less keeps them as scored.
| Criterion | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. Items used in a fight that change its outcome and that only this profession can use or make, or that fill a gap in this spec's kit (a stun, a root breaker, a ranged snare): 5. Fight items that help this spec but that it could buy, or that only cover what its own kit already does: 3. Nothing used in a fight: 1. |
| Self gear | 25 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. PvP gear this spec wears that it can make and can't otherwise get, or that is best in slot for PvP: 5. Gear it could buy, or a modest upgrade: 3. Nothing this spec wears: 1. |
| Consumable supply | 20 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. Makes the consumables this spec burns through in PvP at volume, so it never runs short: potions, bandages, food, grenades: 5. Some of them, or at low volume: 3. None: 1. |
| Gold | 10 | Not scored here: the profession's score on the Professions for Gold: Settled list, rounded half up, then rescaled with the other criteria. It is the same on every spec's list. |
What each tier means
An entry’s tier comes from its weighted score. A tier set by hand instead says why in its write-up. Within a tier, the best score comes first.
- S 4.25 or more
- The best choice for this purpose. Strong on the criteria that count most, with no real weakness.
- A 3.75 or more
- Very strong. A little behind S, or one clear weakness.
- B 3.25 or more
- Good. Does the job well without special effort.
- C 2.75 or more
- Workable. About average on the rubric; nothing stands out either way.
- D 2.25 or more
- Weak. It works, but you will feel the gap; pick it for other reasons.
- F below 2.25
- Poor for this purpose. Avoid it unless something else decides for you.
What the ratings assume
- The game rules of the stated build, including what battlegrounds allow.
- A level-60 character with the profession at 300.
- No Legacy perks.
- Gathering, crafting, the auction house and vendors only.
How sure we are
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.
What most lists say about each profession
Where most of the PvP lists say the same thing about a profession, it is said here once. A spec whose list says something else keeps its own words on its list.
Alchemy in PvP
Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative: 4.15 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.35 below the 4.50 rounding step).
Strengths
- Consumable supply, 4 of 5
- Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative
Weaknesses
- Self gear, 2 of 5
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (3 to 4 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would lift it to A.
Blacksmithing in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 2.05 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.45 below the 2.50 rounding step).
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Cooking in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.80 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.30 above the 1.50 rounding step).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.40 is 0.85 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Enchanting in PvP
Gold, 3 of 5: 2.55 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.05 above the 2.50 rounding step).
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
Engineering in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.95 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.45 above the 1.50 rounding step).
It is not S: it scores 3 of 5 on consumable supply, and its 4.20 is 0.05 short of S.
Why Alchemy beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier B).
Strengths
- Combat tools, 5 of 5
Weaknesses
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on consumable supply (3 to 4 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would lift it to S.
Rated on assumptions:
- That
Engineering's bombs, nets and trinkets need Engineering to use, and that battlegrounds allow them; neither is confirmed for Forever yet.
First Aid in PvP
Gold, 3 of 5: 2.85 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.35 above the 2.50 rounding step).
Strengths
- Consumable supply, 5 of 5
Weaknesses
- Self gear, 1 of 5
Fishing in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 2.25 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.25 below the 2.50 rounding step).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.20 is 1.05 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
- Consumable supply, 2 of 5
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Herbalism in PvP
Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative: 4.00 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.50 below the 4.50 rounding step).
Why Engineering beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.60 is 0.65 short of D.
Strengths
- Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 2 of 5
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Leatherworking in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.65 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.15 above the 1.50 rounding step).
Why Engineering beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Mining in PvP
Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative: 3.75 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.25 above the 3.50 rounding step).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.40 is 0.85 short of D.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering turns ore into bombs and gadgets.
Strengths
- Gold, 4 of 5 measured, 5 of 5 relative
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Skinning in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 2.05 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.45 below the 2.50 rounding step).
Why Engineering beside it: it is the best-scoring other primary profession for this spec (tier A).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.00 is 1.25 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Tailoring in PvP
Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative: 1.85 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list (0.35 above the 1.50 rounding step).
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.00 is 1.25 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 2 of 5 measured, 1 of 5 relative
What would move it: One more measured point on combat tools (1 to 2 of 5), from a patch or Forever's item stats, would not lift it out of F on its own.
Every spec's lists
Balance 
Druid: PvE · PvP
Feral Bear Druid: PvE · PvP
Feral Cat Druid: PvE · PvP
Restoration Druid: PvE · PvP
Beast Mastery 
Hunter: PvE · PvP
Marksmanship Hunter: PvE · PvP
Survival Hunter: PvE · PvP
Arcane 
Mage: PvE · PvP
Fire Mage: PvE · PvP
Frost Mage: PvE · PvP
Holy 
Paladin: PvE · PvP
Protection Paladin: PvE · PvP
Retribution Paladin: PvE · PvP
Discipline 
Priest: PvE · PvP
Holy Priest: PvE · PvP
Shadow Priest: PvE · PvP
Assassination 
Rogue: PvE · PvP
Combat Rogue: PvE · PvP
Subtlety Rogue: PvE · PvP
Elemental 
Shaman: PvE · PvP
Enhancement Shaman: PvE · PvP
Restoration Shaman: PvE · PvP
Affliction 
Warlock: PvE · PvP
Demonology Warlock: PvE · PvP
Destruction Warlock: PvE · PvP
Arms 
Warrior: PvE · PvP
Fury Warrior: PvE · PvP
Protection Warrior: PvE · PvP