As the ultimate raid of WLK, ICC has brought significant changes to class balance. The prevalence of armor-piercing gear has elevated certain classes to god-like status while relegating others to mere “mascots.” This article will analyze the job prospects of each class from the initial raid to the farming phase, helping you avoid being left out in group formations!
Paladin (The All-Rounder of All Three Specs)
The three talent trees of Paladins shine brightly throughout the entire level 80 version, and having two Holy Paladins and one Protection Paladin is definitely a core configuration in ICC teams. Moreover, Retribution Paladins have risen strongly in the ICC phase, becoming the benchmark for melee DPS. If you want to play a Retribution Paladin, you must be willing to invest; once you acquire the orange axe and potions, you will directly ascend to the status of a golden saint, making Paladins highly sought after throughout the ICC phase, and very easy to group with.
Death Knight (The Team Engine)
Whether in the initial raid phase or the subsequent farming phase, a Death Knight with auras is an indispensable core pillar of the team. Unholy Death Knights had many positions during the ICC raid phase, and their damage was still quite substantial, allowing them to produce impressive numbers. However, as everyone geared up with ICC equipment, Unholy Death Knights gradually became relegated to a support role. The main reason is that most of the gear in the ICC phase is armor-piercing, which provides little benefit to Unholy Death Knights, coupled with their inherent low growth potential.
It is important to note that some players have started to collect Frost DK gear with the intention of switching to Frost DK in the ICC phase. This is a very misguided idea; unless you simply enjoy the feel of playing a Frost DK, do not take this detour. Frost DKs have a very awkward position in the ICC phase, as they not only have to compete with Hunters, Rogues, Fury Warriors, and Feral Druids for armor-piercing gear, but their DPS is completely overshadowed by these four other classes, making it nearly impossible for them to shine.
Warlock (The Caster Buff Provider)
Demonology Warlocks are great allies for caster classes; a single Demon Contract skill can benefit the entire caster team, ensuring their place in the ICC phase.
Affliction Warlocks have performed exceptionally well throughout the entire level 80 version, maintaining their strength in the ICC phase. During the initial raid of ICC, Affliction Warlocks were still a major source of damage, but as the ICC phase progressed and gear became more established, they were surpassed by the burst damage of Fire Mages.
Shaman (The Functional Player)
Enhancement Shamans started to show signs of weakness in the HTOC phase, and in the ICC phase, their performance becomes even more challenging due to their low damage ceiling. Additionally, the advantages of dual auras are often replaced by other classes, resulting in very few Enhancement Shamans in the ICC phase, making their situation quite difficult.
Elemental Shamans/Restoration Shamans: Elemental Shamans, like Enhancement Shamans, are limited by their damage ceiling, and their damage output in the ICC phase is quite mediocre. However, certain special boss fights require Restoration Shamans for healing, so dual-spec Elemental Shamans can still find a place in the team.
Rogue (The Specialized Tool)
Assassination Rogues and Combat Rogues do not differ much in the ICC phase, but Combat Rogues are often included in teams as specialized tools due to their armor-piercing attributes, making them a constant presence in teams.
Warrior (The Orange Axe Master)
Which Warrior enters ICC not aiming for the orange axe? With such a willing spender, how could they not have a spot? Once a Fury Warrior obtains the orange axe and reaches full armor-piercing status, their damage output will undergo a qualitative leap, even surpassing that of Retribution Paladins.
Druid (The DPS Ceiling)
Feral Druids have begun to shine with the increase of armor-piercing gear in the HTOC phase, and in the ICC phase, under full armor-piercing status, Feral Druids can be considered the ceiling of DPS, even Retribution Paladins and Fury Warriors must respectfully acknowledge their superiority.
Balance Druids have average damage in the ICC phase, but they are a highly functional class, especially during the initial raid phase, where teams often bring two Balance Druids. For certain bosses that require starfall to switch targets or wind control, the role of Balance Druids is irreplaceable. Many players later dual-spec as Feral and Balance Druids, flexibly switching forms based on boss mechanics.
Hunter (The Steady Damage Dealer)
The ICC phase remains the domain of Survival Hunters; during the initial raid, Survival Hunters are still the main source of damage, and even in the later stages when gear is established, their damage remains respectable. Coupled with the functionality of their skills, there will always be a fixed position for Hunters in the team.
Priest (A Team Essential)
Discipline Priests are a must-have in any team, serving as the core of the healing system. (Certain special bosses may require switching to Holy Priests for specific encounters.)
Shadow Priests, like Fury Warriors, have begun to rise strongly in the ICC phase. After pairing with the T10 set, the damage output of Shadow Priests undergoes a revolutionary change, significantly increasing their damage.
Mage (The Caster King)
Fire Mages have performed exceptionally well in the ICC phase, being the main source of damage during the initial raid. As the ICC gear is fully acquired, Fire Mages can firmly hold the title of the top DPS among casters, becoming the undisputed caster king.
Based on the performance of each class in the ICC phase, choose the class that best suits your situation.