The data includes stats from Warcraft Logs that examine the difference between the "general population" and the Top 50%. Their rationale was that PUGs will go with almost anything if they cannot optimize the group, whereas guilds in the Top 50% would aim to be optimized. Thus, the difference in the percentage "indicates where the general population is over/under weighted towards specific classes and specs for optimal raiding."
Over 275,000 Raid Logs & 33,000 Arena participants as seen on ironforge.pro
With the population of raiders on TBC Anniversary continuing to rise, we thought this would be a good time to discuss which classes and Specializations are most in demand, according to this data.
Enhancement Shaman
The Enhancement Shaman is one of the most valuable utility classes in all of The Burning Crusade Anniversary.
Enhancement Shaman DPS Guide
Not only do they provide Bloodlust/Heroism, but finding a player that's willing and able to effectively Totem Twist between Grace of Air Totem and Windfury Totem for optimal uptime is hard to come by.
So, if you feel up to the task, there's likely plenty of raid spots out there for you.
Survival Hunter
Another support role (a recurring theme), Survival Hunters are invaluable to raids thanks to Expose Weakness.
Survival Hunter DPS Guide
This talent increases the attack power of all attackers by 25% of the Survival Hunter's agility.
The reason Survival isn't played as often is quite simple: it doesn't do nearly as much damage as a Beast Mastery Hunter, but it is incredibly valuable for a raid.
Affliction Warlock
Warlocks are one of the best DPS classes in all of TBC, but that's more so reserved for Destruction Warlocks.
Affliction Warlock DPS Guide
Affliction Warlocks bring key buffs to the raid, such as Malediction, which increases the bonus effect of Curse of the Elements by 3%. Additionally, when Affliction Warlocks use Corruption, Curse of Agony, Siphon Life, and Seed of Corruption, it applies Shadow Embrace to the target, reducing physical damage by 5%.
You'll do less damage as a Destruction Warlock, but you'll bring key buffs and debuffs to your raid team.
Arms Warrior
No, Fury Warriors aren't exactly as overpowered as they were in Classic, but they're still the go-to specialization for the class.
Arms Warrior DPS Guide
That said, Arms Warrior is hard to come by (as this data shows), but again, it provides a massive buff to your raid in the form of a 4% increased physical damage by your group onto the target with Blood Frenzy.
With this specialization, you'll be using a 2-handed weapon typically, and Mortal Strike and Slam will be factored into your rotation.
Retribution Paladin
Finally, we have the Retribution Paladin. This is the only DPS specialization for a Paladin, and they deal respectable damage. Still, it's more of a support class, providing the Improved Seal of the Crusader, which increases the critical strike chance of all attacks made against that target by an additional 3%.
Retribution Paladin DPS Guide
Not only that, but in a balanced raid comp, having three Paladin buffs, such as Blessing of Salvation, Blessing of Kings, and Blessing of Might/Blessing of Wisdom (depending on the class), is incredibly valuable.
While you could bring multiple Holy Paladins or Protection Paladins, the "ideal setup" is one of each specialization.
What do you think of the data that was provided? Does this inspire you to swap specializations at all? As you can see, support specializations are in demand. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
