WoW Cataclysm Classic: Tank PvE Tier List

With World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic now live on, we will be taking a look at the best classes for tanking as we take a trip down memory lane. Given how much information is available, some players might be getting their first taste of Cataclysm with the Classic revival. 

With that being said, we will be ranking all of the tank specializations from worst to best, so you can have a better idea of what you can expect either from your tanks or if you would like to try tanking yourself in Cataclysm Classic. 

Tier List Explanation

This tier list will examine all of the available Tank specs in WoW Cataclysm Classic. 

• B-Tier: Viable and reliable in most situations, you can manage rather decently.
• A-Tier: Great options but lacking just slightly either in terms of mitigation or utility.
• S-Tier: The best tank classes you can play for maximum results.

NOTE: Although there might be differing opinions in terms of viability, survivability, utility and overall value estimation, this list serves as a beginner's guide to players wanting to tank in Cataclysm Classic.

WoW Cataclysm Classic: B-Tier Tanks

Protection Warrior

Prot Warriors are in an interesting spot as Tier 11 does not offer them enough stats and abilities to excel, but rather the fun gameplay is more at the forefront of this tank spec.

PROS:

• Great DPS, especially in AoE encounters 
• Excellent mobility as well as raid utility with Sunder Armor, Shattering Throw that boost DPS

CONS:

• The lack of gear makes them more of an off-tank than a main-tank
• Vulnerable to magic damage

Protection Paladin

Prot Paladins are also very close to being A-Tier, however, they lack the power and utility that tank specs higher on the list offer. 

PROS:

• Great DPS in most situations as well as good raid-wide utility with Divine Sacrifice and Hand of Sacrifice
• Excellent trash and adds handling capabilities as Avenger's Shield is amazing against casters

CONS:

• Not on par with Feral Druids and Blood Death Knights as their main tank survivability leaves more to be desired

WoW Cataclysm Classic: A-Tier Tanks

Feral Druid

Feral Druids are the kings of off-tanks as not only do they have great DPS but also amazing utility that benefits the main tank and other party members.

PROS:

• Fantastic raid-wide utility with Faerie Fire (Feral), Stampeding Roar, Innervate and Rebirth
• Solid AoE threat generation for handling trash and adds

CONS: 

• Lacking in terms of main-tank effectiveness
• Emphasis on DPS in Cat Form rather than maintaining Bear Form constantly 

WoW Cataclysm Classic: S-Tier Tanks

Blood Death Knight

The cream of the crop, Blood DKs are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to tanking. 

PROS:

• Incredible main-tank capabilities due to self-healing with Death Strike as well as magic damage mitigation
• Amazing DPS and survivability 

CONS:

• Weak utility and buffs Horn of Winter, Abomination's Might

Summary of Best Tank Specialization in WoW Cataclysm Classic

And that covers our tier list for the best tanks ranked from worst to best. Although all of the specs can serve you well, some specs shine far brighter than others in terms of damage, utility, threat generation, and overall playstyle. 

Although you can find great success with any of the classes, it is important to remember that some specs will favor specific encounters as there is no one true absolute tank in World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic.