Fastest leveling class tier list for WoW Forever beta ranks all 9 classes by XP/hour and 1-20 speed.
For broader content, see our Leveling Routes, Best Race-Class, and Speedrun Guide articles.
Quick summary: Fastest: Skyborne Frost Mage. Strong: Sub Rogue + BM Hunter. Mage + Rogue + Hunter are top 3.
Fastest leveling class tier list
S tier (fastest)
| Class |
Why |
| Skyborne Frost Mage |
Slow + AoE + Wind Blessed |
| Night Elf Sub Rogue |
Stealth + burst |
| BM Hunter |
Pet tank + ranged |
A tier (fast)
| Class |
Why |
| Arms Warrior |
High damage |
| Affliction Warlock |
Pet tank + DoT |
| Frost DK |
Anti-magic |
| Feral Druid |
Stealth + form |
B tier (medium)
| Class |
Why |
| Shadow Priest |
DoT |
| Elemental Shaman |
Cast speed |
| Balance Druid |
Moonkin form |
| Retribution Paladin |
Hybrid |
Best class for 1-10
| Rank |
Class |
Why |
| 1 |
Frost Mage |
Slow + AoE |
| 2 |
BM Hunter |
Pet tank |
| 3 |
Sub Rogue |
Stealth opener |
Best class for 10-20
| Rank |
Class |
Why |
| 1 |
Frost Mage |
Sustained damage |
| 2 |
Sub Rogue |
Burst |
| 3 |
Arms Warrior |
Damage |
| 4 |
BM Hunter |
Pet + ranged |
Best class for 20-30 (Phase 2)
| Rank |
Class |
Why |
| 1 |
Frost Mage |
AoE (Excavation Site) |
| 2 |
Sub Rogue |
Burst + Stealth |
| 3 |
BM Hunter |
Pet + BG tank |
Why Frost Mage is fastest
| Advantage |
Why |
| Slow time |
Mob dies before hitting |
| Frost Nova |
AoE CC |
| Ice Barrier |
Shield |
| Blink |
Teleport escape |
| AoE spells |
Multi-mob clear |
| Skyborne Haste |
+1.5% to all spells |
Race-class best for leveling
Top 5 leveling race-class
| Combo |
Speed |
| Skyborne + Frost Mage |
Fastest |
| Night Elf + Sub Rogue |
Fastest |
| Undead + Frost Mage |
Fast |
| Troll + BM Hunter |
Fast |
| Dwarf + BM Hunter |
Fast |
Class-by-class breakdown
Mage (Skyborne Frost)
| Time to 20 |
Notes |
| 1.5-2 hours |
Slow cast = safe kills |
Rogue (Night Elf Sub)
| Time to 20 |
Notes |
| 1.5-2 hours |
Stealth + burst |
Hunter (Troll BM)
| Time to 20 |
Notes |
| 1.5-2 hours |
Pet tank + ranged |
Warrior (Orc Arms)
| Time to 20 |
Notes |
| 2-2.5 hours |
Strong melee |
Warlock (Undead Aff)
| Time to 20 |
Notes |
| 2-2.5 hours |
Pet tank + DoT |
Druid (Night Elf Feral)
| Time to 20 |
Notes |
| 2-2.5 hours |
Stealth + form |
Class comparison
| Class |
Speed |
Safety |
Solo |
Group |
| Mage |
Fastest |
Safe |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Rogue |
Fastest |
Risky |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Hunter |
Fast |
Safe |
Good |
Good |
| Warrior |
Fast |
Risky |
Medium |
Excellent |
| Warlock |
Fast |
Safe |
Good |
Good |
| Druid |
Fast |
Safe |
Good |
Medium |
| Priest |
Slow |
Safe |
Good |
Excellent |
| Shaman |
Slow |
Safe |
Medium |
Good |
| Paladin |
Slow |
Safe |
Medium |
Good |
Leveling tips by class
Mage tips
- Pull 2-3 mobs
- Frost Nova first
- Pre-cast Frostbolt
- Skip elites
Rogue tips
- Stealth opener
- Use Cold Blood
- Skip solo elites
- Group for dungeons
Hunter tips
- Pet tank
- Disengage for kiting
- Misdirection to tank
- Group for dungeons
Common leveling mistakes
| Mistake |
Cost |
| Wrong class |
Slow XP |
| Wrong race |
Lost utility |
| Solo grinding |
Slower |
| No consumables |
Death |
FAQ
What’s the fastest leveling class?
Skyborne Frost Mage (slow cast + AoE).
Best race for mage?
Skyborne (Wind Blessed).
Best class for group leveling?
Frost Mage (AoE).
Final verdict
Fastest: Skyborne Frost Mage. Strong: Sub Rogue + BM Hunter.
Whatever you choose, Mage is safest + fastest.
For more content, see our Leveling Routes, Best Race-Class, Speedrun Guide, and Best Addons articles.