I had once heard someone state that they didn’t play PvP, because they didn’t want to waste one of their dual specializations on a PvP spec. So, this begs an obviously question. Do you need a PvP spec in order to play PvP?
Let’s pretend we’re a politician and answer a question with a question. What do you want your experience of PvP to be like?
The reality is anyone can jump into PvP and play with whatever spec they are in no matter what the spec is. There isn’t a required spec for each class in order to enter a battleground or arena.
So, if you’re just trying to have some fun and get into PvP to explore it and give yourself a break from leveling that toon of yours, then the answer is NO, you don’t need a PvP spec. If you Heal, the team needs healers, if you DPS, they need DPS, if you tank, there are needs for tanks in some BG’s. The trick here is, play the game based on the role your spec covers. For example, if you’re a healer, don’t try to burn down fools, because you won’t. Just heal everyone else who is doing some serious face melting.
But what if you want to be seriously leet? Well, first off, if you’re a beginner, adjust your expectations. You won’t be leet. You’re going to spend a lot more time rezzing at the graveyard than pwning fools. But if you want a head start on your Killing Spree ways, you can create what is called a PvP spec for your class.
There was a time where specific specs were considered the PvP spec for their class. Discipline Priests, Resto Druids, Feral Druids, Retribution Paladins, Survival Hunters, Frost Mages, Subtlety Rogues (to name a few) were considered the Spec for PvP. This isn’t the case much anymore, but if you do your research, your class probably has a current popular PvP spec, or one that’s considered “The Best” based on where your class is at today (remember this changes from Expansion to Expansion). I’m not going to say it’s cookie cutter, but it’s close.
Does this mean that if you roll into a BG as a Fire Mage you’re broken? Nope, play what you want, but you may have more tricks up your sleeve with a particular spec within the class. This mainly applies to survivability, stealth, dots and burst damage. If you want a reliable guide, head on over to ARENA JUNKIES for some other specs folks have rated highly.
IMO, the DPS only classes have a benefit in that they can have a PVE and a PVP spec without sacrificing flexibility in a group or raid environment. Most Hybrids carry a main spec and an off spec for dungeons and raids. For example, a Paladin may roll Protection for tanking, then Retribution to DPS if a line up adjustment is possible or necessary. This happens frequently in Dragon Soul today where the two tank model is less necessary. This means if a Hybrid wants a PvP spec then most often that DPS spec they choose is the PvP spec. DPS only classes (rogues, warlocks, mages, hunters) do not need to make that choice. So, if you’re a DPS only class, the choice is a bit more easy.
If you choose to go with a PvP spec (I have for my Mage that I’m leveling through PvP) don’t spend too much time trying to min/max. Try something recommended and then go in and give it a shot. Don’t abandon it right away if you fail to see a big change. It takes time to become a talented PvP player, so give the spec a shot before you adjust.
Join us next time for a discussion about PvP Gear! And comment away, you’re feedback is appreciated.