TBC Spec Definition
Generally, specializations in TBC on Warcraft Logs are determined by which talent tree the character has the majority talent points in. There is no information in the log file about which specific talents are taken. We have implemented some more specializations that are performing other roles than their talent trees suggest. As a general rule, to create a new spec, it has to perform a different role (e.g. a DPS spec that heals such as Dreamstate).
Hunter, Mage, Rogue, Shaman and Warlock specializations only require the majority talent points in their respective talent trees.
There are a few notable exceptions to this, such as T6 and onwards having damage taken requirements for tank specializations. This article will go more in detail about the various specializations, their requirements and some of the reasoning behind their implementation.
Please note that the tank requirements are relevant for BLACK TEMPLE, MOUNT HYJAL, ZUL'AMAN AND LIKELY ONWARDS and the overview for them is found in the Tank Damage Taken Requirements Spreadsheet. These requirements are based on community input and suggestions, and meant to properly categorize tanks and non-tanks.
Karazhan, SSC and TK were pre-damage taken requirements, and as such have various different stance/form uptime requirements that are outlined at the bottom of this article.
Druid
Balance Druid
This requires majority talent points in the
Dreamstate Druid
Restoration Druid
This requires majority talent points in the
Guardian Druid
SSC/TK/Kara/Gruul/Mag on the other hand goes by a Bear Form uptime requirement. This is more than 70% Bear Form uptime on all fights except Netherspite, Aran and Nightbane., which require 45% or higher.
Warden Druid
SSC/TK/Kara/Gruul/Mag on the other hand goes by a Bear Form uptime requirement. This is more than 20% Bear Form uptime, but less than the
Feral Druid
Paladin
For Paladins,
Protection Paladin
Justicar Paladin
Priest
For
Discipline Priest
This requires majority talent points in the
Smite Priest
Warrior
For
Protection Warrior
In SSC/TK/Karazhan/Gruul/Mag, it went by purely Defensive Stance uptime requirements. Protection required 70% or more uptime on Defensive Stance on all bosses but Netherspite, Aran and Nightbane.
Gladiator Warrior
In SSC/TK/Karazhan/Gruul/Mag, it is a Protection Warrior with failed Stance Requirements, or a Fury/Arms Warrior with more than 20% Defensive Stance (and less than the requirement for Champion).
Champion Warrior
In SSC/TK/Karazhan/Gruul/Mag, it went by purely Defensive Stance uptime requirements. Champion required 70% or more uptime on Defensive Stance on all bosses but Netherspite, Aran and Nightbane.
Contact and Feedback
As always, feedback and discussion is always appreciated. Please join our Discord and check out the #tbc-spec-detection for any thoughts on the current iteration of specializations.