Last updated: August 4, 2025
Tested on: Retail (Dragonflight / The War Within) + WoW Classic Hardcore / Season of Discovery
📌 Why this thread?
I've received multiple DMs from fellow players asking about my current setup, recommended addons, and quality-of-life tools for WoW. Instead of replying individually, I decided to compile everything in one single, public guide – for Retail and Classic/Hardcore players alike.
This post is made to help both newcomers and veterans quickly set up their UI, improve their performance, and survive the challenges of 2025 WoW content. Feel free to reply with your own favorites – the list will be expanded over time.
I've received multiple DMs from fellow players asking about my current setup, recommended addons, and quality-of-life tools for WoW. Instead of replying individually, I decided to compile everything in one single, public guide – for Retail and Classic/Hardcore players alike.
This post is made to help both newcomers and veterans quickly set up their UI, improve their performance, and survive the challenges of 2025 WoW content. Feel free to reply with your own favorites – the list will be expanded over time.
📑 Table of Contents
1. Essential Addons for All Players (UI, QoL, Performance)
2. Must-Haves for Raids, Dungeons & Mythic+
3. PvP & Arena Tools
4. Farming, Professions & Goldmaking Addons
5. WoW Classic & Hardcore – Survival Addons
6. External Tools & Websites (Recommended)
7. FAQ & Addon Installation Tips
✅ 1. Essential Addons for All Players (UI, QoL, Performance)
| Addon | Description |
|---|---|
| ElvUI | Complete UI replacement – fully customizable, very stable |
| Leatrix Plus | QoL bundle: auto-sell junk, auto-accept quests, skip cinematics |
| Details! Damage Meter | Realtime DPS, HPS, death logs, performance analyzer |
| WeakAuras 2 | Custom warnings & timers – from cooldowns to boss mechanics |
| Plater Nameplates | Enhanced nameplates – debuffs, enrage icons, colors |
| OmniCC | Shows cooldown timers directly on abilities |
| Bagnon | Combines all bags into one searchable frame |
| GTFO | Audio alert when you're standing in bad stuff �� |
| TomTom | Waypoint navigation – great for guides & gathering routes |
🏆 2. Must-Haves for Raids, Dungeons & Mythic+
| Addon | Function |
|---|---|
| DBM / BigWigs | Boss mechanics with timers, sounds, warnings |
| Method Raid Tools | Raid leading, group checks, interrupt tracking |
| AngryAssignments | Custom notes for tactics – ideal for raid leaders |
| Exorsus Raid Tools (ERT) | Advanced logs, cooldowns, auto notes |
| Mythic Dungeon Tools | Maps & pull planning for M+ (supports saved routes) |
| OmniCD | Tracks group members' cooldowns |
| Raider.IO | M+ score, PvE profile, group finder helper |
| Blizzard CompactRaidFrameFix | Bugfixes for default Blizzard raid frames |
⚔️ 3. PvP & Arena Tools
| Addon | Function |
|---|---|
| Gladius / sArena | Arena frames with trinket/CD tracker, DR icons, cast bars |
| NameplateCooldowns | Tracks enemy cooldowns above nameplates |
| LoseControl | Shows CC effects on your unit frames |
| BigDebuffs | Displays larger debuffs on raid/party frames |
| REFlex | PvP statistics tracker (BGs, Arena, win rate, MMR, etc.) |
🪓 4. Farming, Professions & Goldmaking Addons
| Addon | Function |
|---|---|
| Auctionator / TSM | Auction house tools – price history, profits, analysis |
| GatherMate2 | Tracks herb, ore, and chest spawn points on the map |
| FarmHud | Overlay map for gathering without switching minimap |
| Fishing Buddy | Tracks fishing, auto gear switch, macros |
| VendorPrice / Scrap | Displays vendor prices & auto-sells junk |
🧟 5. WoW Classic & Hardcore – Survival Addons
| Addon | Function |
|---|---|
| Hardcore Helper | Warnings, timers & HC-only utilities |
| RestedXP HC Guide | Leveling & route guidance specifically for HC |
| ClassicCastbars | Displays enemy cast bars |
| BuffTimersClassic | Buff duration tracking (e.g. druid, paladin buffs) |
| MobInfo2 | Mob database (loot, HP, XP, etc.) |
| RealMobHealth | Estimates mob HP based on observed damage |
🧠 Tip: No ElvUI in Classic? → Try ShaguUI / pfUI for Classic-compatible UIs.
💻 6. External Tools & Websites (Recommended)
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| WoWAnalyzer.com | Auto-analyzes your logs and rotations |
| Raidbots (SimCraft) | DPS simulation for gear and talents |
| WarcraftLogs | Raid parsing, rankings, performance comparison |
| WoWHead / IcyVeins / Wowpedia | Builds, guides, quests, NPCs, gear sources |
| Discord | Many class/server-specific communities are active there |
| RestedXP | Leveling guide (premium & free version available) |
| JoanaGuide | Leveling guide (premium & free version available) |
📦 7. FAQ & Addon Installation Tips
| Program | Description | Download |
|---|---|---|
| CurseForge App | Official addon manager for all Blizzard titles, auto updates & backups | ![]() |
| WoWUp.io | Open source, lightweight & ad-free, supports Retail, Classic, PTR | ![]() |
🧠 Conclusion: Your setup = Your success
With the right tools, you'll play more efficiently, comfortably, and safely – whether you're raiding Mythic+, farming mats, or surviving Hardcore.
→ Know another must-have addon? Feel free to reply and share!
Until then – stay safe, loot big!







