Why Addons Matter
I’ve played WoW long enough to know that the right addons can make a huge difference. Whether you’re trying to stay alive in a tough dungeon or just keep your UI clean, a few solid tools can save time and frustration. I don’t use flashy or bloated setups — just practical addons that improve how I play and help me focus.
My Core Addons
These are the addons I always have active, no matter what spec or content I’m running.
Details! Damage Meter
Great for tracking damage, healing, interrupts, and deaths. I use it more for checking mistakes than showing off numbers.
BigWigs
I use BigWigs instead of DBM. It’s lighter and gives me the exact alerts I need during boss fights, especially in raids and Mythic+.
Plater Nameplates
Clean, customizable nameplates that show debuffs, threat, cast bars, and other key info. It takes a bit to set up, but it’s worth it.
WeakAuras
Probably the most important addon I use. I rely on it to track cooldowns, procs, defensive abilities, and boss mechanics. I don’t build fancy displays — just clean, simple auras that keep me aware.
Utility Addons I Recommend
These addons aren’t always necessary, but they’ve earned their place over the years.
OmniCD
This one tracks cooldowns from party members. Really useful for timing interrupts and defensives in Mythic+.
Method Raid Tools
Mainly useful if I’m filling in as a raid leader. Helps with assignments, cooldown planning, and raid group setups.
Leatrix Plus
A small addon that helps automate boring stuff — auto repair, skipping NPC dialogue, hiding error messages. It’s not essential, but it saves clicks.
UI and Quality of Life
I like a clean interface. Here’s what I use to keep my screen simple and readable.
Bartender4
Lets me move, shrink, and manage action bars. I use it to make my keybinds feel tighter and more compact.
Chatter
A chat addon that removes clutter and lets me filter spam in trade/general channels.
ElvUI (Sometimes)
I use ElvUI when I want a fresh UI for a new character. It’s a full replacement for Blizzard’s interface, and while I don’t always need it, it’s solid once you take time to configure it.
What I Don’t Use
I don’t use auction house addons, gold farming tools, or performance trackers that clog up memory. I also avoid addon packs — I prefer to choose each tool myself and set it up the way I like.
Final Thoughts
Addons are there to help, not overwhelm. Every addon I use serves a clear purpose — either to improve awareness, clean up the screen, or save time. If something stops being useful, I turn it off. I update my setup with each major patch and drop anything that breaks or gets too bloated.
If you’re looking for recommendations, feel free to send me a message. I’m always happy to share strings, WeakAura setups, or just chat about builds.
— Alexis Simmons