If you want to get into end-game raid content once you reach level 85, you have to know how to play your class. If you want to get invited to raids, you need the right talent tree and you absolutely have to know the proper spell rotation for your build. The fastest way to get kicked from a raid (and build a bad in-game raid rep) is to go into a raid with improperly spent talent points and low DPS due to a lack of proper spell rotation.
As a warlock, you should be coming out near the top of the DPS charts during fights. If you’re not, your spell rotation is probably off and your talent tree needs improvement. Below is the proper talent tree build and spell rotation for an affliction warlock.
Affliction Warlock Raid Build
A level 85 affliction warlock who is serious about raiding should have their talent points spent as follows:
Affliction:
- 2 Points in Doom and Gloom
- 2 Points in Improved Life Tap
- 3 Points in Improved Corruption
- 2 Points in Jinx
- 2 Points in Soul Siphon
- 2 Points in Siphon Life
- 3 Points in Eradication
- 1 Point in Soul Swap
- 3 Points in Shadow Embrace
- 3 Points in Death’s Embrace
- 2 Points in Nightfall
- 1 Point in Soulburn: Seed of Corruption
- 3 Points in Everlasting Affliction
- 2 Points in Pandemic
- 1 Point in Haunt
Demonology
- 3 Points in Dark Arts
Destruction
- 3 Points in Bane
- 3 Points in Shadow and Flame
Spell Rotation
Once your talent tree is built as outlined above, you need to learn the proper spell rotation. Before you cast any spell, however, make sure that your buffs are up. All specs are given the Soul Link buff now, so make sure that you have Soul Link and Fel Armor Active before you begin fighting.
Now, since you are in a raid group, you will also want to cast Dark Intent on another player. Most raids prefer that the warlocks cast DI on one of the healers. However, you may find a group that wants you to cast DI on another DPS player. When in doubt, always ask the raid leader who you should cast DI on.
Once your buffs and your DI spell is active, it’s time for the action.
Affliction warlocks have great AoE abilities. When hitting a group of mobs your spell rotation will be as follows:
- Soulburn: Seed of Corruption
- Siphon Life
- Continue to Cast Seed of Corruption on the mob in focus.
On single-target fights your spell rotation will be a little different. When focusing on a single target you will need to cast:
- Shadowbolt
- Corruption
- Bane of Agony (Re-apply this only when it wears off)
- Unstable Affliction
- Haunt
- Shadowbolt
- Curse of the Elements
- Continue Casting Shadowbolt until you need to refresh each disease.
By building your talent tree in the above manner and using the proper spell rotation, you’ll notice a significant increase in the amount of damage you deal and you will be a welcome addition to most of the raid groups on your server or a vital asset to the raid group within your guild.
