When you reach level 85 it’s time to get ready for the end-game raid content. However, your chances of actually getting into a raid are slim to none if you don’t build your talent tree properly. And once your talent tree is built and you are in a raid group, you don’t want to get kicked out for not doing your share of the DPS. After all, as a lock your DPS should be coming out on top if you know the proper spell rotation.
If you want to make sure your destruction warlock is built properly for end-game raid content, choose your talent points wisely and know which spells to use and when to use them. The following information will help make sure your not yelled at for being a noob or kicked from raid groups for not holding your own when it comes time for end-game raiding.
Destruction Warlock Raid Build
A level 85 destruction warlock who is serious about raiding should have their talent points spent as follows:
Destruction:
- 3 Points in Bane
- 3 Points in Shadow and Flame
- 2 Points in Improved Immolate
- 2 Points in Aftermath
- 2 Points in Emberstorm
- 2 Points in Improved Searing Pain
- 3 Points in Backdraft
- 1 Point in Shadowburn
- 2 Points in Burning Embers
- 2 Points in Soul Leech
- 1 Point in Netherward
- 3 Points in Fire and Brimstone
- 1 Point in Shadowfury
- 2 Points in Empowered Imp
- 1 Point in Bane of Havoc
- 1 Point in Chaos Bolt
Afflication
- 3 Points in Improved Corruption
Demonology
- 2 Points in Demonic Embrace
- 3 Points in Dark Arts
- 2 Points in Mana Feed
Spell Rotation
Once your talent tree is built as outlined above, you will need to learn the proper spell rotation for your build. 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.
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, you’re ready to raid.
Affliction warlocks have great AoE abilities, but destruction locks have Bane of Havoc, which allows you to hit the biggest target the hardest when dealing with large groups of mobs.
When hitting a group of mobs your spell rotation will be as follows:
- Bane of Havoc
- Seed of Corruption
- 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:
- Improved Soul Fire (if target is above 80 percent health)
- Immolate
- Conflagrate
- Bane of Doom
- Shadowflame
- Corruption
- Chaos Bolt
- Soul Burn
- Soul Fire (if empowered imp has proc’ed)
- Incinerate
By building your talent tree according to the outline above and using the proper spell rotation, you will notice a significant increase in the amount of damage that you deal and you are likely to be welcome in many end-game raid attempts.
