Max DPS Warlock Spec Cataclysm Patch 4
While Demonology topped dps during the pre expansion patches, affliction now rules the roost. However, this demonology build will get you all the way through T11, assuming there are no further major balancing patches for the warlock class. Those of you looking for the build update from the armory are going to have to wait for a bit, the new armory functionality is messing with the links we get from Simcraft. We’ll catch up as soon as humanly possible.
Talents
Warlock Talents Build For Demonology – Cataclysm Expansion
Glyphs Required
- Life Tap
- Shadow Bolt
- Immolate
- Incinerate
- Metamorphosis
The changes to the glyph system in 4.0 give you nine glyph spots and a whole new class of glyphs. Instead of just major and minor you now also have slots for Prime glyphs. We only list the glyphs that add directly to DPS, tanking abilities or healing power. The other slots are up to your personal choice and play style. Choose whatever makes the game more fun and fits your preferences will work fine, since none of them will have a direct correlation to damage per second.
Priorities
- flask,type=draconic_mind
- food,type=fish_feast
- fel_armor
- summon_felguard
- dark_intent
- volcanic_potion,if=buff.bloodlust.react|!in_combat
- demon_soul
- hand_of_guldan,if=dot.immolate.remains>0
- soulburn,if=buff.metamorphosis.react
- soul_fire,if=buff.improved_soul_fire.cooldown_remains<(cast_time+travel_time)&buff.bloodlust.down
- summon_infernal,if=buff.metamorphosis.react
- metamorphosis
- immolate,time_to_die>=4,if=dot.immolate.remains<cast_time|!ticking
- bane_of_doom,time_to_die>=20,if=!ticking
- immolation,if=buff.metamorphosis.remains>10
- corruption,if=!ticking|dot.corruption.remains<tick_time
- shadowflame
- hand_of_guldan
- incinerate,if=buff.molten_core.react
- soul_fire,if=buff.decimation.react
- life_tap,trigger=20000
- shadow_bolt
- life_tap
This isn’t the cleanest looking list we’ve seen. Lots of variables in there to consider. Lawbringer isn’t a warlock expert (it’s the only class I’ve never raided with) so you lock gurus will need to help us sort it all out in the thread below.
Remember that this is a priority list, not a rotation. Read our full article on how to read a priority list here: Priorities, Not Rotations. Basically you want to use things nearer the top of the list as often as possible, based on certain conditions. This may very well mean that you never get to the end of the list and “finish” the rotation. That’s because the order you do things will change depending on the conditions of the fight.
Damage Sources
Pawn Scales
Use the first scale above if you are not hit capped yet. Use the bottom scale if you are. Or, you can just remember to zero out hit rating once you reach the cap.
( Pawn: v1: “Warlock_403_Demonology”: Intellect=2.4066, SpellDamage=1.8061, HitRating=1.5816, CritRating=1.0419, HasteRating=0.9753, MasteryRating=0.7690, Stamina=0.0552 )
( Pawn: v1: “Warlock_403_Demonology”: Intellect=2.4066, SpellDamage=1.8061, HitRating=0.0000, CritRating=1.0419, HasteRating=0.9753, MasteryRating=0.7690, Stamina=0.0552 )