PvE Guide

Destruction Warlock

The War Within(Patch 11.0.5)

Rotation and Cooldowns

This rotation guide should help give a basic understanding of what to do, what's most important, and how to prioritize Destruction Warlock abilities and cooldowns.

Single Target

Ensure [Immolate] is active before engaging the target.

Keep this active at all times.
Use if about to cap Soul Shards.
Use during [Roaring Blaze] debuff if below 4 shards.
Use when available if below 4 shards.
Use at 2 charges if movement is needed.
Use if > 4 Soul Shards and [Mother of Chaos] is triggered.
Use when available.
Use during [Roaring Blaze] debuff when available.
Use whenever available.
Use if you have 2 charges.
Use to maintain [Eradication] debuff if talented.
Use at 3 charges to avoid overcapping.
Use to generate Soul Shards.
Use to generate Soul Shards.

Focus on maintaining [Immolate] and generating Soul Shards. Use [Chaos Bolt] wisely to prevent capping and maintain debuffs.

AoE

Maintain [Immolate] on the primary target.

Keep this on the main target.
Maintain on as many targets as possible.
Cast with as many targets affected by [Wither].
Apply on any secondary target lasting at least 10 seconds.
Use on cooldown.
Use on cooldown unless delayed for more targets.
Use if 5+ targets with [Havoc] up, or 3+ if on cooldown.
Use if you have 5 Soul Shards.
Ensure to be at 2 or less Soul Shards before spending.
Use when available.
Apply if a secondary target is present.
Use if the target will die within 5 seconds.
Use when available.
Use to spend Soul Shards.
Use to generate Soul Shards and [Backdraft] stacks.
Use at 3 charges to avoid overcapping.
Use to generate Soul Shards.

In AoE, maintain [Immolate] and [Wither] while generating and spending Soul Shards efficiently.

Cooldowns

Use cooldowns strategically for maximum impact.

Use on cooldown for AoE damage and shard generation.
Use to apply [Immolate] to multiple targets.

Prioritize [Infernal] for consistent damage and shard generation, and [Cataclysm] for applying [Immolate] effectively.