DPS Rotation & Cooldowns
This rotation guide provides a quick, basic understanding of which abilities to prioritize when playing a Affliction Warlock, along with additional details on important cooldowns at the bottom. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: The War Within (11.1).
Single Target
Ensure Agony, Unstable Affliction, and Corruption are active before engaging the target.
- Maintain at all times.
- Maintain at all times.
- Maintain at all times if using Hellcaller.
- Maintain 4 stacks.
- Use on cooldown.
- Use at max Soul Shards.
- Use whenever available.
- Use whenever available.
- Use whenever available.
- Use during Phantom Singularity window.
- Use as a filler if no other options are available.
- Use as a filler if no other options are available.
Focus on maintaining Agony, Unstable Affliction, and Corruption. Use Malefic Rapture at max Soul Shards and Haunt whenever available.
AoE
Ensure Agony and Corruption are applied to multiple targets.
- Apply to all targets.
- Maintain on all targets.
- Maintain on all targets.
- Use when 3+ targets are stacked.
- Maintain on primary target.
- Use if at 5 Soul Shards.
- Use whenever available.
- Use after Phantom Singularity to maximize damage.
- Use whenever available.
- Use during Phantom Singularity window.
- Use as a filler if no other options are available.
- Use as a filler if no other options are available.
For AoE, prioritize Vile Taint and maintain Agony and Corruption on all targets. Use Seed Of Corruption for multiple enemies and Malefic Rapture at max Soul Shards.
Cooldowns
Use cooldowns strategically to maximize damage output.
- Cast after applying all DoTs for maximum duration.
- Use in conjunction with Soul Rot for burst.
- Align with burst windows.
- Use to enhance damage during cooldowns.
Utilize Darkglare after applying DoTs, and coordinate Phantom Singularity and Vile Taint with burst phases.