DPS Rotation & Cooldowns
This rotation guide provides a quick, basic understanding of which abilities to prioritize when playing a Shadow Priest, 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 Vampiric Touch and Shadow Word Pain are active before engaging the target.
- Maintain on target at all times.
- Maintain on target at all times.
- Use to refresh DoTs if available.
- Use on cooldown to generate Insanity.
- Cast if Insanity is not capped.
- Spend Insanity on this if not active or about to expire.
- Use as a filler when no other abilities are available.
Focus on maintaining Vampiric Touch and Shadow Word Pain. Use Shadow Crash to refresh DoTs, followed by Mind Blast and Void Bolt for Insanity generation. Spend Insanity on Devouring Plague and fill with Mind Flay.
AoE
Ensure Vampiric Touch and Shadow Word Pain are active on multiple targets before engaging.
- Use to apply DoTs to multiple targets.
- Spread to as many targets as possible.
- Spread to as many targets as possible.
- Use on cooldown to generate Insanity.
- Use for AoE burst damage when available.
- Spread to priority targets or highest health targets.
- Use as a filler when no other abilities are available.
In AoE, prioritize Shadow Crash to apply DoTs, then spread Vampiric Touch and Shadow Word Pain. Use Mind Blast and Void Torrent for damage, and spread Devouring Plague to priority targets.
Cooldowns
Use cooldowns strategically during burst phases.
- Use to enter Voidform and boost damage.
- Use to increase damage of non-periodic spells.
- Use to boost Haste for yourself or an ally.
- Use to generate Insanity.
- Use to generate Insanity.
- Use for burst damage when available.
- Use for burst damage when available.
During cooldowns, prioritize Void Eruption to enter Voidform, followed by Dark Ascension and Power Infusion for damage boosts. Use Shadowfiend and Mindbender for Insanity generation.