#0 - Jan. 22, 2008, 1:51 a.m.
Because of this I have decided to put together my thoughts on the subject. Again (as this is the revised WLK-version). Below I have some simple suggestions regarding leveling builds as well as alternatives once you hit level 80. I know there are a lot of other options, both in regards to leveling (from weird hybrids to just small alterations of the tips below) as well as how to spec for end-game content. Take it as pointers and possible options, not an absolute truth.
If there is interest in the summary I will update it ahead as needed. Suggestions are more then welcome. Furthermore, expect some tweaking to the builds longer term as gear upgrades and/or alterations to the game itself leads to other options being optimal.
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Leveling
You can do a lot of fun stuff on the way but for many it’s about reaching 80 as fast as possible. If you’re new to WoW I do suggest you take the time: there’s a ton of cool stuff to discover and you won’t regret taking the time to explore it. That said, having a specc allowing the most efficient grinding on the way is hardly a bad thing. As stated above, Affliction is generally the best option, at least until level 50-60 when Felguard becomes an equally viable alternative. The ‘best’ of the two is mainly a matter of play style. Testing both tend to be the easiest way to find what suits different players.
Affliction:
19: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMxMo
29: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IcxMbhbh
39: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMbubhkV
40: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMbubhkV0o
50: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMburhkiVo0o
60: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMburhkiVockt
70: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMburAkiVocktZV
80A: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMburAkiARckt0xZV
80B: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMburAkVVRcktZVMhV
A is rather focused on soloing and questing while B might be more appropriate if you spend more time in instances. Note that the build from lvl 50 and up uses Improved Felhunter and not Improved Howl (which is a more ‘classical’ Affliction spec). This gives you the option to use the felpuppy instead of the imp. Try both to see what suits the best. The Felhunter adds a lot of DPS but means limited use of Dark Pact. The imp is a mana battery and allows Dark Pact plus you get Instant Howl, an occasional life-saver. Both works very well. In the 80A build both are included post-70.
Demonology:
19: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMhrZ0o
29: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMhrZ0gs
39: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMhrZ0gfzcx
40: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMhrZ0gIzcx
50: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZ0gIzsg0iMsMz (respec to this)
60A: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMhroZ0gIzsg0iMsMz
70A: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMxrohbhZ0gIzsg0iMsMz
80A: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxrbhbhomZ0gIzsg0icsMz
60B: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZ0gIzsg0iMsMzZVMh
70B: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZ0gIzsg0iMsMzZVMhqr
80B: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZ0gIzsg0iMsTzVZVMhqr0z
I think a mix of Affliction/Demo is the best option rather than going all out Demo or Demo/Destro. However, as for Affliction I think there are two different paths that appear about equally good during 70-80 (depending on gear though). That is either: A) Felguard draining with SL; or B) Felguard nuking. The very last build has a few question marks. With a lot of chain pulling, especially with high crit gear, the top Demo tiers might bring loads to the table. However, the short duration procs that boost DPS a lot might often be wasted with occasional downtime, even if they will add much over a longer period. Plus, no Ruin and no big flashy numbers on the screen. ;)
Destruction:
19: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVMh
29: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVMhqr
39: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVchqr0uV
40: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVchqr0uVo
50: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVchqr0uVsI0o
60: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVchqr0uVsAfs
70: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZZVcGqrMuqsAfsx
80: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=I0xMZZVcGqrMuAsAfst
At higher levels the imp should add quite a bit. I’m still a bit hesitant of how the top tier talents should be used from around lvl 55 and on. Partly because it depends on gear (how much does Shadow and Flame add, for example) but also playstyle. Using Conflagrate as a finisher (with the short-term haste boost from Backdraft for the next pull) is the idea above. Furthermore, an option is to get Improved Life Tap early on as mana conservation and downtime is the big issue with Destruction. Actually just taking Bane first then go up to Imp LT in Affliciton is absolutely an option. Improved Drain Soul could be a good alternative too. Using DS while the last bolt is flying towards the mob gives back quite a bit of mana. Lastly, I added Chaos Bolt for the last point. For leveling that spells bring no use at all, at this point, in my opinion.
Builds at level 70
Note that some builds include +hit talents for raiding. Remember to factor in gear when you consider the suggestions. If you are a the +hit can, do not take the talents unless you value other parts of them highly (and depending on what you can use the points on instead).
Affliction
You have little nuking power but your DPS over time is fantastic. Your survivability is decent, at least if there’s room to run around a bit. In PvP, DoT stuff up and sprint around a corner, waiting for the sad sop to die or drain its last bit of life. Last, but not least, you’re the true grinding monster. Killing up to eight or ten mobs at a time (when you have good enough gear) while being at full HP/mana after the fights leaves even the most ambitious gold farmer envious.
53/11/7: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMrubhkVVRcstbxczZV0b (all-round)
56/0/15: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMbzMAoVAoIstZVMhV (raid)
60/11/0: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IbxMrurIkiARcstbxcz (PvP)
Demonology
The felguard is your best buddy. Combine it with pet survivability for grinding, nuking for higher end raiding or a mix for solid Arena matches as well as good DPS output. You need to learn how to control it well and for both PvP and DPS a dead pet tend to hurt badly. Also, expect a few sour faces in smaller groups for PvE if you call on your favourite demon-toy. Not everyone loves your darling pet as much as you do. Instead that blasted imp might be in demand.
23/41/7: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IMxMRubhkZbgszsg0qcsMzZV0b (all-round)
0/56/15: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZoxIzsgoqMsguAZi0hV (raid)
30/41/0: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IoxMrurhkVZbxIzsg0qcsMz (PvP)
17/54/0: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=I0tMrhbZbxIzsg0qcsgumo (PvP)
Destruction
It’s flashy, stuff die with huge crits swooshing over the screen and your survivability is that of a crippled hedgehog on the freeway. Or at least it used to be. With SL as an option now things are a bit better. Grinding is a choir until you have very good gear. Better leave that to the Dotting guys and girls or those running around with a felguard. In instances and raids you do very nice DPS and unlike Affliction you’re equally hard-hitting on trash mobs.
7/11/53: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=I0xMZbxczZVchqr0uAkAcot (all-round)
2/13/56: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IbZcLc0cZVcGVd0uVsAfct (raid)
0/21/50: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IZbxczsxoZVchqr0uVsAc0x (raid)
7/11/53: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=I0xMZbxczZVf0qrMuAoAcot (PvP)
Hybrids
Not many exciting options. SL/SL is a strong PvP spec and ok for grinding. It’s about surviving and outlasting, not insta-gibbing. Your DPS for longer PvE fights is comparable to flinging soggy pieces of toast at the boss.
33/38/0: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IoxMrurhki0oZbxIzsg0qcs (PvP)
31/0/40: http://wotlk.wowhead.com/?talent=IfxMbzbNoVoZZE0hVr0umMA (raid*)
* This is a big question mark at this point but worth mentioning at least…
Ebay
Until further notice: anyone with Improved Enslave Demon or Master Conjuror.
