Warlock PvE Rotation: Ability Priority and Cooldowns
Vanilla WoW Classic 1.12 · x5 realm · wowx5.ru# Warlock PvE Rotation: Ability Priority and Cooldowns
A correct warlock rotation is not a memorized sequence but a priority system: you pick the most valuable available ability at each moment. Below is a working PvE scheme for the WoW Classic X5 server (x5 rates, patch 1.12.1).
Role and Spec
The warlock is a caster DPS and curse master. The raid build is SM/Ruin (Shadow Mastery / Ruin). It keeps key curse debuffs up for the whole raid.
Ability Priority
| # | Ability | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Curse (of Elements/Shadow) | Keep the raid debuff on the boss (a warlock is usually assigned). |
| 2 | Corruption | Keep the DoT active. |
| 3 | Immolate | Keep the fire DoT up (for SM/Ruin). |
| 4 | Shadow Bolt | Main filler spam after DoTs. |
| 5 | Life Tap | Convert health to mana so you never idle. |
Opener (Pull)
Opener: pre-pull summon a demon (Felhunter for anti-magic / Succubus or Imp for Blood Pact), apply your curse. Start: Curse of Elements → Corruption → Immolate → Shadow Bolt spam, Life Tap on mana.
Cooldowns and Consumables
Spellpower trinkets, mana potions, Amplify Curse. Demonic Sacrifice (sacrifice the Succubus for +15% Shadow damage) is a popular pick over an active pet. Keep the curse the raid lead assigns (Elements for casters, Recklessness for physical DPS).
Common Mistakes
Don't drop Corruption/Immolate — DoTs are a big share of your damage. Don't overlap curses with another lock (one curse per type on a target). Don't skip Life Tap until you're fully OOM.
Related Guides
FAQ
What is the best warlock raid build?
SM/Ruin (Shadow Mastery / Ruin) — top damage and it holds Improved Curse of Elements/Shadow. DS/Ruin with a Succubus sacrifice is a popular variant.
Which curse should a warlock keep up?
Usually Curse of Elements (+raid magic damage) or Curse of Shadows. On a physical raid, Curse of Recklessness. The raid lead assigns them.
Why do warlocks use Life Tap?
Life Tap turns health into mana so you can cast non-stop while healers top your HP. It's key to high damage uptime.