Mists of Pandaria Classic Destruction Warlock Guide

This page contains an overview for the Destruction Warlock You will find important information needed for Destro Warlocks in Mists of Pandaria Classic. We will be updating this with all the latest information soon as anything more is discovered, so make sure to check back!

Destruction Warlocks have phenomenal burst, top-tier single-target and superb AoE damage. Destro spells offer a perfect balance of single target, cleave and AoE, thanks to Havoc, Fire and Brimstone and Chaos Bolt. They focus on unleashing hard hitting spells by utilizing the new Burning Embers resource to cast devastating spells like Chaos Bolt and the new and improved Shadowburn.The specialization offers a straightforward rotation with high burst potential, making it easy to learn for newcomers and very rewarding for veterans who can master the specialization.

For more information on the best Talent and Glyphs, check out our Talents and Glyphs Guide.

• Burning Embers — A new Destruction-only resource generated by basic spells like Immolate, Incinerate, and Conflagrate. Spent on powerful spells like Chaos Bolt, Fire and Brimstone, and Shadowburn.
• Fire and Brimstone — A toggleable aura that turns most single-target spells into AoE. While active, Immolate, Incinerate, Conflagrate, and Curses will hit all enemies within 10 yards of the target.
• Havoc — Marks a target, causing your single-target spells to also hit that target.
• Backdraft — Triggered by Conflagrate, reducing the cast time and mana cost of your next Chaos Bolt or Incinerate by 30%.
• Shadowburn — Received a massive buff in MoP. It now deals insane damage, usable only when the target is below 20% health. If the target dies, it restores mana and a full charge of Burning Embers.

Strengths

• Extremely high burst potential.
• Very high single target damage.
• High cleave damage with Havoc.
• Easier to learn than Affliction and Demonology.
• Not as dependent on gear as Affliction and Demonology.
• Great mobility with Kil'jaeden's Cunning, Burning Rush, Demonic Circle: Teleport and Demonic Gateway.
• Strong utility, buffs and debuffs with Dark Intent, Curse of the Elements, Soulstone and more.

Weaknesses

• Damage can be very bad if not played optimally, improperly spending Burning Embers, or not watching timers.
• Majority of spells are hard casted, hurting your mobility.
• Resource Management - Inefficient use of Burning Embers can lead to DPS loss.
• Pet management, unless using the talent Grimoire of Sacrifice.

Any Horde race except Tauren can be a Warlock. Orc and Troll are the best choices thanks to Blood Fury and Berserking.

• Orc: Blood Fury for Spell Power burst, Command for pet damage, and Hardiness for PvP stun resist.
• Troll: Berserking for 20% Haste on a 3-min CD.
• Goblin: Rocket Jump (mobility), Time is Money (+1% Haste).
• Undead: Will of the Forsaken — excellent for PvP.

Any Alliance race besides Draenei and Night Elf can be a Warlock. Gnome and Humans are the best choices thanks to the 1% Expertise/Hit they get from their Racials Shortblade Specialization and Sword Specialization.

• Gnome: Shortblade Specialization = +1% Expertise (Hit).
• Human: Sword Specialization = same benefit as Gnome.
• Worgen: +1% Crit, Running Wild = free Sprint.
• Dwarf: Stoneform — PvP utility.

You really can't go wrong with your profession choice, since all of them besides Herbalism, Skinning and Mining bring roughly the same amount Intellect. The only one that stands out more than the rest is Tailoring, as it provides the most Intellect with it's bonus. What you choose for your second profession is completely up to you. My personal second pick is Engineering for explosives, Nitro Boosts and the all powerful Synapse Springs.

• Engineering — This gives you access to some very powerful items. Synapse Springs is an Engineering only enchant that you put on your gloves and it stacks with your normal glove enchant. This is an on use that gives you 1920 Intellect for 10 seconds and is only on a one minute cooldown. Engineering also allows you craft the best in slot Lightweight Retinal Armor, an extrememly strong helmet that's best in slot to start the expansion. Engineers also have Nitro Boosts that enchant to your belt and when activated gives you a rocket boost, greatly increasing your movement speed for 5 seconds.
• Tailoring — This allows you to enchant your cloak with Lightweave Embroidery, which is a proc that gives you 2000 Intellect for 15 seconds, on a one minute cooldown.
• Blacksmithing — This allows you to gain two extra sockets, one in your gloves and bracers. You can add two red gems for 320 Intellect or even a 640 Mastery one if you want.
• Jewelcrafting — This allows you to craft three Brilliant Serpent's Eye and Fractured Serpent's Eye, which give you 160 more stats, equating in 320 Intellect.
• Alchemy — Thanks to Mixology, this will add 320 Intellect to your Flask of the Warm Sun. Alchemists can also craft Zen Alchemist Stone for an easy to get and pretty strong trinket with a big chunk of Mastery, as well as an Intellect proc.
• Enchanting — This allows you to enchant your rings with 160 Intellect on each one, for a total gain of 320 Intellect.
• Inscription — This allows you to enchant your shoulder with 320 Intellect, Secret Crane Wing Inscription
• Leatherworking — This allows you to enchant your bracers with 320 Intellect.
• Herbalism — This gives you Lifeblood, which gives you 2880 Haste for 20 seconds and is on a two minute cooldown.
• Mining — This just provides 480 Stamina.
• Skinning — This gives you 480 Critical Strike Rating.

Addons and Macros can drastically improved your gameplay when it comes to DPS'ing as a Warlock. We highly suggest you check out our Macros and Addons pages linked below to help maximize your damage.