Demonology Warlock DPS Mythic+ Tips in Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.0.1

Table of Contents

• +Introduction
  • 1. Class Overview
  • 2. Patch 8.0.1 Changes for Demonology Warlock
  • 3. Demonology Warlock Strengths
  • 4. Demonology Warlock Weaknesses
  • 5. Viability of Demonology Warlock in the Current Patch
  • 6. Contents
  • 7. Changelog
• +Easy Mode
  • 1. Foreword
  • 2. The Basics of a Demonology Warlock
  • 3. Talent Choice for Demonology Warlock
  • 4. Stat Priority for Demonology Warlock
  • 5. Azerite Quick Reference for Demonology Warlock
    • 5.1. Single Target
    • 5.2. Cleave
  • 6. Single Target Rotation for Demonology Warlock
    • 6.1. Multiple Target Rotation for Demonology Warlock
  • 7. Changelog
• +Spell Summary
  • 1. Demonology Warlock Spell Summary
  • 2. Main Resources for Demonology Warlock
  • 3. Basic Abilities for Demonology Warlock
  • 4. Important Procs
  • 5. Cooldowns for Demonology Warlock
    • 5.1. Damage Cooldowns for Demonology Warlock
    • 5.2. Defensive Cooldowns and Tools for Demonology Warlock
• +Builds and Talents
  • 1. Talent Choices for Demonology Warlock
  • 2. Single Target
  • 3. Cleave
  • 4. Tier 1 (Level 15) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 5. Tier 2 (Level 30) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 6. Tier 3 (Level 45) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 7. Tier 4 (Level 60) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 8. Tier 5 (Level 75) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 9. Tier 6 (Level 90) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 10. Tier 7 (Level 100) Talents for Demonology Warlock
  • 11. PvP Talents (War Mode)
    • 11.1. Demonology Warlock War Mode Talents
      • 11.1.1. General PvP Talents
      • 11.1.2. Demonology Warlock PvP Talents
  • 12. Changelog
• +Azerite Traits and Armor
  • 1. General Azerite Gear Recommendation
  • 2. Choosing Azerite Gear as a Demonology Warlock
  • 3. Choosing Azerite Traits as a Demonology Warlock
    • 3.1. Outer Ring
    • 3.2. Middle Ring
    • 3.3. Inner Ring
  • 4. Azerite Simulation Rankings for Demonology Warlock
    • 4.1. Single Target
      • 4.1.1. Outer Ring
      • 4.1.2. Middle Ring
    • 4.2. Cleave/AoE
      • 4.2.1. Outer Ring
      • 4.2.2. Middle Ring
  • 5. Azerite Traits Rotation Changes and Details for Demonology Warlock
  • 6. Azerite Traits
    • 6.1. Generic Outer Ring Traits
    • 6.2. Demonology Warlock Specific Outer Ring Traits
    • 6.3. Generic Middle Ring Traits
    • 6.4. Inner Ring Traits for Demonology Warlock
  • 7. Find Azerite Armor By Trait/Power
  • 8. Changelog
• +Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities
  • 1. Ability Priority List for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.1. Single Target Priority for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.2. Cooldown Usage for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.3. Opening Sequence for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.4. Multiple Target Priority for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.5. Nether Portal
  • 2. Important Notes for Demonology Warlock
    • 2.1. Soul Shards
    • 2.2. Managing Demonic Core
    • 2.3. Demon Choice
    • 2.4. Movement Management
      • 2.4.1. Quiet Movement
  • 3. Changelog
• ×Mythic+ Tips
  • 1. Mythic+ Introduction for Demonology Warlock
  • 2. Affix List
    • 2.1. Tier One Affixes
    • 2.2. Tier Two Affixes
    • 2.3. Tier Three Affixes
    • 2.4. Seasonal Affix
  • 3. Mythic+ Talents for Demonology Warlock
    • 3.1. Talent Explanations
      • 3.1.1. Tier 1/Level 15
      • 3.1.2. Tier 2/Level 30
      • 3.1.3. Tier 3/Level 45
      • 3.1.4. Tier 4/Level 60
      • 3.1.5. Tier 5/Level 75
      • 3.1.6. Tier 6/Level 90
      • 3.1.7. Tier 7/Level 100
  • 4. Stat Priority for Demonology Warlock
  • 5. Pet Choice for Demonology Warlock
  • 6. Changelog
• +Common and Worst Mistakes
  • 1. Wasting Cleave Cooldowns Too Early
  • 2. Overcapping Demonic Core
  • 3. Not Moving During Instant Casts
  • 4. Failing to Set Up for Demonic Tyrant
  • 5. Not Using Call Dreadstalkers on Cooldown
  • 6. Poor Pet Control
  • 7. Holding Your Cooldowns
  • 8. Changelog
• +Frequently Asked Questions
  • 1. Frequently Asked Questions for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.1. When Should I Cast Implosion?
    • 1.2. How Do I Use Demonic Core?
    • 1.3. Is Doom Worth Using?
    • 1.4. What Piece is Better, X or Y?
    • 1.5. How Much of X Stat Should I Have?
  • 2. Changelog
• +Boss by Boss Strategies
  • 1. Introduction for Demonology Warlock Boss Advice in Uldir
    • 1.1. Talent Cheatsheet for Demonology Warlock
  • 2. Taloc
  • 3. M.O.T.H.E.R.
  • 4. Fetid Devourer
  • 5. Zek'voz, Herald of N'Zoth
  • 6. Vectis
  • 7. Zul, Reborn
  • 8. Mythrax the Unraveler
  • 9. G'huun
  • 10. Changelog
• +Stat Priority
  • 1. The Basics of Stats for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.1. 1 Target
  • 2. Statistics Explanations for Demonology Warlock
  • 3. Changelog
• +Gems, Enchants, and Consumables
  • 1. Gems for Demonology Warlock
  • 2. Enchants for Demonology Warlock
  • 3. Consumables for Demonology Warlock
  • 4. Changelog
• +Macros and Addons
  • 1. Addons for Demonology Warlock
    • 1.1. Generic Addons for Warlocks
    • 1.2. ElvUI
    • 1.3. Weak Auras
    • 1.4. Boss Mods
      • 1.4.1. BigWigs Bossmods
      • 1.4.2. Deadly Boss Mods
    • 1.5. Name Plates
      • 1.5.1. KUI Nameplates
      • 1.5.2. TidyPlates
      • 1.5.3. Plater
    • 1.6. Damage Meters
      • 1.6.1. Skada
      • 1.6.2. Details!
    • 1.7. Extra AddOns
      • 1.7.1. Mik's Scrolling Battle Text
      • 1.7.2. xCT+ Combat Text
      • 1.7.3. DeathNote
      • 1.7.4. Doom CooldownPulse
      • 1.7.5. Angry Assignments
      • 1.7.6. Exorsus Raid Tools
  • 2. Macros for Demonology Warlock
    • 2.1. Pet Macros
      • 2.1.1. Dot Mouseover
      • 2.1.2. Banish Focus
      • 2.1.3. Soulstone Mouseover
      • 2.1.4. Demonic Circle
      • 2.1.5. Tier 5 talents
  • 3. Changelog
• +Gear and Best in Slot
  • 1. How To Effectively Compare Upgrades as an Demonology Warlock
  • 2. Best in Slot Items for Demonology Warlock
    • 2.1. Uldir Best in Slot
    • 2.2. Dungeon Best in Slot
  • 3. Azerite Gear for Demonology Warlock
  • 4. Trinkets for Demonology Warlock
    • 4.1. Trinket Simulations for Demonology Warlock
      • 4.1.1. Single Target
      • 4.1.2. Cleave
  • 5. Changelog
• +Simulations
  • 1. Disclaimer Page
  • 2. Demonology Warlock Racial Bonus Simulation
  • 3. Changelog

General Information

On this page, you will various tips and pieces of advice for clearing high Mythic+ content with your Demonology Warlock.

The other pages of our Demonology Warlock guide can be accessed from the table of contents on the right.

About Our Author

This guide has been written by Motoko, Warlock main since The Burning Crusade, co-admin in the Warlock Discord, and theorycrafter and contributor for LockOneStopShop.

1. Mythic+ Introduction for Demonology Warlock

Mythic+ has become a large part of the World of Warcraft endgame, but the sheer amount of different variables has left many players feeling overwhelmed. The group composition, weekly affixes, the item level of the group, the keystone level, and the experience and comfort level of the group are just several of the factors that will influence how you approach each dungeon. The purpose of this page is to prepare you for the key differences that set Mythic+ apart from the typical World of Warcraft endgame experience, including talents and rotational anomalies that may not be obvious at first glance.

2. Affix List

2.1. Tier One Affixes

• Fortified increases the Health pool of all non-boss enemies by 20% and damage dealt by 30%.
• Tyrannical increases the Health pool of boss enemies by 40% and their damage dealt by 15%.

Fortified and Tyrannical are two affixes, one of which is always present on all Mythic+ Keystones, regardless of level. These affixes shift the focus of dungeons from boss damage to trash damage depending on the current affix. Demonology Warlocks are fairly flexible, dealing with either affix well. Fortified can sometimes cause our cooldowns to line up better pack to pack, which can make the specialization feel very fluid.

2.2. Tier Two Affixes

• Raging increases the damage dealt by enemies below 30% by 100% until they die.
• Teeming adds additional trash mobs to certain packs throughout each dungeon.
• Bolstering buffs remaining enemies Health pools and damage dealt by 20% when an enemy dies nearby. To counter this affix, DPS all mobs down evenly and focus your casts into high Health mobs if there are any.
• Sanguine places a pool of blood on the ground when a mob is slain. This pool will heal remaining enemies who stay inside the zone and also damage players.
• Bursting forces enemy mobs to detonate when slain, afflicting the group with a stacking debuff that causes players to suffer 10% of their max Health in damage every four seconds..

2.3. Tier Three Affixes

• Volcanic spawns volcanic plumes underneath and around players when in combat with any enemy. When damaged by Volcanic, players suffer 50% of their maximum Health pool in damage. The more enemies you are in combat with, the more Volcanic that will spawn.
• Grievous afflicts players with a stacking DoT when they fall below 90%.
• Quaking will periodically attempt to interrupt casters by creating a damaging zone around each player. About 3 seconds after the zone forms, it will deal 20% maximum Health in damage to each player caught in the zone as well as interrupting any hard casts being finished during the shockwave.
• Explosive will occasionally spawn Explosive Orbs that need to be targeted and burned down within a short period of time or they will deal significant damage to the party.
• Necrotic debuffs the target of enemy melee swings with stacking healing reduction and minor DoT.
• Skittish reduces the amount of threat generated by tanks throughout the dungeon.

These affixes can be difficult for Demonology as they generally necessitate an interruption in your rotation, which stops most of your damage output. Focus on maximizing movement and casts to improve your damage and lessen damage intake.

2.4. Seasonal Affix

Infested is the seasonal affix for the launch of Battle for Azeroth. Enemies afflicted with the Infested debuff will be scattered throughout each dungeon once you reach key level ten. These mobs will heal enemies around them and when slain, will spawn two Spawn of G'huun that will attempt to infest remaining enemies.

There are several ways to handle Infested mobs depending on pack size, which mob is infested, and group composition. The first way to handle an Infested enemy is to burn down the infested target and the subsequently spawning Spawn of G'huun while either crowd controlling or ignoring the other mobs in the pack. The second way is to crowd control the Infested mob and burn down all the other enemies.

3. Mythic+ Talents for Demonology Warlock

Level	Choices
15	✔ Dreadlash	✔ Demonic Strength	✘ Bilescourge Bombers
30	✔ Demonic Calling	? Power Siphon	? Doom
45	✘ Demon Skin	✔ Burning Rush	✔ Dark Pact
60	✘ From the Shadows	✔ Soul Strike	? Summon Vilefiend
75	✔ Darkfury	✔ Mortal Coil	✔ Demonic Circle
90	✘ Soul Conduit	? Inner Demons	✔ Grimoire: Felguard
100	✔ Sacrificed Souls	✘ Demonic Consumption	✘ Nether Portal

3.1. Talent Explanations

Most of our explanations are geared towards keystones that challenge the current item level of your group. If you are doing keystones that are well below the current power level of the group, you should default to our build recommended above, as you will likely be able to do pulls much larger than intended, which skews the talent choices towards AoE and burst focused choices rather than builds that support sustained damage.

3.1.1. Tier 1/Level 15

Demonic Strength provides a massive amount of burst cleave and AoE, on top of offering a single target increase, making it the standard choice for virtually all keys.

Dreadlash is a viable alternative giving you more sustained cleave and AoE damage across every pack, since its cooldown is tied to Call Dreadstalkers.

Bilescourge Bombers could be an interesting choice if it was not undertuned.

3.1.2. Tier 2/Level 30

Doom can provide strong damage if it can actually tick. If the targets are dying too fast, or you simply hate playing Doom, then Demonic Calling is the standard choice.

If you struggle to transition to the next pack with enough resources (shards/cores) running Power Siphon can help.

3.1.3. Tier 3/Level 45

Dark Pact is a great choice for challenging keystones, as the cooldown is often necessary to survive lethal boss abilities or the more difficult trash pulls.

Burning Rush is the best choice for any situation where you feel Dark Pact is unnecessary.

3.1.4. Tier 4/Level 60

Soul Strike provides consistent Soul Shard generation, additional mobility, and gives you additional pet control. This talent makes AoE feel a little smoother and helps with affixes that necessitate heavy movement.

Summon Vilefiend could be used for instances with very difficult bosses on Tyrannical keys.

3.1.5. Tier 5/Level 75

Demonic Circle can be used creatively in some dungeons, such as to make certain bosses easier for yourself.

Darkfury can be used to provide more frequent access to AoE stuns. If you do not find yourself making use of Demonic Circle often in dungeons, take this talent and provide more Crowd Control.

Mortal Coil is a strong choice whenever you do not need the mobility given by Demonic Circle. It offers a noticeable heal on top of an additional form of Crowd Control, which can prevent a wipe, especially in Mythic dungeons.

3.1.6. Tier 6/Level 90

Grimoire: Felguard provides strong single target and AoE damage and helps power through difficult packs.

Inner Demons is a passive choice that provides better sustained single target damage at the cost of lower cleave potential.

Soul Conduit is currently overshadowed by Inner Demons.

3.1.7. Tier 7/Level 100

Sacrificed Souls is an all around choice that provides a steady and stable damage increase.

Nether Portal and Demonic Consumption are severely underperforming.

4. Stat Priority for Demonology Warlock

1. Intellect;
2. Haste;
3. Critical Strike
4. Versatility
5. Mastery.

5. Pet Choice for Demonology Warlock

You should be using your Felguard at all times as a Demonology Warlock.

6. Changelog

• 06 Nov. 2018: Updated talent builds and description.
• 04 Sep. 2018: Updated for Battle for Azeroth.
• 13 Aug. 2018: Page added.

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