Feral Druid DPS Spec, Builds, and Talents — Midnight Pre-Patch (12.0)

In the Midnight Pre-patch, Druid of the Claw comes out on top with the new additions available. In particular, Focused Frenzy paired with the reworked Tear Down the Mighty provides a strong 30-second cooldown, and it suffers less from point limitations. This makes it the recommended choice currently:

In the Midnight Pre-patch, unfortunately due to weaker DoT effects and limited access to some new effects, Wildstalker falls slightly behind in single-target. As such, while it can compete, it's less ideal when compared to the alternative:

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In single-target, Druid of the Claw makes sure to pick up as many talents that enhance Ferocious Bite as possible - in particular Saber Jaws. One exception is Apex Predator's Craving, which actually interferes with the power of Ravage procs. It makes sure to pick up the entire suite of Berserk talents and pairs them with Convoke the Spirits for burst. At the bottom, it also picks both Feral Frenzy and Chomp, enhancing them with Tear Down the Mighty.

In single-target, Wildstalker still maintains a focus on DoT effects and Bleeds. As such, it makes sure to pick up as many enhancing effects as possible - especially Circle of Life and Death. It picks up the entire suite of Berserk talents, pairing it with Convoke the Spirits for 2-minute burst windows. It also takes Feral Frenzy and Lunar Inspiration for additional rotational buttons, while enhancing the former with Focused Frenzy.

For a detailed overview on how this build plays, check out our Rotation page.

In the Midnight Pre-patch, Druid of the Claw remains by far the strongest option due both to its easier execution and better defensive toolkit. Newly added talents also favour it more than its competitor, and as such is the recommended choice:

Wildstalker unfortunately suffers from some limitations in the Midnight Pre-patch, both with new talents not really favouring it, and a lack of availability when it comes to new effects as well. The drawbacks are strong enough that it's not recommended in AoE content, similar to its previous problems in The War Within:

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Druid of the Claw follows similar build goals in Midnight as it did previously. It makes sure to switch some single-target points over to both Primal Wrath and Rampant Ferocity to convert Ferocious Bite to AoE, while taking Double-Clawed Rake for easier DoT applications. It also picks up both the Berserk and Convoke the Spirits for cooldowns, while shifting to Frantic Frenzy to convert Feral Frenzy into AoE.

Wildstalker suffers a bit from low DoT tuning, but it still leans into these parts of the talent tree to leverage its toolkit. It always makes sure to take both Primal Wrath and Rampant Ferocity to convert spenders into AoE, while picking up Double-Clawed Rake to apply DoTs easier. Both Berserk and Convoke the Spirits are taken for longer cooldowns, while Feral Frenzy and Frantic Frenzy are also picked up for mid-range burst. It also leans on the new Hunger for Battle to sustain Energy between pulls.

For a detailed overview on how this build plays, check out our Rotation page.

While weaker in Delves due to the erratic combat time and large amount of unimportant enemies, Wildstalker can still be a reasonable choice due to its simplicity. Its lack of up-front burst, reliance on more damage over time and lower defense does firmly make it the weaker choice though.

Druid of the Claw really shines in delves due to the massive amount of extra survival and on-demand burst AoE the tree provides. Pair that with extra benefits from dropping combat and a reliable burst profile, and you have a spec that can handle anything even the most dangerous Delves can throw at you.

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This tree grants access to Ravage, which is triggered via auto-attacks, massively empowering your next Ferocious Bite. Specific mechanics are:

• Ravage deals AoE damage, and is triggered via your auto-attack procs and during Berserk via Claw Rampage.
• Tear Down the Mighty improves both Feral Frenzy and Chomp damage.

This positions Druid of the Claw as a more flexible option, bringing both extra cleave and burst. It also provides superior defensive benefits, improving both Bear Form and granting easier access to Frenzied Regeneration.

Conversely, Wildstalker focuses heavily on DoT effects and Bleeds in the Feral toolkit. Most importantly, Bloodseeker Vines will grow on targets affected by Rake and Rip, dealing Bleed damage and amplifying your other abilities. Some specific mechanics are:

• Hunt Beneath the Open Skies encourages Lunar Inspiration, leaning into a heavier DoT playstyle.
• Bursting Growth causes additional AoE when you cast Ferocious Bite on targets affected by Bloodseeker Vines, providing additional benefits to your finishers.

Wildstalker is definitely more focused on single-target due to its heavy Bleed and DoT focus, and is generally less flexible than the alternative. While it can deal good damage, it's often a little slower to build up.