Frost Death Knight Frequently Asked Questions — The War Within (11.2)

Last updated Yesterday at 19:30 by Bicepspump 63 comments
General Information

On this page, we go over several of the most frequently asked questions regarding Frost Death Knight in World of Warcraft — The War Within (11.2). This will be updated as more common repeated questions surface over the course of the expansion.

1.

Is 2H or DW better?

Both DW and 2H are competitive options. 2H builds run Breath of Sindragosa Icon Breath of Sindragosa and relies on big Obliterate Icon Obliterate and Frostscythe Icon Frostscythe damage. DW builds run Shattering Blade Icon Shattering Blade with Frostbane Icon Frostbane in Mythic+, relying on Razorice Icon Razorice Runeforge on one of the weapons.

2.

When is the best time to use Reaper's Mark Icon Reaper's Mark?

It is about 0.5% more DPS in Single Target and 1.5% more DPS in AoE to use Reaper's Mark Icon Reaper's Mark the GCD before your Pillar of Frost Icon Pillar of Frost. This allows slightly more Killing Machine Icon Killing Machine consumptions within the Pillar window!

3.

When do I use Cursed Stone Idol Icon Cursed Stone Idol?

Cast it before you enter your Cooldowns, so before Reaper's Mark Icon Reaper's Mark with Deathbringer and before Frostwyrm's Fury Icon Frostwyrm's Fury with Rider of the Apocalypse.

4.

How much is the Killing Machine proc rate increased for 2H?

The effective proc rate of Killing Machine Icon Killing Machine is ~50% for dual-wield and 100% for 2H with Might of the Frozen Wastes Icon Might of the Frozen Wastes. Dual-Wield still gets 38% more natural procs.

5.

How much DPS do I lose by macroing Empower Rune Weapon Icon Empower Rune Weapon to all my buttons?

Empower Rune Weapon Icon Empower Rune Weapon should ideally be managed to maximise its damage. However, just macroing it to your main rotation buttons will result in roughly 1.5% DPS downgrade in Single Target. Something to consider! When you macro it, put it after your main ability in the macro (otherwise it will not work), like:

  • /cast Obliterate
  • /cast Empower Rune Weapon
6.

Changelog

  • 16 Sep. 2025: Added some more useful FAQs.
  • 04 Aug. 2025: Updated for Patch 11.2.
  • 15 Jun. 2025: Clarified 2H frost viability.
  • 21 Apr. 2025: Reviewed for Patch 11.1.5.
  • 24 Feb. 2025: Reviewed and updated for Patch 11.1.
  • 15 Dec. 2024: Reviewed and update for Patch 11.0.7.
  • 21 Oct. 2024: Reviewed for Patch 11.0.5.
  • 09 Sep. 2024: Reviewed for The War Within Season 1.
  • 21 Aug. 2024: Updated for The War Within.
  • 23 Jul. 2024: Reviewed for The War Within Pre-Patch.
  • 07 May 2024: Reviewed for 10.2.7.
  • 22 Apr. 2024: Reviewed for Season 4.
  • 15 Jan. 2024: Reviewed for Patch 10.2.5.
  • 06 Nov. 2023: Updated for Patch 10.2.
  • 04 Sep. 2023: Reviewed for Patch 10.1.7
  • 10 Jul. 2023: Reviewed for Patch 10.1.5.
  • 01 May 2023: Reivewed for Patch 10.1. Added extra answer for DW viability for Obliteration in Mythic+.
  • 20 Mar. 2023: Reviewed for Patch 10.0.7.
  • 24 Jan. 2023: Reviewed for Patch 10.0.5.
  • 11 Dec. 2022: Reviewed for Dragonflight Season 1.
  • 28 Nov. 2022: Updated for Dragonflight launch.
  • 25 Oct. 2022: Updated for Dragonflight pre-patch.
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