Affliction Warlocks specialize in sustained damage through multiple damage-over-time effects. The spec features complex DoT management and shard resource mechanics. This guide covers DoT maintenance, shard spending, and talent optimization for Affliction specialists.
Damage-over-Time Priority System
Affliction relies on maintaining multiple DoTs simultaneously. Your primary damage-over-time effects include:
- Agony: Stacking DoT that increases damage over time
- Corruption: Instant application with periodic damage
- Unstable Affliction: High damage with backlash protection
- Siphon Life: Provides self-healing with damage
Keep all DoTs active on your target at all times for maximum damage output. Refresh DoTs before they expire to maintain consistent pressure.
Soul Shard Resource Management
Soul Shards fuel your most powerful abilities. You generate shards through DoT damage and specific spells. The table below shows shard economy:
| Ability | Shard Change | Cast Time | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agony (full duration) | +1 Shard | Instant | Maintain always |
| Drain Soul | +1 Shard | Channeled | Below 20% target HP |
| Malefic Rapture | -1 Shard | Instant | Primary spender |
| Summon Darkglare | -1 Shard | Instant | Cooldown usage |
Malefic Rapture Usage
Malefic Rapture is your primary Soul Shard spender. It deals damage based on the number of DoTs active on your target. Use Malefic Rapture when you have maximum DoTs applied. Stack multiple shards for consecutive casts during burst windows. Proper Malefic Rapture timing significantly increases your damage output during important phases.
Darkglare Summoning Strategy
Darkglare is your major cooldown, extending all your DoTs and dealing damage. Summon Darkglare when you have maximum DoTs active on multiple targets. Align Darkglare with other cooldowns and group buffs for maximum effectiveness. Use Soul Shard generation abilities before Darkglare to ensure resources for Malefic Rapture spam during the cooldown window.
Multi-Target and Cleave Situations
Affliction excels at multi-target damage through DoT spreading. Use Seed of Corruption to apply Corruption to multiple targets simultaneously. Maintain Agony on all priority targets for shard generation. Use Malefic Rapture for area damage when multiple targets have full DoTs. Affliction damage scales exceptionally well with target count.
Talent Recommendations
Affliction talents enhance DoT damage and shard generation. Focus on talents that improve DoT duration and damage for sustained encounters. Consider burst talents for shorter fights. Simulate your character to determine optimal talent combinations for your specific encounter types and gear level.
Why Play Affliction Warlock
Affliction offers unique DoT-based gameplay with strong sustained damage. You excel at long encounters and multi-target situations. The spec provides excellent self-healing and survivability. Groups appreciate the consistent damage and utility. If you enjoy complex resource management and damage-over-time fantasy, Affliction Warlock delivers.
