With the arrival of Cataclysm, the talent system received a massive overhaul, changing from the 71 talent points system to a more compact 41 points system. As such, many of the old talents were either completely removed or changed, resulting in fewer possible build variations. One key aspect of the new system is that you must use at least 31 points in your main specialization to use the remaining 10 points in a secondary specialization.
Talent Builds
Most Demonology Warlocks will use a build like the one above for raiding, with a couple of variations. The first variation is a minor choice within the Demonology tree:
- Demonic Empowerment can be picked up for some extra pet utility if you think you will need to use it.
- Fel Synergy is the best alternative for that talent point if you don’t need the talent above.
The other choice you can make is between the Affliction and Destruction trees. This choice should be made based on whether you plan to use Incinerate or Shadow Bolt as your main filler spell.
- Improved Corruption is the better choice for a rotation that uses Incinerate as a filler. This build will do slightly better in single-target fights.
- Bane is preferable if you’re going to be using Shadow Bolt. This option will generally be a bit more effective against multiple targets.
Glyphs
Prime Glyphs
- Glyph of Immolate
A decent buff to one of your core spells, Immolate, that should be a staple for any Demonology build.
- Glyph of Metamorphosis
Extends the duration of your main DPS cooldown, Metamorphosis. Another glyph that every Demonology build should have.
- Glyph of Incinerate
This glyph buffs your Incinerate spell and is the best third option for single-target fights, pairing especially well with an Improved Corruption build.
- Glyph of Corruption
Is preferable to the glyph above if you’re able to put Corruption on multiple targets. Pair this with a Bane build for the best results.
Major Glyphs
- Glyph of Life Tap
This glyph effectively lets you double the mana you can get through Life Tap with a single global cooldown, giving you more time to do damage. Most Warlocks will want to use this glyph.
- Glyph of Soul Link
With this glyph, your Soul Link will transfer a bit more of your damage taken to your pet instead of you, improving your survivability. A strong option for raiding.
- Glyph of Shadow Bolt
Mandatory for a Bane build where you will be using Shadow Bolt as your filler spell, since it reduces the spell’s mana cost.
- Glyph of Soulstone
One option for a third glyph if you don’t need the glyph above. Only useful if you’re going to be casting Soulstone on yourself.
- Glyph of Healthstone
If you don’t need the two glyphs above, this one will make your Healthstones restore more of your health, which can help your survivability.
Minor Glyphs
- Glyph of Drain Soul
Free mana is a pretty good benefit from a Minor Glyph. The only mandatory Minor Glyph for raiding.
- Glyph of Ritual of Souls
Handy for raiding in the sense that you won’t have to worry about restoring as much mana after you summon a Soulwell with Ritual of Souls.
- Glyph of Health Funnel
Useful when you need to use Health Funnel, although you won’t often do so in raids.
- Glyph of Unending Breath
Not needed for raiding, but you will get some use out of your Unending Breath buff while questing in the open world, and that extra swim speed will make you glad you have this.
Â
About the Author
