PvE Windwalker Monk DPS

Windwalker Monk in Mists of Pandaria is a dynamic DPS specialization that requires fast reactions, displaying one of the spammiest playstyles. They focus on dealing Physical and Nature damage, continuously hitting their foes with a barrage of fists and kicks. Their kit is built around sustained damage, but also incorporates a burst mechanic that allows them to control when they land devastating blows to any enemy. 

Changes in Mists of Pandaria

Windwalker Monks are a new DPS specialization in Mists of Pandaria, featuring a playstyle similar to that of Rogues, Feral Druid, and Retribution Paladin. The specialization focuses on two distinct resources, Energy and Chi, with some abilities acting as Chi generators and some as Chi spenders, much like their peers. Some examples of Chi generators are Jab, Expel Harm, Spinning Crane Kick, and Rushing Jade Wind. On the other side, abilities such as Blackout Kick, Fists of Fury, Rising Sun Kick, and Tiger Palm act as the main Chi spenders. 

The specialization is heavily tied to Haste, affecting its Energy regeneration and overall ability usage. While a large chunk of their abilities use Chi, Windwalker Monks require a large amount of Haste to have the required Energy to consistently generate Chi, even if they do have an Energy steroid such as Energizing Brew. They also have access to Combo Breaker, a passive that allows some of their spells to be cast without requiring Chi, but that is heavily tied to RNG.

Furthermore, Windwalker Monk is known for its great burst sequences. However, those burst sequences depend on Chi usage, as they are tied to the Tigereye Brew effect, which is tied once again to how much Haste they acquire. At the beginning of the expansion, the specialization will feel sluggish, especially when undergeared. But as time passes, the Windwalker becomes a powerhouse with no downtime for players.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• Great Sustained Damage
  Once they acquire enough Haste, Windwalker Monks deal great amounts of sustained damage throughout any encounter. Since they have close to no downtime, they consistently deal damage, even while not in their burst sequences.

• Amazing Controlled Burst Sequences
  Windwalker Monks have access to a specific mechanic, Tigereye Brew, which allows them to control the exact moment when they enter a burst sequence. Due to this mechanic, they can make the most out of their On-Equip trinkets, eliminating any risk of RNG. However, the mechanic also has a downside: the initial ramp-up time.

• Extreme Mobility
  Windwalker Monks have several abilities that allow them to instantly travel from one point to another during PvE encounters. Abilities such as Tiger’s Lust, Transcendence, Roll, and Flying Serpent Kick allow them to escape even the most deadly situations.

• Engaging Playstyle
  Due to the spammy nature of the specialization, Windwalker Monks will consistently have buttons to press! While this can be tedious for some players who find a more relaxed pace comfortable, their playstyle fits perfectly for players who want consistent action.

• Great AoE/Cleave Damage
  Windwalker Monk has a lot of potential for Cleave/AoE damage, even if their rotation is somewhat clunky. Their cleave is amazing due to Storm, Earth, and Fire, effectively mimicking their Single-Target abilities on two other targets. At the same time, Fists of Fury, Spinning Crane Kick, and Rushing Jade Wind deal high amounts of damage in both AoE and Cleave.

Weaknesses

• Very Stat Dependent
  Haste is the name of the game for Windwalker Monks, and sadly, they suffer at the beginning of the expansion due to a huge lack of it! Since Windwalkers are largely dependent on their Energy regeneration, their gameplay feels extremely sluggish until they acquire considerable amounts. In addition, without enough Critical Strike Chance, the specialization doesn’t do enough damage compared to other DPS.

• Burst Ramp-up Time
  Windwalker Monks have only one issue with their overall kit and playstyle: the time it takes to use Tigereye Brew effectively! Encounters that require Windwalker Monks to unload as much damage as possible ASAP are the ones where they truly show their weakness. This is slightly mitigated by a large amount of Haste and Chi Brew, but not to the extent that it removes the issue entirely.

Best Races

While racial effects were extremely important in previous versions of WoW, their importance has been reduced overall in MoP Classic. The effects now act as slight bonuses instead of actual game-changing mechanics.

Horde

Pandaren is arguably the best in terms of raw stats due to Epicurean. Troll is the next best option due to Berserking, which can be simultaneously activated with Tigereye Brew. Orc is also a decent option as long as you dual-wield axes. The rest of the options are not so great for PvE environments.

• Pandaren: Bouncy, Epicurean, Gourmand, Inner Peace, Quaking Palm.
• Troll: Berserking, Da Voodoo Shuffle, Regeneration, Beast Slaying, Dead Eye.
• Orc: Blood Fury, Axe Specialization, Hardiness, Command.
• Blood Elf: Arcane Torrent, Arcane Resistance, Arcane Affinity.
• Tauren: Endurance, Cultivation, Nature Resistance, War Stomp.
• Undead: Will of the Forsaken, Cannibalize, Shadow Resistance, Touch of the Grave.

Alliance

Pandaren is the best for Alliance as well, due to the raw stats gained from Epicurean. On the other side, Human and Dwarf are both decently strong options for Expertise and survivability due to Sword Specialization and Mace Specialization. In contrast, Draenei is also a very solid pick that grants increased Hit thanks to Heroic Presence and increased survivability due to Gift of the Naaru.

• Pandaren: Bouncy, Epicurean, Gourmand, Inner Peace, Quaking Palm.
• Dwarf: Stoneform, Explorer, Mace Specialization, Crack Shot, Frost Resistance.
• Human: Sword Specialization, Mace Specialization, Will to Survive, The Human Spirit, Diplomacy.
• Draenei: Gift of the Naaru, Heroic Presence, Shadow Resistance, Gemcutting.
• Gnome: Shortblade Specialization, Engineering Specialization, Escape Artist, Expansive Mind, Arcane Resistance.
• Night Elf: Elusiveness, Quickness, Shadowmeld, Wisp Spirit, Nature Resistance.