Affliction Warlock 10.0 Guide
Introduction
This guide presents an in-depth view of the Warlock's Affliction Specialization in WoW Dragonflight patch 10.0! You will learn everything about the Affliction spec, such as how to level, gear, prepare, and then min-max your warlock for the most challenging PvE content in World of Warcraft, Season 1.
First, we'll check out the specialization's particularities and see if the Affliction Warlock is one of the best specs in Dragonflight latest season. Then you'll learn how to gear warlock, what stats to prioritize, and the best leveling spec, talents, and rotation that will get you to max level in no time.
Finally, we'll go deep into min-maxing your character for the end-game content and teach you what gear to use for Mythic Raiding and Mythic Plus dungeons. By the end of the guide, you will become a master of the Affliction specialization! Sounds good, right? Let's get started!
Table of Contents
- Affliction Warlocks: Strengths and Weaknesses
- How to gear your Affliction Warlock
- How to level your Affliction Warlock. Leveling tips
- Best Affliction Warlock talents for end-game content
- Affliction Warlock in Dragonflight - FAQ
Affliction Warlocks: Strengths and Weaknesses
In World of Warcraft, the Warlock class comes with three DPS specializations: Demonology, Destruction, and Affliction. The warlock's spending resource is called Mana. All three warlock specs focus on ranged-combat fights and require wise mana resource management.
The Destruction Warlock represents one of the mediocre DPS classes for Mythic Dungeons and Mythic Raiding in Dragonflight Season 1, even if it provides great spread multi dot damage and sustained AoE damage.
In terms of weapons, the Affliction Warlock uses a wide selection of weapons, such as daggers, one-handed swords, staves, and wands. As for raid gear, the warlock shares the Conqueror Tier Token with Demon Hunters, Paladins, and Priests for legacy content. In the Dragonflight expansion, the Vault of the incarnates raid, warlocks share the Dreadful Tier Token with Demon Hunters and Death Knights.
In the table below, we present the Affliction spec's strengths and weaknesses:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| + Great single-target damage and sustained AoE damage | - Low single-target damage |
| + Great spread multi dot damage | - Lower burst AoE damage compared to other specs |
| + Great survivability | |
| + High mobility |
How to gear your Affliction Warlock
In World of Warcraft, gearing is one of the most important aspects that enhances your character's overall performance by providing massive amounts of stats, armor, procs, and set bonuses. This guide will teach you how to properly gear up for the most challenging PvE content in WoW Dragonflight, Mythic Raiding, and Mythic+ Dungeons.
We'll start with the basics and cover the Affliction Warlock's stats priority, check out the tier set bonuses, and finally, the best in slot gear you can get from mythic raids and dungeons.
Affliction Warlock stat priority
Regardless of the class and spec you roll into in World of Warcraft, the stats are a key component when gearing up and min-maxing your character for the end-game content. Affliction Warlocks wear Cloth gear with Intellect as the main stat.
As a warlock, the Intellect stat increases the power of your spells and abilities, in other words - the damage you are dealing to the enemies. Also, please note that a higher and adequate item level will better impact your character's performance than a perfect stat distribution, so always keep an eye on the gear's item level!
The Affliction Warlock stats priority looks like this:
- 1. Intellect
- 2. Haste
- 3. Mastery
- 4. Critical Strike
- 5. Versatility
In other words: Intellect > Haste > Mastery > Critical strike > Versatility. And here's why:
Intellect: Increases your spell power and, therefore, all the damage you are dealing to your enemies
Haste: Increases your attack speed and your spell casting speed. It also increases DoTs' tick rates
Mastery: Increases the damage dealt by your DoTs
Critical Strike: Increases the chance for extra effectiveness on your attacks
Versatility: Increases damage dealt and reduces damage taken by half
Affliction Warlock Tier Set Bonus
To start with, what is a tier set in World of Warcraft?
In WoW, a tier set is a unique class armor set with powerful 2-set and 4-set specific bonuses for each specialization of that particular class. Tier set bonuses change based on the character's active talent specialization, ensuring that the bonus is appropriate and useful to that spec.
So to recap, tier sets are unique pieces of armor that, when equipped simultaneously, provide you with a bonus, different for each spec of the chosen class. This bonus is based on the number of pieces from the set you have equipped, with most tier sets providing bonuses when equipping 2 or 4 pieces.
How to get the Warlock Tier Set in Dragonflight Patch 10.0
There are three ways you can get tier set items in WoW in the Dragonflight expansion:
- Vault of the Incarnates: You can get tier set items from specific bosses in the Vault of the Incarnates raid.
- Revival Catalyst: You can craft Tier armor from non-set pieces of the same item level using the Revival Catalyst crafting system.
- Great Vault: You can obtain tier set items from all activities that normally give Great Vault rewards, such as raiding, Mythic+ dungeons, and PvP.
The fastest way to obtain your tier set is to take advantage of these three sources that can reward you with the Affliction Warlock Set items. The best advice is to complete the Vault of the Incarnates raid weekly - this is probably the fastest way to get your hands on the desired tier armor. In case you don't have a team to raid with, complete some Mythic+ Dungeons or some PvP matches.
Mythic dungeons and PvP are highly beneficial because even if you can't drop the set items while participating in these activities, you increase the chances of getting your set items at the Great Vault or the Revival Catalyst console in Thaldraszus. At the Revival catalyst console, you can convert the non-set pieces obtained in dungeons or PvP into tier set items.
Let's have a closer look at the Great Vault feature:
And this is what the Revival Catalyst looks like:
Back to our Affliction Warlock Tier Set. Now that you learned how to obtain the tier set, let's see some set bonuses and particularities, shall we?
The Warlock Tier set is called Scalesworn Cultist's Habit. For the Affliction spec, it comes with the following bonuses for two pieces and four pieces equipped:
- 2-Set: Warlock Affliction class set 2pc - When Agony grants you a Soul Shard, you have a chance to gain Cruel Inspiration, increasing your haste by 12% for 6 sec.
- 4-Set: Warlock Affliction class set 4pc - 2-Set: Warlock Affliction class set 2pc also grants 2 charges of Cruel Epiphany, up to 5 charges. Each charge of Cruel Epiphany increases the damage of your next Malefic Rapture or Seed of Corruption by 40%.
In the table below, we present you the sources for Affliction Warlock Tier Set items:
| Slot | Tier Piece | Source |
| Helm | Scalesowrn Cultists Scorn | Raszageth |
| Shoulders | Scalesworn Cultist's Effigy | Broodkeeper Diurna |
| Chest | Scalesworn Cultist's Frock | Kurog Grimtotem |
| Gloves | Scalesworn Cultist's Gloves | Dathea, Ascended |
| Legs | Scalesworn Cultist's Culottes | Sennarth |
The remaining tier set items (Cloak, Wrists, Waist, and Boots) can be obtained by using the Revival Catalyst in Thaldraszus.
As previously stated, you unlock the tier set bonuses for your warlock when you equip any two or four pieces of the Shroud of the Demon Star set. For itemization and build optimization, your four pieces of tier set as an Affliction Warlock will be the Helm, Shoulders, Chest, and Gloves.
Raid Best in Slot (BiS) Gear for Affliction Warlocks
In the table below, you can find the best item to use in each slot from the raid as an Affliction Warlock:
| Slot | Item Name | Encounter |
| Helm | Scalesowrn Cultists Scorn | Raszageth |
| Neck | Eye of the Vengeful Hurricane | Dathea, Ascended |
| Shoulders | Scalesworn Cultist's Effigy | Broodkeeper Diurna |
| Cloak | Acid-Proof Webbing | Sennarth |
| Chest | Scalesworn Cultist's Frock | Kurog Grimtotem |
| Wrists | Chilled Silken Restraints | Sennarth |
| Gloves | Eggtender's Safety Mitts | Broodkeeper Diurna |
| Waist | Magatha's Spiritual Sash | Kurog Grimtotem |
| Legs | Scalesworn Cultist's Culottes | Sennarth |
| Boots | Sandals of the Wild Sovereign | Raszageth |
| Ring #1 | Seal of Filial Duty | Broodkeeper Diurna |
| Ring #2 | Seal of Diurna's Chosen | Eranog |
| Trinket #1 | Whispering Incarnate Icon | Primal Council |
| Trinket #2 | Desperate Invoker's Codex | Raszageth |
| Staff | Quake-Detecting Seismostaff | Terros |
| Main-Hand | Stormlash's Last Resort | Raszageth |
| Off-Hand | Scripture of Primal Devotion | Kurog Grimtotem |
Mythic+ Best in Slot (BiS) Gear for Affliction Warlocks
In the table below, you can find the best item to use in each slot from the Mythic+ Dungeons as an Affliction Warlock:
| Slot | Item Name | Boss | Location |
| Helm | Hood of Uncanny Perspectives | Shadowmoon Burial Grounds | |
| Neck | Wolfstride Pendant | Halls of Valor | |
| Shoulders | Infernal Mantle of Conquest | Halls of Valor | |
| Cloak | Fireproof Drape | Ruby Life Pools | |
| Chest | Arcanist's Resonant Robes | Court of Stars | |
| Wrists | Bracers of Arcane Mystery | Shadowmoon Burial Grounds | |
| Gloves | Azureblade's Work Gloves | The Azure Vault | |
| Waist | Sky Saddle Cord | Ruby Life Pools | |
| Legs | Leggings of Swirling Runes | Halls of Valor | |
| Boots | Cushioned Treads of Glory | Halls of Valor | |
| Ring #1 | Unstable Arcane Loop | The Azure Vault | |
| Ring #2 | Signet of Dancing Jade | Temple of the Jade Serpent | |
| Trinket | Eye of Skovald | Halls of Valor | |
| Trinket | Furious Ragefeather | The Nokhud Offensive | |
| Staff | Final Grade | Algeth'ar Academy | |
| Main-Hand | Spellboon Saber | Algeth'ar Academy | |
| Off-Hand | Sadana's Grisly Visage | Shadowmoon Burial Grounds |
Best in Slot (BiS) Trinkets for Affliction Warlocks
The best Affliction Warlock trinkets for end-game content are:
| Tier | Item Name | Location |
| S | Furious Ragefeather | The Nokhud Offensive |
| S | Whispering Incarnate Icon | Vault of the Incarnates |
| A | Horn of Valor | Halls of Valor |
| A | Eye of Skovald | Halls of Valor |
| B | Infernal Writ | Court of Stars |
| B | Desperate Invoker's Codex | Vault of the Incarnates |
| B | Ruby Whelp Shell | Ruby Life Pools |
| C | Tome of Unstable Power | The Azure Vault |
| C | Iceblood Deathsnare | Vault of the Incarnates |
| D | Idol of Pure Decay | Brackenhide Hollow |
| D | Umbrelskul's Fractured Heart | IThe Azure Vault |
This wraps up everything you should know about gearing your Affliction Warlock: the stats priority, how to obtain the tier set, and what items to use in the end-game activities. Moving on to the next section of our guide, we'll teach you how to level your Affliction Warlock in Dragonflight Season 1, patch 10.0. Sounds good, right? Let's dive in!
How to level your Affliction Warlock. Leveling tips
Before leveling your Affliction Warlock, you must first create and customize the character. That brings us to the first question: what race should you go for when creating the character? Let's find out, shall we?
Best Affliction Warlock Races
When it comes to races, with so many options to choose from, you are probably wondering what would be the best race for the Affliction spec. In World of Warcraft, each race has different racial abilities and spells, but no races offer an immediate advantage compared to others regarding the Affliction specialization. I highly recommend choosing the race you like the most, aesthetically speaking.
- Best Affliction Warlock races for Alliance: Mechagnome, Human, and Gnome.
- Best Affliction Warlock races for Horde: Troll, Orc, and Goblin.
Best Affliction Warlock Leveling Talents and Rotation in Dragonflight 10.0
The best talents to use while leveling to level 60 as an Affliction Warlock are:
Now let's check out how you should prioritize your abilities. Here is what most people consider to be the basic rotation as an Affliction Warlock:
- 1. Apply and maintain Agony.
- 2. Apply and maintain Corruption.
- 3. Apply and maintain Unstable Affliction.
- 4. Cast Haunt (if talented).
- 5. Cast Vile Taint.
- 6. Cast Soul Rot.
- 7. Cast Malefic Rapture until you can't anymore.
- 8. Cast Drain Soul.
Be sure to also cast Drain Life when you are near max stacks of Inevitable Demise. Choosing the best talents will significantly impact your performance as a DPS!
Best Affliction Warlock End-game Talents
From the PvE perspective, there are two main end-game activities we'll take into consideration: Mythic raiding and Mythic+ Dungeons. We'll treat them separately to keep things clear and avoid confusion.
Best Talents for Mythic Raiding in Season 1 (patch 10.0)
In the picture below, you can see the best talents for mythic raiding as an Affliction Warlock:
Best Talents for Mythic+ Dungeons in Season 1 (patch 10.0)
As an Affliction Warlock, these are the talents you must use to maximize your damage in M+ Dungeons:
Affliction Warlock in Dragonflight - FAQ
1. Are Affliction Warlocks good in Dragonflight 10.0?
Not really. Affliction Warlock represents one of the mediocre DPS specs in Season 1 PvE end-game content.
2. Is Affliction Warlock easy to play?
The Affliction Warlock specialization qualifies as one of the more complicated to play DPS specs in WoW Dragonflight.
3. What is the stats priority for Affliction Warlocks?
The stats priority for Warlock's Affliction spec is Intellect > Haste > Mastery > Critical Strike > Versatility.
4. Which warlock spec is best for leveling in patch 10.0?
The Demonology Specialization is the best spec for warlock leveling in Season 1.
5. What is the best race for Affliction Warlocks in Dragonflight?
- Alliance's best Affliction Warlock races are Mechagnome, Human, and Gnome.
- For Horde, the best Affliction Warlock races are Troll, Orc, and Goblin.
Final thoughts
This wraps up everything you should know regarding the Warlock's Affliction specialization in World of Warcraft Dragonflight for Season 1, patch 10.0. By reading this guide, you should now better understand the Affliction Warlocks' spec and particularities and how they perform in certain circumstances and different PvE end-game activities. It's one of the game's coolest specs in Dragonflight, so I encourage you to try it!