Hordes of Azeroth
Warlock build guide.

SKILL CONNECTIONS

Give the next offer a job.

Shadow Bolt

The starting pressure source; current damage benefits from Decay on the target.

Corruption

A Decay application piece for an Affliction route.

Curse of Agony

Connects to the current Shadow Bolt interaction on cursed targets.

Drain Life

A sustain option with a current offensive connection to Decay and Agony.

A DECISION ORDER, NOT STAT WEIGHTS

What matters first?

1. 01Keep damage active during safe movement
2. 02Build recurring afflictions or a purposeful demon team
3. 03Add sustain that supports the same target pattern

We do not publish a universal Strength, Haste or Crit ratio for this class. An item’s value depends on the spells, conditions and survival problem in your actual run. Read the offer before replacing a piece that is keeping the engine alive.

THE RUN, IN THREE QUESTIONS

From the first pack
to the boss.

Opening: what already works?

Let the starter work while you establish a dependable second source of pressure. A pet or recurring affliction can be helpful when the horde makes you move. Avoid entering close range for a new spell before you know what protects you there.

Middle: what is the missing connection?

Affliction wants enough time on the target for its setup to matter. Demonology wants demons that complement the current problem instead of simply filling every slot. If you choose Destruction, make the Burning application and area coverage reinforce each other.

Boss: what changes when the pack is gone?

Kill-driven effects have fewer opportunities against one durable target. Preserve recurring afflictions and reliable damage during the movement phases. Drain Life’s reach is a positional limit, not a reason to walk into the next marker.

Why this learning-tier placement?

Persistent damage and pets provide useful breathing room, but setup time and differing target conditions stop every Warlock choice from being equally straightforward.

The full tier list compares how approachable the first learning run feels from the documented toolkit. It does not rank developed characters, co-op compositions or unlimited Mythic performance. Our recommendation can change when the class rules change.