Affliction questing, damage over time and pet control
Updated October 22, 2026. Talent reference 1.60.1.70338.
Quick summary
- Specialization
- Affliction
- Weapon
- Staff, or a one-hand weapon and off-hand
- Talents at level 30
- 21 points in Affliction (21/0/0)
- Key talents
- Soul Harvest (level 23) · Nightfall (level 25)
- Stats
- Stamina > Intellect > Spirit
- Recommended race
- Alliance: Human · Horde: Undead
From level 1 to 60
Your Warlock from 1 to 60: race, route, profession and loot
Races that can be a Warlock
Bar = share of all beta characters that picked that race with Warlock. Rarest: Orc (1.2%).
UndeadRecovery and control removal · leveling tier S2.6 %
HumanVersatility and control · leveling tier B2.2 %
GnomeResources and engineering · leveling tier S2 %
TrollSpeed and regeneration · leveling tier A1.3 %
OrcBurst and magic defense · leveling tier S1.2 %
Census: ClassicPlus.io, 1,003,125 beta characters. Racials and conditions: race guide.
Route by level: zones, dungeons, gathering and loot
- 1–10Quest in
Your race’s starting zone, then the nearby capital.
Your race’s starting zone, then the nearby capital.
Gather at the same timeSkill 1–75 · Apprentice: train it at level 5
⛏ Copper
🌿 Peacebloom, Silverleaf, Earthroot
🔪 Skinning: up to 50 on the beasts of your zone - 10–20Quest in
Westfall · Loch Modan · Darkshore · Redridge
The Barrens · Silverpine Forest · Stonetalon
Gather at the same timeSkill 50–125 · Journeyman from level 10 (cap 150)
⛏ Copper → Tin from 65
🌿 Mageroyal, Briarthorn, Bruiseweed
🔪 Skinning: up to 100 on the beasts of your zoneHall of Thanes13–18New Ironforge: descend from the left corridor of the throne room into Old Ironforge.
Loot is listed but its stats are not in our data yet: check the dungeon page.
The Deadmines18–23 Westfall, through the mines at Moonbrook.
Emberstone StaffTwo-hand · lvl 18 · Spi / Sta / IntCaptain Greenskin
Lavishly Jeweled RingRing · lvl 17 · Agi / IntGilnid
Miner's CapeBack · lvl 14 · StaMiner Johnson (rare)
Ragefire Chasm13–18 Orgrimmar, Cleft of Shadow.
Robe of EvocationChest · lvl 13 · Int / StaJergosh the Invoker
Crystalline CuffsWrist · lvl 13 · Spi / IntTaragaman the Hungerer
Chanting BladeOne-hand · lvl 13 · Agi / StaJergosh the Invoker
Wailing Caverns15–25 The Barrens, southwest of the Crossroads.
Deep Fathom RingRing · lvl 21 · Spi / Sta / IntMutanus the Devourer
Living RootTwo-hand · lvl 20 · Spi / StaVerdan the Everliving
Robe of the MoccasinChest · lvl 17 · Str / Sta / SpiLord Cobrahn
Sporid CapeBack · lvl 18 · Sta / SpiVerdan the Everliving
Ruins of Lordaeron15–20New Undercity / Ruins of Lordaeron: entrance to the left as you enter the ruins.
Loot is listed but its stats are not in our data yet: check the dungeon page.
- 20–30Quest in
Wetlands · Duskwood · Redridge · Ashenvale
Southern Barrens · Stonetalon · Hillsbrad · Ashenvale · Thousand Needles
Gather at the same timeSkill 125–175 · Expert from level 20 (cap 225)
⛏ Tin, Silver, Iron from 125
🌿 Wild Steelbloom, Kingsblood, Grave Moss
🔪 Skinning: up to 150 on the beasts of your zoneThe Stockade22–30 Stormwind, Mage Quarter.
Bright MantleShoulder · lvl 21 · Int / SpiDextren Ward
Kam's Walking StickTwo-hand · lvl 22 · Agi / IntKam Deepfury
Blackfathom Deeps24–32 Ashenvale, Zoram Strand.
Leech PantsLegs · lvl 26 · Int / Spi / StaAku'mai- Rod of the SleepwalkerTwo-hand · lvl 24 · Int / SpiTwilight Lord Kelris
Staff of the Blessed SeerTwo-hand · lvl 18 · Spi / StaGhamoo-ra
Ghamoo-ra's BindWaist · lvl 20 · Sta / IntGhamoo-ra
Excavation Site: Wetlands26–31New Wetlands: follow the path starting south of Thelgen Rock cavern, according to Icy Veins.
Emblazoned CloakBack · lvl 22 · Sta / SpiHighland Horror
Gnomeregan29–38 Dun Morogh, west of Ironforge.
Acidic WalkersFeet · lvl 27 · Int / SpiViscous Fallout
Shadowfang Keep22–30 Silverpine Forest, above Pyrewood Village.
Robes of ArugalChest · lvl 24 · Spi / Int / Sta / AgiArchmage Arugal
Mindthrust BracersWrist · lvl 17 · Int / StaRazorclaw the Butcher
Feline MantleShoulder · lvl 23 · Int / Spi / AgiWolf Master Nandos
Belt of ArugalWaist · lvl 24 · Int / Spi / AgiArchmage Arugal
Blackfathom Deeps24–32 Ashenvale, Zoram Strand.
- Leech PantsLegs · lvl 26 · Int / Spi / StaAku'mai
- Rod of the SleepwalkerTwo-hand · lvl 24 · Int / SpiTwilight Lord Kelris
- Staff of the Blessed SeerTwo-hand · lvl 18 · Spi / StaGhamoo-ra
- Ghamoo-ra's BindWaist · lvl 20 · Sta / IntGhamoo-ra
City of Dalaran28–33New Dalaran, Hillsbrad region. Exact entrance unverified.
No loot table yet for Forever.
- 30–40Quest in
Stranglethorn Vale · Arathi Highlands · Desolace · Riverglades
Stranglethorn Vale · Arathi Highlands · Desolace · Riverglades
Gather at the same timeSkill 175–225 · Artisan from level 35 (cap 300)
⛏ Iron, Gold, Mithril from 175
🌿 Liferoot, Fadeleaf, Goldthorn
🔪 Skinning: up to 200 on the beasts of your zoneGnomeregan29–38 Dun Morogh, west of Ironforge.
- Acidic WalkersFeet · lvl 27 · Int / SpiViscous Fallout
Razorfen Kraul30–40 Southern Barrens.
Death Speaker RobesChest · lvl 26 · Sta / Int / SpiDeath Speaker Jargba- Death Speaker MantleShoulder · lvl 25 · Int / SpiDeath Speaker Jargba
Scarlet Monastery: Graveyard28–38 Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades; Graveyard portal.
- Bloodmage MantleShoulder · lvl 30 · Int / SpiBloodmage Thalnos
Scarlet Monastery: Library29–39 Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades; Library portal.
Illusionary RodTwo-hand · lvl 34 · Int / Spi / StaArcanist Doan
Hypnotic BladeMain hand · lvl 34 · Int / SpiArcanist Doan- Mark of KernRing · lvl 31 · StaHoundmaster Loksey
- Mark of KernRing · lvl 31 · StaArcanist Doan
Scarlet Monastery: Graveyard28–38 Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades; Graveyard portal.
- Bloodmage MantleShoulder · lvl 30 · Int / SpiBloodmage Thalnos
Scarlet Monastery: Library29–39 Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades; Library portal.
- Illusionary RodTwo-hand · lvl 34 · Int / Spi / StaArcanist Doan
- Hypnotic BladeMain hand · lvl 34 · Int / SpiArcanist Doan
- Mark of KernRing · lvl 31 · StaHoundmaster Loksey
- Mark of KernRing · lvl 31 · StaArcanist Doan
Razorfen Kraul30–40 Southern Barrens.
- Death Speaker RobesChest · lvl 26 · Sta / Int / SpiDeath Speaker Jargba
- Death Speaker MantleShoulder · lvl 25 · Int / SpiDeath Speaker Jargba
Scarlet Monastery: Armory32–42 Scarlet Monastery, northeastern Tirisfal Glades; Armory portal.
Nothing here for a Warlock at this level: the loot is for other armor types or stats.
- 40–50Quest in
Tanaris · Feralas · The Hinterlands · Searing Gorge
Tanaris · Feralas · The Hinterlands · Searing Gorge
Gather at the same timeSkill 225–265 · Artisan: keep gathering in your zone
⛏ Mithril, Truesilver
🌿 Khadgar’s Whisker, Sungrass, Purple Lotus
🔪 Skinning: up to 250 on the beasts of your zoneScarlet Monastery: Cathedral35–45 Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades; Cathedral portal.
Whitemane's ChapeauHead · lvl 39 · Spi / Int / StaHigh Inquisitor Whitemane
Triune AmuletNeck · lvl 39 · Int / Spi / StaHigh Inquisitor Whitemane
Inquisitor's ShawlShoulder · lvl 36 · IntHigh Inquisitor Fairbanks
Uldaman42–52 Badlands, northern excavation.
Stoneweaver LeggingsLegs · lvl 35 · Spi / Sta / IntIronaya
Grimlok's Tribal VestmentsChest · lvl 42 · Sta / Spi / IntGrimlok
Revelosh's GlovesHands · lvl 35 · Int / StaRevelosh
Ironshod BludgeonTwo-hand · lvl 37 · Sta / StrIronaya
Razorfen Downs40–50 Southern Barrens.
- Deathmage SashWaist · lvl 36 · Int / StaMordresh Fire Eye
Robes of the LichChest · lvl 39 · Int / StaAmnennar the Coldbringer
Glowing Eye of MordreshNeck · lvl 36 · Spi / IntMordresh Fire Eye- Silky Spider CapeBack · lvl 35 · Sta / SpiTuten'kash
Krol’dok Stronghold40–45New Riverglades; exact entrance unverified.
No loot table yet for Forever.
Scarlet Monastery: Cathedral35–45 Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades; Cathedral portal.
- Whitemane's ChapeauHead · lvl 39 · Spi / Int / StaHigh Inquisitor Whitemane
- Triune AmuletNeck · lvl 39 · Int / Spi / StaHigh Inquisitor Whitemane
- Inquisitor's ShawlShoulder · lvl 36 · IntHigh Inquisitor Fairbanks
Razorfen Downs40–50 Southern Barrens.
- Deathmage SashWaist · lvl 36 · Int / StaMordresh Fire Eye
- Robes of the LichChest · lvl 39 · Int / StaAmnennar the Coldbringer
- Glowing Eye of MordreshNeck · lvl 36 · Spi / IntMordresh Fire Eye
- Silky Spider CapeBack · lvl 35 · Sta / SpiTuten'kash
Uldaman42–52 Badlands, northern excavation.
- Stoneweaver LeggingsLegs · lvl 35 · Spi / Sta / IntIronaya
- Grimlok's Tribal VestmentsChest · lvl 42 · Sta / Spi / IntGrimlok
- Revelosh's GlovesHands · lvl 35 · Int / StaRevelosh
- Ironshod BludgeonTwo-hand · lvl 37 · Sta / StrIronaya
Krol’dok Stronghold40–45New Riverglades; exact entrance unverified.
No loot table yet for Forever.
- 50–60Quest in
Un’Goro Crater · Felwood · Winterspring · Plaguelands
Un’Goro Crater · Felwood · Winterspring · Plaguelands
Gather at the same timeSkill 265–300 · Artisan: reach 300 before 60
⛏ Thorium
🌿 Dreamfoil, Mountain Silversage, Plaguebloom
🔪 Skinning: up to 300 on the beasts of your zoneMaraudon: Earth Song Falls48–57 Desolace, Valley of Spears; inner Maraudon route.
- Rotgrip MantleShoulder · lvl 48 · Int / SpiRotgrip
- Highborne BraceletsWrist · lvl 47 · Int / StaCelebras the Cursed
- Grovekeeper's DrapeBack · lvl 47 · StaCelebras the Cursed
Blackstone RingRing · lvl 49 · StaPrincess Theradras
Alcaz Prison48–53New Alcaz Island, northeast of Dustwallow Marsh.
No loot table yet for Forever.
Sunken Temple50–60 Swamp of Sorrows, Pool of Tears.
Kilt of the Atal'ai ProphetLegs · lvl 50 · Spi / Int / Sta / StrJammal'an the Prophet
Featherskin CapeBack · lvl 49 · Sta / Spi / IntAvatar of Hakkar
Dawnspire CordWaist · lvl 48 · Int / SpiDreamscythe
Vestments of the Atal'ai ProphetChest · lvl 50 · Int / SpiJammal'an the Prophet
Blackrock Depths52–60 Blackrock Mountain, through the central chain route to Blackrock Depths.
Kentic AmiceShoulder · lvl 47 · Int / Spi / StaHigh Interrogator Gerstahn
Spritecaster CapeBack · lvl 47 · Sta / Int / SpiHoundmaster Grebmar
Senior Designer's PantaloonsLegs · lvl 50 · Spi / Sta / IntFineous Darkvire
Chief Architect's MonocleHead · lvl 50 · Int / Spi / StaFineous Darkvire
Lower Blackrock Spire55–60 Blackrock Mountain, inside Blackrock Spire; lower route.
- Funeral CuffsWrist · lvl 54 · Int / SpiShadow Hunter Vosh'gajin
Maraudon: Earth Song Falls48–57 Desolace, Valley of Spears; inner Maraudon route.
- Rotgrip MantleShoulder · lvl 48 · Int / SpiRotgrip
- Highborne BraceletsWrist · lvl 47 · Int / StaCelebras the Cursed
- Grovekeeper's DrapeBack · lvl 47 · StaCelebras the Cursed
- Blackstone RingRing · lvl 49 · StaPrincess Theradras
Alcaz Prison48–53New Alcaz Island, northeast of Dustwallow Marsh.
No loot table yet for Forever.
Sunken Temple50–60 Swamp of Sorrows, Pool of Tears.
- Kilt of the Atal'ai ProphetLegs · lvl 50 · Spi / Int / Sta / StrJammal'an the Prophet
- Featherskin CapeBack · lvl 49 · Sta / Spi / IntAvatar of Hakkar
- Dawnspire CordWaist · lvl 48 · Int / SpiDreamscythe
- Vestments of the Atal'ai ProphetChest · lvl 50 · Int / SpiJammal'an the Prophet
Blackrock Depths52–60 Blackrock Mountain, through the central chain route to Blackrock Depths.
- Kentic AmiceShoulder · lvl 47 · Int / Spi / StaHigh Interrogator Gerstahn
- Spritecaster CapeBack · lvl 47 · Sta / Int / SpiHoundmaster Grebmar
- Senior Designer's PantaloonsLegs · lvl 50 · Spi / Sta / IntFineous Darkvire
- Chief Architect's MonocleHead · lvl 50 · Int / Spi / StaFineous Darkvire
Lower Blackrock Spire55–60 Blackrock Mountain, inside Blackrock Spire; lower route.
- Funeral CuffsWrist · lvl 54 · Int / SpiShadow Hunter Vosh'gajin
Loot filtered for what a Warlock can equip (armor type, weapons, useful stats). Zones and gathering tiers follow the Classic route; skill caps by trainer rank are Classic rules pending confirmation in Forever. Trinkets: no Forever dungeon trinket list has been published yet.
What changes in Forever
Agony and Doom become Banes, separated from utility Curses. Pets also scale with their summoner’s stats. Prepare damage effects and group utility separately instead of copying an older Curse checklist.
Read Blizzard’s announcementWarlock specializations
Affliction
The starter route uses Corruption, drains and recovery after qualifying kills. Apply damage over time when the target is likely to survive long enough.
Demonology
Explore pet and survival talents, checking which demon you can summon at your current level. Pet control remains important whatever the build.
Destruction
A more direct spellcasting direction. Compare cast time, mana cost and safe casting windows before replacing the damage-over-time route.
Starter leveling build: levels 10 to 30
Affliction questing, damage over time and pet control. An editorial questing proposal with 21 ordinary points. Its order satisfies ranks and prerequisites in our reference; it is not a measured optimal in-game build. It excludes early Legacy points and makes no level-60 performance claim.
- Level 10–14
Improved Corruption +5Reduce Corruption’s cast time and improve its damage.
- Level 15–16
Improved Life Tap +2Improve mana gained from Life Tap; this still consumes health.
- Level 17–19
Improved Drains +3Improve the drain spells listed in this talent and complete ten points.
- Level 20–21
Improved Bane of Agony +2Add damage to Bane of Agony for targets that survive its duration.
- Level 22
Amplify Curse +1Add a planned cooldown for one of the listed Banes or Curses.
- Level 23–24
Soul Harvest +2Support mana regeneration after a qualifying Drain Soul kill. Check the trigger rather than expecting a permanent bonus.
- Level 25–26
Nightfall +2Gain a chance for an instant Shadow Bolt from the periodic effects named in the talent.
- Level 27–30
Suppression +4Add hit chance and reduce generated threat while completing the level-30 proposal.
Opening loads this proposal. Drafts for other classes remain separate. Talent names retain the reference’s original English.
Warlock leveling rotation
The order we use in a normal questing fight. In brackets, the level each ability is learned.
- Cast Demon Skin (level 1), which becomes Demon Armor at 20. Bring your Imp (Summon Imp, level 1) and, from 10, your Voidwalker (Summon Voidwalker), which holds enemies while you cast.
- Send your pet in and apply Corruption (level 4). With Improved Corruption maxed it becomes instant.
- Add Bane of Agony (level 8): it starts weak and ramps up. From 22, pop Amplify Curse first for 50% more.
- While your pet tanks, fill with Shadow Bolt (level 1) or heal with Drain Life (level 14). Improved Drains adds 20% to both.
- With Nightfall, your next Shadow Bolt is sometimes instant: use it as soon as it procs.
- Finish with Drain Soul (level 10): if the enemy dies while you drain it, you always get a Soul Shard, and Soul Harvest doubles your mana regeneration for 10 seconds.
- When you are low on mana, use Life Tap (level 6): it turns health into mana. Then get the health back with Drain Life.
- If an enemy comes for you, Fear (level 8) makes it flee. Heal your pet with Health Funnel (level 12) and always carry a stone from Create Healthstone (level 10).
Stat priority
- StaminaMore health to turn into mana with Life Tap and to take hits.
- IntellectMore mana for your curses and spells.
- SpiritIn WoW Forever Life Tap converts 30 + your Spirit: the more Spirit, the more mana per use.
Abilities and early decisions
Control the pet before adding targets
Use deliberate pet commands near patrols and crowd-controlled enemies. Start with manageable pulls and verify you can recover health and mana before taking on another pack.
Life Tap is a health decision
Avoid converting health into mana just before unavoidable damage. In a group, coordinate recovery with the healer rather than treating their mana as an unlimited resource.
Best race for your Warlock
Alliance
HumanAll-rounder
The Human Spirit gives +10% Spirit, which improves Life Tap, and Will to Survive breaks stuns in PvP.
GnomePvE damage
Eureka! makes your spells cheaper and 10% stronger for 8 seconds, Expansive Mind gives +5% mana and Escape Artist frees you from roots.
Horde
UndeadPvP
Will of the Forsaken removes fear, sleep and charm, and Touch of the Grave drains health with your spells.
OrcPvE damage
Blood Fury gives +10% spell power for 15 seconds, Command +5% demon damage and Hardiness shortens stuns.
TrollLeveling
Berserking speeds up your casting and Regeneration keeps part of your health regen in combat, handy with Life Tap.
Our picks based on beta racials. Any available race works for leveling.
Compare availability and racialsTips to level faster
- Visit your trainer every even level: almost all your new spells arrive on even levels.
- In WoW Forever Bane of Agony is a Bane, separate from utility curses such as Curse of Weakness: check your action bar.
- Your pets scale with your stats: better gear also makes your Voidwalker stronger.
- Suppression reduces your threat by 20%: your pet holds enemies' attention more easily.
Common mistakes
- Casting Shadow Bolt before your pet has the enemy's attention: it will come for you.
- Using Life Tap on low health without Drain Life or a Healthstone ready.
- Using Fear near other packs: the enemy runs and can pull more.
Professions for your route
Tailoring and Enchanting
Consider cloth crafting and working with eligible unwanted gear. Budget materials and compare recipes with rewards before crafting.
Herbalism and Alchemy
Choose a consumable-focused route if it fits how you play. Carry recovery items even when drains and Life Tap are part of your plan.
Frequently asked questions
Which pet should a Warlock level with?
The Imp until level 10, then the Voidwalker, which holds enemies. The Succubus arrives at 20 and the Felhunter at 30.
Affliction or Destruction for leveling?
We recommend Affliction: damage over time and Drain Life let you fight almost nonstop. Destruction hits harder up front but uses more mana.
What changed about Agony in WoW Forever?
It is now called Bane of Agony and is a Bane, separate from utility curses.
Which races can be Warlocks?
Human and Gnome for the Alliance; Orc, Undead and Troll for the Horde.
What to review after level 30
Before extending this route, review later talents, your equipment, your intended role and beta changes. The calculator supports exploring 51 ordinary points at level 60; a valid distribution alone does not establish the best setup for an activity.
Open the general leveling guideSources and editorial approach
Prepared by Road to 60 Forever. Announced changes are attributed to Blizzard; the point order and advice are our interpretation of the community dataset. We do not claim to have measured this build in game.