Warlock specialization

Affliction Warlock in WoW Forever

Drains and damage over time.

Your role: Ranged spell damage
Class guides to level 30
Class notes checked Nov 4, 2026

Your character

Character level

I’m playing

Solo & quests Dungeons Raids

Updating…

Level 60 · Combat priorities

How to play at level 60

Your combat loop

Demon and lasting damage
Send your demon; apply Corruption and Bane of Agony when the target will survive.
Drain or wand
Drain Life restores health; a strong wand can be efficient early. Life Tap with a safe recovery plan.
Soul Siphon
If talented, Drain Life becomes the main filler. Avoid prematurely refreshing damage-over-time effects.

Levels 31–60 extend the level-30 class guides we draw on and have not been checked in play. Use trained spells and talents you chose. Talent milestones assume ordinary points; Legacy can move them earlier. Weights are editable MaxDPS estimates, not measured DPS or HPS.

Core ability focus

Class-compatible weapons and armor. Class proficiencies are assumed trained. Lower armor tiers remain available.

Default stat priorities

Spell power1.00
Spell damage1.00
Shadow spell power1.00
Hit0.90
Haste0.60
Intellect0.30

Points per stat point, used for the gear scores below. Starter weights balance the stats used by this build.

Adjust stat priorities Starter defaults

Each reported stat × its weight, added together. Weights are tuning choices, not game coefficients. Ratings stay in source units; no percentage conversion is assumed. Changes last for this page visit.

Intellect Spirit Stamina Spell power Spell damage Critical strike Hit Haste Mana per 5 sec Shadow spell power

Choosing gear at this level

Compare power for the spells you cast, Intellect and mana recovery. Keep a useful wand where applicable; school-specific power affects only that school.

Wowhead’s level-30 Affliction Warlock guide · Current class changes

Preliminary item rankings

Affliction Warlock gear rankings

Shadow damage over time · Level 60 · Dungeons · Starter defaults

Items your class can use at this level, scored with the stat priorities above. Scores are weighted points, not DPS gains. They do not simulate the combat loop.

Head

172 items matching this build · Updating…

My current head

Reviewed recommendations are not ready for this build and activity yet. Compare imported items below; missing evidence does not mean your current gear cannot be improved.

Find an item Acquisition Dungeon or raid Sort by

Head items with imported stats, weighted scores and acquisition sources.
Rank	Item	Key stats	Score (pts)	Where to get it
1 in this filtered list	Heretic Cowl Cloth · iLvl 98 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	62 Spell power 2.0% Hit 2.0% Haste	102.65	Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
Score breakdown Spell power: 62 × 1 = 62.00 pts Hit: 20 rating (2.0%) × 0.9 = 18.00 pts Haste: 20 rating (2.0%) × 0.6 = 12.00 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Intellect: 13 × 0.3 = 3.90 pts Spirit: 19 × 0.1 = 1.90 pts Stamina: 13 × 0.05 = 0.65 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands Bryon SteelbladeVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
2 in this filtered list	Bad Hat Cloth · iLvl 56 · Req. 51*	23 Shadow spell power 12 Spell damage 17 Intellect	41.80	Source pending
Score breakdown Shadow spell power: 23 × 1 = 23.00 pts Spell power: 12 × 1 = 12.00 pts Intellect: 17 × 0.3 = 5.10 pts Spirit: 17 × 0.1 = 1.70 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Source pending.
3 in this filtered list	Field Marshal's Coronal Cloth · iLvl 74 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	32 Spell power 24 Intellect 45 Stamina	41.45	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 8g 83s 44c
Score breakdown Spell power: 32 × 1 = 32.00 pts Intellect: 24 × 0.3 = 7.20 pts Stamina: 45 × 0.05 = 2.25 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 8g 83s 44c
4 in this filtered list	Warlord's Dreadweave Hood Cloth · iLvl 74 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	32 Spell power 24 Intellect 45 Stamina	41.45	Lady PalanseerVendor · 8g 60s 48c
Score breakdown Spell power: 32 × 1 = 32.00 pts Intellect: 24 × 0.3 = 7.20 pts Stamina: 45 × 0.05 = 2.25 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Lady PalanseerVendor · 8g 60s 48c
5 in this filtered list	Field Marshal's Coronal Cloth · iLvl 74 · Req. 60	32 Spell power 24 Intellect 30 Stamina	40.70	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 8g 83s 44c
Score breakdown Spell power: 32 × 1 = 32.00 pts Intellect: 24 × 0.3 = 7.20 pts Stamina: 30 × 0.05 = 1.50 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 8g 83s 44c
6 in this filtered list	Warlord's Dreadweave Hood Cloth · iLvl 74 · Req. 60	32 Spell power 24 Intellect 30 Stamina	40.70	Lady PalanseerVendor · 8g 60s 48c
Score breakdown Spell power: 32 × 1 = 32.00 pts Intellect: 24 × 0.3 = 7.20 pts Stamina: 30 × 0.05 = 1.50 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Lady PalanseerVendor · 8g 60s 48c
7 in this filtered list	Deathmist Mask Cloth · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Provisional stats	18 Spell power 1.0% Hit 24 Intellect	35.40	MokvarVendor · 94g 73s 68c · Orgrimmar
Score breakdown Spell power: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Hit: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.9 = 9.00 pts Intellect: 24 × 0.3 = 7.20 pts Stamina: 24 × 0.05 = 1.20 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 5 sources MokvarVendor · 94g 73s 68c · Orgrimmar DelianaVendor · 88g 88s 88c · Ironforge Ironforge GuardVendor · 100g · Ironforge Kor'kron EliteVendor · 100g · Orgrimmar Corrupted Helm and Chestpiece SetContainer loot · 100%
8 in this filtered list	Heretic Hood Cloth · iLvl 98 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	22 Spell power 1.0% Critical strike 13 Intellect	33.75	Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
Score breakdown Spell power: 22 × 1 = 22.00 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Intellect: 13 × 0.3 = 3.90 pts Stamina: 45 × 0.05 = 2.25 pts Spirit: 14 × 0.1 = 1.40 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands Bryon SteelbladeVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
9 in this filtered list	Deathmist Mask Cloth · iLvl 60 · Req. 55*	16 Spell power 1.0% Hit 24 Intellect	33.40	Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge
Score breakdown Spell power: 16 × 1 = 16.00 pts Hit: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.9 = 9.00 pts Intellect: 24 × 0.3 = 7.20 pts Stamina: 24 × 0.05 = 1.20 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Orgrimmar
10 in this filtered list	Felcloth Hood Cloth · iLvl 58 · Req. 53	30 Shadow spell power 10 Intellect	33.00	Felcloth HoodCrafted
Score breakdown Shadow spell power: 30 × 1 = 30.00 pts Intellect: 10 × 0.3 = 3.00 pts Uncommon Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Felcloth HoodCrafted
11 in this filtered list	Champion's Dreadweave Cowl Cloth · iLvl 71 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	21 Spell power 18 Intellect 1.0% Critical strike	32.20	Lady PalanseerVendor · 5g 59s 95c
Score breakdown Spell power: 21 × 1 = 21.00 pts Intellect: 18 × 0.3 = 5.40 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Stamina: 32 × 0.05 = 1.60 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Lady PalanseerVendor · 5g 59s 95c
12 in this filtered list	Lieutenant Commander's Dreadweave Cowl Cloth · iLvl 71 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	21 Spell power 18 Intellect 1.0% Critical strike	32.20	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 64s 38c
Score breakdown Spell power: 21 × 1 = 21.00 pts Intellect: 18 × 0.3 = 5.40 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Stamina: 32 × 0.05 = 1.60 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 64s 38c
13 in this filtered list	Champion's Dreadweave Cowl Cloth · iLvl 71 · Req. 60	21 Spell power 18 Intellect 1.0% Critical strike	31.65	Lady PalanseerVendor · 5g 59s 95c
Score breakdown Spell power: 21 × 1 = 21.00 pts Intellect: 18 × 0.3 = 5.40 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Stamina: 21 × 0.05 = 1.05 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Lady PalanseerVendor · 5g 59s 95c
14 in this filtered list	Lieutenant Commander's Dreadweave Cowl Cloth · iLvl 71 · Req. 60	21 Spell power 18 Intellect 1.0% Critical strike	31.65	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 64s 38c
Score breakdown Spell power: 21 × 1 = 21.00 pts Intellect: 18 × 0.3 = 5.40 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Stamina: 21 × 0.05 = 1.05 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 64s 38c
15 in this filtered list	Shadoweave Mask Cloth · iLvl 49 · Req. 44	24 Shadow spell power 10 Intellect	27.00	Shadoweave MaskCrafted
Score breakdown Shadow spell power: 24 × 1 = 24.00 pts Intellect: 10 × 0.3 = 3.00 pts Uncommon Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Shadoweave MaskCrafted
16 in this filtered list	Spellpower Goggles Xtreme Plus Cloth · iLvl 54 · Req. 49* · Profession required	27 Spell power	27.00	Spellpower Goggles Xtreme PlusCrafted
Score breakdown Spell power: 27 × 1 = 27.00 pts Uncommon · Profession required — check item requirements Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Spellpower Goggles Xtreme PlusCrafted
17 in this filtered list	Bad Mojo Mask Cloth · iLvl 49 · Req. 44 · Provisional stats	20 Shadow spell power 21 Intellect	26.30	Shadowpriest Sezz'zizBoss drop · 23% · Zul'Farrak
Score breakdown Shadow spell power: 20 × 1 = 20.00 pts Intellect: 21 × 0.3 = 6.30 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Shadowpriest Sezz'zizBoss drop · 23% · Zul'Farrak
18 in this filtered list	Dreamweave Circlet Cloth · iLvl 50 · Req. 45	21 Spell power 10 Intellect 12 Spirit	25.20	Dreamweave CircletCrafted
Score breakdown Spell power: 21 × 1 = 21.00 pts Intellect: 10 × 0.3 = 3.00 pts Spirit: 12 × 0.1 = 1.20 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Dreamweave CircletCrafted
19 in this filtered list	Red Mageweave Headband Cloth · iLvl 48 · Req. 43	19 Spell power 20 Intellect	25.00	Red Mageweave HeadbandCrafted
Score breakdown Spell power: 19 × 1 = 19.00 pts Intellect: 20 × 0.3 = 6.00 pts Uncommon Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Red Mageweave HeadbandCrafted
20 in this filtered list	Sorcerer's Crown Cloth · iLvl 60 · Req. 55*	11 Spell power 25 Intellect 1.0% Critical strike	24.90	Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge
Score breakdown Spell power: 11 × 1 = 11.00 pts Intellect: 25 × 0.3 = 7.50 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.3 = 4.20 pts Spirit: 14 × 0.1 = 1.40 pts Stamina: 16 × 0.05 = 0.80 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Orgrimmar

Showing 1–20 of 172 items

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Rankings use item stats from the WoW Forever game files; drop, vendor and quest sources come from Wowhead. Availability, race, profession and training requirements need an in-game check. Scores do not establish best-in-slot gear or DPS. Ability names compared with the launch game files 2026-11-04; class proficiencies checked 2026-10-08 · forever-leveling-priorities-v3.

New in Forever

Demons, drains and critical strikes

Demons scale with the Warlock’s stats. Life Tap scales with Spirit, Banes are separate from Curses, and Affliction’s Pandemic raises the critical strike damage of its periodic spells. Demonology’s Demonic Brand changes how the demon holds threat. Item scores still do not simulate the demon or these procs.

Troll Warlock is one of the new race and class combinations in Forever.

Blizzard: Rogue and Warlock changes · Blizzard’s Deep Dive · What’s Next

Read the current Warlock updates

Sources & review

Class roster checked September 19, 2026; leveling guides checked October 8, 2026. Blizzard’s class notes were read again and compared with the launch game files on November 4, 2026, and take precedence when an older guide conflicts. Level-30 guides do not validate optimal level-60 builds.

Wowhead: level-30 class guides Leveling, rotations and gear sources
Blizzard: development notes Tuning and class changes up to launch
Blizzard: Forever Deep Dive Official class announcements
Blizzard: Forever What’s Next Official Skyborne class options
Warcraft Tavern: Classes, Specializations & Roles Community roster and roles
Icy Veins: Choosing Your Class Community playstyle overview

Feral includes both Cat and Bear. Enhancement tank builds are reported, but are not a separate specialization or a reviewed MaxDPS recommendation.

Your character

Your combat loop

Core ability focus

Head

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Demons, drains and critical strikes