PvE Guide

Destruction Warlock

The War Within(Patch 11.0.2)

Rotation and Cooldowns

This rotation guide should help give a basic understanding of what to do, what's most important, and how to prioritize Destruction Warlock abilities and cooldowns.

Single Target

Ensure [Immolate] is active before engaging the target.

Maintain at all times.
Use if about to cap Soul Shards.
Use during [Roaring Blaze] debuff if below 4 shards.
Use at 2 charges if movement is needed.
Use if you have > 4 Soul Shards and [Infernal Bolt] triggered.
Use when available.
Use during [Roaring Blaze] debuff when available.
Use if you have 2 charges.
Use to maintain [Eradication] debuff.
Use at 3 charges to avoid overcapping.
Generate Soul Shards.
Generate Soul Shards.

Focus on maintaining [Immolate] and using [Chaos Bolt] to manage Soul Shards effectively. Utilize [Soul Fire] and [Shadowburn] as needed, while generating shards with [Conflagrate] and [Incinerate].

AoE

Maintain [Immolate] on the main target.

Keep on the main target.
Maintain on as many targets as possible.
Cast with as many targets affected by [Wither].
Apply on any secondary target lasting > 10 seconds.
Use on cooldown.
Use on cooldown unless delayed for more targets.
Use if 5+ targets with [Havoc] up, or 3+ if on cooldown.
Use if you have 5 Soul Shards.
Ensure at 2 or less Soul Shards before spending.
Use when available.
Apply if a secondary target is present.
Use if target will die within 5 seconds.
Use when available.
Spend Soul Shards.
Generate Soul Shards and [Backdraft] stacks.
Use at 3 charges to avoid overcapping.
Generate Soul Shards.

In AoE situations, prioritize maintaining [Immolate] and [Wither] while using [Malevolence] on multiple targets. Utilize [Rain of Fire] and [Chaos Bolt] effectively to maximize damage.

Cooldowns

Use cooldowns strategically for maximum impact.

Use on cooldown for AoE damage.
Duplicate spells for increased efficiency.
Maintain [Eradication] debuff with this.

For cooldowns, prioritize [Summon Infernal] for AoE, use [Havoc] to maximize damage output, and maintain [Eradication] with [Chaos Bolt].