Tank Rotation & Cooldowns
This rotation guide provides a quick, basic understanding of which abilities to prioritize when playing a Protection Warrior, along with additional details on important cooldowns at the bottom. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: The War Within (11.1).
Single Target
Start with Taunt followed by Charge.
- Use on cooldown.
- Activate as you Charge.
- Use with Booming Voice talent.
- Use when it procs.
- Use on cooldown if talented.
- Use when it procs again.
- Use if target is below health threshold.
- Use if target is above Execute health threshold.
Maintain Ravager and Charge for initial threat, followed by Avatar and Shield Block. Use Demoralizing Shout and Champions Spear as they become available.
AoE
For multiple targets, prioritize threat generation.
- Use on cooldown.
- Activate as you Charge.
- Use with Booming Voice talent.
- Use when it procs.
In AoE situations, start with Ravager and Charge, followed by Avatar and Shield Block. Use Demoralizing Shout and Champions Spear as they come off cooldown.
Cooldowns
Use cooldowns strategically based on incoming damage.
- Use as an emergency cooldown or preemptively for high damage.
- Activate during high damage phases.
- Use on cooldown for damage reduction.
- Use to reflect spells or reduce magic damage.
- Use to protect allies or negate knockbacks.
- Use to boost group survivability.
Prioritize Last Stand and Shield Wall for damage spikes, while using Demoralizing Shout and Spell Reflection as needed.