Updated Nov 11, 2026
Affliction Warlock
PvE guide, updated for Patch 12.1.5
Introduction
Welcome to this World of Warcraft Affliction Warlock DPS Resource, a guide to help you optimize your performance in end-game PvE content. Recommendations are based on SimulationCraft data and cover gear, stats, talents, and more. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: Midnight (Patch 12.1.5).
Affliction in the current meta
Is Affliction the best Warlock DPS spec?
Yes, on Single Target. Affliction sims about 7% above Demonology and 11% above Destruction.
- Affliction258.7K DPS#7
- Demonology241.9K DPS#19
- Destruction232.7K DPS#22
Single Target, 338 item levelDPS rankings
How popular is Affliction in end-game PvE?
Among top players on Blizzard’s Mythic+ leaderboards, Affliction is the 22nd most played of 27 DPS specs.
- Demonology5.3% of DPS#6
- Affliction0.3% of DPS#22
- Destruction0.2% of DPS#26
Week of Nov 3, 2026View season trends
Is Affliction rising or falling?
Affliction is 0.3% of top Mythic+ DPS this week. Too few top players play Affliction to measure a change since Patch 12.1.5.
- Demonologyup 0.5 points since Patch 12.1.5
- AfflictionToo few players
- DestructionToo few players
Guide sections
- Character SimsSimulate your character for accurate stat priority and top builds as a level 90 Affliction Warlock. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Stat PriorityStat priority for optimizing a level 90 Affliction Warlock. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Gems & EnchantsGems and enchants for optimizing a level 90 Affliction Warlock. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- ConsumablesPotions, flasks, and other important consumables for optimizing a level 90 Affliction Warlock. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Talent BuildsTalent builds for maximizing performance as a level 90 Affliction Warlock. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- RotationThe full rotation SimulationCraft sims play, and the game’s Assisted Highlight and One Button rotations beside it.
- BiS GearCurrent gear profile for a level 90 Affliction Warlock, intended as a best-in-slot (BiS) list. Maintained by SimC. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- MethodologyHow Affliction Warlock guide data is generated: SimC version, game patch, sim parameters, and update schedule. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
Additional resources
- Optimize your character with SimCQuickly simulate your character in the cloud.
- Compare Affliction to other specsView a detailed breakdown comparing Affliction Warlock to other specs.
- DPS rankingsSee how DPS specs are currently stacking up in patch 12.1.5.
- Affliction sim resultsView a detailed breakdown of simulation results for Affliction Warlocks on the guide’s profile.