Affliction Warlocks specialize in damage-over-time spells across multiple targets. Managing multiple DoTs while maximizing snapshotting creates complex gameplay. This guide masters Affliction mechanics.
DoT Fundamentals
Affliction maintains multiple DoTs on multiple targets simultaneously. Corruption, Agony, and Unstable Affliction each serve different purposes. Proper application order maximizes damage output.
Snapshotting captures buff states when DoT is applied. The DoT retains buff benefits for full duration even if buffs fade. Understanding snapshotting is essential for high-level Affliction play.
Key Abilities
- Agony: Primary DoT, generates shards
- Corruption: Secondary DoT, triggers effects
- Unstable Affliction: Damage DoT with silence effect
- Seed of Corruption: AoE application tool
- Dark Soul: Major damage cooldown for snapshotting
- Phantom Singularity: AoE damage talent
DoT Priority
| Target Count | Primary Focus | Secondary Focus | Snapshot Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Target | All DoTs | None | With all buffs |
| 2-3 Targets | Main target | Secondary | With Dark Soul |
| 4+ Targets | Seed of Corruption | Agony only | With trinkets |
| Add Spawns | New adds first | Existing targets | Immediately |
Advanced Techniques
Pre-pot and pre-cast DoTs before pull begins. This preparation captures all buff snapshots immediately. The early damage advantage compounds throughout encounter.
Track DoT expiration carefully to prevent any downtime. Even brief gaps significantly reduce overall damage output. WeakAuras help monitor multiple DoTs across multiple targets.