Hello, everyone, and welcome to the long-awaited Phase 4 of WoW WOTLK Classic. In this guide, we’ll be delving into the gear choices for Affliction Warlocks, particularly focusing on the best-in-slot (BiS) options for this phase. We will explore gear choices slot by slot and provide insights into what you should prioritize as you build your set. This article is sponsored by MMOexp. Buy cheap WoW WoTLK Gold from MMOexp. Welcome to use discount code “exp32p” to buy WoTLK Gold to enjoy a 5% discount.
Helm, Shoulders, Gloves, and Legs: The T7.5 Conundrum
First things first, Affliction Warlocks will not be replacing their T7.5 (Heroes’ Plagueheart) set until they acquire four pieces of their ICC gear. That means you’ll be holding onto your T7.5 helm, shoulders, gloves, and legs for a substantial period. These pieces are exceptionally powerful and provide essential set bonuses for Affliction Warlocks. It’s crucial to remember that there isn’t a suitable alternative until you reach ICC.
There might be a scenario where you consider dropping Skyweaver’s Robes. If you’ve never obtained Skyweaver’s Robes, you can use the crafted legs, which offer a reasonable alternative with crit and haste. However, keep in mind that the crafted legs lack hit, so you’ll need to make up for it elsewhere. Your T7.5 chest also has fewer hits compared to Skyweaver’s Robes. As such, make sure to find hit replacements if you decide to swap it out.
Neck: Whale, Cry of the Valkyr, and Alternatives
In terms of neckpieces, you’re probably using the Whale or Cry of the Valkyr neck, which are strong options. Alternatively, you might still be using the 10-man neck from Sapphiron’s chest. However, for Phase 4, there are two excellent alternatives. The Blood Queen’s Crimson Choker from the 25-man normal version is BoE and likely to flood the Auction House. It’s a top choice for many casters and healers, providing stiff competition in acquiring one. The 10-man version, Solely Pendant, is a viable alternative, especially if you require additional hits.
If you’re looking for hit alternatives, you can consider the Pendant of Split Veins or Amulet of Stylistic Eulogy. However, haste remains a primary stat priority for Affliction Warlocks. Blood Queen’s Crimson Choker should be your goal, but keep an eye out for alternative options in case the competition is too fierce.
Shoulders: Tier 7.5 Dominance
When it comes to shoulders, there isn’t a compelling alternative to your T7.5 (Heroes’ Plagueheart) piece. You should hold onto your tier shoulders until you acquire four pieces of ICC gear. Although there are some off-piece options, they are generally not worth pursuing. Instead, focus on collecting your ICC tier set for the most significant overall benefits.
Cloak: Frostbinder’s Shredded Cape and Alternatives
The cloak slot isn’t particularly critical for Affliction Warlocks in Phase 4. You’ll likely replace your Skyweaver’s Robes with tier chest, which results in a significant loss of hit. You should have alternative pieces ready to supplement the hit loss. Frostbinder’s Shredded Cape, which Mages might desire, isn’t a priority for Warlocks. Stick to your T7.5 chest or Skyweaver’s Robes if needed. Sanguine Silk Robes are another option, but they also lack hit, so you’ll need to make up for it elsewhere.
Ring: Exalted Eclipse Ring
The Exalted Eclipse Ring is your go-to choice for the ring slot. It’s an excellent item, and you should prioritize reaching exalted status to obtain it. The eclipse effect it provides is invaluable, offering a significant DPS boost. This ring is a must-have for any caster or healer, making it a top priority to obtain during Phase 4.
Trinkets: Phylactery of the Nameless Lich and Jest of the Decimator
Trinkets are a significant source of power for Affliction Warlocks in Phase 4. The best-in-slot choices are Phylactery of the Nameless Lich and Jest of the Decimator. These trinkets are incredibly powerful and can contribute significantly to your DPS. Phylactery, in particular, can provide a substantial damage increase, with some simulations indicating around 450 DPS.
However, these trinkets may not be attainable immediately. Phylactery might be a week-one drop, but Jest of the Decimator might take a little longer. In the meantime, consider alternatives like the Nevermelting Ice Crystal, which you can start farming right from the Phase 4 release. This trinket adds 920 crit to your Corruption spell and can be valuable for long fights with sustained Corruption uptime.
Another alternative trinket is the Merlin’s Spyglass, which can be farmed early on and can serve as a solid choice if you don’t have access to Phylactery or Jest of the Decimator. However, these are secondary options, and you should aim to acquire the BiS trinkets as soon as possible.
Weapon: Bloodsurge, Dying Light, and Rigor Mortis
Weapons are a significant source of power for Affliction Warlocks, and the best-in-slot choice is Bloodsurge. However, it’s essential to be realistic, and you may not get Bloodsurge right away. Dying Light is a strong alternative that can serve you well while you work towards acquiring Bloodsurge. It offers good stats and can be obtained from the Blood Queen Lana’thel in ICC, one of the easier heroic bosses.
Rigor Mortis is another option if you need a hit weapon. It offers a one-to-one hit conversion if you have the corresponding off-hand weapon, like the Horde’s Bladed Ebon Amulet. It’s a practical choice, even if the boss is slightly harder. Frozen Bone Spike is another initial weapon that can drop off Marrowgar. While not the best, it’s an upgrade over the weapons from ToGC, and you might find it useful in your early progression.
Off-Hand: Shadow Silk Spindle and Alternatives
For the off-hand slot, the Shadow Silk Spindle is the best choice, offering crit and haste. This is a primary stat combination that Affliction Warlocks prefer. However, there are some alternatives to consider if you need the hit. The Sprig of Algae is an okay option, but it’s not as desirable due to its spirit stat. Nightmare Render is another alternative, offering crit and haste, although it’s not as appealing as the Shadow Silk Spindle.
Chest: Skyweaver’s Robes and Tier Chest
Your chest slot is generally straightforward. You’ll replace Skyweaver’s Robes with your ICC tier chest, which provides better stats overall. In this transition, you might need to make up for the loss of hit elsewhere in your gear.
Bracers: Lady’s Brittle Bracers and Alternatives
In the bracer slot, there are limited options, and you’ll likely want to obtain Lady’s Brittle Bracers, which provide good hit and haste. For Horde players, these bracers are essential to round out your hit and haste. If you don’t need the hit, there aren’t many other compelling alternatives. Surgeon’s Sleeves are decent but offer crit, and Spirit when Affliction Warlocks prefer haste. So, focus on obtaining Lady’s Brittle Bracers or farm your 10-man raids diligently for other potential upgrades.
Belt: Cauterizing Cord, Lingering Illness, and Crushing Coldrain Belt
The belt slot can be highly competitive, as it features gear options favored by various casters and healers. The Cauterizing Cord is one of the most coveted items but might have many contenders. Lingering Illness can serve as a strong alternative, especially if you’re lacking hit. However, it’s crucial to prioritize crit and haste over spirit. Additionally, the Crushing Coldrain Belt offers significant improvements and is an upgrade over any belt obtained before Phase 4. Keep an eye on belt options as they are hotly contested.
Boots: Footpads of Icy Flow and Haste Alternatives
The boot slot is of particular importance, and you should consider upgrading your Footpads of Icy Flow to haste-focused boots. There aren’t many viable alternatives for haste boots in Phase 4. Crafted boots might be an option for those who need a hit, but it’s important to prioritize haste. Haste is king for Affliction Warlocks, so you should aim for the haste boots. Keep in mind that these boots will likely face fierce competition due to their desirability.
In Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Gear Upgrades
To summarize, your priorities for gear upgrades as an Affliction Warlock in Phase 4 should follow this order:
Trinkets (Phylactery of the Nameless Lich and Jest of the Decimator)
Weapon (Bloodsurge, Dying Light, or Rigor Mortis)
Neck (Blood Queen's Crimson Choker, Solely Pendant, or alternatives)
Bracers (Lady's Brittle Bracers)
Boots (Haste-focused options)
Belt (Cauterizing Cord or alternatives, prioritizing haste)
Other slots (tier pieces, ring, and cloak)Remember that your T7.5 set remains significant, so keep those pieces until you acquire your ICC gear. Always prioritize crit and haste over spirit and hit where possible. The Eclipse Ring is a strong choice for your secondary ring slot. Additionally, explore alternative trinkets and weapons while working towards obtaining your BiS items. With these gear choices and priorities in mind, you’ll be better equipped to excel as an Affliction Warlock in Phase 4 of WoW WOTLK Classic. Enjoy your adventures and may your DPS numbers soar!