Hi!
I normally main healer but decided to try Warlock this first season, mostly Solo Shuffle.
I rocketed up to 1800 in about 8 or 9 matches, peaked in the 1930s, then had a few bad 2W-4L games and back down in the 1700s for now. Here are some of the things I’m struggling with so far, but open to any tips and tricks from more experienced Demo Locks out there.
Nether Portal vs Big Tyrant
It seems most higher rated locks are playing Nether Portal w/Pit Lord. I played Nether Portal at first when I was learning Demo at level 70, but it felt so easy to los and avoid the burst window, and also I dislike classes with burst tied to long CDs, in this case 3mins. So I’ve been running the Reign of Tyranny talent over the Nether Portal/Pit Lord build and it feels nice having that fat tyrant every 1.5mins, when the enemy is just waiting for Nether Portal to show up. But I suppose for Solo Shuffle, since games tend to be shorter and all-in, the Portal build is still generally preferred?
Call Felhunter vs Casting Circle
I run kick generally but Casting Circle seems so valuable vs double melee when you’re trying to get casts out especially if running Nether Portal. Thoughts? I know no high rated locks seem to run Circle, but how do you get casts out if you’re being trained by double melee? Just go all in with Unending Resolve?
Vs Feral
I played Feral a lot in BFA but this new AoE bleed build is new to me. As I understand it the more Rips they have out the more big FB procs they get (with the Apex talent). With all my pets out, a good feral absolutely shreds. Obviously their mobility is the best so it’s easy for them to avoid my damage. Any tips? Just seems like a good counter to Demo in so many ways. I know I could go Dark Iron vs these and Assass rogues, but would prefer not to.
Vs Shadow Priest
Man, I don’t know what it is, but I just have the hardest time vs Spriests. I always focus down Psyfiend immediately. I always keep Tongues on them. For Spriest mains what messes you up the most? Cause I want to do that to you. 
Staying alive vs double melee training you / mobility
Demo is definitely beefier than most, but it’s still tough when you’re the only caster in the lobby. Generally I port first, then gateway, and sometimes throw Spatial Rift out (if I can remember that button) before gateway. I try to save Gateway for Spear of Bastion which is awesome to get out of. I try to keep Amped Curse of Weakness on melee when they have CDs and I can’t get away. Otherwise I feel too dependent on my healer to live. I know that’s the caster life vs double melee though. Worth it to run Howl of Terror here over Mortal Coil? (I love Mortal Coil though.)
Peeling for teammates
The vast majority of my solo shuffle losses come from my dps teammate dying rather than myself dying. I’m watching disorient, stun and incap DRs and enemy defensives like AMS, Cloak, Spell Reflect, etc. I think an area where I can improve is to save my CC for the enemy CDs rather than just trying to keep them at a distance the entire time. I think I may be spending too much time rotating fears and CC though, when I should just be pumping damage?? Any advice here welcome.
Thanks for reading - appreciate any tips you can throw my way.
Warpigs