I started this expansion late, joining 2 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve been grinding like crazy on one of my all-time favorite classes: Warlock. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that Warlocks just… suck. I’ve tried every build – starting with Affliction, transitioning over to Destro, and finally landing on Demonology. Here are my thoughts on the state of Warlocks, bullet pointing the issues and my thoughts on a prospective solution.
1: Mobility (or lack thereof)
1.1: AoE
Most of Warlocks’ issues, in my opinion, boil down to the tremendous amount of mobility required in Mythic+ and Vault, and their complete lack of mobility. Everything requires movement, yet Warlocks are severely punished for movement. Most of Locks’ AoE requires stationary groups (see Guillotine, RoF) otherwise they simply fizzle without substantial damage dealt. Other classes have instant AoE on a low cooldown, often in addition to stationary AoE. Even SoC is delayed, meaning the adds that split up (which, there are a LOT in this xpac – such as the enemies that charge random player) will completely nullify the damage. Damage which, if we’re being honest, is already low due to its potential on perfectly stationary groups of adds.
1.2: Single Target
Outside of AoE, you have very high cooldowns which frankly have no yield. Other classes’ instant casts literally deal more damage than Warlocks’ high cast time abilities. On paper this might seem okay as Warlocks can simply continue casting, however, Blizzard has ensured that is not the case with M+ and Vault. Everything requires movement. The few encounters that don’t are so rare that it’s not even worth mentioning them (let alone building for them specifically). In M+ I’m dodging whirlwinds, mini-volcanoes, sanguine pools, mob/boss charge abilities, etc. Every single time I have to do this, it severely impacts my DPS. Other classes simply move while instant-casting something that has higher output anyway. Why is this the case?
1.3: Solutions
- More instant cast AoE, or make AoE follow the latest targeting location. Example, all instances of RoF moves to where you last cast it.
- More instant cast staple rotation spells.
- Higher damage output overall, so that moving doesn’t instantly demolish all hope for dealing half-decent damage. We’re not talking 5% buffs (like this week saw), we’re talking dramatic, sweeping buffs.
2: Complexity
1.1: Inputs and outputs
The staple of Warlock has historically been its complexity. The complexity has also lead to wild builds and fun encounters. However, it really feels like in this expansion, Warlocks are only good at PvP. Even then, they’re not great. It requires such an incredible amount of focus to properly rotate (for ALL Warlock trees) that it simply isn’t worth it. Frankly, my 399 Warlock deals less damage in perfect simulations (again, for ALL trees) than a 385 Hunter, Warrior, DH, Mage, Evoker, or Rogue sim. That is in SIMULATIONS – the PERFECT scenario of just sitting and dealing damage! Why?! Warriors are ROLFstomping Locks in PvP, and outdamaging them easily. An instant cast from a Warrior currently crits for FAR higher damage than a Lock’s 2-3 second cast. In PvE, the same rings true. Worse-geared characters consistently outdamage Warlocks because… reasons.
DPS should realistically, and ideally, be the product of inputs and outputs. Simple, easy to follow mechanics (Warrior / Hunter)? Good, but not great, damage. Complex, punishing rotations? High damage, with a potential of being the highest. That’s just not the case with Dragonflight. The easier mechanics lead to higher DPS, especially compared to Warlocks. If Blizzard is taking a “roll your face on the keyboard = good damage” approach, for the love of god, just apply that to Warlocks as well. I’m so sick and tired of seeing Hunters (no offense guys, this is directed at Blizzard, not Hunter players which I do enjoy the class as well) outdamage my Warlock with 3 abilities, while my Warlock has to rotate between 5-8 abilities just to attempt to keep up! Hunters which are tens of average item levels lower, by the way.
1.2: Solution
Simplify Warlock, or dramatically buff damage. Seriously, pick a damn lane and stay in it. Stop treating Warlock talents as though they’re god-tier damage (with the incredible amount of spells required to keep up a rotation), or, give them god-tier damage. 5% damage buffs here-and-there are not the answer, and it genuinely feels like you’re just throwing mud at the wall to see what sticks.
Closing Thoughts
Pick a lane, Blizzard. Seriously. Either the Warlock is a high-complexity, high-yield class, or they’re not. Currently, they’re absolutely not a contender in regards for yield, while simultaneously being one of the most complex classes to play. Juggling cooldowns on a Warlock feels like constant, non-stop monitoring and frantic button-pressing. Meanwhile, my worse-geared hunter deals similar damage and I can literally take a swig of my soda while playing. That’s not hyperbole, that’s the solid truth. Either reward the higher complexity, or strip the complexity altogether. I genuinely don’t know what is going on behind-the-scenes here, but you’re failing Warlocks by many metrics here.
Fix Warlocks please. I’m incredibly demotivated from pushing so hard to get geared and being rewarded with literally nothing. Judging by these forums, I’m not alone.