Struggling in PvP — Returning Player Looking for Advice and Insight (Unholy DK)

Guides Returning Player Help & Discussions
1

Hi everyone,

I’m a returning player who could really use some guidance on improving my PvP performance. I’ve been struggling in battlegrounds, and while I know gear is part of the problem, I suspect there’s more to it. I’d appreciate any advice from experienced players.

Here’s some background and specific questions I’ve been reflecting on:

1. Experience Gap – Is It Too Late for Me to Catch Up?

I played mostly PvE from 2010–2012 and only dabbled in PvP, where I was average at best. Since then, I’ve taken long breaks, only occasionally jumping back in. Now, after returning, I feel like I’m getting completely outclassed in PvP — bottom of the barrel.
Given how old the game is and how many people have been playing consistently for 10+ years, am I at a permanent disadvantage? Or is it still realistic to close the skill gap and become competitive?

2. PvE Performance = PvP Struggles?

In dungeons, I typically rank 3rd or 4th in DPS. Back in the day, I could usually hold 2nd or even 1st on occasion. I use Hekili and read Icy Veins/Wowhead guides, but my DPS still feels underwhelming.
Is poor PvE DPS performance an indicator that I’m not optimizing my class well enough for PvP as well? I know PvP involves much more — slows, CC, positioning, etc. — but I’m wondering if raw output is still a baseline problem.

3. Talent Choice – How Much Does It Matter?

I usually pick passive talents to keep things simple and avoid adding extra buttons. Am I shooting myself in the foot by avoiding active abilities in my talent setup? How impactful is this in PvP performance?

4. Input Method – Struggling with Naga, Should I Consider a Controller?

I used to click abilities and move entirely with the keyboard. Now I’ve been using a Razer Naga (12-button) for about 4 days. Still struggling, but improving.
Would using a controller (with WoW’s built-in controller support) make melee PvP more manageable? Or should I push through the learning curve with mouse + keyboard?

5. Do I Need to Fully Memorize All My Abilities and Keybinds?

In PvP, should I be aiming to fully memorize both my class toolkit and all my keybinds (including Shift/Ctrl modifiers)? I feel overwhelmed trying to recall 12+ button functions during fast-paced fights. Is full memorization essential to becoming decent in PvP?

6. Movement and Targeting – Best Practice?

I understand the importance of turning with the mouse, but moving forward with the mouse (holding both buttons) seems to take away cursor control, making it harder to select targets. Is the ideal setup to turn with the mouse but move with W?

7. I Lose Track of My Target Easily in BGs

I often lose sight of who I’m attacking or accidentally swap targets. It gets overwhelming fast. Are there any settings, macros, or UI changes you’d recommend to help with target clarity and control?

8. Class Choice – Would BM Hunter Be Easier?

I main Unholy DK right now, but two years ago I had a better time with BM Hunter. It felt smoother — very mobile and ranged.
Is it simply that BM Hunter is easier to learn and manage in PvP compared to DK, or does DK just have a steeper learning curve that pays off later?

I really want to improve and enjoy PvP, but right now it feels like I’m drowning in mechanics, movement, and muscle memory. Any insight, tips, or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

  • A struggling DK
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I don’t DK, and I don’t PvP, so I really can’t help with your questions.

But It Is Known that BM Hunter is easier, more effective, and more fluid to play than anything else in almost all situations. And I can imagine that DK’s lack of movement options will be particularly troublesome in PvP.

So the change in class will almost certainly be at least a significant factor in the difference.

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A quick update:

I know this might sound obvious but in case someone has the same problem/questions, I have noticed that my performance improved once I got full PvP armor. I didn’t realize that it made that much of an impact.

Although I am still not “good” and there is a lot room for improvement, I have noticed a considerable in performance once I geared up.

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Hi there,

I’ve done PvP for a long time on and off since Vanilla on multiple classes/specs at a kind of casual/middling level and I’m usually happy with my performance as long as I’m on a decent class/spec, so I feel like I may be able to offer some advice.

I don’t think it’s too late for you to catch up - I think the average WoW player could get decent at PvP with some practice within one expansion. Something that helped me a lot when I was first getting into rated Arenas was watching streamers or youtube guides for PvP - it really is a very unique skillset; PvE skill doesn’t always translate into PvP success. With your talents, I’d suggest looking up PvP-specific guides for the class/spec you want to play - Skill Capped has guides for most specs. PvP builds will often opt for more CC for instance, instead of always taking passives. I don’t think a controller would be the most efficient input method for PvP as the game is now - on the Razer Naga, I use all the number buttons, then the buttons plus modifiers (Shift+key, alt+key, ctrl+key) so that I have a very simple way to have 48 unique keybinds that are very easy to press. Memorizing your abilities isn’t necessarily needed, but it’s good to practice using your abilities so that you can use them quickly and effectively in the heat of a match. I think moving with W instead of both mouse buttons is fine, the movement tip I hear is to unbind your backpedal key (S) because it’s slower than strafing or moving forward. If you’re losing track of your targets, try using the Tab key to cycle through them. Also, there is an ActionCam setting that centers your camera on your target - this could make your target clearer to you, but be aware that it can be jarring (/console ActionCam full) (to turn off: /console ActionCam off)
As far as BM Hunter goes, it is strong right now and because of its design pretty easy to pick up and play, whereas Unholy DK may be more difficult for a newer PvPer. A lot of PvPers are going to be rolling with the stronger-tier specs so playing a relatively more underpowered class could be a bit of a drag. There are plenty of tier list PvP videos that come out regularly where you can see an idea of what the meta is, but don’t let that stop you from playing something you have fun with.

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