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Forever Tool

Warlock spec guide

Demonology Warlock

Everything for Demonology Warlock on one page: role, talent order by level, Demonology abilities and recommended gear for each level range. Talent and gear picks are calculated from the tooltip values in official game data plus the assumptions Forever Tool states below.
Gear focus
Spell DPS
Talent calculation
Demonology
Level 60 build
2/31/18
Estimated DPS
+84.8%

Demonology Warlock at a glance

Summarized from Blizzard's class deep-dive articles. They were published during the beta, so live numbers and talents may differ.

Warlock as the developers describe it

Warlocks get new ways to command Shadow, Fire and demonic power. Damaging Curses split off as Banes, pets scale with their master's stats, and talents support damage over time and drains, deeper demon synergies, and Shadow and Fire combinations.[1]

Warlocks are still physically weak and depend on their demons for protection, but all three specializations now deal damage that can compete with any other spellcaster.

Demonology talents in Forever

  • Demonic Sacrifice is now the 11-point gold medal. Its effect lasts 2 hours, and the effect each demon gives has changed.
  • Fel Domination is now the 16-point gold medal and Soul Link the 21-point one.
  • Demonic Pact (31-point gold medal): summoning a different pet no longer cancels Demonic Sacrifice, so you can benefit from it and Master Demonologist at the same time.
  • New talents Demonic Brand and Demonic Knowledge empower you and your pet in new ways.

Demonology talent build

One point per level from level 10, 51 points at level 60. The Demonology tree is filled to 31 points first, and the remaining points go where they raise estimated DPS the most in the other trees.

The level 60 build uses the same method as the calculator's "Recommended build" (estimated DPS from tooltip values + judgment weights for talents the math can't capture, such as rage, energy and mana talents), with the extra rule "Demonology tree to 31 points first". The order picks, one point at a time, the talent that raises the score the most on the way to that build. Estimated DPS is a rough "compared with no talents" figure and leaves out the damage of newly learned abilities. Talent point rules (starting at level 10) follow classic, since nothing has been announced officially.

Builds by level

LevelPointsTree splitEst. DPSCalculator
Level 2011 points0/11/0+13.7%Open
Level 3021 points0/21/0+22.1%Open
Level 4031 points0/31/0+39.5%Open
Level 5041 points0/31/10+64.8%Open
Level 6051 points2/31/18+84.8%Open

Talent order by level

Consecutive levels spent on the same talent are grouped on one line.

  1. Levels 10–14Unholy Power1→5/5
  2. Levels 15–17Fel Vitality1→3/3
  3. Levels 18–19Demonic Embrace1→2/5
  4. Level 20Demonic Sacrifice1/1
  5. Levels 21–23Improved Sayaad1→3/3
  6. Level 24Demonic Embrace3/5
  7. Levels 25–26Decimation1→2/2
  8. Level 27Demonic Embrace4/5
  9. Levels 28–29Master Summoner1→2/2
  10. Level 30Soul Link1/1
  11. Levels 31–33Demonic Knowledge1→3/3
  12. Level 34Fel Domination1/1
  13. Levels 35–39Master Demonologist1→5/5
  14. Level 40Demonic Pact1/1
  15. Levels 41–45BaneDestruction1→5/5
  16. Levels 46–50Improved Shadow BoltDestruction1→5/5
  17. Levels 51–52SuppressionAffliction1→2/5
  18. Levels 53–57RuinDestruction1→5/5
  19. Levels 58–60Agonizing FlamesDestruction1→3/3

Key talents of the level 60 build

Talents with a large share of estimated DPS, plus talents that grant abilities or handle resources. Descriptions are the tooltip at the rank taken.

  • Demonic Sacrifice1/1 · Demonology

    Est. DPS +11.8%Ability

    When activated, sacrifices your summoned Demon to enhance the opposing aspect of your power, granting you an effect that lasts 2 hrs. The effect is canceled if any Demon is summoned. Imp: Increases your Shadow damage by 15%. Voidwalker: Restores 2% of your total Mana every 4 sec. Succubus/Incubus: Increases your Fire damage by 15%. Felhunter: Restores 3% of your total Health every 4 sec.

  • Fel Domination1/1 · Demonology

    Ability

    Your next Imp, Voidwalker, Succubus, Incubus, or Felhunter Summon spell has its casting time reduced by 5.5 sec and its Mana cost reduced by 50%.

  • Soul Link1/1 · Demonology

    Est. DPS +3.0%Ability

    When active, 30% of all damage taken by the caster is taken by your Imp, Voidwalker, Succubus, Incubus, or Felhunter Demon instead. In addition, both the Demon and the master will inflict 3% more damage. Lasts as long as the Demon is active.

  • Demonic Knowledge3/3 · Demonology

    Est. DPS +5.2%

    Increases your spell damage and your Demon pet's spell damage by up to 100% of your level while you have a summoned Demon pet active.

  • Master Demonologist5/5 · Demonology

    Est. DPS +8.9%

    Grants both the Warlock and the summoned demon an effect as long as that demon is active. Imp - Increases Fire damage done by 10%. Voidwalker - Reduces Physical damage taken by 10%. Succubus/Incubus - Increases Shadow damage done by 10%. Felhunter - Reduces Magic damage taken by 10%.

  • Improved Shadow Bolt5/5 · Destruction

    Est. DPS +5.6%

    Your Shadow Bolt critical strikes increase Shadow damage taken by the target from your attacks by 20% for 12 sec.

  • Bane5/5 · Destruction

    Est. DPS +13.0%

    Reduces the casting time of your Shadow Bolt, Immolate, and Incinerate spells by 0.5 sec and your Soul Fire spell by 2 sec.

  • Ruin5/5 · Destruction

    Est. DPS +3.2%

    Increases the critical strike damage bonus of your Destruction spells by 100%.

  • Agonizing Flames3/3 · Destruction

    Est. DPS +6.7%

    Increases the critical strike chance of your Searing Pain spell by 10% and the damage done by all your Destruction spells by 10%.

Demonology abilities

Demonology abilities in the order you first learn them. The numbers are the levels at which each rank is learned; the description is rank 1 without gear or stats.

Demonology Warlock gear by level

The 3 highest-scoring items for each slot in every level range. Only items whose required level falls inside the range are compared.

How were these picked?
  • The score is the sum of the item's tooltip lines from official game data (Strength, Stamina, Spell Power, damage per second and so on) multiplied by the weights below. There is no official formula, so the weights are Forever Tool's rough estimates (assumptions). Compare scores only within the same slot.
  • Equip, use and chance-on-hit effects, set bonuses and resistances are not scored. Items without fixed stats (only armor in the tooltip) are left out.
  • Only Uncommon and Rare items, plus craftable Epic items, of item level 65 or lower are included (no raid loot). Items that require a profession to use and crafts that need raid materials are left out.
  • Items without a required level count as item level minus 5. Only armor types a Warlock wears are included, with mail and plate counted from level 40 (classic rules, since nothing has been announced).
  • Sources list only crafting (professions) and quest rewards. Dungeon drops are being collected from player reports; check the item page.

Demonology weights (assumed)

StatScore per point
Wand damage per second2
Spell Power1
Spell Damage1
Shadow Damage0.9
Hit0.8
Critical Strike0.6
Haste0.5
Mana Regeneration per 5 sec0.5
Fire Damage0.5
Intellect0.4
Stamina0.2
Spell Piercing0.2
Spirit0.1

Head

  1. Shadow CircletScore 11.9

    Req. 20 · Shadow Damage +11 · Stamina +10

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 20 · Spell Damage +6 · Stamina +10

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Flame CircletScore 7.5

    Req. 20 · Fire Damage +11 · Stamina +10

    Crafted: Tailoring

Hands

  1. Shadow GlovesScore 8.3

    Req. 15 · Shadow Damage +7 · Intellect +3 · Stamina +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 15 · Spell Damage +4 · Intellect +3 · Stamina +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Flame GlovesScore 5.5

    Req. 15 · Fire Damage +7 · Intellect +3 · Stamina +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

Waist

  1. Shadow SashScore 8.9

    Req. 17 · Shadow Damage +7 · Intellect +4 · Stamina +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Pristine SashScore 6.6

    Req. 17 · Spell Damage +4 · Intellect +4 · Stamina +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Flame SashScore 6.1

    Req. 17 · Fire Damage +7 · Intellect +4 · Stamina +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

Feet

  1. Req. 20 · Spell Power +7 · Intellect +4 · Stamina +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Shadow BootsScore 7.4

    Req. 12 · Shadow Damage +6 · Intellect +3 · Stamina +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Req. 12 · Spell Damage +3 · Intellect +3 · Stamina +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

Chest

  1. Dreamweave VestScore 23.0

    Req. 40 · Spell Power +18 · Intellect +9 · Spirit +14

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Robe of PowerScore 19.6

    Req. 33 · Spell Power +14 · Intellect +12 · Spirit +8

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Shadoweave RobeScore 19.6

    Req. 38 · Shadow Damage +21 · Spirit +7

    Crafted: Tailoring

Hands

  1. Req. 40 · Spell Power +18 · Intellect +4 · Spirit +7

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 40 · Shadow Damage +17 · Intellect +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Black HandwrapsScore 17.2

    Req. 35 · Shadow Damage +14 · Intellect +7 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Tailoring

Waist

  1. Black CordScore 18.0

    Req. 40 · Shadow Damage +14 · Intellect +8 · Stamina +8 · Spirit +6

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 38 · Spell Power +14 · Intellect +4 · Stamina +4

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Cloth Girdle

  3. Star BeltScore 13.4

    Req. 35 · Spell Power +13 · Spirit +4

    Crafted: Tailoring

Legs

  1. Req. 37 · Shadow Damage +21 · Stamina +6

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 38 · Spell Power +14 · Intellect +12

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Shadow LeggingsScore 17.3

    Req. 25 · Shadow Damage +14 · Intellect +7 · Stamina +7 · Spirit +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

Two-hand

  1. Item level 40 · Damage per second 21.5 · Shadow Damage +39 · Hit +10 · Intellect +11 · Stamina +3

    Quest: The Completed Orb of Dar'Orahil

  2. Item level 40 · Damage per second 21.5 · Fire Damage +39 · Critical Strike +14 · Intellect +4 · Stamina +3

    Quest: The Completed Orb of Noh'Orahil

  3. Req. 38 · Damage per second 38.1 · Intellect +9 · Mana Regeneration per 5 sec +6 · Stamina +14

    Same stats: Lorekeeper's Staff

Head

  1. Req. 43 · Spell Power +19 · Intellect +20

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 45 · Spell Power +21 · Intellect +10 · Spirit +12

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Shadoweave MaskScore 25.6

    Req. 44 · Shadow Damage +24 · Intellect +10

    Crafted: Tailoring

Shoulder

  1. Req. 42 · Shadow Damage +17 · Intellect +8 · Stamina +8 · Spirit +6

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 42 · Shadow Damage +17 · Stamina +7

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Amice of SorrowScore 14.6

    Item level 52 · Spell Power +9 · Intellect +14

Wrist

  1. Req. 45 · Shadow Damage +13 · Intellect +7 · Stamina +7 · Spirit +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 45 · Spell Damage +7 · Intellect +7 · Stamina +7 · Spirit +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Req. 45 · Fire Damage +13 · Intellect +7 · Stamina +7 · Spirit +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

Hands

  1. Black GlovesScore 23.7

    Req. 50 · Shadow Damage +19 · Intellect +10 · Stamina +9 · Spirit +8

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Gilded GlovesScore 16.6

    Req. 50 · Spell Damage +10 · Intellect +10 · Stamina +9 · Spirit +8

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Req. 50 · Spell Power +12 · Intellect +9 · Spirit +9

    Crafted: Tailoring

Waist

  1. Black WaistcordScore 23.1

    Req. 47 · Shadow Damage +19 · Intellect +9 · Stamina +12

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 48 · Spell Power +9 · Critical Strike +14 · Intellect +5 · Stamina +6

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Cloth Girdle

  3. Req. 47 · Spell Damage +10 · Intellect +9 · Stamina +12

    Crafted: Tailoring

Feet

  1. Black SandalsScore 24.2

    Req. 50 · Shadow Damage +20 · Intellect +9 · Stamina +13

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Gilded SandalsScore 17.2

    Req. 50 · Spell Damage +11 · Intellect +9 · Stamina +13

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Fiery SandalsScore 16.2

    Req. 50 · Fire Damage +20 · Intellect +9 · Stamina +13

    Crafted: Tailoring

Two-hand

  1. Req. 48 · Damage per second 45.9 · Intellect +11 · Stamina +18 · Mana Regeneration per 5 sec +7

    Same stats: Lorekeeper's Staff

  2. Radiant StaffScore 11.4

    Req. 45 · Damage per second 32.3 · Intellect +19 · Stamina +19

    Crafted: Enchanting

  3. Item level 55 · Damage per second 31.6 · Intellect +16 · Stamina +16

Shoulder

  1. Req. 56 · Spell Power +17 · Critical Strike +14 · Intellect +13

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 56 · Spell Power +25 · Spirit +7

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Req. 57 · Shadow Damage +26 · Spirit +5

    Crafted: Tailoring

Back

  1. Fel CapeScore 25.1

    Req. 60 · Shadow Damage +15 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +16

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 57 · Spell Damage +14 · Intellect +10 · Stamina +8

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Req. 55 · Spell Power +14 · Stamina +11

    Same stats: Stormpike Sage's Cloak

Chest

  1. Req. 57 · Spell Power +46 · Intellect +9 · Stamina +10

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Bloodvine VestScore 48.2

    Req. 60 · Spell Power +27 · Hit +20 · Intellect +13

    Crafted: Tailoring

  3. Req. 52 · Shadow Damage +40 · Intellect +12

    Crafted: Tailoring

Waist

  1. Req. 57 · Spell Power +20 · Critical Strike +14 · Intellect +16 · Stamina +10

    Crafted: Tailoring

  2. Req. 58 · Spell Power +14 · Critical Strike +14 · Intellect +6 · Stamina +7

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Cloth Girdle

  3. Req. 55 · Spell Power +18 · Intellect +10 · Stamina +11

    Same stats: Stormpike Cloth Girdle

Two-hand

  1. Crackling StaffScore 35.0

    Req. 60 · Damage per second 41.3 · Spell Power +25 · Intellect +25

  2. Req. 58 · Damage per second 54 · Intellect +13 · Stamina +21 · Mana Regeneration per 5 sec +8

    Same stats: Lorekeeper's Staff

  3. Wisepaw TotemScore 13.0

    Req. 53 · Damage per second 36.9 · Intellect +23 · Stamina +19

Main hand

  1. SagebladeScore 13.2

    Req. 59 · Damage per second 31.1 · Hit +10 · Stamina +14 · Intellect +6

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

  2. Ironwood BladeScore 10.4

    Req. 60 · Damage per second 47.3 · Hit +10 · Stamina +12

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

  3. HeartseekerScore 8.4

    Req. 58 · Damage per second 41.3 · Critical Strike +14

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

More

Other Warlock specs

Other class guides

Sources

  1. [1]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Rogue and WarlockBlizzard Entertainment · Oct 7, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  2. [2]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Priest and WarriorBlizzard Entertainment · Sep 30, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  3. [3]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Hunter and DruidBlizzard Entertainment · Sep 30, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  4. [4]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Mage and ShamanBlizzard Entertainment · Oct 7, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  5. [5]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — PaladinBlizzard Entertainment · Oct 15, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026