Death Knight Build And Rotation, Pvp Basics For Cataclysm

Death Knight has been a powerful class in World of Warcraft since it was first introduced in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion. Historically, Blizzard’s intent for Death Knight was as an undead caster that mounted a horseback lich, with its first appearance ever, in Warcraft II, Tides of Darkness. The Death Knight continued to appear in different parts of Warcraft and finally was adapted to become the first hero class in World of Warcraft.

When Cataclysm was released, the Death Knight class remained powerful, both in PvP and PvE. With the latest patch 4.1.0 that introduced the Rise of the Zandalari, Death Knight in battleground and arena can still be unbeatable, if played effectively using the best PvP spec associated with the right rotation. As always, the more geared the Death Knight, as any other class, the more powerful it is, and more likely to have better survivability. Here is a frost PvP Death Knight spec (3/31/7) that I really like at level 85—this is also the same spec used by Death Knight on one of the top 10 arena teams via ArenaJunkies.

Blood (3): Bladed Armor = 3

Frost (31): Runic Power Master = 3, Icy Reach = 2, Annihilation = 3, Lichborne = 1, On a Pale Horse = 2, Endless Winter = 2, Pillar of Frost = 1, Improved Icy Talons = 1, Brittle Bones = 2, Chilblains = 2, Hungering Cold = 1, Might of the Frozen Wastes = 3, Howling Blast = 1

Unholy (7): Unholy Command = 2, Epidemic = 3, Desecration = 2

Learning the strengths of the Death Knight is important in making good decisions while thinking on your feet in PvP, where surviving long battles is the key. The ultimate goal in PvP is outliving other players while keeping your teammates (especially the healer) alive. Frost Death Knights have defensive cooldowns that is useful to not be kited by another class, such as anti-magic shell and strangulate. Another frost Death Knight strength is the ability to put pressure on the opponent. For example, pressuring a healer to dump all the heals on the healer rather than on the dps.

It is just as important and useful to know other classes’ strengths and weaknesses. Cataclysm has become so complex with new skills and racial abilities, it will take extensive time to learn how each class works. However, it is worthwhile because it will give you an edge in any class that you play. Especially in PvP, when you are always thinking on your feet and reacting to unpredictable situations, information on your opponents is vital for most PvP situations. To add to this, having a good set of keybinds and macros will help with reacting to situations and quickly executing commands.

What I find useful in learning the mechanics of each class is actually through a leveling guide. Oddly enough, the leveling guide not only helps to level your character, but has references for each class on how to play them. The Booster leveling guide has been a great reference and resource for me to learn the strengths and weaknesses of every class by understanding how each talent works. After learning how to play my Death Knight and other classes, I have noticed significant more arena wins that losses. The thrill of winning resonates with most players, as opposed to defeat. In addition to the information presented here, keeping up with your class updates and having a set of keybinds and macros will put you on the winning path as an overpowered frost Death Knight!