Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Guide
Class
Spec
These guides are based on simulation data, tools, and theorycrafting from original Cataclysm. We'll be sure to update them when modern sims are finished. Rotations are likely to get optimized via sims, but it should already give you a very strong starting point.
Introduction
Arms Warriors bring increased Bleed Damage and 4% Physical Damage taken with Blood Frenzy to raids. All Warriors also bring a Strength and Agility buff with , Stamina buff with , and Armor Reduction with .
Battle Shout
Commanding Shout
Sunder Armor
Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Rotation
Arms Warriors have a simple priority system, but as with any class that uses Rage or Energy, managing your resources properly will be critical to perform well. Making sure you make the most out of your windows, and proper usage of and will make a huge impact on your DPS. Another complexity of the Arms Warriors rotation is Stance Dancing. Performed correctly, Stance Dancing will result in a small DPS increase, but if done incorrectly, it will result in a DPS loss compared to just staying in 100% of the time. The talent allows for an additional 50 Rage to be retained when switching stances, which is what allows this technique to be possible. The abilities you need to be in for are and . In most single target scenarios, you will only be using 1 , so the main problem here is . Like we mention in the rotation section, is only used when procs, which can only occur once every 5 seconds so you dont have to use it immediately once it procs. To maximize your time in , you should wait to until the end of the 5 second window, switch to , use , will proc again right after, use a second time, and then switch back to . You will be in for about 10 seconds, since the next proc won't happen for 5 seconds, and you won't use that proc for about 4 seconds. It is recommended to make a macro for each of your skills with it's corresponding stance.
Colossus Smash
Inner Rage
Deadly Calm
Battle Stance
Tactical Mastery
Battle Stance
Rend
Overpower
Rend
Overpower
Overpower
Taste for Blood
Berserker Stance
Battle Stance
Overpower
Taste for Blood
Overpower
Berserker Stance
Berserker Stance
Taste for Blood
Single Target
- Use and maintain 3 stacks of if assigned.Sunder Armor
- Maintain orBattle Shoutif assigned.Commanding Shout
- Maintain .Rendwill take care of this thanks toMortal Strike.Lambs to the Slaughter
- Use .Bloodrage
- Use .Shattering Throw
- Use when high on Rage.Inner Rage
- Use when low on Rage and avoid using duringDeadly Calm/Bloodlust.Heroism
- Use .Recklessness
- Use .Mortal Strike
- Use fromColossus Smashprocs as long as the target doesn't currently have theSudden Deathdebuff.Colossus Smash
- Use . Ideally have aColossus Smashproc before casting so you can fit in 2Taste for Bloodcasts inside the debuff window.Overpower
- When procs, wait 4 seconds and useTaste for BloodandBattle Stance. Wait for anotherOverpowerproc and useTaste for Bloodagain before switching back toOverpower.Berserker Stance
- Use withHeroic Strikeproc or if you have excess Rage.Battle Trance
- Use to dump Rage for targets below 20% HP.Execute
- Use to dump Rage.Slam
- Use orBattle Shoutto generate Rage.Commanding Shout
AoE
- Use .Sweeping Strikes
- Proceed with single target rotation. When runs out, replaceSweeping StrikeswithHeroic Strike.Cleave
- If running the talent , useBlood and Thunderand spread it withRend.Thunder Clap
- Use .Bladestorm
- Use .Sweeping Strikes
- Proceed with single target rotation. When runs out, replaceSweeping StrikeswithHeroic Strike.Cleave
- For 4+ targets, replace withColossus Smash.Whirlwind
2 targets:
3+ targets:
Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Talents
Standard Build
For AoE fights, you can remove 2 points from and put them into .
Incite
Blood and Thunder
0
Arms
0
Fury
0
Protection
Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Glyphs
- Prime: Mortal Strike,Overpower,Slam
- Major: Sweeping Strikes,Cleaving
- Optional: Colossus SmashorRapid Charge
- Minor: Berserker Rage,Battle,Bloody Healing
Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Best Consumables
Flasks and Elixirs
- Best:
- Flask of Titanic Strength
Food
- Best:
- ,Seafood Magnifique Feast
- ,Beer-Basted Crocolisk
- Fortune Cookie
- Alternatives:
- ,Broiled Dragon Feast
- Hearty Seafood Soup
Potions
- Best:
- Golemblood Potion
Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Best Races
Alliance
- Worgen: andViciousnessDarkflight
- Human: andSword SpecializationMace Specialization
- Dwarf: Mace Specialization
- Draenei: Heroic Presence
Horde
- Orc: andAxe SpecializationBlood Fury
- Goblin: ,Time is Money, andRocket BarrageRocket Jump
- Troll: Berserking
Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Best Professions
- Engineering: .Synapse Springs
- Tailoring: .Swordguard Embroidery
- Blacksmithing: andSocket Bracer. Becomes 2nd best in T13.Socket Gloves
- The rest of the Crafting Professions provide nearly identical benefits.