Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Guide

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

    Balance Druids bring 5% Spell Haste with
    Moonkin Form
    as well as Magic Damage taken with
    Earth and Moon
    . All Druids also bring an important Base Stat buff with
    Mark of the Wild
    , as well as incredible raid utility with
    Innervate
    and
    Rebirth
    .

Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Rotation

    Balance Druids still have their Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse from Wrath of the Lich King, but it is no longer as heavily RNG based. You now have an Eclipse Bar that moves left or right depending on what spells are used, so you have control over entering and leaving
    Solar Eclipse
    and
    Lunar Eclipse
    . Balance Druids shine in AoE situations thanks to their new spell
    Wild Mushroom
    , but still do respectable single target DPS. Your goal is to maintain your dots and maximize your damage during your
    Solar Eclipse
    and
    Lunar Eclipse
    , as well as minimizing the time outside of them.

Opener

  1. Pre-cast
    Wild Mushroom
    3 times.
  2. Pre-pot
    Volcanic Potion
    .
  3. Pre-cast
    Starfire
    .
  4. Cast
    Insect Swarm
    and
    Moonfire
    . The order matters here because of
    Nature's Grace
    .
  5. Cast
    Force of Nature
    before
    Bloodlust
    is used.
  6. Cast
    Starfall
    .
  7. Cast
    Starsurge
    . If you get a
    Shooting Stars
    proc afterwards, save it for when you enter
    Solar Eclipse
    .
  8. Cast
    Starfire
    until you enter
    Solar Eclipse
    .
  9. Cast
    Wrath
    .
  10. Cast
    Wild Mushroom: Detonate
    (Off GCD).
  11. Refresh
    Insect Swarm
    and
    Sunfire
    on their last tick or after they expire.
  12. Cast
    Wrath
    and
    Starsurge
    until
    Lunar Eclipse
    .
  13. Proceed with single target rotation.

Single Target

  1. Cast
    Force of Nature
    .
  2. Cast
    Starfall
    . You can delay briefly to use at the start of a
    Lunar Eclipse
    .
  3. Maintain
    Insect Swarm
    and
    Moonfire
    . Re-apply on their last tick or after they expire. You can delay briefly to use at the start of an eclipse.
  4. Cast
    Starsurge
    . This will be an instant cast with
    Shooting Stars
    procs. You can delay briefly to use at the start of an Eclipse.
  5. Cast
    Wrath
    during
    Solar Eclipse
    and cast
    Starfire
    during
    Lunar Eclipse
    .
  6. Cast
    Wrath
    after leaving
    Solar Eclipse
    and cast
    Starfire
    after leaving a
    Lunar Eclipse
    .
  7. Cast
    Wild Mushroom
    while moving if less than 3 are active. Cast
    Wild Mushroom: Detonate
    during the next
    Solar Eclipse
    .
  8. Cast
    Moonfire
    while moving.

AoE

  • Ideally start in a
    Solar Eclipse
    .
  • Cast
    Starfall
    .
  • Cast
    Wild Mushroom
    3 times and cast
    Wild Mushroom: Detonate
    .
  • Cast
    Insect Swarm
    and
    Moonfire
    on targets that will live for at least a few seconds.
  • Cast
    Typhoon
    if glyphed.
  • Cast
    Hurricane
    .

Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Talents

Standard Build

If you need more mana, remove points from
Perseverance
and put them into
Furor
and
Moonglow
.
0
Balance
0
Feral Combat
0
Restoration

Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Glyphs

  1. Prime:
    MoonfireMoonfire
    ,
    Insect SwarmInsect Swarm
    ,
    Wrath-cataWrath
  2. Optional: For AoE fights, replace
    Wrath-cataWrath
    with
    StarsurgeStarsurge
    .
  3. Major:
    StarfallStarfall
    ,
    RebirthRebirth
  4. Optional: If you can stay close to the boss,
    FocusFocus
    is your best option for you third glyph. Other options are
    InnervateInnervate
    and
    MonsoonMonsoon
    .
  5. Minor:
    TyphoonTyphoon
    if you don't need the knockback,
    DashDash
    ,
    Unburdened RebirthUnburdened Rebirth

Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Best Consumables

Flasks and Elixirs

    Best:
  • Flask of the Draconic Mind

Food

    Best:
  • Seafood Magnifique Feast
    ,
  • Severed Sagefish Head
    ,
  • Fortune Cookie
    Alternatives:
  • Broiled Dragon Feast
    ,
  • Pickled Guppy

Potions

    Best:
  • Volcanic Potion

Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Best Races

Alliance

  1. Worgen:
    Viciousness

Horde

  1. Troll:
    Berserking

Cataclysm Classic Balance (Boomkin) Druid Best Professions

  1. Engineering:
    Synapse Springs
    .
  2. Tailoring:
    Lightweave Embroidery
    .
  3. Blacksmithing:
    Socket Bracer
    and
    Socket Gloves
    . Becomes 2nd best in T13.
  4. The rest of the Crafting Professions provide nearly identical benefits.