Death Knight · Blood

How Blood Death Knight wins

Blood is a self-sustaining tank that turns incoming damage into survival through Death Strike. You bank Runic Power and Bone Shield charges, then heal and mitigate on your own terms while still putting out strong AoE threat.

Role

Tank

Stat lead

Strength then Haste

Single target

Deathbringer

Cleave / AoE

San'layn

Not re-verified for Season 2. This ordering was checked for patch 12.0.7. Patch 12.1 raised max-level player health and creature damage by 25% and deliberately moved power out of cooldowns into steady-state damage, either of which can move secondary weights. Open question: no Season 2 sim source has been checked, so the order below is last season's and is shown unchanged rather than guessed at.

Stat priority and consumables

Item level and effect strength still matter. Use this ordering to break close choices, then re-check it after major gear swaps.

1. 1.Strength›
2. 2.Haste›
3. 3.Versatility›
4. 4.Mastery›
5. 5.Critical Strike

Haste smooths Rune regeneration and Death Strike cadence; Versatility adds flat damage and defense. That is why both sit ahead of Mastery and Critical Strike. Item level and Strength still win most slot comparisons - when two pieces are close, weigh survival value for the content you are pushing, not just damage.

Consumables

Flasks, food, potions, weapon oils, and runes for this build.

7 rows

FlaskFlask of the Blood KnightsDefault defensive tank flask.Flask of the Blood KnightsItem Level 295Non-equippable Flasks & PhialsRequires Level 81Use: Increases your Haste by 165 for 1 hour. Lasts 1 hour and through death. Consuming an identical flask will add another 1 hour. (3 Sec Cooldown)“Created by experienced alchemists. Can be bought and sold on the Auction House.”Guide note: Default defensive tank flask.Blizzard game dataFoodHaste or Versatility feastMatch your current gear and the damage profile of the content.Haste or Versatility feastFoodGuide note: Match your current gear and the damage profile of the content.Guide recommendationCombat potionLight's PotentialDefensive potion option for dangerous pulls or tank busters.Light's PotentialItem Level 295Non-equippable PotionsRequires Level 81Use: Drink to increase your primary stat by 695 for 30 sec. (5 Min Cooldown)“Created by experienced alchemists. Can be bought and sold on the Auction House.”Guide note: Defensive potion option for dangerous pulls or tank busters.Blizzard game dataCombat potionPotion of RecklessnessDamage potion when survival is secure.Potion of RecklessnessItem Level 295Non-equippable PotionsRequires Level 81Use: Gain 1,725 of your highest secondary stat while losing 232 of your lowest secondary stat for 30 sec. (5 Min Cooldown)“Created by experienced alchemists. Can be bought and sold on the Auction House.”Guide note: Damage potion when survival is secure.Blizzard game dataHealth potionSilvermoon Health PotionCarry these for every key and progression pull.Silvermoon Health PotionItem Level 295Non-equippable PotionsRequires Level 81Use: Restores 241,303 health. (5 Min Cooldown)“Created by experienced alchemists. Can be bought and sold on the Auction House.”Guide note: Carry these for every key and progression pull.Blizzard game dataWeapon OilThalassian Phoenix OilDefault weapon consumable; compare with stones by sim.Thalassian Phoenix OilItem Level 295Non-equippable OtherRequires Level 78Use: Coat your weapon with Thalassian Phoenix Oil, increasing your Critical Strike and Haste by 16 for 120 min. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120.“The bottle contains what appears to be liquid fire and radiates warmth.”Guide note: Default weapon consumable; compare with stones by sim.Blizzard game dataAugment RuneVoid-Touched Augment RuneUse for progression and high keys.Void-Touched Augment RuneItem Level 90Non-equippable OtherRequires Level 90Use: Increases Intellect by 5 for 1 hour. Augment Rune.“Can be bought and sold on the auction house.”Guide note: Use for progression and high keys.Blizzard game data

Priority order is from patch 12.0.7 and has not been re-derived for 12.1. Individual lines naming an ability that 12.1 removed or redesigned are annotated above; lines that 12.1 only retuned are unchanged, because a damage number moving does not by itself reorder a priority list.

Opener and priority

Use these as decision priorities, not a rigid cast sequence. Re-evaluate whenever targets, resources, procs, or mechanics change.

Import strings were built for patch 12.0.7 and have NOT been re-verified for 12.1. Nobody authoritative publishes import strings, so none was rewritten here rather than invented. Patch 12.1 moved or removed talents in several trees, so a string may import a build that no longer exists. Check the listed key talents against the 12.1 changes above before importing.

Talents and hero trees

Use Deathbringer for the single-target profile below and San'layn when cleave or adds make its toolkit more valuable.

Recommended starting profiles

Single-target: Deathbringer

San'layn is recommended in all content - Vampiric Strike and Blood Beast procs add strong priority damage and self-healing even on single-target bosses.

• Deathbringer hero tree
• Stat priority: Strength > Haste
• Interrupt: Mind Freeze

Multi-target: San'layn

San'layn's Vampiric Strike and Blood Beast procs also deliver the extra AoE and self-healing that shines on big M+ pulls.

• San'layn hero tree
• Prioritize AoE and add-swap talents
• Interrupt: Mind Freeze

Talent builds

Start with the profile matching your content. Boss and dungeon tabs in the gear section show the exact loadout used for each ranked result. A build with no import string has not had one exported for this patch; the key talents below are the build.

Open talent calculator

Raid - Deathbringer Single Target

Recommended raid default for boss tanking. Reaper's Mark adds real priority damage to a kit that is already durable, Dark Talons feeds the Runic Power loop, and Rune Carved Plates hardens you for scheduled tank busters.

DeathbringerReaper's MarkDark TalonsRune Carved PlatesDancing Rune WeaponMarrowrendHeart StrikeConsumption

Open in talent calculator →Raid BiS equipment ↓

Mythic+ - San'layn AoE

Default key build. San'layn's Vampiric Strike and Blood Beast procs scale with pull size, Bonestorm converts big packs into burst plus self-healing, and Gorefiend's Grasp plus Abomination Limb give the route control that timed keys demand.

San'laynPact of the San'laynDesecrateVampiric SpeedBonestormBlood BoilGorefiend's GraspAbomination Limb

Open in talent calculator →Live Mythic+ gear →

Progression - Defensive Flex

Maximum-survival variant for first kills and overtuned tank busters. It keeps the Deathbringer frame but trades damage picks for every defensive node worth taking. Swap back to the standard raid build once the encounter stops threatening to kill you.

DeathbringerRune Carved PlatesVampiric BloodTombstoneRune TapAnti-Magic ZoneDeath PactAsphyxiate

Open in talent calculator →Raid BiS equipment ↓

Complete talent referenceshowhide

Every class, specialization, and hero-tree talent from Blizzard game data. Active and choice talents stay open; passive nodes remain searchable and expand on demand.

Build a custom loadout

Find a talent

Talent type

AllActiveChoicePassive

Death Knight class tree

Shared class talents, including throughput, control, defensives, and movement.

46 of 46 shown

Active and choice talents

Icebound FortitudeActiveYour blood freezes, granting immunity to Stun effects and reducing all damage you take by 30% for 8 sec.Death StrikeActiveFocuses dark power into a strike that deals 60 Physical damage and heals you for 20.00% of all damage taken in the last 5 sec, minimum 7.0% of maximum health.Raise DeadActiveRaises a ghoul to fight by your side. You can have a maximum of one ghoul at a time. Lasts 1 min.Mind FreezeActiveSmash the target's mind with cold, interrupting spellcasting and preventing any spell in that school from being cast for 5 sec.Blinding SleetActiveTargets in a cone in front of you are blinded, causing them to wander disoriented for 5 sec. Damage may cancel the effect. When Blinding Sleet ends, enemies are slowed by 50% for 6 sec.March of DarknessChoiceDeath's Advance grants an additional 25% movement speed over the first 3 sec.Wraith WalkChoiceEmbrace the power of the Shadowlands, removing all root effects and increasing your movement speed by 70% for 4 sec. Taking any action cancels the effect. While active, your movement speed cannot be reduced below 170%.Control UndeadActiveDominates the target undead creature up to level 71, forcing it to do your bidding for 5 min.Death PactActiveCreate a death pact that heals you for 50% of your maximum health, but absorbs incoming healing equal to 30% of your max health for 15 sec.Anti-Magic ZoneActivePlaces an Anti-Magic Zone for 6 sec, reducing the magic damage taken by party or raid members by 15%.AsphyxiateChoiceLifts the enemy target off the ground, crushing their throat with dark energy and stunning them for 5 sec.Death's ReachChoiceIncreases the range of Death Grip by 10 yds. Killing an enemy that yields experience or honor resets the cooldown of Death Grip.

Passive talents

Runic AttenuationPassiveAuto attacks have a chance to generate 3 Runic Power.Improved Death StrikePassiveDeath Strike's cost is reduced by 10, and its healing is increased by 60%.Cleaving StrikesPassiveBlizzard does not currently expose a description for this node.Gloom WardPassive2 ranksAbsorbs are 30% more effective on you. Unholy MomentumPassive2 ranksIncreases Haste by 4%.EnfeeblePassiveYour ghoul's attacks have a chance to apply Enfeeble, reducing the enemies movement speed by 30% and the damage they deal to you by 12% for 6 sec.ColdthirstPassiveSuccessfully interrupting an enemy with Mind Freeze grants 10 Runic Power and reduces its cooldown by 3 sec.Proliferating ChillPassiveChains of Ice affects 1 additional nearby enemy.PermafrostPassiveYour auto attack damage grants you an absorb shield equal to 50% of the damage dealt.Veteran of the Third WarPassiveStamina increased by 20%. BrittlePassiveYour diseases have a chance to weaken your enemy causing your attacks against them to deal 6% increased damage for 5 sec.Blood BondPassiveWhile you are below 50% health, your Ghoul sacrifices 4% of its maximum health to heal you for 1% of your maximum health every sec.Icy TalonsPassiveYour Runic Power spending abilities increase your melee attack speed by 6% for 10 sec, stacking up to 3 times.Death NotesPassiveRaise Ally costs 30 less Runic Power.Death DefiancePassiveThe cooldown of Death Pact is reduced by 30 sec, and you receive 50% increased healing while its healing absorb is active.Unholy BondPassiveIncreases the effectiveness of your Runeforge effects by 20%.Ice PrisonPassiveChains of Ice now also roots enemies for 4 sec but its cooldown is increased to 12 sec.AssimilationPassiveThe cooldown of Anti-Magic Zone is reduced by 60 sec and its duration is increased by 2 sec.Anti-Magic BarrierPassiveReduces the cooldown of Anti-Magic Shell by 20 sec and increases its duration and amount absorbed by 40%.Grip of the DeadPassiveDeath and Decay reduces the movement speed of enemies within its area by 90%, decaying by 10% every sec.SuppressionPassiveDamage taken from area of effect attacks reduced by 3%. When suffering a loss of control effect, this bonus is increased by an additional 6% for 6 sec.Blood ScentPassiveIncreases Leech by 3%.Unholy EndurancePassiveIncreases Lichborne duration by 2 sec and reduces the cooldown by 30 sec. OsmosisPassiveAnti-Magic Shell increases healing received by 15%.Insidious ChillPassiveYour auto-attacks reduce the target's auto-attack speed by 5% for 30 sec, stacking up to 4 times.Runic ProtectionPassiveYour chance to be critically struck is reduced by 3% and your Armor is increased by 6%.Blood DrawPassiveWhen you fall below 30% health you drain 42 health from nearby enemies, the damage you take is reduced by 10% and your Death Strike cost is reduced by 10 for 8 sec. Can only occur every 2 min.Rune MasteryPassive2 ranksConsuming a Rune has a chance to increase your Strength by 6% for 8 sec.Subduing GraspPassiveWhen you would pull an enemy, the damage they deal to you is reduced by 6% for 6 sec.Will of the NecropolisPassive2 ranksDamage taken below 30% Health is reduced by 35%.Null MagicPassiveMagic damage taken is reduced by 8% and the duration of harmful Magic effects against you are reduced by 35%.Unyielding WillPassiveAnti-Magic Shell now removes all harmful magical effects when activated, but its cooldown is increased by 20 sec.Death's EchoPassiveDeath's Advance, Death and Decay, and Death Grip have 1 additional charge.Vestigial ShellPassiveCasting Anti-Magic Shell grants 2 nearby allies a Lesser Anti-Magic Shell that Absorbs up to 148 magic damage and reduces the duration of harmful Magic effects against them by 50%.

Blood specialization tree

Every Blood talent currently exposed by Blizzard game data.

42 of 42 shown

Active and choice talents

Heart StrikeActiveInstantly strike the target and 1 other nearby enemy, causing 69 Physical damage, and reducing enemies' movement speed by 20% for 8 sec.MarrowrendActiveSmash the target, dealing 78 Physical damage and generating 3 charges of Bone Shield. Bone Shield Surrounds you with a barrier of whirling bones, increasing Armor by 110. Each melee attack against you consumes a charge. Lasts 30 sec or until all charges are consumed.Blood BoilActiveDeals 57 Shadow damage and infects all enemies within 10 yds with Blood Plague. Blood Plague A shadowy disease that drains 93 health from the target over 24 sec. Vampiric BloodActiveEmbrace your undeath, increasing your maximum health by 30% and increasing all healing and absorbs received by 30% for 10 sec.Dancing Rune WeaponActiveSummons a rune weapon for 8 sec that mirrors your melee attacks and bolsters your defenses. While active, you gain 30% parry chance.Gorefiend's GraspChoiceShadowy tendrils coil around all enemies within 15 yards of a hostile or friendly target, pulling them to the target's location and Silencing them for 3 sec.Abomination LimbChoiceSprout an additional limb, pulling enemies further than 8 yds from you every 1 sec. The same enemy can only be pulled once every 4 sec.ConsumptionActiveEmpower the runes in your weapon, reducing the damage you take over the duration and unleashing a devastating attack that deals 218 Shadow damage and consumes up to 75% of your Blood Plague instantly from enemies in front of you. I: Consumes up to 25% of your Blood Plague. While empowering, your damage taken is reduced by 5% and an additional 8 sec after empowering. II: Consumes up to 50% of your Blood Plague. While empowering, your damage taken is reduced by 10% and an additional 4 sec after empowering. III: Consumes up to 75% of your Blood Plague. While empowering, your damage taken is reduced by 15% and an additional 2 sec after empowering.Dance of MidnightActiveWhile Dancing Rune Weapon is active, Parrying an attack has a 100% chance to make your next Heart Strike cost no Runes and deal 150% increased damage.

Passive talents

Bone CollectorPassiveWhen you would pull an enemy generate 1 charge of Bone Shield. Bone Shield Surrounds you with a barrier of whirling bones, increasing Armor by 110. Each melee attack against you consumes a charge. Lasts 30 sec or until all charges are consumed.OssuaryPassiveWhile you have at least 5 Bone Shield charges, the cost of Death Strike is reduced by 5 Runic Power. Additionally, your maximum Runic Power is increased by 10.Improved Vampiric BloodPassive2 ranksVampiric Blood's healing and absorb amount is increased by 10% and duration by 4 sec.Improved Heart StrikePassive2 ranksHeart Strike damage increased by 30%.Relish in BloodPassiveWhile Crimson Scourge is active, your next Death and Decay heals you for 13 health per Bone Shield charge and you immediately gain 10 Runic Power.Leeching StrikePassiveHeart Strike heals you for 0.25% health for each enemy hit while affected by Blood Plague.HeartbreakerPassiveYour Heart Strike generates 2 additional Runic Power per target hit.Foul BulwarkPassiveEach charge of Bone Shield increases your maximum health by 1%.HemostasisPassiveEach enemy hit by Blood Boil increases the damage and healing done by your next Death Strike by 8%, stacking up to 5 times.Perseverance of the Ebon BladePassiveWhen Crimson Scourge is consumed, damage taken is reduced by 4% for 10 sec.BloodwormsPassiveYour auto attacks have a chance to summon a Bloodworm. Bloodworms deal minor damage to your target for 15 sec and then burst, healing you for 15% of your missing health. If you drop below 50% health, your Bloodworms will immediately burst and heal you.Improved Bone ShieldPassiveBone Shield increases your Haste by 10% and it can stack 2 additional times.Insatiable BladePassiveDancing Rune Weapon's cooldown is reduced by 30 sec and now generates 5 Bone Shield charges.Deadly ReachPassiveDeath Strike hits an additional 2 enemies at 60% effectiveness.Rapid DecompositionPassiveYour Blood Plague and Death and Decay deal damage 15% more often. Additionally, your Blood Plague leeches 85% more Health.Boiling PointPassiveHeart Strike has a chance to make your next Blood Boil empowered, dealing 50% increased damage and echoing after 3 sec.LifebloodPassiveDeath Strike heals for an additional 20% of its healing over 5 sec. Everlasting BondPassiveSummons 1 additional copy of Dancing Rune Weapon and increases its duration by 4 sec.VoraciousPassiveDeath Strike's healing is increased by 5% and grants you 15% Leech for 8 sec.Blood FeastPassiveAnti-Magic Shell heals you for 100% of the damage it absorbs.Plague InfusionPassiveYour Blood Plague critical hits have a chance to reduce the cooldown of your Blood Boil by 0.25 sec. Bloody ReflectionPassiveWhile Blood Shield is active, taking direct damage reflects 38 Shadow damage back to the attacker. Blood Shield can now absorb up to 65% of your maximum health.Iron HeartPassiveBlood Shield's duration is increased by 2 sec and it absorbs 20% more damage.Bloodied BladePassiveParrying an attack grants you a charge of Bloodied Blade, increasing your Strength by 0.5%, up to 4.0% for 15 sec. At 8 stacks, your next parry consumes all charges to unleash a Heart Strike at 300% effectiveness, and increases your Strength by 10% for 6 sec.CoagulopathyPassiveEnemies affected by Blood Plague take 5% increased damage from you and Death Strike increases the damage of your Blood Plague by 10% for 15 sec, stacking up to 4 times.Blood MistPassiveWhen you cast Dancing Rune Weapon, you become enveloped in a blood mist that surrounds you for 8 sec, increasing your Parry by 5%. Deals 22 Shadow damage every 1 sec to enemies within 10 yds. Every time it deals damage you gain 2 Runic Power, up to a maximum of 10 Runic Power. Deals reduced damage beyond 8 targets.Sanguine GroundPassiveYou deal 6% more damage and receive 5% more healing while standing in your Death and Decay.BloodshotPassiveWhile Blood Shield is active, you deal 8% increased damage and damage taken is reduced by 4%.Red ThirstPassiveReduces the cooldown on Vampiric Blood by 2.0 sec per 10 Runic Power spent.Sanguinary BurstPassiveWhen Blood Mist ends it deals 98 Shadow damage to 8 nearby enemies, healing you for 18% of the damage dealt. The damage is increased by 2% for every 1 Runic Power spent while Blood Mist was active.PurgatoryPassiveAn unholy pact that prevents fatal damage, instead absorbing incoming healing equal to the damage prevented, lasting 3 sec. If any healing absorption remains when this effect expires, you will die. This effect may only occur every 4 min.CarnagePassiveConsumption now contributes to your Mastery: Blood Shield. Each time an enemy strikes your Blood Shield, the cooldown of Consumption has chance to be reset.Umbilicus EternusPassiveAfter Vampiric Blood expires, you absorb damage equal to 6 times the damage your Blood Plague dealt during Vampiric Blood.

San'layn

San'layn hero talents, including every active, choice, and passive node exposed by Blizzard.

18 of 18 shown

Active and choice talents

Blood-Soaked GroundChoiceWhile you are within your Death and Decay, your physical damage taken is reduced by 8% and your chance to gain Vampiric Strike is increased by 5%.DesecrateChoiceDeath and Decay deals its damage 100% faster.Pact of the San'laynChoiceYou store 10% of all Shadow damage dealt into your Blood Beast to explode for additional damage when it expires.Sanguine ScentChoiceYour Death Coil and Death Strike have a 15% increased chance to trigger Vampiric Strike when damaging enemies below 35% health.Vampiric AuraChoiceYour Leech is increased by 2%. While Lichborne is active, the Leech bonus of this effect is increased by 100%, and it affects 4 allies within 12 yds. Bloody FortitudeChoiceIcebound Fortitude reduces all damage you take by up to an additional 20% based on your missing health. Killing an enemy that yields experience or honor reduces the cooldown of Icebound Fortitude by 3 sec.Newly TurnedChoiceRaise Ally revives players at full health and grants you and your ally an absorb shield equal to 20% of your maximum health.Vampiric SpeedChoiceDeath's Advance and Wraith Walk movement speed bonuses are increased by 10%. Activating Death's Advance or Wraith Walk increases 4 nearby allies movement speed by 20% for 5 sec.

Passive talents

Infliction of SorrowPassiveWhen Vampiric Strike damages an enemy affected by your plagues, it extends the duration of the plagues by 3.0 sec, and deals 10% of the remaining damage to the enemy.Incite TerrorPassiveVampiric Strike and Scourge Strike cause your targets to take 1% increased Shadow damage, up to 5% for 15 sec. Vampiric Strike benefits from Incite Terror at 400% effectiveness.InevitablePassiveYour plagues deal up to 30% increased damage based on the target's missing health.The Blood is LifePassiveDark Transformation summons a Blood Beast to attack your enemy for 10 sec. Each time the Blood Beast attacks, it stores a portion of the damage dealt. When the Blood Beast dies, it explodes, dealing 15% of the damage accumulated to nearby enemies and healing the Death Knight for the same amount. Deals reduced damage beyond 8 targets.Vampiric StrikePassiveYour Death Coil and Death Strike have a 25% chance to make your next Scourge Strike become Vampiric Strike. Vampiric Strike heals you for 2% of your maximum health and grants you Essence of the Blood Queen, increasing your Haste by 1.0%, up to 5.0% for 20 sec. Gift of the San'laynPassiveWhile Dark Transformation is active you gain Gift of the San'layn. Gift of the San'layn increases the effectiveness of your Essence of the Blood Queen by 200%, and Vampiric Strike replaces your Scourge Strike for the duration. Frenzied BloodthirstPassiveEssence of the Blood Queen stacks 2 additional times and increases the damage of your Death Coil and Death Strike by 5%, and Epidemic by 5% per stack.TransfusionPassiveVampiric Strike increases the damage of your Dancing Rune Weapons by 20% for 8 sec. Multiple applications may overlap.Thrill of BloodPassiveEssence of the Blood Queen additionally increases your Mastery by 1.0% per stack. Blood Plague deals 5% increased damage.Visceral StrengthPassiveWhen Sudden Doom is consumed, you gain 4% Strength for 5 sec.

Rider of the Apocalypse

Rider of the Apocalypse hero talents, including every active, choice, and passive node exposed by Blizzard.

17 of 17 shown

Active and choice talents

Horsemen's AidChoiceWhile at your aid, the Horsemen will occasionally cast Anti-Magic Shell on you and themselves at 80% effectiveness. You may only benefit from this effect every 45 sec.Pact of the ApocalypseChoiceWhen you take damage, 5% of the damage is redirected to each active horsemen.Fury of the HorsemenChoiceEvery 50 Runic Power you spend extends the duration of the Horsemen's aid in combat by 1 sec, up to 5 sec.A Feast of SoulsChoiceWhile you have 2 or more Horsemen aiding you, your increased damage.On a Paler HorseChoiceWhile outdoors you are able to mount your Acherus Deathcharger in combat.Death ChargeChoiceCall upon your Death Charger to break free of movement impairment effects. For 10 sec, while upon your Death Charger your movement speed is increased by 100%, you cannot be slowed below 100% of normal speed, and you are immune to forced movement effects and knockbacks.

Passive talents

Apocalypse NowPassiveArmy of the Dead and Frostwyrm's Fury call upon all 4 Horsemen to aid you for 20 sec.Hungering ThirstPassiveThe damage of your diseases and Death Coil are increased by 5%.Whitemane's FaminePassiveWhen Scourge Strike damages an enemy affected by Undeath it gains 1 stack and infects another nearby enemy.Mawsworn MenacePassiveScourge Strike deals 15% increased damage and the cooldown of your Death and Decay is reduced by 5 sec.Nazgrim's ConquestPassiveIf an enemy dies while Nazgrim is active, the strength of Apocalyptic Conquest is increased by 3%. Additionally, each Rune you spend increase its value by 1%.Trollbane's Icy FuryPassiveScourge Strike shatters Trollbane's Chains of Ice when hit, dealing 36 Shadowfrost damage to nearby enemies, and slowing them by 40% for 4 sec. Deals reduced damage beyond 8 targets.Rider's ChampionPassiveSpending Runes has a chance to call forth the aid of a Horsemen for 10 sec. Mograine Casts Death and Decay at his location that follows his position and extends the duration of your diseases by 1.0 sec whenever it deals damage. Whitemane Casts Undeath on your target dealing 2 Shadowfrost damage per stack every 3 sec, for 24 sec. Each time Undeath deals damage it gains a stack. Cannot be refreshed. Trollbane Casts Chains of Ice on your target slowing their movement speed by 40% and increasing the damage they take from you by 5% for 8 sec. Nazgrim While Nazgrim is active you gain Apocalyptic Conquest, increasing your Strength by 5%. Mograine's MightPassiveYour damage is increased by 5% and you gain while inside Mograine's Death and Decay.Unholy ArmamentsPassiveThe abilities that Horsemen cast deal 5% increased damage..Let Terror ReignPassiveCasting Death Coil or Epidemic orders Whitemane to cast her Death Coil or Epidemic alongside you at 125% effectiveness.Ride or Die!PassiveDark Transformation summons forth Whitemane for 6 sec.

Deathbringer

Deathbringer hero talents, including every active, choice, and passive node exposed by Blizzard.

17 of 17 shown

Active and choice talents

Pact of the DeathbringerChoiceWhen you suffer a damaging effect equal to 25% of your maximum health, you instantly cast Death Pact at 50% effectiveness. May only occur every 2 min. When a Reaper's Mark explodes, the cooldowns of this effect and Death Pact are reduced by 5 sec.Rune Carved PlatesChoiceEach Rune spent reduces the magic damage you take by 1.5% and each Rune generated reduces the physical damage you take by 1.5% for 5 sec, up to 5 times.Death's MessengerChoiceReduces the cooldowns of Lichborne and Raise Dead by 30 sec.Expelling ShieldChoiceWhen an enemy deals direct damage to your Anti-Magic Shell, their cast speed is reduced by 10% for 6 sec.Dark TalonsChoiceConsuming Killing Machine or Rime has a 25% chance to grant 3 stacks of Icy Talons and increase its maximum stacks by the same amount for 6 sec. Runic Power spending abilities count as Shadowfrost while Icy Talons is active.Reaper's OnslaughtChoiceReduces the cooldown of Reaper's Mark by 15 sec, but the amount of Obliterates and Frostscythes empowered by Exterminate is reduced by 1.Reaper's MarkActiveViciously slice into the soul of your enemy, dealing 81 Shadowfrost damage and applying Reaper's Mark. Each time you deal Shadow or Frost damage, add a stack of Reaper's Mark. After 12 sec or reaching 40 stacks, the mark explodes, dealing 10 damage per stack. Reaper's Mark travels to an unmarked enemy nearby if the target dies.

Passive talents

Swift and PainfulPassiveIf no enemies are struck by Soul Rupture, you gain 15% Strength for 8 sec. Wave of Souls is 100% more effective on the main target of your Reaper's Mark.Grim ReaperPassiveReaper's Mark initial strike grants Killing Machine. Reaper's Mark explosion deals up to 30% increased damage based on your target's missing health.Wave of SoulsPassiveReaper's Mark sends forth bursts of Shadowfrost energy and back, dealing 34 Shadowfrost damage both ways to all enemies caught in its path. Wave of Souls critical strikes cause enemies to take 5% increased Shadowfrost damage for 15 sec, stacking up to 2 times, and it is always a critical strike on its way back.Bind in DarknessPassiveRime empowered Howling Blast deals 60% increased damage to its main target, and is now Shadowfrost. Shadowfrost damage applies 2 stacks to Reaper's Mark and 4 stacks when it is a critical strike.Wither AwayPassiveFrost Fever deals its damage 75% faster, and the second scythe of Exterminate applies Frost Fever.Soul RupturePassiveWhen Reaper's Mark explodes, it deals 20% of the damage dealt to nearby enemies.ExterminatePassiveAfter Reaper's Mark explodes, your next 2 Obliterates or Frostscythes cost 1 Rune and summon 2 scythes to strike your enemies. The first scythe strikes your target for 153 Shadowfrost damage and the second scythe strikes all enemies around your target for 61 Shadowfrost damage. Deals reduced damage beyond 8 targets.Echoing FuryPassiveReaper's Mark deals 5% increased damage. Casting Dancing Rune Weapon grants 1 stack of Exterminate with 100% first scythe and 100% second scythe effectiveness.Deathly BlowsPassiveDeath Strike damage increased by 20%.Frigid ResolvePassiveThe effectiveness of Permafrost is increased by 100% and Exterminate grants Permafrost equal to 10% of the damage dealt. Permafrost Your auto attack damage grants you an absorb shield equal to 50% of the damage dealt.

Boss and dungeon loadouts

Switch between raid and Mythic+ to inspect the top player for every available encounter: exact talents, source link, item level, enchant and socket counts, and the player's gear.

Raid bossesTop parse gear and talents per bossMythic+ dungeonsHighest ranked key and player gear per dungeon

Loading verified raid results

Pulling the top Warcraft Logs result, exact talents, and equipment for each boss.

Editorial acquisition targets

Use these slot targets when planning drops and crafted pieces. The encounter explorer above remains the source for the exact gear worn by each ranked player.

Season 1 acquisition targets, not re-verified for Season 2. The rows below name Season 1 items at their Season 1 item levels and are accurate as that; they are not Season 2 recommendations. Season 2's raid is The Venomous Abyss (8 bosses, Nek'zali the Soulcoiler through Ula'tek). Confirmed Season 2 raid item levels run 279 (Raid Finder, first boss) to 344 (Mythic, last two bosses and Very Rare drops), with Normal 292-302, Heroic 305-315 and the Great Vault paying 292/305/318/334 by difficulty. Open question: per-slot best-in-slot for Season 2 needs a sim source, and none was reachable.

Raid acquisition targets

15 slots

Best tier helmHead · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Empowered Hex of Leeching

Best tier helmBest tier helmHead · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Empowered Hex of Leeching

Head

298

TierEmpowered Hex of LeechingEmpowered Hex of LeechingEnchantRecommended on Head.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Rotmire's SporeheartNeck · Item Level 298Socketed neckGems: Indecipherable Eversong Diamond, Flawless Versatile Peridot

Rotmire's SporeheartRotmire's SporeheartNeck · Item Level 298Socketed neckGems: Indecipherable Eversong Diamond, Flawless Versatile Peridot

Neck

298

Socketed neckIndecipherable Eversong DiamondIndecipherable Eversong DiamondSocketed gemRecommended gem for this neck target.Flawless Versatile PeridotFlawless Versatile PeridotSocketed gemRecommended gem for this neck target.

SporefallSporefallSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier shouldersShoulder · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Amirdrassil's Grace

Best tier shouldersBest tier shouldersShoulder · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Amirdrassil's Grace

Shoulder

298

TierAmirdrassil's GraceAmirdrassil's GraceEnchantRecommended on Shoulder.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Draconic NullcapeBack · Item Level 298Raid BiS

Draconic NullcapeDraconic NullcapeBack · Item Level 298Raid BiS

Back

298

Raid BiS

Vaelgor & EzzorakVaelgor & EzzorakSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier chestChest · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Mark of the Worldsoul

Best tier chestBest tier chestChest · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Mark of the Worldsoul

Chest

298

TierMark of the WorldsoulMark of the WorldsoulEnchantRecommended on Chest.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Light's March BracersWrist · Item Level 298Haste / Versatility

Light's March BracersLight's March BracersWrist · Item Level 298Haste / Versatility

Wrist

298

Haste / Versatility

Imperator AverzianImperator AverzianSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier gauntletsHands · Item Level 298Tier

Best tier gauntletsBest tier gauntletsHands · Item Level 298Tier

Hands

298

Tier

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Girdle of Devouring RotWaist · Item Level 298Raid BiS

Girdle of Devouring RotGirdle of Devouring RotWaist · Item Level 298Raid BiS

Waist

298

Raid BiS

SporefallSporefallSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier legs or high-track plate legsLegs · Item Level 298Tier or Haste / VersatilityEnchant: Blood Knight's Armor Kit

Best tier legs or high-track plate legsBest tier legs or high-track plate legsLegs · Item Level 298Tier or Haste / VersatilityEnchant: Blood Knight's Armor Kit

Legs

298

Tier or Haste / VersatilityBlood Knight's Armor KitBlood Knight's Armor KitEnchantRecommended on Legs.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Parasite StompersFeet · Item Level 298Raid BiSEnchant: Shaladrassil's Roots

Parasite StompersParasite StompersFeet · Item Level 298Raid BiSEnchant: Shaladrassil's Roots

Feet

298

Raid BiSShaladrassil's RootsShaladrassil's RootsEnchantRecommended on Feet.

VorasiusVorasiusSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Sporecaller's Blooming LoopFinger · Item Level 298Socketed ringEnchant: Silvermoon's TenacityGems: Flawless Versatile Peridot

Sporecaller's Blooming LoopSporecaller's Blooming LoopFinger · Item Level 298Socketed ringEnchant: Silvermoon's TenacityGems: Flawless Versatile Peridot

Finger

298

Socketed ringSilvermoon's TenacitySilvermoon's TenacityEnchantRecommended on Finger.Flawless Versatile PeridotFlawless Versatile PeridotSocketed gemRecommended gem for this finger target.

SporefallSporefallSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Eye of MidnightFinger · Item Level 298Socketed ringEnchant: Silvermoon's AlacrityGems: Flawless Quick Amethyst

Eye of MidnightEye of MidnightFinger · Item Level 298Socketed ringEnchant: Silvermoon's AlacrityGems: Flawless Quick Amethyst

Finger

298

Socketed ringSilvermoon's AlacritySilvermoon's AlacrityEnchantRecommended on Finger.Flawless Quick AmethystFlawless Quick AmethystSocketed gemRecommended gem for this finger target.

Midnight FallsMidnight FallsSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Defensive or cheat-death trinket by encounterTrinket · Item Level 298Survival trinketSwap by boss damage pattern; use live rankings for the current top-parse pairs.

Defensive or cheat-death trinket by encounterDefensive or cheat-death trinket by encounterTrinket · Item Level 298Survival trinketSwap by boss damage pattern; use live rankings for the current top-parse pairs.

Trinket

298

Survival trinket

Raid / dungeonRaid / dungeonSourceVendor, PvP, world, or seasonal sourceSwap by boss damage pattern; use live rankings for the current top-parse pairs.

Strength damage trinket by encounterTrinket · Item Level 298Damage trinketRun one defensive and one offensive trinket unless progression survival demands two defensive pieces.

Strength damage trinket by encounterStrength damage trinket by encounterTrinket · Item Level 298Damage trinketRun one defensive and one offensive trinket unless progression survival demands two defensive pieces.

Trinket

298

Damage trinket

Raid / dungeonRaid / dungeonSourceVendor, PvP, world, or seasonal sourceRun one defensive and one offensive trinket unless progression survival demands two defensive pieces.

Bellamy's Final JudgementWeapon · Item Level 298Two-handed weaponEnchant: Berserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by sim

Bellamy's Final JudgementBellamy's Final JudgementWeapon · Item Level 298Two-handed weaponEnchant: Berserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by sim

Weapon

298

Two-handed weaponBerserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by simBerserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by simEnchantRecommended on Weapon.

Lightblinded VanguardLightblinded VanguardSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Season 1 acquisition targets, not re-verified for Season 2. The dungeons named below are the Season 1 pool and are not in Season 2 rotation. Season 2 runs Altar of Fangs (new in 12.1), Murder Row, Den of Nalorakk, The Blinding Vale, Voidscar Arena, Temple of Sethraliss, Kings' Rest and Ruby Life Pools. Confirmed Season 2 keystone item levels: +2 through +3 pay 295 end-of-run and 305 in the vault, rising to 311 end-of-run and 318 in the vault at +10 and above. Open question: per-slot best-in-slot for Season 2 needs a sim source, and none was reachable.

Mythic+ acquisition targets

15 slots

Best tier helmHead · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Empowered Hex of Leeching

Best tier helmBest tier helmHead · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Empowered Hex of Leeching

Head

298

TierEmpowered Hex of LeechingEmpowered Hex of LeechingEnchantRecommended on Head.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Barbed Ymirheim ChokerNeck · Item Level 298Socketed neckGems: Indecipherable Eversong Diamond

Barbed Ymirheim ChokerBarbed Ymirheim ChokerNeck · Item Level 298Socketed neckGems: Indecipherable Eversong Diamond

Neck

298

Socketed neckIndecipherable Eversong DiamondIndecipherable Eversong DiamondSocketed gemRecommended gem for this neck target.

Pit of SaronPit of SaronSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier shouldersShoulder · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Amirdrassil's Grace

Best tier shouldersBest tier shouldersShoulder · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Amirdrassil's Grace

Shoulder

298

TierAmirdrassil's GraceAmirdrassil's GraceEnchantRecommended on Shoulder.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Rigid Scale GreatcloakBack · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiS

Rigid Scale GreatcloakRigid Scale GreatcloakBack · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiS

Back

298

Mythic+ BiS

SkyreachSkyreachSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier chestChest · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Mark of the Worldsoul

Best tier chestBest tier chestChest · Item Level 298TierEnchant: Mark of the Worldsoul

Chest

298

TierMark of the WorldsoulMark of the WorldsoulEnchantRecommended on Chest.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Trollhunter's BandsWrist · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiS

Trollhunter's BandsTrollhunter's BandsWrist · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiS

Wrist

298

Mythic+ BiS

Maisara CavernsMaisara CavernsSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier gauntletsHands · Item Level 298Tier

Best tier gauntletsBest tier gauntletsHands · Item Level 298Tier

Hands

298

Tier

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Girdle of the ShadowguardWaist · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiS

Girdle of the ShadowguardGirdle of the ShadowguardWaist · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiS

Waist

298

Mythic+ BiS

Seat of the TriumvirateSeat of the TriumvirateSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Best tier legs or high-track plate legsLegs · Item Level 298Tier or Haste / VersatilityEnchant: Blood Knight's Armor Kit

Best tier legs or high-track plate legsBest tier legs or high-track plate legsLegs · Item Level 298Tier or Haste / VersatilityEnchant: Blood Knight's Armor Kit

Legs

298

Tier or Haste / VersatilityBlood Knight's Armor KitBlood Knight's Armor KitEnchantRecommended on Legs.

Raid tier / catalystRaid tier / catalystSourceRaid drop or catalyst/tier sourceUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Footwraps of Ill-FateFeet · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiSEnchant: Shaladrassil's Roots

Footwraps of Ill-FateFootwraps of Ill-FateFeet · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiSEnchant: Shaladrassil's Roots

Feet

298

Mythic+ BiSShaladrassil's RootsShaladrassil's RootsEnchantRecommended on Feet.

Maisara CavernsMaisara CavernsSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Bifurcation BandFinger · Item Level 298Socketed ringEnchant: Silvermoon's TenacityGems: Flawless Versatile Peridot

Bifurcation BandBifurcation BandFinger · Item Level 298Socketed ringEnchant: Silvermoon's TenacityGems: Flawless Versatile Peridot

Finger

298

Socketed ringSilvermoon's TenacitySilvermoon's TenacityEnchantRecommended on Finger.Flawless Versatile PeridotFlawless Versatile PeridotSocketed gemRecommended gem for this finger target.

Magister's TerraceMagister's TerraceSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Occlusion of VoidFinger · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiSEnchant: Silvermoon's Alacrity

Occlusion of VoidOcclusion of VoidFinger · Item Level 298Mythic+ BiSEnchant: Silvermoon's Alacrity

Finger

298

Mythic+ BiSSilvermoon's AlacritySilvermoon's AlacrityEnchantRecommended on Finger.

Nexus-Point XenasNexus-Point XenasSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Defensive stamina or absorb trinketTrinket · Item Level 298Defensive profileUse on dangerous Tyrannical bosses or Fortified pull starts.

Defensive stamina or absorb trinketDefensive stamina or absorb trinketTrinket · Item Level 298Defensive profileUse on dangerous Tyrannical bosses or Fortified pull starts.

Trinket

298

Defensive profile

Dungeon / vaultDungeon / vaultSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse on dangerous Tyrannical bosses or Fortified pull starts.

On-use Strength or damage trinketTrinket · Item Level 298Damage profileUse for threat and timed pulls when survival is stable.

On-use Strength or damage trinketOn-use Strength or damage trinketTrinket · Item Level 298Damage profileUse for threat and timed pulls when survival is stable.

Trinket

298

Damage profile

Dungeon / vaultDungeon / vaultSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse for threat and timed pulls when survival is stable.

Whirling VoidcleaverWeapon · Item Level 298Two-handed weaponEnchant: Berserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by sim

Whirling VoidcleaverWhirling VoidcleaverWeapon · Item Level 298Two-handed weaponEnchant: Berserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by sim

Weapon

298

Two-handed weaponBerserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by simBerserker's Rage or Thalassian Phoenix Oil by simEnchantRecommended on Weapon.

Magister's TerraceMagister's TerraceSourceDungeon or Mythic+ track itemUse this as the target acquisition path for the slot.

Enchants

Choose enhancements after your equipment is settled. Secondary-stat enchant choices move with your current stat mix and the content you are preparing for.

Recommended enchants

10 recommendations

Empowered Hex of Leeching+44 Leech - Outdoor kills in Midnight zones heal 2% Health, once per 5 secHelm - Defensive sustain for progression and keys.EnchantingEnchant Helm - Empowered Hex of LeechingItem Level 595Non-equippable HeadRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants helm armor with Empowered Hex of Leeching, increasing Leech by 44. Also heals you for 2% Health whenever you defeat a foe outdoors in a Midnight zone once per 5 sec. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Amani Augments - Berserker BrawnGuide note: Defensive sustain for progression and keys. Profession: Enchanting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataAmirdrassil's GraceShoulders - Default shoulder enchant.InscriptionEnchant Shoulders - Amirdrassil's GraceItem Level 595Non-equippable ShoulderRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants shoulder armor with Amirdrassil's Grace, increasing Avoidance by 89. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Haranir Heightening - Worldsoul WardsGuide note: Default shoulder enchant. Profession: Inscription Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataMark of the Worldsoul+50 Primary StatChest - Default chest enchant for broad value.EnchantingEnchant Chest - Mark of the WorldsoulItem Level 595Non-equippable ChestRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants chest armor with Mark of the Worldsoul, increasing your Primary stat by 36. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Haranir Heightening - Azerothian ArmsGuide note: Default chest enchant for broad value. Profession: Enchanting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataForest Hunter's Armor Kit+41 Agility or Strength - +115 StaminaLegs - Throughput alternative when survival is stable.LeatherworkingForest Hunter's Armor KitItem Level 290Non-equippable LegsRequires Level 81Use: Apply a Forest Hunter's Armor Kit to your leg armor, permanently increasing its Agility or Strength by 41. Additionally, the item also gains 115 Stamina. (1 Sec Cooldown)Guide note: Throughput alternative when survival is stable. Profession: Leatherworking Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataBlood Knight's Armor Kit+32 Agility or Strength - +16 ArmorLegs - Defensive leg armor kit; the tank default.LeatherworkingBlood Knight's Armor KitItem Level 278Non-equippable LegsRequires Level 81Use: Apply a Blood Knight's Armor Kit to your leg armor, permanently increasing its Agility or Strength by 32. Additionally, the item also gains 16 armor. (1 Sec Cooldown)Guide note: Defensive leg armor kit; the tank default. Profession: Leatherworking Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataShaladrassil's Roots+28 Leech - +232 StaminaBoots - Movement utility for kiting and mechanics.EnchantingEnchant Boots - Shaladrassil's RootsItem Level 595Non-equippable FeetRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants boots with Shaladrassil's Roots, increasing Leech by 22 and Stamina by 186. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Haranir Heightening - Worldsoul WardsGuide note: Movement utility for kiting and mechanics. Profession: Enchanting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataLynx's Dexterity+19 Avoidance - +232 StaminaBoots - One of the listed boots alternatives.Enchant Boots - Lynx's DexterityItem Level 595Non-equippable FeetRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants boots with Lynx's Dexterity, increasing Avoidance by 15 and Stamina by 186. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Amani Augments - Berserker BrawnGuide note: One of the listed boots alternatives.Blizzard game dataSilvermoon's Alacrity+29 HasteRings - Haste ring enchant when Rune flow needs smoothing.EnchantingEnchant Ring - Silvermoon's AlacrityItem Level 595Non-equippable FingerRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants a ring with Silvermoon's Alacrity, increasing Haste by 27. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Thalassian Talents - Silvermoon's SpellpowerGuide note: Haste ring enchant when Rune flow needs smoothing. Profession: Enchanting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataBerserker's RageWeapon enchant - Frenzied Focus grants +124 Haste for 15 secWeapon - Default weapon enchant when simmed ahead.EnchantingEnchant Weapon - Berserker's RageItem Level 595Non-equippable WeaponRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants a weapon with Berserker's Rage, causing your spells and abilities to grant you Frenzied Focus, increasing your Haste by 22 for 15 sec. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Amani Augments - Zul'Aman ZealGuide note: Default weapon enchant when simmed ahead. Profession: Enchanting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataSilvermoon's TenacityRings - Versatility ring enchant for safer progression.EnchantingEnchant Ring - Silvermoon's TenacityItem Level 595Non-equippable FingerRequires Level 70Use: Permanently enchants a ring with Silvermoon's Tenacity, increasing Versatility by 27. Cannot be applied to items lower than level 120. Thalassian Talents - Silvermoon's SpellpowerGuide note: Versatility ring enchant for safer progression. Profession: Enchanting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game data

Gems

Socket into the current stat priority, then re-check after major equipment swaps rather than treating a gem choice as permanent.

Recommended gems

3 recommendations

Indecipherable Eversong Diamond+32 Primary StatPrimary diamond socket.JewelcraftingIndecipherable Eversong DiamondItem Level 295Unique-Equipped: Thalassian Diamond (1)Non-equippable OtherGuide note: Primary diamond socket. Profession: Jewelcrafting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataFlawless Versatile Peridot+16 Haste - +7 VersatilityDefault defensive filler gem.JewelcraftingFlawless Versatile PeridotPeridotItem Level 295Non-equippable Multiple StatsGuide note: Default defensive filler gem. Profession: Jewelcrafting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game dataFlawless Quick Amethyst+16 Mastery - +7 HasteHaste filler when Rune flow needs smoothing.JewelcraftingFlawless Quick AmethystAmethystItem Level 295Non-equippable Multiple StatsGuide note: Haste filler when Rune flow needs smoothing. Profession: Jewelcrafting Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game data

Embellishments

Crafted effects are capped at two equipped embellishments. Lock these in only after deciding which crafted slots survive your next raid or Mythic+ upgrades.

Recommended embellishments

3 recommendations

Use two throughput embellishments once your crafted slots are settled.Use two throughput embellishments once your crafted slots are settled.Recommended embellishmentsCurrent recommended embellishments recommendation.Guide recommendationDefensive crafted embellishmentCrafted plate - Use crafted slots only after tier and high-track items are settled.BlacksmithingDefensive crafted embellishmentCrafted plateGuide note: Use crafted slots only after tier and high-track items are settled. Profession: Blacksmithing Open the profession page for the crafting source.Guide recommendationArcanoweave LiningCloak / wrist - Throughput pair once survival is stable; sim exact crafted pairs.TailoringArcanoweave LiningItem Level 72Non-equippable Optional Reagents“Can be bought and sold on the Auction House.”Guide note: Throughput pair once survival is stable; sim exact crafted pairs. Profession: Tailoring Open the profession page for the crafting source.Blizzard game data

Utility, defensives, and movement

Your Death Knight toolkit is part of the rotation whenever it prevents lost uptime, lethal damage, or an enemy cast.

Unmatched anti-magic layering plus Death Grip control; Raise Ally is a combat battle rez.

Interrupt: Mind Freeze - grab a focus-interrupt macro on the Blood macros page.

Interface and macros

Use interface changes only when they expose a decision sooner: resources, procs, defensives, dispels, interrupts, and encounter assignments.

#showtooltip Mind Freeze
/cast [@focus,harm,nodead][] Mind Freeze

Written for patch 12.0.7. Patch 12.1 increased max-level player health and creature damage by 25% and made crowd-control diminishing returns reset after 20 seconds instead of 16, so defensive timing and crowd-control advice on this page is the most likely to have moved. Source: Curse of Ula'tek content update notes, https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24293281.

What improves results

• Pre-Death Strike before a hit lands, not after - it is mitigation, not just a heal
• Never sit at max Runic Power; dump it with Death Strike to bank a heal
• Keep Bone Shield up at all times; a dropped Bone Shield removes your armor and Rune regen
• Use Death's Caress at range to pull without losing Blood Plague uptime

Common mistakes

• Overcapping Runic Power and wasting Death Strike heals
• Letting Bone Shield fall off during a pull
• Death Striking at full health instead of banking it for a buster
• Ignoring Blood Plague uptime and Hemostasis stacks

Guide Updates

1. Jul 31, 2026Published the initial Midnight 12.0.7 Blood Death Knight guide: Deathbringer raid and San'layn Mythic+ builds, gear targets, stat priority, enchants, gems, consumables, and the Death Strike priority loop.
2. Jul 31, 2026Validated the stat order and hero-tree leans against the spec playbook, every ability name against the keybind and talent data, and encounter callouts against the Vorasius and Belo'ren encounter guides.