Frost Death Knight PvE Guide - Cataclysm Classic

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

    Frost Death Knights are a dual-wield plate DPS class that bring a 4% Physical Damage with
    Brittle Bones
    and a Melee Attack Speed debuff with
    Improved Icy Talons
    . All Death Knights also bring a Strength and Agility buff with
    Horn of Winter
    and a Combat Resurrection with
    Raise Ally
    .

Cataclysm Classic Frost Death Knight Rotation

    Frost Death Knights gain 2 permanent Death Runes thanks to
    Blood of the North
    . Their rotation includes two DoT effects that need to be maintained, as well as two important procs to watch out for in
    Killing Machine
    and
    Rime
    . As with any Death Knight specialization, proper Rune and Runic Power management will be critical for optimal DPS and using
    Frost Strike
    at the correct times to benefit from
    Runic Empowerment
    will also be extremely important.

Opener

  1. Whenever all or most of your procs align in your opener, cast
    Raise Dead
    .
  2. Pre-cast
    Army of the Dead
    .
  3. Pre-cast
    Horn of Winter
    .
  4. Pre-pot
    Golemblood Potion
    .
  5. Cast
    Pillar of Frost
    .
  6. Cast
    Outbreak
    .
  7. Cast
    Howling Blast
    .
  8. Cast
    Obliterate
    .
  9. Proceed with single target rotation.

Single Target

  1. Use
    Rune of Razorice
    on Main-hand and
    Rune of the Fallen Crusader
    on Off-hand.
  2. Be in
    Unholy Presence
    .
  3. Maintain
    Horn of Winter
    if assigned.
  4. Cast
    Army of the Dead
    . Best used before pull, or during non combat phases in encounters.
  5. Cast
    Blood Tap
    to refresh a Rune recently consumed.
  6. Cast
    Pillar of Frost
    .
  7. Cast
    Empower Rune Weapon
    when all Runes are on cooldown and you won't cap on Runic Power.
  8. Cast
    Raise Dead
    . Try to snapshot it with your cooldowns and trinket procs.
  9. Maintain
    Frost Fever
    and
    Blood Plague
    .
    Howling Blast
    applies
    Frost Fever
    thanks to
    Glyph of Howling BlastGlyph of Howling Blast
    .
    Outbreak
    and
    Plague Strike
    will need to be used to maintain
    Blood Plague
    .
  10. Cast
    Frost Strike
    to avoid capping on Runic Power.
  11. Cast
    Howling Blast
    . Keep an eye out for
    Rime
    procs.
  12. Cast
    Obliterate
    to avoid capping on Unholy Runes.
  13. Cast
    Horn of Winter
    .

AoE

  1. Cast
    Death and Decay
    .
  2. Proceed with single target rotation.

Cataclysm Classic Frost Death Knight Talents

Masterfrost Build

0
Blood
0
Frost
0
Unholy

Cataclysm Classic Frost Death Knight Glyphs

  1. Prime:
    Frost StrikeFrost Strike
    ,
    Howling BlastHowling Blast
  2. Optional:
    ObliterateObliterate
    or
    Raise DeadRaise Dead
  3. Major:
    Anti-Magic ShellAnti-Magic Shell
    ,
    Death GripDeath Grip
  4. Minor:
    Horn of WinterHorn of Winter
    ,
    Blood TapBlood Tap

Cataclysm Classic Frost Death Knight 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 Frost Death Knight Best Races

Alliance

  1. Worgen:
    Viciousness
    and
    Darkflight
  2. Human:
    Sword Specialization
    and
    Mace Specialization
  3. Gnome:
    Shortblade Specialization
  4. Dwarf:
    Mace Specialization
  5. Draenei:
    Heroic Presence

Horde

  1. Orc:
    Axe Specialization
    and
    Blood Fury
  2. Troll:
    Berserking
  3. Goblin:
    Time is Money
    ,
    Rocket Barrage
    , and
    Rocket Jump
  4. Blood Elf:
    Arcane Torrent

Cataclysm Classic Frost Death Knight Best Professions

  1. Engineering:
    Synapse Springs
    .
  2. The rest of the professions are very close in power, with Blacksmithing becoming better with epic gems in T13.