Protection Warrior 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

    Protection Warriors bring an Armor Reduction debuff with
    Devastate
    and Melee Attack Speed debuff with
    Thunder Clap
    to raids. All Warriors also bring a Strength and Agility buff with
    Battle Shout
    , Stamina buff with
    Commanding Shout
    , and a 10% Physical Damage debuff with
    Demoralizing Shout
    .

Cataclysm Classic Protection Warrior Rotation

Single Target

  1. Maintain
    Vigilance
    on the other tank.
  2. Maintain 3 stacks of
    Sunder Armor
    with
    Devastate
    .
  3. Maintain
    Thunder Clap
    debuff if assigned.
  4. Maintain
    Battle Shout
    or
    Commanding Shout
    if assigned.
  5. Maintain
    Demoralizing Shout
    if assigned.
  6. Use
    Inner Rage
    when high on Rage.
  7. Use
    Recklessness
    when appropriate.
  8. Use
    Retaliation
    .
  9. Use
    Heroic Strike
    if you have excess Rage.
  10. Use
    Shield Slam
    . Watch out for
    Sword and Board
    procs.
  11. Use
    Revenge
    .
  12. Use
    Rend
    .
  13. Use
    Devastate
    .
  14. Use
    Battle Shout
    or
    Commanding Shout
    to generate Rage.

AoE

  1. Use
    Rend
    and spread it with
    Thunder Clap
    .
  2. Use
    Shockwave
    .
  3. Use
    Cleave
    instead of
    Heroic Strike
    .
  4. Use
    Shield Slam
    when
    Sword and Board
    procs.

Defensive Cooldowns

  1. Enraged Regeneration
    with
    Berserker Rage
    or
    Bastion of Defense
    buff.
  2. Last Stand
    .
  3. Shield Block
    .
  4. Shield Wall
    .

Cataclysm Classic Protection Warrior Talents

Standard Build

For a pure single target build, you can remove the 2 points from
Blood and Thunder
and max out
Deep Wounds
.
0
Arms
0
Fury
0
Protection

Cataclysm Classic Protection Warrior Glyphs

  1. Prime:
    Shield SlamShield Slam
    ,
    RevengeRevenge
    ,
    DevastateDevastate
  2. Major:
    ShockwaveShockwave
    ,
    CleavingCleaving
    ,
    Thunder ClapThunder Clap
  3. Minor:
    BattleBattle
    ,
    CommandCommand
    ,
    Demoralizing ShoutDemoralizing Shout

Cataclysm Classic Protection Warrior Best Consumables

Flasks and Elixirs

    Best:
  • Elixir of Deep Earth
    or
    Prismatic Elixir
  • +
    Elixir of the Master
    Alternatives:
  • Flask of Steelskin

Food

    Best:
  • Lavascale Minestrone
    Alternatives:
  • Salted Eye
    ,
  • Seafood Magnifique Feast

Potions

    Best:
  • Earthen Potion
    Alternatives:
  • Golemblood Potion

Cataclysm Classic Protection Warrior Best Races

Alliance

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

Horde

  1. Orc:
    Axe Specialization
    and
    Blood Fury
  2. Troll:
    Berserking
    and
    Regeneration
  3. Goblin:
    Time is Money
    ,
    Rocket Barrage
    , and
    Rocket Jump
  4. Tauren:
    Endurance

Cataclysm Classic Protection Warrior Best Professions

  1. Blacksmithing:
    Socket Bracer
    and
    Socket Gloves
    .
  2. Jewelcrafting: Unique Epic Gems.
  3. Leatherworking:
    Draconic Embossment - Stamina
    . Becomes 2nd best in T13.
  4. The rest of the Crafting Professions provide nearly identical benefits.