Leveling 1–60

Warlock

Open leveling route

What changed in Forever

Leveling 1–60

The route develops Affliction and Drain Life while the demon helps hold the target. Early wand attacks reduce mana expenditure. Subsequent channel protection and drain bonuses increase health recovery during combat. The final points support the demon and resource regeneration.

1–19: demon, damage over time and wand

Talents at level 10

The initial quest unlocks the Imp; the Voidwalker chain becomes available at 10. The demon attacks before the character applies spells. Corruption is followed by Bane of Agony when the expected encounter duration covers most of its effect. Wand attacks finish the encounter without mana expenditure. Lesser Magic Wand is usable at 5 and Greater Magic Wand at 13; both can be purchased from a crafter.

The first five points remove Corruption’s cast time. The next five in Suppression reduce misses and threat. Life Tap converts health into mana; food, bandages and Drain Life restore health. Before drain bonuses are developed, sustained attacks against the character can require more healing than allowing the demon to hold the target.

20–39: draining under pressure

Talents at level 20

Grim Reach extends casting range and Improved Drains strengthens drains. Nightfall enables an instant Shadow Bolt between periodic-effect applications and channels. Fel Concentration protects Drain Life from pushback. Soul Siphon improves it for each eligible Affliction effect applied by the character. Against a durable enemy, the sequence consists of Corruption, Bane of Agony and Drain Life.

From 20, Bane of Agony can coexist with a utility curse such as Curse of the Elements. Its full duration preserves the stronger final ticks before renewal. Fear requires assessment of nearby enemies, since a fleeing target can engage additional groups. Demon selection follows the encounter: Voidwalker holds the target, Succubus provides damage and control, and Felhunter dispels and interrupts.

40–60: demon support and resource economy

Talents at level 40

Shadow Mastery is completed at 35–39 and Pandemic is obtained at 40. Five points in Unholy Power then strengthen the demon. Demonic Energies at 46–47 restores its health through the character’s damage and shares mana gained through Life Tap. Subsequent points develop Malevolence and Fel Vitality, followed by completion of Improved Bane of Agony.

Improved Life Tap at 58–59 provides more mana for the same health expenditure. One Soul Harvest point at 60 adds mana recovery on an eligible Drain Soul finish. These final three points support successive quest encounters. Siphon Life and Wrack are excluded from this allocation. Drain Soul also supplies shards for summons and stones.

Dungeon curse assignments require coordination between warlocks. Healthstone and Soulstone are prepared before combat; Banish controls eligible demons or elementals. Rain of Fire and Hellfire require threat control, and Hellfire also consumes the character’s health. At 60, the calculator offers separate Demonology and Destruction allocations.

Demon functions

At early levels, the Imp provides ranged damage and party Stamina. From 10, the Voidwalker holds enemies while wand attacks and periodic effects deal damage. Once Drain Life is strengthened, some incoming attacks can be directed at the character, with draining restoring the lost health.

From 20, the Succubus provides damage and control against a suitable additional target. From 30, the Felhunter supports encounters with casters through interrupts and dispels. Access requires completion of the class chains; reaching the level alone does not complete training.

Shards and recovery

A dungeon visit requires a reserve of shards for the demon summon and necessary stones. Drain Soul replenishes this reserve on an eligible dying enemy during an existing encounter, avoiding a separate fight solely for a shard. Healthstone and Soulstone are prepared before group combat.

The acceptable health cost of Life Tap depends on the expected incoming hit. Food and bandages between encounters restore health for subsequent mana conversion. Preserving Bane of Agony for its full duration allows its stronger final ticks when the target is expected to survive the remaining effect.

Talents

of 60

Gear

Levels 10 and 50–60: some items have only been checked against Classic. Each card lists the stat version and source. Sources and data limitations

Dungeons

The leveling route includes one visit to each dungeon located along the route. Quest experience is the primary objective; equipment drops are a secondary benefit. Repeat visits are reserved for pre-raid equipment collection at level 60. Experience totals exclude kills and bonuses. Full-chain totals include prerequisite and follow-up quests, which may require an additional visit. The percentage of a level uses the experience requirement at the listed starting level.

XP and sources

Both totals use quests available at the start of the recommended level range. The first includes direct quests without extra chains. The second includes the entire known list, including preparation and follow-ups; it is a reference total, not a promise of XP from one run. If there are no chains, the totals match. Quests spanning multiple wings award XP once.

Kills and bonuses are excluded. Classic rewards are reference values; unknown XP is excluded from totals. Quest-name links lead to Wowhead or ForeverChanges. Pick up yourself means we do not rely on sharing, including when sharing is unconfirmed. Checked 31.10.2026.

Class quests

1–4 · Imp · orc and troll

Summon Imp: a ranged demon that adds damage during the opening levels.

Orc, troll · Ruzan, Valley of Trials, Durotar.

Quest chain
  1. Vile Familiars: Ruzan requires six Vile Familiar Heads from the Valley of Trials cave.

1–4 · Imp · undead

Summon Imp: a ranged demon that adds damage during the opening levels.

Undead · Venya Marthand, Deathknell, Tirisfal Glades.

Quest chain
  1. Piercing the Veil: Venya requires three Rattlecage Skulls from the skeletons near the smithy.

10–11 · Voidwalker · Orgrimmar

Summon Voidwalker: the demon holds the enemy while the character applies periodic damage effects.

Orc, troll · Ophek, Razor Hill, Durotar.

Quest chain
  1. Gan'rul's Summons: The next step opens through Gan’rul Bloodeye in Orgrimmar.
  2. Creature of the Void: The Tablet of Verga is retrieved from the Burning Blade Stash in Durotar and delivered to Gan’rul.
  3. The Binding: The Voidwalker must be summoned and defeated before the Glyphs of Summoning are returned.

10 · Voidwalker · Undercity

Summon Voidwalker: the demon holds the enemy while the character applies periodic damage effects.

Undead · Ageron Kargal, Brill, Tirisfal Glades.

Quest chain
  1. Halgar's Summons: The next step opens through Carendin Halgar in Undercity.
  2. Creature of the Void: Egalin’s Grimoire is retrieved from Perrine’s Chest in Tirisfal Glades and returned to complete the step.
  3. The Binding: The Voidwalker must be summoned and defeated before the Runes of Summoning are returned.

20 · Succubus · Orgrimmar

Summon Succubus: a melee demon with humanoid crowd control.

Orc, troll · Gan’rul Bloodeye, Orgrimmar.

Quest chain
  1. Devourer of Souls: The next step opens through Cazul in the Cleft of Shadow, Orgrimmar.
  2. Blind Cazul: The next step opens through Zankaja in Orgrimmar.
  3. News of Dogran: The next step opens through Gazrog at The Crossroads, The Barrens.
  4. News of Dogran: The next step opens through Ken’zigla at Malaka’jin, Stonetalon Mountains.
  5. Ken'zigla's Draught: The draught is delivered to Grunt Logmar at Camp Taurajo, The Barrens.
  6. Dogran's Captivity: The draught is delivered to the captive Grunt Dogran in The Barrens.
  7. Love's Gift: The Dirt-caked Pendant is delivered to Gan’rul in Orgrimmar.
  8. The Binding: The Succubus must be summoned and defeated before Dogran’s Pendant is returned.

20 · Succubus · Undercity

Summon Succubus: a melee demon with humanoid crowd control.

Undead · Carendin Halgar, Undercity.

Quest chain
  1. Devourer of Souls: The next step opens through Godrick Farsan in Undercity.
  2. Hearts of the Pure: The hearts of Dalin Forgewright and Corma Villard are collected and delivered to Carendin.
  3. The Binding: The Succubus must be summoned and defeated before the Pure Hearts are returned.

20 · Incubus · Orgrimmar

Summon Incubus: an alternative melee demon with humanoid crowd control.

Orc, troll · Cazul, Orgrimmar.

Quest chain
  1. Love Hurts: The next step opens through Magar in Orgrimmar.
  2. Wish You Were Here: The Withered Scarf is retrieved from Fallen Sky Lake in Ashenvale and delivered to Gan’rul.
  3. The Binding: The Incubus must be summoned and defeated before the scarf is returned to Gan’rul.

20 · Incubus · Undercity

Summon Incubus: an alternative melee demon with humanoid crowd control.

Undead · Godrick Farsan, Undercity.

Quest chain
  1. Hearts of the Lovers: The hearts of Avelina Lilly and Isaac Pearson are collected and delivered to Carendin Halgar.
  2. The Binding: The Incubus must be summoned and defeated before the Lovers’ Hearts are returned.

24–26 · Soran’ruk orb or staff

One reward is available. The quest is combined with already planned visits to both dungeons.

All races · available from 20 · Doan Karhan, The Barrens, 49.3, 57.2.

Orb of Soran'ruk

Staff of Soran'ruk

Quest chain
  1. The Orb of Soran'ruk: Three small fragments are collected in Blackfathom Deeps and one large fragment in Shadowfang Keep. Completion is reported to Doan.

30 · Felhunter

Summon Felhunter: a demon with spell interruption and magic dispelling.

Orc, troll, undead · Strahad Farsan, Ratchet, 62.6, 35.5.

Quest chain
  1. Tome of the Cabal: Strahad Farsan in Ratchet provides a referral to Jorah Annison in Undercity.
  2. Tome of the Cabal: Jorah Annison requires the Moldy Tome and Tattered Manuscript.
  3. Tome of the Cabal: The reconstructed book and three Rods of Channeling from Dragonmaw enemies in Wetlands are delivered to Strahad.
  4. The Binding: The Felhunter must be summoned and defeated in Strahad’s circle before the Tome of the Cabal is returned.

A capital trainer provides the referral to Strahad. The listed introductions are alternatives to the same chain. Seeking Strahad, Seeking Strahad

31–38 · Enchanted class robe

The robe requires crafted components and several trips; it is an optional route upgrade.

All races · available from 31 · Menara Voidrender, the tower above Ratchet, The Barrens.

Enchanted Gold Bloodrobe

Quest chain
  1. Components for the Enchanted Gold Bloodrobe: Menara requires Robes of the Arcana crafted by a tailor.
  2. Components for the Enchanted Gold Bloodrobe: A Gold Bar is delivered to Xizk Goodstitch in Booty Bay.
  3. Components for the Enchanted Gold Bloodrobe: The next step opens through Menara while Xizk prepares the thread.
  4. Components for the Enchanted Gold Bloodrobe: In parallel. Ten Vials of Hatefury Blood and a Lesser Infernal Stone from Desolace are required.
  5. Fine Gold Thread: In parallel. The completed Fine Gold Thread is collected from Xizk in Booty Bay.
  6. Components for the Enchanted Gold Bloodrobe: Menara requires the thread, two Smoldering Coals from Burning Exiles in Arathi Highlands and a Soul Shard.
  7. The Completed Robe: Completion is reported to Menara after the robe has been made.

Horde capital referrals. In Search of Menara Voidrender, In Search of Menara Voidrender

35–40 · Noh’Orahil · Felhound path

The chain has alternative branches. The selected branch provides one reward: an orb or a staff.

All races · available from 35 · Menara Voidrender, the tower above Ratchet. The final demon is around level 40.

Orb of Noh'Orahil

Staff of Noh'Orahil

Quest chain
  1. Fragments of the Orb of Orahil: In parallel. After selecting an acolyte’s path at Menara, an Infernal Orb is recovered in Desolace and delivered to Tabetha in Dustwallow Marsh.
  2. Shard of a Felhound: In parallel. The supplied gem is used on a Felhound in Desolace. The imprisoned spirit is returned to Menara.
  3. Cleansing of the Orb of Orahil: The Demon of the Orb must be defeated at Tabetha.
  4. Returning the Cleansed Orb: The cleansed orb is returned to Menara.
  5. The Completed Orb of Noh'Orahil: Completion of the work provides a choice of one reward.

Horde capital referrals. Knowledge of the Orb of Orahil, Knowledge of the Orb of Orahil

35–40 · Dar’Orahil · Infernal path

The chain has alternative branches. The selected branch provides one reward: an orb or a staff.

All races · available from 35 · Menara Voidrender, the tower above Ratchet. The final demon is around level 40.

Orb of Dar'Orahil

Staff of Dar'Orahil

Quest chain
  1. Fragments of the Orb of Orahil: In parallel. After selecting an acolyte’s path at Menara, an Infernal Orb is recovered in Desolace and delivered to Tabetha in Dustwallow Marsh.
  2. Shard of an Infernal: In parallel. The supplied gem is used on an Infernal in Desolace. The imprisoned spirit is returned to Menara.
  3. Cleansing of the Orb of Orahil: The Demon of the Orb must be defeated at Tabetha.
  4. Returning the Cleansed Orb: The cleansed orb is returned to Menara.
  5. The Completed Orb of Dar'Orahil: Completion of the work provides a choice of one reward.

Horde capital referrals. Knowledge of the Orb of Orahil, Knowledge of the Orb of Orahil

40 · Felsteed

Summon Felsteed unlocks the class mount.

Orc, troll, undead · Zevrost in Orgrimmar, or Kaal Soulreaper in Undercity.

Quest chain
  1. Summon Felsteed: Summoning training is completed through Strahad Farsan in Ratchet.

Two referrals lead to the same final quest. One referral from the corresponding capital is sufficient. Summon Felsteed, Summon Felsteed

50–53 · Trolls of a Feather · temple reward

A prepared temple run provides a choice of one staff, trinket or robe.

All races · available from 50 · warlock trainer → Impsy, Felwood, 41.5, 45.0.

Soul Harvester

Abyss Shard

Robes of Servitude

Quest chain
  1. An Imp's Request: Impsy requires one Felcloth in Felwood.
  2. The Wrong Stuff: Ten Rotting Wood from treants and four Bloodvenom Essences from oozes in Felwood are required.
  3. Trolls of a Feather: Two feathers of each color are collected from the six trolls in Sunken Temple and delivered to Impsy.

Direct starting alternative from Impsy; replaces the first quest: Hot and Itchy

50–55 · Infernal

Inferno unlocks an Infernal summon and also awards an off-hand item.

All races · available from 50, final elite around 55 · Niby the Almighty, Felwood, 41.6, 45.1.

Shard of the Green Flame

Quest chain
  1. What Niby Commands: The next step opens through Impsy beside Niby.
  2. Flawless Fel Essence: One essence each is required from Legashi in Azshara, Jaedenar Legionnaires and Felguard Sentries in Blasted Lands.
  3. Kroshius' Infernal Core: Fel Fire reanimates Kroshius. His defeat provides the core required by Niby.

60 · Ritual of Doom

Ritual of Doom unlocks the Doomguard ritual. The final capture requires surviving the demon’s attacks.

All races · 60 · Daio the Decrepit, The Tainted Scar, Blasted Lands, 34.1, 50.1.

Tome of Sacrifice

Quest chain
  1. The Prison's Bindings: In parallel. Collection requires 15 Satyr Blood from Wildspawn satyrs in Dire Maul East.
  2. The Prison's Casing: In parallel. Five Tears of the Hederine from Darkwhisper Gorge, Winterspring, are required.
  3. Suppression: After both collections are completed, the Glowing Crystal Prison is used on a Doomguard Commander. The prisoner is returned to Daio; allied healing is appropriate during the capture.

60 · Dreadsteed of Xoroth

The epic class mount. Requires materials, gold and prepared groups for Scholomance and Dire Maul West.

All races · 60 · Mor’zul Bloodbringer and Gorzeeki Wildeyes, Burning Steppes, 12.5, 31.6.

Quest chain
  1. Mor'zul Bloodbringer: The next step opens through Mor’zul in Burning Steppes.
  2. Rage of Blood: In parallel. The blood branch requires 30 Raging Beast’s Blood from Winterspring owlbeasts.
  3. Wildeyes: In parallel. After the blood is delivered, Mor’zul’s Case of Blood is passed to Gorzeeki.
  4. Lord Banehollow: In parallel. The stardust branch requires Gorzeeki’s Shadowy Potion. Its effect provides access to Lord Banehollow in Jaedenar.
  5. Ulathek the Traitor: In parallel. Ulathek’s heart is obtained in Shadow Hold and delivered to Lord Banehollow.
  6. Xorothian Stardust: In parallel. Xorothian Stardust is purchased from Ur’dan and delivered to Gorzeeki.
  7. Bell of Dethmoora: In parallel. Gorzeeki requires ten Elixirs of Shadow Power for the bell.
  8. Wheel of the Black March: In parallel. Six Large Brilliant Shards and 25 Dark Iron Ore are required for the wheel.
  9. Doomsday Candle: In parallel. The candle requires 35 Black Dragonscales.
  10. Imp Delivery: In parallel. The Imp in a Jar is released in Scholomance’s alchemy lab. The completed parchment is returned to Gorzeeki.
  11. Arcanite: After the summoning tools are made, Gorzeeki requires three Arcanite Bars.
  12. Dreadsteed of Xoroth: The prepared tools and parchment enable the ritual in Dire Maul West. Completion requires defeating the Dreadsteed and binding its spirit.

The stated order applies within the blood branch and within the stardust branch. These branches run in parallel; the bell, wheel, candle and laboratory tasks are also independent of each other.

Macros

Pre-raid · 60

At 60, equipment selection follows the chosen role. Repeated dungeon runs support acquisition of the required drops. One-time quest rewards with a choice of items prioritize the main specialization.

Sources

Crix · Affliction leveling

01.11.2026

2026-11-01

Roguery · Method

17.10.2026

2026-10-17

Hadoogin · Progress · Demonology

01.11.2026

2026-11-01

Abide · Icy Veins · Affliction

21.10.2026

2026-10-21

ForeverChanges: patch notes · Talents · Spellbook · Items · Wowhead Forever

Talent data and spell tooltips: Talents Forever, CC BY 4.0. Game names, icons and tooltip text © Blizzard Entertainment.

Class artwork — Horde: Valeria Styajkina (color and rendering), Ludo Lullabi (line art), Anton Zemskov (art direction); Alliance: Tooth Wu (Qinghao Wu).