Post by frmorrison
I thought this FAQ was a useful, from the EJ forums at
http://elitistjerks.com/f81/t88685-3_3_warrior_faq_read_first_post_later/What you will see there: Simple, concise answers to frequently asked questions.
ArmsQ: What is the best Arms spec?
A: The most common is a variation on 54/17/0.
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#LhbGbfIt00bRdGuiohxj00b:sqIoMzQ: Why did you use Poleaxe Spec?
A: You need 5 points in one of the weapon masteries. Just put them in whatever weapon spec befits your best weapon.
Q: What about the 55/8/8 Incite spec?
A: If you're reading this, you probably don't have the gear/knowledge required for that.
Q: What rotation should I be using?
A: Arms uses a priority system. Overpower (If <1.5 seconds before a TfB proc), Rend (Do Not Clip) > Mortal Strike > Overpower > Execute > Slam. Heroic Strike at 80+ Rage. Every GCD should be used for something; waiting for a cooldown or proc is lost DPS.
Q: That priority list is wrong. I do top DPS in my guild and I prioritize-
A: That priority list is simplified. There are all sorts of conditions which will change your priorities, but discussing them goes beyond the purpose of a simple FAQ.
Q: When do I use Bladestorm?
A: In a single target fight, on cooldown between Taste for Blood usage. On fights where AoE may be necessary, save it for those parts of the fight.
Q: What good is Shattering Throw?
A: It can increase raid DPS during Bloodlust if there are a number of other physical DPS present. However, it's a personal DPS loss.
Q: What are my stat priorities?
A: Get 8% hit. After that, Strength > ArP > Crit > Agi > 2AP > Haste == Expertise.
Q: Why don't we cap Expertise?
A: Because of Overpower. You may lose a GCD and some rage, but ultimately you gain less from lowering your chance to dodge than you do from other stats. If you're frequently using Sunder Armor for your raid, Expertise does become more valuable.
Q: Should I gem for ArP? What gear is BiS?
A: Use Landsoul's Spreadsheet or Rawr to find out.
Q: What should I use to enchant my weapon?
A: Berserking.
Q: My raid leader wants me to use Sunder Armor, I don't want to lose DPS.
A: Do it. It's a DPS gain for the raid, and for you as well if no one else is willing/able. No, it isn't a better idea for the Rogues to use Expose Armor.
FuryQ: What is the best Fury spec?
A: Fury typically goes with 18/53/0.
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#LG0G0fhZGxc0E0u0eRVzAo:MGooMzQ: What about Unbridled Wrath?
A: Take that is you don't need Commanding Presence.
Q: What about Enrage?
A: No.
Q: But it's 10% more damage!
A: Only when it procs, which very rarely happens in raids. It's not worth it.
Q: What about Improved Berserker Rage?
A: No.
Q: What rotation should I be using?
A: Bloodthirst > Whirlwind > Slam (Bloodsurge). Heroic Strike when you have 50+ Rage. At very high gear levels Heroic Strike will effectively replace every mainhand weapon swing.
Q: Should I use Slam when I don't have a Bloodsurge proc?
A: No.
Q: What about when I can Execute?
A: At lower gear levels use Execute in place of Slams, and only Heroic Strike at 80+ Rage. At higher gear levels (iLvl 245+) Slam becomes better than Execute, and you can Heroic Strike more often.
Q: When do I use Death Wish and Recklessness?
A: Use Death Wish on cooldown, but try to line it up with Bloodlust whenever possible. Recklessness should only be used during a free GCD shortly before WW and BT come off cooldown. Do not delay either for the cooldown, it isn't worth it.
Q: What good is Shattering Throw?
A: It can increase raid DPS during Bloodlust if there are a number of other physical DPS present. However, it's a personal DPS loss.
Q: What are my stat priorities?
A: Get 8% hit (including Precision), 26 Expertise. After that, Strength > ArP > Crit > Agi = 2AP = Haste > Hit.
Q: Should I gem for ArP? What gear is BiS?
A: Use Landsoul's Spreadsheet or Rawr to find out.
Q: What should I use to enchant my weapon?
A: Berserking.
Q: What about my offhand?
A: Still Berserking.
Q: Should I put Bryntroll in my offhand?
A: No. Proc weapons suck in the offhand. If you have a mainhand better than Bryntroll, find a better offhand.
Q: My raid leader wants me to use Sunder Armor, I don't want to lose DPS.
A: Do it. It's a DPS gain for the raid, and for you as well if no one else is willing/able. You also suffer the least impact of any class/spec save for Protection, plus your DPS will increase.
ProtectionQ: What spec should I use?
A: A variation on 15/3/53.
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent#LAM00fZhZVItrx0didczsGo:drTomMQ: I use this spec and these glyphs-
A: This isn't DPS, there is no be all and end all spec or set of glyphs. Read the Protection thread and make decisions based on your situation.
Q: What's my maximum threat rotation?
A: It isn't a rotation, but a very simple priority system. Shield Slam > Revenge > Devastate, and use Heroic Strike as often as possible.
Q: Does Glyph of Devastate change this?
A: Using Glyph of Devastate will increase its threat enough that it will be better threat than Revenge at most gear levels, and particularly with a high iLvl weapon. Revenge will still be more rage efficient.
Q: What about AoE packs?
A: Thunderclap and Shockwave become your top priorities. Use Cleave instead of Heroic Strike. Shield Block will greatly reduce your incoming damage, and boost damage from the Damage Shield talent.
Q: What kind of weapon do I want?
A: A fast 1H tanking weapon.
Q: But slower weapons do more damage with Devastate!
A: Slow weapons also reduce how often you can Heroic Strike and Cleave. Stick to fast weapons unless you have bad luck with drops.
Q: What are my stat priorities?
A: 540 defense (689 Defense Rating). Stamina and Armor.
Q: What about avoidance?
A: If you need avoidance, Dodge is better than Parry.
Q: What about Block?
A: It's not bad, but they're adding diminishing returns soon. Don't pass up gear with Block, but don't specifically gear for it either.
Q: My threat sucks, what should I do?
A: Expertise is your best single target threat stat before you hit 26 expertise, it gets more confusing after that. Strength is the best all around threat stat and for AoE. Look for tanking gear with these stats.
Q: But I'll lose Stamina/Dodge/Gearscore if I do that!
A: Welcome to the world of tanking trade-offs.
Q: I keep dying. What I am doing wrong?
A: You may be undergeared, using a wrong strategy, standing in the fire, failing to use/time your survival cooldowns or have too few/bad healers. Make sure it isn't one of the first four.
Q: Who should get my Vigilance?
A: Whichever DPS does the most threat. This is usually your top DPS, but not always.
Q: Why are Indestructible Potions so important?
A: Because you can spend almost 4 minutes of any fight with an additional 3500 armor. You can chug one before entering combat and still be able use another during the fight. The damage you mitigate through one of these far outweighs what a Runic Health Potion heals.