Quick Starter DK Tank guide

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Fastor
Posts: 4031
Joined: 16 Dec 2012 17:38

Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#1 » Post by Fastor » 30 Jan 2015 22:17

Writing this mostly to myself so l dont forget :P
l also recommend to those that just hit lvl 80 and to those who doesnt know much about tanking with DK. Rotation is easy.
UPDATE: l /hide all parts that are just deeper explanations, leaving pure what where.

Short info
Talents
Highlight Crucial Talents
Macros
Addons
Keybinds
Spells
Rotations
Stats
Gems + Head Enchant


Short info



This is Single weapon, Single target oriented.
As tank we are looking weapon that provides large Damage per hit, not per second.
[hide]Reason is that Damage per hit is Larger and we are using just it to increase our spells. So no need super fast weapon to build up agro, we need one that hurts much per hit.
This is one of many tanking ways for DK. Single weapon, dual weapon, Blood, Frost and l even saw Unholy (after asked him, guy told me its OP at holding swarm of mobs and almost doesnt take damage at Sindragosa).
This setup is far from perfect but will help much to hold boss, l even had used it in ICC25HC on most bosses.
As each of DK tanking setups, this one too have Tanking Holy Trinity: Blade Barrier, Toughness, Anticipation.[/hide]

Talents
http://www.truewow.org/talent-calculato ... x0b:mskVmM
Image

Summary
[hide]Level 80 Death Knight (23/41/7)

Blood (23 points)

Blade Barrier - Rank 5/5
Whenever your Blood Runes are on cooldown, you gain the Blade Barrier effect, which decreases damage taken by 5% for the next 10 sec.

Bladed Armor - Rank 5/5
Increases your attack power by 5 for every 180 armor value you have.

Scent of Blood - Rank 3/3
You have a 15% chance after dodging, parrying or taking direct damage to gain the Scent of Blood effect, causing your next 3 melee hits to generate 10 runic power.

Two-Handed Weapon Specialization - Rank 2/2
Increases the damage you deal with two-handed melee weapons by 4%.

Rune Tap - Rank 1/1
Converts 1 Blood Rune into 10% of your maximum health.

Improved Rune Tap - Rank 3/3
Increases the health provided by Rune Tap by 100% and lowers its cooldown by 30 sec.

Spell Deflection - Rank 1/3
You have a chance equal to your Parry chance of taking 15% less damage from a direct damage spell.

Veteran of the Third War - Rank 3/3
Increases your total Strength by 6%, your Stamina by 3%, and your expertise by 6.

Frost (41 points)

Improved Icy Touch - Rank 3/3
Your Icy Touch does an additional 15% damage and your Frost Fever reduces melee and ranged attack speed by an additional 6%.

Toughness - Rank 5/5
Increases your armor value from items by 10% and reduces the duration of all movement slowing effects by 30%.

Black Ice - Rank 5/5
Increases your Frost and Shadow damage by 10%.

Icy Talons - Rank 5/5
You leech heat from victims of your Frost Fever, so that when their melee attack speed is reduced, yours increases by 20% for the next 20 sec.

Killing Machine - Rank 5/5
Your melee attacks have a chance to make your next Icy Touch, Howling Blast or Frost Strike a critical strike. Effect occurs more often than Killing Machine (Rank 4).

Chill of the Grave - Rank 2/2
Your Chains of Ice, Howling Blast, Icy Touch and Obliterate generate 5 additional runic power.

Endless Winter - Rank 2/2
Your strength is increased by 4% and your Mind Freeze no longer costs runic power.

Frigid Dreadplate - Rank 3/3
Reduces the chance melee attacks will hit you by 3%.

Glacier Rot - Rank 3/3
Diseased enemies take 20% more damage from your Icy Touch, Howling Blast and Frost Strike.

Improved Icy Talons - Rank 1/1
Increases the melee haste of all party and raid members within 100 yds by 20% and your haste by an additional 5%.

Improved Frost Presence - Rank 2/2
While in Blood Presence or Unholy Presence, you retain 8% stamina from Frost Presence, and damage done to you is decreased by an additional 2% in Frost Presence.

Blood of the North - Rank 3/3
Increases Blood Strike and Frost Strike damage by 10%. In addition, whenever you hit with Blood Strike or Pestilence there is a 100% chance that the Blood Rune will become a Death Rune when it activates. Death Runes count as a Blood, Frost or Unholy Rune.

Unbreakable Armor - Rank 1/1
Reinforces your armor with a thick coat of ice, increasing your armor by 25% and increasing your Strength by 20% for 20 sec.

Frost Strike - Rank 1/1
Instantly strike the enemy, causing 55% weapon damage plus 47.85 as Frost damage.

Unholy (7 points)

Anticipation - Rank 5/5
Increases your Dodge chance by 5%.

Ravenous Dead - Rank 2/3
Increases your total Strength by 2% and the contribution your Ghouls get from your Strength and Stamina by 40%.

Glyphs

Glyph of Dark Command (Major Glyph)
Increases the chance for your Dark Command ability to work successfully by 8%.

Glyph of Icy Touch (Major Glyph)
Your Frost Fever disease deals 20% additional damage.

Glyph of Frost Strike (Major Glyph)
Reduces the cost of your Frost Strike by 8 Runic Power.

Glyph of Raise Dead (Minor Glyph)
Your Raise Dead spell no longer requires a reagent.

Glyph of Pestilence (Minor Glyph)
Increases the radius of your Pestilence effect by 5 yards.

Glyph of Horn of Winter (Minor Glyph)
Increases the duration of your Horn of Winter ability by 1 min.[/hide]

Highlight crucial talents


[hide]Blade Barrier - decreases damage taken by 5%. This is very important to have active.
Scent of Blood - melee hits to generate 10 runic power. Resto dudu have talent to provide you with runic power, but when he is gone, this is useful.
Two-Handed Weapon Specialization - this talent is reason why is this oriented as Single weapon spec. Being in Single Weapon spec allow you to use Shadow Edge while you tanking, which gives option to farm souls for quest line for Shadowmourne. Also it create high agro by it self.
Rune Tap - anti fail healer talent. l also found useful to use Glyph for it in RDF HC.
Veteran of the Third War - Increases your total Strength by 6%, your Stamina by 3%, and your expertise by 6. This talent is agro maker, it also sum up which stats you should search for.

Improved Icy Touch - this is one of main spells, it also activate Mages TTW on Boss fights.
Toughness - add +10% armor, nuf said.
Icy Talons - reason why we dont care for Damage per Second on weapon is said above. We traded Speed for bigger Strike, now we get our speed back with this talent.
Chill of the Grave - generate Runic Power. Another Resto Dudu replacement talent.
Improved Icy Talons - aura melee haste by +20% and your haste +5%. Replace Enh shaman and hit even faster.
Improved Frost Presence - if you read carefully this talent, you will see you only get -2% damage taken from it. Still good trade.
Blood of the North - Convert Blood runes into Death runes, which can be used for Icy Touch x4. Najs.
Frost Strike - another one of main spells.

Anticipation - +5% dodge rating.

Glyphs

Taunt (Dark Command) is actually spell and as such it ask for 17% spell hit rating. Since we dont want to stack hit just for it, we take +8% hit rating glyph for it.
Frost strike cost by 40 by default, with glyph its 32, which means, you can strike more often and make more agro.
Icy Touch Glyph just increase Frost Fever damage +20%, cool in AoE fights when you spread it, but ln dungeons l prefer Rune Tap Glyph (Your Rune Tap heals yourself for an additional 10% of the effect, and also heals your party for 10% of their maximum health.)

Corpse Explosion we dont have, Death Coil we dont use and Blood tap takes very little HP. So ye, we pick other 3 that are actually usefull.[/hide]


Macros
[/color]

Simply put, /cast Runestrike with all.
#showtooltip Icy Touch(Rank 5)
/cast Icy Touch(Rank 5)
/cast Rune Strike

#showtooltip Plague Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Plague Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Rune Strike

#showtooltip Death Strike(Rank 5)
/cast Death Strike(Rank 5)
/cast Rune Strike

#showtooltip Frost Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Frost Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Rune Strike

#showtooltip Blood Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Blood Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Rune Strike

#showtooltip Pestilence
/cast Pestilence
/cast Rune Strike

#showtooltip Rune Tap
/cast Rune Tap
/cast Horn of Winter(Rank 2)

#showtooltip Raise Dead
/castsequence Raise Dead, Death Pact

Addons


Power Auras Classic - Best solution that quickly show you what you need and when you need to click what. Just need to configure it, but l already did that so you need to copy paste config.

Configuration of addon:

[hide]1. Download and copy paste what is inside to Wow/Interface/Addons
2. Turn on wow and log in to mage.
3. Type in chat /POWA
4. Click button "Import Set"
5. Copy and paste ALL at once from this box and click Accept
Set=DK Tank@Aura[1]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\icons\Spell_fire_meteorstorm; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu13; customsoundend:st; customname:st'frost strike'; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu10; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu54; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:stFROST STRIKE; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; buffname:st???; sound:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; owntex:bofalse; isResting:nu0; InactiveDueToState:bofalse; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; multiids:st; randomcolor:bofalse; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu1; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:botrue; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu52; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu6; GTFO:nu0; textaura:botrue; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; aurastextfont:nu2; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:botrue; inRaid:nu0; size:nu1.5499999523163; Showing:botrue; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0@Aura[2]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\Icons\Spell_DeathKnight_RuneTap; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu200; customsoundend:st; customname:st; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu15; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu1; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; buffname:strune tap; sound:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; owntex:botrue; isResting:nu0; InactiveDueToState:bofalse; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; multiids:st; randomcolor:bofalse; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu2; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:bofalse; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu50; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu0; GTFO:nu0; textaura:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; aurastextfont:nu1; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; inRaid:nu0; size:nu0.25; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0; timer.InvertAuraBelow:nu0; timer.b:nu1; timer.HideLeadingZeros:botrue; timer.g:nu1; timer.h:nu2.7999999523163; timer.ShowOnAuraHide:botrue; timer.UpdatePing:bofalse; timer.Texture:stOCR; timer.enabled:botrue; timer.HideRequest:botrue; timer.r:nu1; timer.cents:bofalse; timer.Relative:stCENTER; timer.Showing:bofalse; timer.CustomDuration:nu0; timer.y:nu0; timer.x:nu0; timer.id:nu2; timer.Transparent:botrue; timer.Start:nu1499734.934; timer.UseOwnColor:bofalse; timer.a:nu1; timer.ShowActivation:bofalse@Aura[3]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\Icons\INV_Misc_Horn_02; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu265; customsoundend:st; customname:st; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu15; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu1; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; buffname:sthorn of winter; sound:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; owntex:botrue; isResting:nu0; InactiveDueToState:bofalse; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; multiids:st; randomcolor:bofalse; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu3; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:bofalse; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu50; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu0; GTFO:nu0; textaura:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; aurastextfont:nu1; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; inRaid:nu0; size:nu0.25; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0; timer.InvertAuraBelow:nu0; timer.b:nu1; timer.HideLeadingZeros:bofalse; timer.g:nu1; timer.h:nu2.8; timer.ShowOnAuraHide:botrue; timer.UpdatePing:bofalse; timer.Texture:stOCR; timer.enabled:botrue; timer.HideRequest:botrue; timer.r:nu1; timer.cents:bofalse; timer.Relative:stCENTER; timer.Showing:bofalse; timer.CustomDuration:nu0; timer.y:nu0; timer.x:nu0; timer.id:nu3; timer.Transparent:botrue; timer.Start:nu1499734.934; timer.UseOwnColor:bofalse; timer.a:nu1; timer.ShowActivation:bofalse@Aura[4]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:botrue; icon:stInterface\Icons\Spell_DeathKnight_FrostFever; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu-267; customsoundend:st; customname:st; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu2; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu1; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; buffname:stfrost fever; InactiveDueToState:botrue; owntex:botrue; isResting:nu0; duration:nu0; mine:botrue; randomcolor:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu4; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:bofalse; sound:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu50; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu0; GTFO:nu0; textaura:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; aurastextfont:nu1; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; inRaid:nu0; size:nu0.25; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0; timer.InvertAuraBelow:nu0; timer.b:nu1; timer.HideLeadingZeros:botrue; timer.g:nu1; timer.h:nu2.8; timer.ShowOnAuraHide:bofalse; timer.UpdatePing:bofalse; timer.Texture:stOCR; timer.enabled:botrue; timer.r:nu1; timer.cents:bofalse; timer.Relative:stCENTER; timer.HideRequest:botrue; timer.y:nu0; timer.x:nu0; timer.id:nu4; timer.Transparent:botrue; timer.Showing:bofalse; timer.UseOwnColor:bofalse; timer.a:nu1; timer.ShowActivation:bofalse@Aura[5]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:botrue; icon:stInterface\Icons\Spell_DeathKnight_BloodPlague; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu-200; customsoundend:st; customname:st; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu2; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu1; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; buffname:stblood plague; InactiveDueToState:botrue; owntex:botrue; isResting:nu0; duration:nu0; mine:botrue; randomcolor:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu5; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:bofalse; sound:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu50; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu0; GTFO:nu0; textaura:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; aurastextfont:nu1; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; inRaid:nu0; size:nu0.25; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0; timer.InvertAuraBelow:nu0; timer.b:nu1; timer.HideLeadingZeros:botrue; timer.g:nu1; timer.h:nu2.8; timer.ShowOnAuraHide:bofalse; timer.UpdatePing:bofalse; timer.Texture:stOCR; timer.enabled:botrue; timer.r:nu1; timer.cents:bofalse; timer.Relative:stCENTER; timer.HideRequest:botrue; timer.y:nu0; timer.x:nu0; timer.id:nu5; timer.Transparent:botrue; timer.Showing:bofalse; timer.UseOwnColor:bofalse; timer.a:nu1; timer.ShowActivation:bofalse@Aura[6]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\Icons\Ability_UpgradeMoonGlaive; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu330; customsoundend:st; customname:st; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu1; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu1; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; buffname:stblade barrier; spec2:botrue; InactiveDueToState:bofalse; owntex:botrue; isResting:nu0; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; randomcolor:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu6; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:bofalse; sound:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu50; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu0; GTFO:nu0; textaura:bofalse; stance:nu10; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; aurastextfont:nu1; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; inRaid:nu0; size:nu0.25; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0; timer.InvertAuraBelow:nu0; timer.b:nu1; timer.HideLeadingZeros:botrue; timer.g:nu1; timer.h:nu2.8; timer.ShowOnAuraHide:bofalse; timer.UpdatePing:bofalse; timer.Texture:stOCR; timer.enabled:botrue; timer.r:nu1; timer.cents:bofalse; timer.Relative:stCENTER; timer.HideRequest:botrue; timer.y:nu0; timer.x:nu0; timer.id:nu6; timer.Transparent:botrue; timer.Showing:bofalse; timer.UseOwnColor:bofalse; timer.a:nu1; timer.ShowActivation:bofalse@Aura[7]=Version:st3.0.0S; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu1; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; Instance25ManHeroic:nu0; stacksLower:nu0; target:botrue; icon:stInterface\Icons\Spell_Shadow_DarkRitual; beginSpin:bofalse; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; Extra:bofalse; y:nu-225; x:nu-109; customsoundend:st; customname:st; RoleMeleDps:nu0; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu2; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; Instance10ManHeroic:nu0; raid:bofalse; texture:nu1; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; InstanceBg:nu0; symetrie:nu0; buffname:stfate; InactiveDueToState:botrue; owntex:botrue; isResting:nu0; duration:nu0; mine:botrue; randomcolor:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:nu0; speed:nu1; Instance5Man:nu0; anim2:nu0; id:nu7; HideRequest:bofalse; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; Active:bofalse; sound:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; threshold:nu50; off:bofalse; PowerType:nu0; GTFO:nu0; textaura:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; strata:stLOW; soundend:nu0; spec1:botrue; InstanceArena:nu0; inParty:nu0; RoleRangeDps:nu0; RoleHealer:nu0; aurastextfont:nu1; RoleTank:nu0; Instance25Man:nu0; Instance10Man:nu0; customtex:bofalse; PvP:nu0; Instance5ManHeroic:nu0; combat:nu0; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; inRaid:nu0; size:nu0.34999999403954; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; exact:bofalse; begin:nu0; party:bofalse; texmode:nu2; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:nu0; targetfriend:bofalse; customsound:st; finish:nu0@
[/hide]

[hide]Magic Runes - Optional addon - Shows CD on each rune. Combined with Power Auras gives all info you need, just its pain to configure it. Any other similar addon is useful.

Omen Threat Meter - Optional addon - Its DPSs problem to keep lower agro, but its God Damn Tanks problem if its Burst time! So you better keep this open and wake up when you see someone is getting close to your agro.

Deadly Boss Modes - Recommended - Best solution in Boss fights that will tell you what is happening and what is about to happen, just its ugly.[/hide]

Image

Keybinds
[hide]l will take freedom to write where to put each macro since l find this setup set nicely. You are free to change to your needs.
First action bar, since you dont have fingers like aliens, instead of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0 put F, Q, R, SMB1, SMB2, MWU, MWD.

1 - Icy Touch macro
2 - Plague Strike macro
3 - Death Strike macro
4 - Frost Strike macro
F - Mind Freeze, useful at Lady D, Devourer of Souls, Jaraxxus and many more where need to stop casting. CD 10sec only.
Q - Anti Magic Shield
R - Blood strike macro - by default, this key is bind to "reply to wisp". l suggest you to move it to button on right which is T, or even move to F5
Side mouse button 1 - Death Grip, if mouse doesnt have it, use Shift+Mouse Wheel Up
Side mouse button 2 - Taunt, if mouse doesnt have it, use Shift+Mouse Wheel Down
Mouse Wheel Up - Blood Tap macro
Mouse Wheel Down - Pestilence macro

Supportive spells are preferred to be set on bar above. Dont cluster them as you might do mistake and mix them during combat.
They are by Groups:
  • Defensive: Icebound Fortitude, Unbreakable Armor, Blood Tap, Trinkets
    Healing: Healt Shard, Death Pact macro, Potions of Healt, Herbalisam (if any)
    AoE: Death and Decay, Blood Boil, Army of Death
    Weapons: Shadow Edge/Shadowmourne, Bryntroll.
    Empowered Rune Weapon
    Special: Rune Strike, Horn of Winter. They are on bar if Macros suddenly fail so need to be clicked manually.
You can also Keybind them if you wish with Shift or Ctrl + First action bar (example Shift + 1), but really didnt find much combat where so mouse clicking is bad and needed more keybinds.[/hide]


Spells
[/color]


Three spells are crucial: Rune Strike(most OP agro), Icy Touch (almost most OP agro), Frost Strike (wannabe Icy Touch).

Supportive spells - l wont say here what each does. l will only say that you read them yourself and also yourself figure out when to use it, especially at 25% or less HP.

[hide]Since Rune Strike is in every macro, you can actually forget for it. You will always use it whenever you click some other strike.
Icy Touch is spell that you want always to have on CD. It use 1 Frost or Death Rune.
Frost Strike is using Runic Powers, so you need to have some of it to use it. Notice that it is more powerful agro than Plague Strike, so use it always when Frost, Death and Blood runes are on CD and there is 4 or more sec left on Crypt Fever.

Plague Strike - it place Crypt Fever on target and does moderate agro. Its lesser than Frost strike.
Blood Strike - does less damage than Plague Strike but its actually second most important. It consume Blood Rune which convert it into Death rune, also when Blood runes are on CD Shield Barrier effect (-5% damage taken) is triggered. Careful not to use Death Runes for it.

Death Strike - this is actually healing spell. Does moderate agro but consume precious Frost rune along with Unholy Rune. Point of this spell is to have both plague applied to boss and when you hit with this, you gain HP.
AMS - this is absorbing spell damage that someone doing on you, preferred Sindragosa`s Breath, Mimirons Laser and similar.
Mind Freeze - useful at Lady D, Devourer of Souls, Jaraxxus and many more where need to stop casting. CD 10sec only.

Death Grip - Imagine those moment when other DK with less brain pulls target to him so he dont waste his time on dps recount, or when some hunter overagro mob that charge at him, or enemy stuck somewhere where barely RDPS can reach. Well this solve all your problems. Imagine this as Second Taunt. Just remember that this is not way to start combat and its not working on Boss.
Dark Command - Taunt - no matter how much agro someone else have, you will get 100% when you use it. Just dont use it when you already have agro as its waste.

Rune Tap macro - primary its made for when Heals cant reach to heal you on time, but its combined with Horn of Winter so you can use it in combat almost always without pressing other button, which is nice.
Pestilence macro - AoE time, easy mode.[/hide]


Rotations
[/color]


Ok rotation is all about which Runes are on CD. Remember that Death Runes are worth as any Rune but use it only for Icy Touch.

Start combat with Icy Touch x2, than add Plague Strike once for Crypt Plague, than use Blood Strike x2 so you get -5% dmg taken and convert them to Death Runes.
Next Round you will have 2 Frost and 2 Death Runes, that means you will go Icy Touch x4. Use Plague Strike if your Crypt Plague is 5 sec or less.

If your Frost and Blood/Death Runes are on CD and your Crypt Plague have more than 5 sec, spam Frost Strike until time to repeat rotation comes again or you run out of Power.

AoE

In AoE Fights its bit different. You got two options, whit these talents, probably both bad but than again its starter guide. You will probably want to use Empowered Rune Weapon.

1) Start with Icy Touch x2, Plague Strike x1, Pestilence, Blood Boil. Next round save 1 of each rune and do Death and Decay and repeat Pestilence. Add Icy Touch, Plague Strike, Frost Strike on mobs where you got less agro.
2) Start with Death and Decay, Icy Touch x1, Plague Strike x1, Pestilence. Next round improvise.

Of this two options l prefer first one, because l need to pray less that some DPS`s AoE wont pull them all at start.


Stats



There is this older DK Tank guide that said some stuff right: http://www.truewow.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=4597
Summed up in order by priority:
Hit>Expertise>Armor>Defense>Stamina>Strength>Dodge>Parry>Attack Power>Armor Penetration.

So, when you looking at item you will see in description it have Upper part which is before Gem slots and Lower part.

  • In Upper part must say: Armor, Stamina and Strength.
    In Lower part must say: Hit, Expertise, Defense, Dodge, Parry.

If some other stat is there and its not weapon, than its most likely not tank item.


[hide]Hit and Expertise - simply put like in old guide, "lf you cant Hit it, you cant tank it". You need 8% Hit rating and 24 Expertise, notice you already get 6 Expertise from talents so you only need 18 from gear.

Armor and Stamina - Stamina is HP. It is how long will you last, how easier is to heal you, how much hurt you can take. Armor is absorber of hurt. Instead that you take same amount of hurt that boss produce you are getting only part of it, which is nice.

Defense – this is actually stat that increase other stats. Dodge and Parry. You need to have 540 Defense rating for optimal tanking. Good news is you already can get 400 Defense rating from your own skill which you accumulate during time took beating.

Strength – it have several uses, first it create Attack Power which create more damage which create more agro. Reason why you should go for Strength instead directly for Attack Power is because several talents that increase Strength and not a single that increase Attack Power. Second Reason is its second use, it also increase amount of Parry.

Parry – Parry comes into defense before Armor to lower your damage taken. It actually totally neutralize all damage from boss at cost of one melee strike. With talent that is used, it also reduce damage taken from spells. Problem of parry is that need perfect timing that boss and you use weapon at same time.

Dodge – Dodge is on same level as parry. It also comes before Armor to lower your damage taken to zero. Dodge would be way before Parry since it trigger Rune Strike and well it is. But Problem is ICC Debuff -25% Dodge, which is pretty much slap even to agro of DK.

Attack Power and Attack Penetration – this two are not complete useless, they just dont have anywhere to stay on Tank Set. Attack Power is replaced by Strength for reasons said and Attack Penetration is replaced by defensive methods.[/hide]


Gems and Head Enchant
[/color]


When comes to Geming priority is on Stamina, now you got two options.
1) To use all +30Stamina (blue) and 1 red so you can activate Meta, this way you get most HP
2) Or to go Proper geming, each slot proper color gem. This way you get balanced stas of all.

Proper Gems would be:

Blue: +30Stamina Solid Majestic Zircon Blue
Red: +10Strength +15Stamina Sovereign Dreadstone Purple
Yellow: +10Defence +15Stamina Enduring Eye of Zul Green

Head Enchant is bought from Argent Crusade quatermaster which is just below Dalaran. You need to be Exalted with them.

Thank you to Gubbo (whos DK lm using), Virdo, Inno, Iced and all who gave me guidance of Single weapon Frost spec tanking.
Last edited by Fastor on 28 May 2016 15:16, edited 4 times in total.

User avatar
benzviliran
Posts: 1342
Joined: 16 Mar 2013 05:46
Location: Israel (the Jewish state)

Re: Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#2 » Post by benzviliran » 30 Jan 2015 22:19

Yes i recommend this build for random dungeons.
I am the swarm

User avatar
Fastor
Posts: 4031
Joined: 16 Dec 2012 17:38

Re: Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#3 » Post by Fastor » 31 Jan 2015 02:51

Simplified guide a bit and added config for Power Auras.

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Relina
Posts: 887
Joined: 02 Sep 2012 14:28
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Re: Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#4 » Post by Relina » 31 Jan 2015 07:17

The guide is semi-decent enough as a starting point for any new dk tank, though I'd advise any & all dk tanks to take a look at the wotlk articles on pwnwear.
Corrected the Runestrike macro's, so that you wouldn't keep toggling RS on/off with each ability.

Code: Select all

#showtooltip Icy Touch(Rank 5)
/cast Icy Touch(Rank 5)
/cast !Rune Strike

Code: Select all

#showtooltip Plague Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Plague Strike(Rank 6)
/cast !Rune Strike

Code: Select all

#showtooltip Death Strike(Rank 5)
/cast Death Strike(Rank 5)
/cast !Rune Strike

Code: Select all

#showtooltip Frost Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Frost Strike(Rank 6)
/cast !Rune Strike

Code: Select all


#showtooltip Blood Strike(Rank 6)
/cast Blood Strike(Rank 6)
/cast !Rune Strike

Code: Select all

#showtooltip Pestilence
/cast Pestilence
/cast !Rune Strike
Truewow: Retired for now.
Peace - Lvl: 80 Paladin

Primalwow: Retired for now.
Relina - Lvl: 70 Paladin

I'm willing to become a stone bridge.
Just...
to catch a glimpse of you passing by.

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Wilcox
Posts: 1589
Joined: 16 Dec 2012 13:37
Location: Kebabland

Re: Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#5 » Post by Wilcox » 31 Jan 2015 15:59

i do have fingers like aliens.. i can reach the enter key from tab with my hand wide open

wat do i do fastur

User avatar
Fastor
Posts: 4031
Joined: 16 Dec 2012 17:38

Re: Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#6 » Post by Fastor » 18 Feb 2015 23:55

Shadow Edge vs Bryntroll, the Bone Arbiter

Shadow Edge wins since it produce more agro.
Bone Arbiter have 15% chance to heal 2000HP per hit.

Bone Arbiter is good to have in bag so when heals start to fail or they die, you can switch to it and live bit longer.

User avatar
cherno666
Posts: 434
Joined: 30 Jan 2015 20:57

Re: Quick Starter DK Tank guide

#7 » Post by cherno666 » 19 Feb 2015 01:40

this build is ok for starter tanking easier raids and rhc , if you are speaking of end-game DK tanking , build will be completely different
Chernoo - lvl 80 MM Hunter (Main Char)
Eviltities - lvl 80 DK Tonk
Cherniggar - lvl 80 UH DK
Chernomoffo - lvl 80 Shadow Priest
Chernokingg - lvl 80 Disc Priest
Chernobull - lvl 80 Boomie/Feral Dps Druid
Chernomoo - lvl 80 Boomie/Resto Druid
Hollyboner - lvl 80 ProtHoly/Ret Paladin
Hollycherno - lvl 80 Prot/Holy Paladin
Belewonnabe - lvl 80 Prot/Ret Paladin
Chernobylus - lvl 80 Demo Warlock
Evilsmile - lvl 80 Demo Warlock
Onlyforbl - lvl 80 Resto/Ele Shaman
Friedpan - lvl 80 FFB Mage
Chermoo - lvl 80 Fury/Prot Warrior

*Proudly Married to Liqueur*

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