Affliction Warlock leveling build (level 40)

This is a deep Affliction solo build built around never stopping. Improved Corruption makes Corruption instant and stronger, Malediction and Improved Bane of Agony boost your efficient DoTs, and Improved Drains plus Fel Concentration let Drain Life/Drain Soul keep working while you are being hit. Siphon Life, Soul Siphon, Shadow Mastery, and Wrack turn every extra Affliction effect into more Shadow damage and more healing, so tough mobs become safer the longer your debuffs are rolling. One point in Soul Harvesting supports the leveling loop by rewarding Drain Soul executes.

The gear favors Shadow spell damage without dropping too much stamina. Staff of Dar’Orahil is the key weapon: +39 Shadow damage and +10 hit make your DoT/drain package much more reliable. Black Cord, Shadoweave Pants, Black Handwraps, and Filigreed Shadow Circlet are the main crafted Shadow pieces. Dreamweave Vest and Dryad’s Wrist Bindings add broad spell power plus mana stats. Defiler’s Cloth Boots trade some damage for stamina, armor, and run speed, which is excellent for questing efficiency. The double mp5 trinkets are chosen because they directly reduce downtime between pulls.

Play by keeping Fel Armor up, sending in your demon first, then applying Bane of Agony, Corruption, Siphon Life, and Wrack. Use Drain Life when low, Fear if the pull turns bad, and Drain Soul under 20% so you trigger your kill sustain. Shadow Bolt only when mana is comfortable; otherwise wand while your DoTs finish the target.