How much a profession helps this spec fight other players at 60, in the open world and in battlegrounds together. Leveling is the PvE list's.
The subjects are all twelve professions: six crafting, three gathering and three secondary.
Each entry names its best partner: the primary profession that does the most for this spec beside it.
A forecast. Forever's item stats aren't public yet, so gear scores rest on what each item binds to and on Classic's values; raid gear counts from 9 Dec, when raids open.
Forever moved the healing potions from 
Alchemy to 
First Aid, and its camp items' buffs don't stack with the matching class buffs: both change the Classic answer for many specs.
Each criterion is scored against fixed anchors, then rescaled within this spec's twelve so the best scores 5 and the worst 1. A criterion whose twelve scores span one point or less keeps them as scored.
The rubric: each criterion scored 1 to 5| Criterion | Weight | What it measures |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. Items used in a fight that change its outcome and that only this profession can use or make, or that fill a gap in this spec's kit (a stun, a root breaker, a ranged snare): 5. Fight items that help this spec but that it could buy, or that only cover what its own kit already does: 3. Nothing used in a fight: 1. |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. PvP gear this spec wears that it can make and can't otherwise get, or that is best in slot for PvP: 5. Gear it could buy, or a modest upgrade: 3. Nothing this spec wears: 1. |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | Measured against these anchors, then rescaled so the best of the twelve scores 5 and the worst 1. Makes the consumables this spec burns through in PvP at volume, so it never runs short: potions, bandages, food, grenades: 5. Some of them, or at low volume: 3. None: 1. |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | Not scored here: the profession's score on the Professions for Gold: Settled list, rounded half up, then rescaled with the other criteria. It is the same on every spec's list. |
|---|
An entry’s tier comes from its weighted score. A tier set by hand instead says why in its write-up. Within a tier,
the best score comes first.
- S 4.25 or more
- The best choice for this purpose. Strong on the criteria that count most, with no real weakness.
- A 3.75 or more
- Very strong. A little behind S, or one clear weakness.
- B 3.25 or more
- Good. Does the job well without special effort.
- C 2.75 or more
- Workable. About average on the rubric; nothing stands out either way.
- D 2.25 or more
- Weak. It works, but you will feel the gap; pick it for other reasons.
- F below 2.25
- Poor for this purpose. Avoid it unless something else decides for you.
- The game rules of the stated build, including what battlegrounds allow.
- A level-60 character with the profession at 300.
- No Legacy perks.
- Gathering, crafting, the auction house and vendors only.
Rated from the client data and our research, before anyone has played it at this level on this build. Where the data stops, the write-up says what it assumed.
Choose a profession on the chart to see why it sits where it does.
Stun and root bombs and a net give 
Affliction ranged control that cloth kits lack.
Best partner: Tailoring
Scores for 
Engineering| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 4.15, which is A tier.
Combat tools, 5 of 5: Bombs with 3 s stuns, Net-o-Matic root, Mortar stun, Flash Bomb give Affliction 
Warlock a ranged stun/root that cloth kits lack; one-minute shared cooldown (
Mind Control Cap is Classic-only, unverified).
Self gear, 4 of 5: Spellpower Goggles, Master Engineer's, Bloodvine goggles and Emergency Field Cloak (BoP) are mostly BoE; stats Classic-only.
Consumable supply, 4 of 5: Grenades share one 1-minute cooldown, so few are burned.
Gold, 1 of 5: 1.95 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why 
Tailoring beside it: Tailoring adds the BoP robe to the bombs and net.
It is not S: it scores 1 of 5 on gold, and its 4.15 is 0.10 short of S.
Strengths
- Combat tools, 5 of 5
- Self gear, 4 of 5
- Consumable supply, 4 of 5
What would move it: Its gold score follows the Professions for Gold: Settled list; a better reading there would lift it.
Rated on assumptions:
- That Engineering's bombs, nets and trinkets need Engineering to use, and that battlegrounds allow them; neither is confirmed for Forever yet.
Read the Engineering guide · Back to the chart
Shadow, Fire and Free Action potions help in a fight, but anyone can buy them and 
Life Tap eases mana needs.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for Alchemy| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●●○○○ 2 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
Weighted score 3.60, which is B tier.
Combat tools, 4 of 5: Spellblasting, Shadow/Fire Protection and Free Action potions help in a fight but are potions anyone can buy (healing potions left Alchemy).
Self gear, 2 of 5: Wears nothing; Alchemist's Stone (BoP) effect unverified.
Consumable supply, 4 of 5: Spellblasting, Shadow/Fire Protection and Free Action potions made at volume; mana potions in bulk; Life Tap trims mana potion needs.
Gold, 5 of 5: 4.15 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering adds the stun and root items potions can't.
It is not A: it scores 2 of 5 on self gear, and its 3.60 is 0.15 short of A.
Strengths
- Combat tools, 4 of 5
- Consumable supply, 4 of 5
- Gold, 5 of 5
What would move it: Better self gear for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Alchemy guide · Back to the chart
Potions and bandages work in combat and are burned constantly, though Affliction heals itself.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for First Aid| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●●●○○ 3 |
|---|
Weighted score 3.35, which is B tier.
Combat tools, 4 of 5: Healing potions and Anti-Venom work in combat but any character may use them.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Wears nothing.
Consumable supply, 5 of 5: Makes every healing potion and bandage, though this spec heals itself and burns fewer than a melee does.
Gold, 3 of 5: 2.65 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering is the spec's best fight-item profession.
It is not A: it scores 1 of 5 on self gear, and its 3.35 is 0.40 short of A.
Strengths
- Combat tools, 4 of 5
- Consumable supply, 5 of 5
What would move it: Better self gear for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the First Aid guide · Back to the chart
BoP staff, orb and wand that cannot be bought, though stats are Classic-only; no fight items.
Best partner: Tailoring
Scores for 
Enchanting| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●●○○○ 2 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●●●○○ 3 |
|---|
Weighted score 3.25, which is B tier.
Combat tools, 2 of 5: Enchants and oils are not fight items.
Self gear, 5 of 5: Radiant Staff, Orb of Mystic Insight, Brilliant Wand, though stats are Classic-only; BoP so can't be bought.
Consumable supply, 4 of 5: Brilliant Wizard/Mana Oil only, at low volume.
Gold, 3 of 5: 2.55 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Tailoring beside it: Tailoring adds the BoP robe to the staff and orb.
It is not A: it scores 2 of 5 on combat tools, and its 3.25 is 0.50 short of A.
Strengths
- Self gear, 5 of 5
- Consumable supply, 4 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Enchanting guide · Back to the chart
A BoP robe that cannot be bought, but no fight item, and PvP stats are unverified.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for Tailoring| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●○○○ 2 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 2.20, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: No fight item.
Self gear, 5 of 5: Robe of the Void: BoP cloth robes can't be bought; PvP stats unverified.
Consumable supply, 2 of 5: Bags only; soul bags help but are not a PvP consumable.
Gold, 1 of 5: 1.85 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering adds the stun/root bombs and net a cloth class lacks.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 2.20 is 0.05 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 2 of 5
- Gold, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Tailoring guide · Back to the chart
Food is not used mid-fight; stat food is cheap for every battleground.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for 
Cooking| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●●●○ 4 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.60, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Food is not used mid-fight.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Wears nothing.
Consumable supply, 4 of 5: Stat food for every battleground, cheap.
Gold, 1 of 5: 1.80 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering is the spec's best fight-item profession.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.60 is 0.65 short of D.
Strengths
- Consumable supply, 4 of 5
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Gold, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Cooking guide · Back to the chart
Herbs feed potions only, so nothing for Affliction to use in a fight.
Best partner: Alchemy
Scores for 
Herbalism| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.40, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Nothing used in a fight.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Wears nothing.
Consumable supply, 1 of 5: Herbs feed potions only.
Gold, 5 of 5: 4.00 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Alchemy beside it: Alchemy turns herbs into the potions.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.40 is 0.85 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Herbalism guide · Back to the chart
Mining gives Affliction no consumables, gear or fight items.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for Mining| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●●●●● 5 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.40, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Nothing used in a fight.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Wears nothing.
Consumable supply, 1 of 5: No consumables.
Gold, 5 of 5: 3.75 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering turns ore into bombs and gadgets.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.40 is 0.85 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Mining guide · Back to the chart
Nothing used in a fight or worn; fish only feed Cooking.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for 
Fishing| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●●○○○ 2 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.20, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Nothing used in a fight.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Wears nothing.
Consumable supply, 2 of 5: Fish only feed Cooking.
Gold, 1 of 5: 2.25 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering is the spec's best fight-item profession.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.20 is 1.05 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 2 of 5
- Gold, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Fishing guide · Back to the chart
Affliction wears no plate or mail, and nothing here is used in a fight.
Best partner: Engineering
Scores for 
Blacksmithing| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.00, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Nothing used in a fight by Affliction Warlock.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Affliction Warlock wears no plate or mail.
Consumable supply, 1 of 5: None.
Gold, 1 of 5: 2.05 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Engineering beside it: Engineering is the spec's best fight-item profession.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.00 is 1.25 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Blacksmithing guide · Back to the chart
Armor kits are not fight items, and Affliction wears cloth.
Best partner: Tailoring
Scores for 
Leatherworking| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.00, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Armor kits are not fight items.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Cloth wearer.
Consumable supply, 1 of 5: No consumable.
Gold, 1 of 5: 1.65 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Tailoring beside it: Tailoring is the spec's best gear profession.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.00 is 1.25 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Leatherworking guide · Back to the chart
No fight item, gear or consumable for Affliction.
Best partner: Tailoring
Scores for 
Skinning| Criterion | Weight | Score |
|---|
| Combat tools | 45 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Self gear | 25 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Consumable supply | 20 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
| Gold | 10 | ●○○○○ 1 |
|---|
Weighted score 1.00, which is F tier.
Combat tools, 1 of 5: Nothing used in a fight.
Self gear, 1 of 5: Wears nothing.
Consumable supply, 1 of 5: No consumables.
Gold, 1 of 5: 2.05 on the Professions for Gold: Settled list.
Why Tailoring beside it: Tailoring is the spec's best gear profession.
It is not D: it scores 1 of 5 on combat tools, and its 1.00 is 1.25 short of D.
Weaknesses
- Combat tools, 1 of 5
- Self gear, 1 of 5
- Consumable supply, 1 of 5
- Gold, 1 of 5
What would move it: Better combat tools for this spec, from a patch or from item stats once Forever publishes them, would lift it; relative scores also move when another profession's evidence changes.
Read the Skinning guide · Back to the chart