Frost Death Knight Leveling Guide
Control-heavy melee with strong cleave, Howling Blast burst, and great group buffs. Dual wield or 2H options both level quickly.
Why Frost in WotLK?
Excellent control, big AoE with Howling Blast, and great snap threat for tanking. Dual Wield procs add smooth damage.
Strengths
- Howling Blast + Pestilence for AoE.
- Great control: Chains of Ice, Mind Freeze.
- Solid tanking with Frost Presence/Frigid Dreadplate.
Weaknesses
- More button-heavy than Blood.
- Depends on weapon quality.
- Starts at 55 only.
Talents by Level (55-80)
Early (55-63)
- Blade Barrier; Improved Icy Touch.
- Annihilation to allow Obliterate without losing diseases.
- Two-Hand Spec or Nerves of Cold Steel if DW.
Mid (64-73)
- Howling Blast core AoE.
- Rime + Killing Machine synergy.
- Frigid Dreadplate for tankiness.
Late (74-80)
- Tundra Stalker for damage on diseased targets.
- Acclimation/Unbreakable Armor optional.
- Pick up Epidemic from Unholy for longer diseases.
Rotation & Playstyle
Single Target
- IT → PS → Obliterate → Blood Strike x2 → Frost Strike dump.
- Use Rime procs for free HB; KM procs on FS/OB.
- Keep diseases up; use Empower Rune Weapon for burst.
AoE
- DnD → HB → Pestilence → Blood Boil.
- HB on proc/CD; Frost Strike dump RP.
- Howling Blast + KM melts packs.
Survival
- Unbreakable Armor for mitigation (if taken).
- IBF/AMS on cooldowns; Rune Tap if Blood sub-spec.
- Chains of Ice to kite; Death Strike if low.
Zone & Dungeon Path (55-80)
| Level | Zone/Dungeon | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 55-58 | DK Start | Follow intro; pick DW or 2H plan. |
| 58-63 | Hellfire | HB early makes dungeons easy. |
| 63-68 | Zangarmarsh/Terokkar | Pestilence spread + HB cleave. |
| 68-70 | Nagrand/Netherstorm | Weapon upgrades matter; run Mana-Tombs/Sethekk. |
| 70-72 | Borean/Howling Fjord | Nexus/UK; keep HB on CD. |
| 72-75 | Dragonblight/AN/OK | Great AoE packs; frost tanking strong. |
| 75-77 | Zul'Drak/Drak'Tharon | Badge gear; chain HB pulls. |
| 77-80 | Storm Peaks/Icecrown | Heroics; upgrade weapons often. |
Gear, Stats, and Enchants
Stat Priority
- Hit/Expertise to cap > Strength > Crit > Haste.
- Defense to 540 if tanking heroics.
Weapons
- DW: fast/slow combo with Razorice/FC runes.
- 2H: slow 2H with FC; upgrade often.
Enchants
- Runeforge: Fallen Crusader main; Razorice off-hand for DW.
- Strength/AP enchants where possible.
- Armor kits/defense if tanking.
Pro Tips & Utility
Leveling Speed
- HB on cooldown; Pestilence spreads diseases.
- Use Death Grip to group mobs for HB.
- Keep Presence set: Frost for tanking, Unholy for speed if DPS.
Group Utility
- Improved Icy Talons haste buff.
- Mind Freeze, Strangulate interrupts.
- Death Grip repositioning.
Survival
- AMS/IBF often; use Lichborne + DC self-heal if needed.
- Rune Tap if Blood sub; Death Strike on low HP.
- Bandages/pots; use Chains of Ice to kite.
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