*Build Disclaimer* This class is great in that we have a wealth of valuable talents in each tree. I am very aware that there are several viable variations of any build linked here, and that some are better that others relative to the encounter. The heading of this section describes the builds here appropriately as cookie-cutter. Feel free to modify them to suite your needs. However these builds are what I consider to be the best builds representing the respective trees. Your mileage may vary.
Important: No rotation is perfect and usable in all situations. Good DK tanking requires dynamic rotations and quick responses to changes in encounters. However, in an unrealistically static encounter where all attacks land, there are intelligent rotations. Additionally, these builds do not include RP dumps. It is assumed that you are Rune Striking whenever possible and not allowing yourself to reach maximum RP by using your tree’s RP dump.
Cheap WoW WOTLK Classic Gold
Glyph of Icebound Fortitude is not listed as a recommended Glyph for any build. Feel free to substitute it as you see fit.
Blood
This section is largely incomplete. I have limited Blood raiding experience as I still believe it to be inferior to the other trees.
Blood is still under scrutiny, as it is the newest tree to become a viable tanking option. This will be updated the most in the coming weeks, so check back frequently as information here is subject to change dramatically.
Blood Strengths
Blood Weaknesses
Blood Builds (includes recommended glyphs)
Standard (+3DS) – This build is excellent for tanking 3-drake Sarth, and doesn’t require regular respecs to do it.
Single Target Rotation – IT-PS-OB-HS-HS OB-HS-HS-HS-HS RPDUMP = RS/Deathcoil
Multi Target Rotation – DnD-IT-PS-Pest then TAB-HS/Pest/BloodBoil RPDUMP = RS/Deathcoil
Evaluating additional Blood builds.
Frost
My favorite tree.
Frost Strengths
Frost Weaknesses
Frost Builds (includes recommended glyphs)
Standard
Single Target Rotation – IT-BS-OB-(Blood Tap if no Death Rune)OB RPDUMP = RS/FS
Alt-Single Target Rotation – IT-PS-BS-BS-OB OB-OB-OB RPDUMP = RS/FS
Multi Target Rotation – DnD-IT-PS-Pest then TAB-HB/Pest/BloodBoil RPDUMP = RS/FS
Improved Icy Talons
Single Target Rotation – IT-PS-BS-BS-OB OB-OB-OB RPDUMP = RS/FS
Multi Target Rotation – DnD-IT-PS-Pest then TAB-HB/Pest/BloodBoil RPDUMP = RS/FS
Unholy
My most familiar tree. Provides more utility and raid buffs than Frost, and more AOE threat than Blood. I consider it our strongest tanking tree all around.
Unholy Strengths
Unholy Weaknesses
Unholy Builds (includes recommended glyphs)
Standard
Single Target Rotation – IT-PS-BS-BS-SS SS-SS-SS RPDUMP = RS/UnholyBlight/Deathcoil
Multi Target Rotation – DnD-IT-PS-Pest-UnholyBlight then TAB-OSS/Pest/BloodBoil RPDUMP = RS/Deathcoil
3DS Build
Single Target Rotation – IT-PS-BS-BS-IT-PS RPDUMP = RS/Deathcoil