Lock Talents - the First 21 Points

See now here's the thing... I love my lock, I've tried many, many different specs, I'm constantly asked to review other people's specs, and there is one thing that keeps ringing true - we have three trees that will all produce entirely viable end-game builds. Short of mashing your face into the keyboard come talent time (not recommended), with a little common sense and foresight its difficult to go completely off the rails. Some builds are definitely better than others in given circumstances and for different styles of play, but once you figure out how you enjoy playing your lock the rest almost writes itself. Whether you like dot'ing and draining, being tough enough to rust, or giggling maniacally with drool running down your chin after mashing your IWIN button and seeing the oh so pretty big numbers scroll past, we have the build for you.

So what am I trying to do with this post? This is a post for people new to the class, to learn how to lock and give themselves a base to begin with. No matter what build you think you're going to want at 70, these 21 points will find themselves in most specs sooner or later. Once you've spent these points you've had a nice introduction to the class, you haven't committed yourself to any tree yet and there's no need to respec unless you're sold on a particular concept - these points can stay as they are and you build your lock up from there.

So, without further ado...

Level 10-14: 5/5 Improved Corruption - 5/5 gives you insta-cast corruption... It should be a class skill imo, but until that happy, happy day spend the points early, you want it as soon as you can. Learn to love corruption - you're going to be seeing a lot of it, and there's very rarely a reason not to have it up on a mob at any given time. I talk more about the importance of insta-cast corruption in a post here.

Level 15-19: 5/5 Demonic Embrace - more hit points, 'nuff said.

Note here: if this is your first clothie, then you might want to do those in the opposite order - you are very soft and chewy and it can take some getting used to, more hitpoints is never a bad thing.

Level 20-24: 5/5 Improved Shadow Bolt - You know, it wasn't until a moderately recent respec that I came to truly appreciate this talent. However, that is a discussion for another post and this isn't going to be amazingly useful to you for a while, its just a nice filler so you can get to the next level in the tree. Why not cataclysm instead? 5% less mana just really isn't worth it, it would take 20 shadowbolts to save enough mana equal a full spell. not convinced? Do a little research, there's plenty of discussions about this little debate all around the web. Note however that this is almost a must-have (in my opinion) for the cookie cutter 0/21/40 Shadow Mage raiding build, where you're very mana intensive and every little bit helps; I do think there are better uses for your talent points if that's not how you roll.

Level 25-29: 5/5 Bane - There's something about that word... I think that's what I'll name my first child - "Bane"; no middle or surname, just Bane - bah, can that, been done, I can't afford the copyright fines. Moving right along - faster nuking spells = more bang for your buck. 20% more in fact.

Level 30: 1/1 Shadowburn - Second only to shadowcoil (henceforth to be affectionately referred to as nubcoil) as a get out of jail free spell. Admittedly far more situational in its use, but I wouldn't leave home without it. Save it for use as a finishing spell whenever possible, it does cost a soulshard if the mob doesn't die within 5 seconds, but just remember soul shards are cheap and running back from the graveyard is just plain irritating. Just for the record and to give you a point of reference - I feel naked whenever I have less than 30 shards in my bags. Scale that for you available bag space as you will.

The basic build

Again, this basic guide is designed for those that want to get a feel for the lock as a class - if you already know you want to drain tank your way to 70, then head straight down the affliction tree, do not pass go, do not collect $200. However, even then in most cases your end build will still include these talents. Leveling like this should just give you a taste of the variety the lock has to offer, and set you up nicely to continue any way you choose.

Where to from here? Well, that's another post. Actually, probably several. Short answer: my advice is to go to at least lvl 60 as demonology, if not 70 - the survivability skills in there are gold. Affliction will also get you there and is completely viable, and many people swear by it, and it does have very impressive mana/life conservation skills, you can quite literally grind for days without food nor water. There is only one rule I stamp in big heavy letters - DON'T LEVEL AS DESTRUCTION! I say that as a destruction lock myself - you'll spend half your time sitting on your butt, which is time you could be getting xp. If you want to prove me wrong and must go through that pain, then at least get improved drain soul early and get your killing blows with drain soul on as many mobs as you can - 15% mana returned + life taps and drain life will lower your down time considerably.

Man do I need coffee... My next post will probably either be about building a demonology lock, or maybe just some general play style guide, much will depend on inspiration at the time.

Edit: For those wanting an alternate take on things, who are already leaning towards the Affliction route, I heartily endorse this post over at Blood Elf Chicks. My guide is more about getting a feel for what a warlock can do across the board, focussing on getting some hit points and getting your nukes online asap; the alternate guide shows more finesse, and if you already know you want to roll as affliction is probably recommended.