Cataclysm Classic Blood DK - Gameplay, Tips - Vengeance is back!!!

In this video I showcase some dungeon footage while levelling my Blood DK in Cataclysm Classic, a version of the game that made tanking extremely fun. I talk about this spec and why I find it so compelling to play as well as discuss some tips/tricks for playing BDK.
Enjoy!

[@bruce4472]

This is by far the best video on how to play blood. Others make it confusing. Thanks

[@jogvanwraae5261]

What are the Marcos for Death strike and d&d?

[@Tom805]

Thanks for the video man! I notice you dont speak about heart strike much? I currently use it over BB. What makes you go with BB?

[@zaldinfox]

Thanks for the question. I use Heart Strike on 1-3 targets, and BB for anything over that, but a more nuanced answer is that our current cycle of runes (and our survivability) are major factors. What I mean is that I may elect to pull a pack and burst down with my opening set of runes, pressing BB back to back. In this case we overcap RP and ignore Rune Strike/Death Strike. We might also be in a 1-2 target situation, but have full Runes with a plan to use Empowered Rune Weapon, so we have no open GCDs beyond DS and Rune Strike, in these situations it is very normal to proc a free Rune, convert 1 of our Blood Runes via Blood Tap and hit another DS, which keeps the cycle going. We might also eat a Blood Rune for Blood Tap. Finally, we might be part way through a pack and need to pestilence again to keep our diseases up (which takes up a Blood Rune). This lets us float our 1 Blood Rune efficiently (holding it so Rune Strike procs Frost/Unholy). All of these circumstances push us away from casting Heart Strike, but it has more to do with how our Rune/RP economy functions than it does with the spell itself (it hits very hard in 1-3 targets). I hope this helps unpack my reasoning! Thanks for the question.

[@Tom805]

​@zaldinfox Wow thank you, a very informative reply! I had a feeling it was a matter of circumstance rather than preference. I am using Heart Strike as an aoe pick up/threat refresh, which seems to be a similar use to your Blood Boil timing. I will give it a go switching to Boil as talented you get a chance for free ones anyway so the synergy does seem nicer. Thank you for explaining so effectively.

[@cristianocucumo4361]

im noticing a lot of haste here. is that your go to stat?

[@zaldinfox]

No, Haste is actually the worst stat more or less. STAM>Mastery>Hit(8%)>Dodge/Parry are the goals. Stam is good damage and healing

[@anotherhuman21]

​@@zaldinfoxI go for 26 exp too for soft cap not to be dodged but I'd say hit cap and exp soft cap r def under Stam>mastery

[@zaldinfox]

@@anotherhuman21 Yep Exp 26 before Dodge/Parry is good.

[@drow233]

Can you share your plater profile?

[@zaldinfox]

pastebin.com/8Pfj635N

[@drow233]

@@zaldinfox oh it expired

[@zaldinfox]

@@drow233 Ah, sorry. It's just the default Plater to be honest; no special changes. I'll probably adapt this later when I get into heroics or raid.

[@xAnthares]

You can share macros :D

[@lXmyl]

Ty for video! Could you pls give link to your runes and runic power wa?

[@zaldinfox]

Look up "Compact Runes" addon (available on Curseforge)

[@Erobazai]

I would initiate with pest to a bb or dnd and then spread, for a smoother gather up of mobs.

[@salvadorscar6057]

what is addon for runes

[@zaldinfox]

Compact Runes addon (available on Curseforge)

[@deceivedonegaming6105]

What about heart strike , not mentioned in aoe or st rotation

[@zaldinfox]

See comment below, but short answer is HS in ST to spend 1 blood rune, or up to 3 targets. If you need to survive, Rune Tap instead to use up that Blood Rune (so that we can float 1 blood).