WoW Forever Protection Warrior Guide
TankMelee
Melee4 new, 2 changed and 3 removed talents since Classic; the 31-point talent stays Shield Slam.
Increases your chance to Block attacks with your shield by 1% and grants you a 20% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Block.
Increases your chance to Block attacks with your shield by 5% and grants you a 100% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Block.
5/5
Increases your Defense Skill by 4.
Increases your Defense Skill by 20.
Increases all the Rage generated by your Bloodrage ability by 25%.
Increases all the Rage generated by your Bloodrage ability by 50%.
2/2
Increases your Armor value from items by 2%.
Increases your Armor value from items by 10%.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 2.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 6.
3/3
When activated, this ability temporarily grants you 30% of your maximum health for 20 sec. After the effect expires, the health is lost.
Grants you a 50% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Dodge or Parry while a shield is equipped.
Grants you a 100% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Dodge or Parry while a shield is equipped.
Increases damage dealt by your Revenge ability by 20%.
Increases damage dealt by your Revenge ability by 60%.
1/3
Increases all threat generated in Defensive stance by an additional 5% while a shield is equipped.
Increases all threat generated in Defensive stance by an additional 15% while a shield is equipped.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Sunder Armor ability by 1.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Sunder Armor ability by 3.
Reduces the cooldown of your Disarm ability by 7 secs.
Reduces the cooldown of your Disarm ability by 20 secs.
Your Charge ability is now usable while in Defensive Stance.
Reduces the cooldown of your Shield Wall ability by 5.5 min.
Reduces the cooldown of your Shield Wall ability by 11 min.
Stuns the target for 5 sec.
Gives your Shield Bash ability a 50% chance to Silence the target for 3 sec.
Gives your Shield Bash ability a 100% chance to Silence the target for 3 sec.
Increases all damage you deal by 2% while a shield is equipped.
Increases all damage you deal by 10% while a shield is equipped.
Reduces the Rage cost of your offensive abilities by 1.
Reduces the Rage cost of your offensive abilities by 3.
Slam the target with your shield, causing 421 to 439 damage, increased by your Block Value, and has a 50% chance of dispelling 1 magic effect on the target. Causes a very high amount of threat.
“Protection Warrior” means most of your 51 talent points go into Protection. Forever keeps Classic’s three open trees, so you can mix them.
Community build
Protection tanking
Protection 11
Talents it takes
- Shield SpecializationShield SpecializationProtection · tier 1 · max rank 5
Increases your chance to Block attacks with your shield by 1% and grants you a 20% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Block.
Increases your chance to Block attacks with your shield by 5% and grants you a 100% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Block.
5/5 - Improved BloodrageImproved BloodrageProtection · tier 2 · max rank 2
Increases all the Rage generated by your Bloodrage ability by 25%.
Increases all the Rage generated by your Bloodrage ability by 50%.
2/2 - Improved Thunder ClapImproved Thunder ClapProtection · tier 2 · max rank 3
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 2.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 6.
3/3 - Improved RevengeImproved RevengeProtection · tier 3 · max rank 3
Increases damage dealt by your Revenge ability by 20%.
Increases damage dealt by your Revenge ability by 60%.
1/3
A tanking start for the early dungeons: Shield Specialization for more blocks and Rage from each one, Improved Bloodrage and Improved Thunder Clap for Rage and cheap threat on a group, and one point in Improved Revenge. The guide calls that last point the flexible one, with Last Stand as the alternative.
Posted by Riyani on Wowhead, .
31-point talent · level 40
Shield SlamSlam the target with your shield, causing 421 to 439 damage, increased by your Block Value, and has a 50% chance of dispelling 1 magic effect on the target. Causes a very high amount of threat.
Key abilities
- Defensive StanceLevel 10Cast time instantCooldown 1 sec
A defensive combat stance. Decreases damage taken by 10% and damage caused by 10%. Increases all threat generated by 30%.
10 - TauntLevel 10Cast time instantCooldown 8 sec
Taunts the target to attack you, but has no effect if the target is already attacking you.
10 - Sunder Armor10
- RevengeRank 1 · level 14Cost 50 RageCast time instantCooldown 5 sec
Instantly counterattack an enemy for 20 to 24 damage and a high amount of threat. Revenge must follow a block, dodge or parry.
14 - Shield BlockLevel 16Cost 100 RageCast time instantCooldown 5 sec
Increases chance to block by 75% for 7 sec, but will only block 2 attacks.
16 - Shield WallLevel 28Cast time instantCooldown 15 min
Reduces the damage taken from all attacks by 60% for 12 sec.
28
Builds are transcribed point by point from their public posts and checked against the beta client’s trees.
Leveling a Protection Warrior: 1 to 60
When each tier opens with every point in Protection, when the build takes its talents and when the trainer teaches the key abilities.
Levels 10–19
- 10First talent pointShield SpecializationShield SpecializationProtection · tier 1 · max rank 5
Increases your chance to Block attacks with your shield by 1% and grants you a 20% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Block.
Increases your chance to Block attacks with your shield by 5% and grants you a 100% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Block.
Defensive StanceDefensive StanceLevel 10Cast time instantCooldown 1 secA defensive combat stance. Decreases damage taken by 10% and damage caused by 10%. Increases all threat generated by 30%.
TauntTauntLevel 10Cast time instantCooldown 8 secTaunts the target to attack you, but has no effect if the target is already attacking you.
Sunder ArmorSunder Armor - 14RevengeRevengeRank 1 · level 14Cost 50 RageCast time instantCooldown 5 sec
Instantly counterattack an enemy for 20 to 24 damage and a high amount of threat. Revenge must follow a block, dodge or parry.
- 15Tier 2 opensImproved BloodrageImproved BloodrageProtection · tier 2 · max rank 2
Increases all the Rage generated by your Bloodrage ability by 25%.
Increases all the Rage generated by your Bloodrage ability by 50%.
- 16Shield BlockShield BlockLevel 16Cost 100 RageCast time instantCooldown 5 sec
Increases chance to block by 75% for 7 sec, but will only block 2 attacks.
- 17Improved Thunder ClapImproved Thunder ClapProtection · tier 2 · max rank 3
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 2.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 6.
- 10
Levels 20–29
- 20Tier 3 opensImproved RevengeImproved RevengeProtection · tier 3 · max rank 3
Increases damage dealt by your Revenge ability by 20%.
Increases damage dealt by your Revenge ability by 60%.
- 25Tier 4 opens
- 28Shield WallShield WallLevel 28Cast time instantCooldown 15 min
Reduces the damage taken from all attacks by 60% for 12 sec.
- 20
Levels 30–39
- 30Tier 5 opens
- 35Tier 6 opens
- 30
Levels 40–49
- 4031-point talentShield SlamShield SlamProtection · tier 7 · max rank 1
Slam the target with your shield, causing 421 to 439 damage, increased by your Block Value, and has a 50% chance of dispelling 1 magic effect on the target. Causes a very high amount of threat.
- 40
Levels 50–60
- 60All 51 points spent
- 60
Key Protection Warrior abilities
Trainer abilities a Protection Warrior leans on, with the level they’re taught and what the beta client changed.
- Defensive StanceDefensive StanceLevel 10Cast time instantCooldown 1 sec
A defensive combat stance. Decreases damage taken by 10% and damage caused by 10%. Increases all threat generated by 30%.
- TauntTauntLevel 10Cast time instantCooldown 8 sec
Taunts the target to attack you, but has no effect if the target is already attacking you.
- Sunder ArmorSunder Armor
- RevengeRevengeRank 1 · level 14Cost 50 RageCast time instantCooldown 5 sec
Instantly counterattack an enemy for 20 to 24 damage and a high amount of threat. Revenge must follow a block, dodge or parry.
- Shield BlockShield BlockLevel 16Cost 100 RageCast time instantCooldown 5 sec
Increases chance to block by 75% for 7 sec, but will only block 2 attacks.
- Shield WallShield WallLevel 28Cast time instantCooldown 15 min
Reduces the damage taken from all attacks by 60% for 12 sec.
Protection Warrior weapons by level
The top One-hand + shield pick in each band of ten levels, from quests, dungeons, vendors and crafting.
Levels 1–10
- Elunite AxeElunite AxeItem Level 15Binds when picked upMain HandAxe14 - 28 DamageSpeed 2.70(7.8 damage per second)+1 StaminaClasses: WarriorQuest Weapons of Elunite · Darnassus · lv 10
The client gives no required level: this is the level its quest can be taken at.
- Elunite Axe
Levels 11–20
- Butcher's CleaverButcher's CleaverItem Level 25Binds when picked upOne-HandAxe23 - 32 DamageSpeed 1.70(16.2 damage per second)Requires Level 20Dungeon Shadowfang Keep · Razorclaw the Butcher · 10%
The beta client has no stats for this item yet: these are the Classic Era client’s.
- Butcher's Cleaver
Levels 21–30
- Swinetusk ShankSwinetusk ShankItem Level 35Binds when picked upUniqueOne-HandDagger24 - 45 DamageSpeed 1.50(23.0 damage per second)Requires Level 30Dungeon Razorfen Kraul · Agathelos the Raging · 40%
The beta client has no stats for this item yet: these are the Classic Era client’s.
- Swinetusk Shank
Levels 31–40
- Sword of SerenitySword of SerenityItem Level 44Binds when picked upOne-HandSword46 - 86 DamageSpeed 2.20(30.0 damage per second)Quest In the Name of the Light · Scarlet Monastery · lv 40
The beta client has no stats for this item yet: these are the Classic Era client’s.
The client gives no required level: this is the level its quest can be taken at.
- Sword of Serenity
Levels 41–50
- Blade of Eternal DarknessBlade of Eternal DarknessItem Level 54Binds when picked upUniqueMain HandDagger41 - 77 DamageSpeed 1.50(39.3 damage per second)Requires Level 49Equip: Chance on landing a damaging spell to deal 112 Shadow damage and restore 104 mana to you.Dungeon Maraudon · Princess Theradras · 0.5%
The beta client has no stats for this item yet: these are the Classic Era client’s.
- Blade of Eternal Darkness
Levels 51–60
- Hammer of the Twisting NetherHammer of the Twisting NetherItem Level 89Binds when picked upUniqueOne-HandMace97 - 181 DamageSpeed 1.90(73.2 damage per second)Requires Level 60Equip: Increases healing done by spells and effects by up to 238.Equip: Restores 8 mana per 5 sec.Raid Naxxramas · Kel'Thuzad · 20%
The beta client has no stats for this item yet: these are the Classic Era client’s.
- Hammer of the Twisting Nether
Plan every level in the weapon planner (One-hand + shield) →
Races for a Protection Warrior
No racial works with a Protection talent in particular, so any race that can be a Warrior is fine.
- HumanAllianceHumanAlliance
Sword Specialization crit while a sword is equipped; Will to Survive breaks stuns.
- DwarfAllianceDwarfAlliance
Mace Specialization crit while a mace is equipped; Stoneform.
- Night ElfAllianceNight ElfAlliance
Elune's Light; Quickness adds 1% Dodge.
- GnomeAllianceGnomeAlliance
Expansive Mind adds 5% maximum Rage.
- OrcHordeOrcHorde
Axe Specialization crit while an axe is equipped; Hardiness shortens stuns.
- UndeadHordeUndeadHorde
Will of the Forsaken; Touch of the Grave.
- TaurenHordeTaurenHorde
Endurance adds +1% Hit; War Stomp.
- TrollHordeTrollHorde
Berserking; Rapid Regeneration.
- SkyborneAlliance · HordeSkyborneAlliance · Horde
Wind Blessed Haste; Elemental Insight against Elementals.
Protection in Forever vs Classic
18 talents in Forever, 17 in Classic.
New 4
- Master of DefenseMaster of DefenseProtection · tier 3 · max rank 2★ New in Forever
Grants you a 50% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Dodge or Parry while a shield is equipped.
Grants you a 100% chance to generate 5 Rage when you Dodge or Parry while a shield is equipped.
- VanguardVanguardProtection · tier 4 · max rank 1★ New in Forever
Your Charge ability is now usable while in Defensive Stance.
- BastionBastionProtection · tier 5 · max rank 5★ New in Forever
Increases all damage you deal by 2% while a shield is equipped.
Increases all damage you deal by 10% while a shield is equipped.
- Focused RageFocused RageProtection · tier 6 · max rank 3★ New in Forever
Reduces the Rage cost of your offensive abilities by 1.
Reduces the Rage cost of your offensive abilities by 3.
Changed 2
- Improved Thunder ClapImproved Thunder ClapProtection · tier 2 · max rank 3
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 2.
Reduces the Rage cost of your Thunder Clap ability by 6.
Moved from Arms - DefianceDefianceProtection · tier 3 · max rank 3
Increases all threat generated in Defensive stance by an additional 5% while a shield is equipped.
Increases all threat generated in Defensive stance by an additional 15% while a shield is equipped.
Max rank 5 → 3
Removed 3
- Improved TauntImproved TauntClassic tier 4 · max rank 2
Not a talent in the Forever beta client.
Classic tier 4 · max rank 2 - Improved Shield BlockImproved Shield BlockClassic tier 3 · max rank 3
Not a talent in the Forever beta client.
Classic tier 3 · max rank 3 - One-Handed Weapon SpecializationOne-Handed Weapon SpecializationClassic tier 6 · max rank 5
Not a talent in the Forever beta client.
Classic tier 6 · max rank 5
Still unconfirmed
- Talents, trainer levels and weapons are read from the Forever beta client and can change before launch.
- The community builds so far are for level 20; none covers level 60 yet.