How to Use Slam Rotation in World of Warcraft
Improvements to the Warrior Class in Wrath of the Lich King
Nov 3, 2008
Contrary to what one might think, in World of Warcraft, the Warrior class does relatively little damage. They lack the massive damage attacks of a Mage, or the added Pet damage of a Hunter or Warlock.
But there is a technique often used by Warriors that will greatly improve their damage output. It is called the Slam Rotation.
The Slam Rotation
Slam is a very Rage-efficient attack for a Warrior, dealing Weapon Damage plus X ( a variable based on rank) for only 15 rage.
The basic Slam Rotation follows in this manner:
- Charge (to build initial Rage)
- Automatic Attack
- Slam
- Mortal Strike (if enough Rage)
- Auto-Attack
- Slam
- Whirlwind (if enough Rage)
- Repeat as necessary.
In order for the Slam Rotation to work at its peak, the player should use Slam immediately after your Auto-Attack activates. This is because Slam pushes the timing on the Auto-Attack back.
In practical terms, it adds 1.5 seconds to your Auto-Attack. However, in those 1.5 seconds, a Warrior has delivered full Weapon Damage and a little extra, besides.
As one can imagine, Slam is much more effective with a slow, powerful weapon, rather than a fast, less powerful weapon. This rule goes for all abilities that deliver Weapon Damage rather than a set amount of Damage, such as Mortal Strike.
Slam Versus Heroic Strike
Although Heroic Strike delivers more damage than Slam, Slam’s Rage efficiency and short casting time make it more effective.
Heroic Strike is a “next melee” attack, meaning that it replaces the player’s Auto-Attack. This means that the next gain on damage for Heroic Strike is actually the bonus damage and not the Weapon Damage, since that would have occurred anyway.
Heroic Strike also has issues with Rage Efficiency. By replacing the Auto-Attack (the only attack that produces Rage), Heroic Strike removes a chance to gain Rage. This is not a problem for Protection Warriors (“Tanks“), since they gain most of their Rage from enemy attacks. But for Arms and Fury Warriors, this can be serious trouble.
Slam Rotation for Arms Warriors
Slam Rotation is the most effective for an Arms Warrior, especially with the talent changes in Wrath of the Lich King. Arms Warriors typically use slow, two-handed weapons to maximize the damage from Mortal Strike. This makes using Slam a logical choice.
With the changes in Wrath of the Lich King, Improved Slam has moved to the Arms Talent Tree. This means that an Arms Warrior can reduce the casting time on Slam to 0.5 seconds, increasing damage even more so.
When high enough level, the Arms Warrior should add Bladestorm to the rotation for the massive damage it delivers. Bladestorm has a long (1.5 minute) cool down, so the player will probably only been able to use it in every other encounter.
Slam Rotation for Fury Warriors
Fury Warriors do not need the Slam Rotation for damage, but it is still a strong option. SinceFury Warriors typically use two fast, one-handed weapons, the damage from Slam is not as impressive. Not until the player gains Titan’s Grip--the capstone of the Fury Tree--does Slam again become a massive damage dealer.
The exception to this rule is the talent Bloodsurge. Bloodsurge, combined with Bloodthirst, makes every Critical Strike give the player an instant Slam. The instant attack adds a significant amount of damage to what the Warrior already has.
Should Tanks Use the Slam Rotation?
Tanks are made to take damage, not deal it. They will most likely be relying on Heroic Strike because of the Threat that it creates, which keeps the enemy attacking the Tank instead of others.
Since the Tank usually travels with damage dealing partners, it is not necessary to use the Slam Rotation.
Why Use the Slam Rotation?
The Slam Rotation will increase a Warrior’s damage output enough that they will be able to go on quests alone. Normally a Warrior takes forever to gain experience unless he is in a group. Adding the Slam Rotation will give Warriors the strength to gain levels without the hassles of forming a party.
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