Cataclysm Classic Arms Warrior Guide

Arms is the primary spec in Cataclysm for both PvE and PvP content, focusing on dealing damage with 2-handed weapons. This spec has multiple different procs, giving it a very active playstyle that will keep you always watchful and ready to act. In addition, this specializations playstyle revolves around small "burst windows", where you will have multiple, powerful abilities ready to use back-to-back. This makes Arms especially deadly in PvP, as you can easily burst down your target by catching them off guard.

Arms Warrior is an extremely viable DPS class in both PvE and PvP based content. It scales very well and brings numerous abilities, making it very strong in 10-man raid groups trying to optimize their buffs and debuffs. That being said Arms is still a melee DPS with limited unique utility, making it unlikely that many groups will bring more than a couple DPS Warriors to a raid.

Strengths

• Brings multiple buffs and debuffs, especially great in 10-man content.
• Scales very well with gear throughout the entire expansion.
• High damage against 3-4 targets with consistent cleave.
• Not reliant on resources; can sustain combat infinitely.

Weaknesses

• Has procs that can create a wide variance in damage dealt on a fight.
• Lower sustained AoE compared to other classes.

Alliance Arms Warriors best option is Worgen as Viciousness offers the most total stats, and Darkflight gives you movement speed utility. Humans are decent second choice as they offer Mace Specialization and Sword Specialization, which gives 3 Expertise whenever you are using a Sword or Mace. They will also have access to Will to Survive, which is one of the best racials in the game for PvP content.

Horde Arms Warriors have a few contenders for the best race. Goblins are a strong choice, offering Time is Money, Rocket Jump and Rocket Barrage. Orcs remain a solid choice as well, offering Axe Specialization and Blood Fury. Both choices are very close with Goblin being better overall.

Cataclysm balances most professions to be an equal amount of bonus stats, with most professions giving an average of 80 stats increase. That being said, there are always certain advantages and disadvantages to each profession, making certain professions slightly stronger than others.

1. Engineering — Engineering remains the best in slot profession thanks to the new tinker Synapse Springs. Grounded Plasma Shield, another new tinker, is a decent on use defensive shield that can save your life. Nitro Boosts remain a solid option for movement speed bursts during fights.
2. Blacksmithing — Allows you to add an additional socket to your gloves and bracers with Socket Gloves and Socket Bracer. While this is about the same stats gain as most other professions early on, once epic gems are introduced this profession becomes much stronger.

Addons and Macros can greatly improve your quality of life during Cataclysm. Listed below are some of our recommendations on Addons and Macros to help get the most out of your time playing the game.