Warlock macros are game-changing tools that transform average players into raid MVPs and PvP champions. Unlike other classes, Warlocks juggle pets, soul shards, multiple curses, and fear mechanics—making macros absolutely essential for competitive play.
This guide reveals:
- 25+ battle-tested Warlock macros for Classic WoW
- Pet management secrets that eliminate targeting errors
- PvP fear combos that win duels instantly
- DPS optimization techniques for raid parsing
- Spec-specific macro strategies for Affliction, Demonology, and Destruction
Whether you’re grinding to level 60, pushing Naxxramas progression, or climbing PvP ranks, these macros will elevate your gameplay immediately.
Why Warlock Macros Boost Performance by 10%+
Warlock macros solve six critical gameplay bottlenecks that cost you DPS, deaths, and raid spots:
1. Instant Pet Commands Without Target Loss
Never lose your raid boss target while controlling your Felhunter. Macros enable pet commands through focus targeting and mouseover functionality.
2. Zero-Delay Fear Application in PvP
Stop casting Shadow Bolt mid-cast to land emergency fears. This single technique wins more duels than gear upgrades.
3. Multi-Target DoT Spreading Without Tab-Targeting
Apply Corruption, Siphon Life, and Immolate to 5+ enemies without cycling targets. This doubles your AoE effectiveness on trash packs.
4. One-Click Soulstone Distribution
Mouseover raid frames to soulstone healers in 0.5 seconds. Essential for smooth raid progression.
5. Automated Curse Swapping Between Targets
Switch between Curse of Elements, Shadows, and Agony with modifier keys. Never apply the wrong curse to raid bosses again.
6. Bag Management for Soul Shards & Healthstones
Automated deletion and creation macros keep your inventory organized during 4-hour raid nights.
Professional Warlocks report 5-10% DPS increases and significantly fewer deaths after implementing these macro strategies.
Essential Pet Control Macros for All Warlock Specs
Pet management separates skilled Warlocks from keyboard clickers. These macros provide instant demon control without sacrificing target focus.
Universal Pet Attack/Recall Macro
#showtooltip
/petattack
/petfollow
Function: Single button toggles between attack and recall commands.
Best practices:
- Bind to easily accessible key (Mouse Button 4/5 recommended)
- Use before pull timers in raids to pre-position pet
- Essential for both PvE threat management and PvP pressure
Pro tip: Spam this macro while moving to maintain pet uptime on fleeing targets.
Felhunter Devour Magic Smart Targeting
#showtooltip Devour Magic
/cast [@focus,help][@focus,harm][help][harm] Devour Magic
Function: Prioritizes focus target, then mouseover, then current target. Works on allies (dispel debuffs) and enemies (remove buffs).
PvP applications:
- Remove Divine Shield from Paladins instantly
- Dispel Ice Block, Power Word: Shield, Renew
- Cleanse Polymorph and Fear from teammates
Setup requirement: Set enemy healers or dangerous casters as focus target using /focus command.
Emergency Voidwalker Sacrifice
#showtooltip Sacrifice
/cast [@pet,exists] Sacrifice
Function: Instant pet sacrifice for absorption shield. No targeting required.
Survival scenarios:
- Rogue opens on you → Sacrifice absorbs Ambush damage
- Warrior Mortal Strikes during execute phase
- Tank dies in raid and boss targets you
- Pyroblast incoming in battlegrounds
Important: Voidwalker sacrifice absorbs 1100+ damage at level 60. This often means life or death in PvP.
Quick Demon Summoning (4-in-1 Macro)
#showtooltip
/cast [nomod] Summon Imp
/cast [mod:shift] Summon Voidwalker
/cast [mod:ctrl] Summon Succubus
/cast [mod:alt] Summon Felhunter
Function: Summons four different demons from one action bar slot using keyboard modifiers.
Modifier combinations:
- No modifier = Imp (PvE raids, ranged DPS)
- Shift = Voidwalker (Solo content, tanking)
- Ctrl = Succubus (Destruction PvP, Seduce CC)
- Alt = Felhunter (Affliction PvP, caster shutdown)
Bag space savings: Frees up 3 action bar slots for other abilities.
Fear Management Macros for PvP Dominance
Fear is your strongest crowd control ability and primary survival tool. These macros eliminate cast delays and enable multi-target control.
Stop Casting + Instant Fear
#showtooltip Fear
/stopcasting
/cast Fear
Function: Interrupts your current spell cast (including Shadow Bolt channels) and immediately begins Fear cast.
Critical PvP scenarios:
- Warrior charges you → Stop Shadow Bolt → Fear → Create distance
- Rogue exits stealth → Emergency fear without finishing cast
- Mage Counterspells your Shadow Bolt → Queue another fear instantly
Why it matters: Standard Fear casting leaves you vulnerable for 1.5 seconds while finishing Shadow Bolt. This macro removes that window.
Keybind recommendation: Bind to easily panic-pressed key like ‘Q’ or mouse button.
Focus Target Fear (Advanced PvP)
#showtooltip Fear
/stopcasting
/cast [@focus,exists,harm][@mouseover,exists,harm][] Fear
Function: Fears your focus target first priority, mouseover second, current target last.
3v3 Arena applications:
- Set enemy healer as focus
- DPS warrior as main target
- Fear healer without switching targets
- Maintain pressure on both simultaneously
Battleground usage: Focus enemy flag carrier, DPS their defenders, fear carrier when they try to escape.
AoE Fear for Emergencies
#showtooltip Howl of Terror
/stopcasting
/cast Howl of Terror
Function: Instant AoE fear up to 5 enemies within 10 yards.
Use cases:
- Surrounded by multiple melee in world PvP
- Enemy team stacks on healer in Warsong Gulch
- Breaking up Rogue/Warrior train comps in Arena
Cooldown: 40 seconds. Use sparingly as your “oh shit” button.
Curse Application & Swapping Macros
Efficient curse management significantly impacts your DPS contribution and raid utility. These macros enable instant curse swapping and multi-target application.
Mouseover Curse Application
#showtooltip Curse of Agony
/cast [@mouseover,exists,harm][] Curse of Agony
Function: Applies Curse of Agony to your mouseover target without changing your current target.
Raid trash DPS boost:
- Target main skull mob (Shadow Bolt spam)
- Mouseover other mobs in pull
- Apply Curse of Agony to 4-5 enemies
- Never break Shadow Bolt casts on priority target
DPS increase: 15-25% on AoE packs compared to single-target cursing.
4-Curse Modifier Macro
#showtooltip
/cast [mod:shift] Curse of Elements
/cast [mod:ctrl] Curse of Shadow
/cast [mod:alt] Curse of Recklessness
/cast Curse of Agony
Function: Access four different curses from one button using modifier keys.
Raid assignments:
- No modifier = Curse of Agony (default DPS curse)
- Shift = Curse of Elements (fire/frost mage support)
- Ctrl = Curse of Shadow (warlock/shadow priest support)
- Alt = Curse of Recklessness (tank threat generation)
Pro optimization: Coordinate with other Warlocks to avoid curse overwrites. Most raids need one Elements, one Shadow, rest Agony.
Focus Target Curse of Tongues
#showtooltip Curse of Tongues
/cast [@focus,exists,harm][] Curse of Tongues
Function: Applies Curse of Tongues (60% cast speed slow) to focus target.
PvP priority targets:
- Enemy Priests (delays heals by 1.2 seconds)
- Mages (makes Polymorph extremely slow)
- Druids (slows HoT stacking significantly)
- Warlocks (mirror match advantage)
Arena meta: Tongues on healer + pressure on DPS = win condition for most comps.
Soulstone & Healthstone Automation Macros
Managing stones efficiently separates casual Warlocks from raid-essential players. These macros save dozens of minutes per raid night.
Smart Soulstone Distribution
#showtooltip Soulstone
/cast [@mouseover,help,nodead][@target,help,nodead][@player] Soulstone
Function: Soulstones mouseover target → current friendly target → yourself (priority order).
Raid soulstone priority:
- Main tank (always)
- Main healer (second)
- Off-tank or battle resurrection healer
- Yourself if learning new bosses
Usage: Hover mouse over raid frames, spam macro. Soulstones applied in 2 seconds without clicking.
Automated Healthstone Creation
#showtooltip Create Healthstone
/cast Create Healthstone
/use Master Healthstone
/use Greater Healthstone
/use Healthstone
/run if not GetContainerItemInfo(0,1) then PickupContainerItem(0,16) DeleteCursorItem() end
Function: Creates new healthstone and automatically deletes old lower-rank stones from bags.
Bag management: Prevents inventory bloat during mass healthstone creation. Essential for providing 40 raid members with stones.
Pre-raid preparation: Create 40 healthstones in 5 minutes instead of managing bag space manually.
One-Button Healthstone Usage
#showtooltip
/use Master Healthstone
/use Greater Healthstone
/use Healthstone
/use Lesser Healthstone
/use Minor Healthstone
Function: Automatically uses highest rank healthstone in your bags.
PvP advantage: Never fumble searching for stones during burst damage. Instant 1200+ HP heal at level 60.
Keybind: Bind to easily accessible emergency key. Many players use ‘X’ or middle mouse button.
Advanced PvP Combat Macros
These competition-level macros provide significant advantages in Arena, battlegrounds, and world PvP scenarios.
Death Coil Interrupt Macro
#showtooltip Death Coil
/stopcasting
/cast [@focus,exists,harm][@mouseover,exists,harm][] Death Coil
Function: Stops your current cast and Death Coils focus/mouseover/target priority.
PvP applications:
- Interrupt enemy heals while maintaining DPS target
- Horror effect creates distance from melee
- Instant cast allows use while moving
Cooldown: 2 minutes. Save for critical moments—enemy healer casting crucial heal, melee training you, escape tool.
Shadowburn Execute Macro
#showtooltip Shadowburn
/stopcasting
/cast [@mouseover,exists,harm][] Shadowburn
Function: Instant Shadowburn on mouseover or current target. Stops casting to fire immediately.
Destruction spec finisher:
- 450+ instant damage on targets below 20% HP
- Refunds soul shard if target dies within 5 seconds
- Mouseover allows securing kills without target swapping
Arena strategy: Watch enemy HP bars, Shadowburn low targets for instant kills before heals land.
Felhunter Spell Lock Interrupt
#showtooltip Spell Lock
/petpassive
/cast [@focus,exists,harm][@mouseover,exists,harm][] Spell Lock
/petfollow
Function: Felhunter interrupts focus/mouseover target’s spell, then returns to your side.
6-second lockout: Spell Lock silences enemy caster’s school for 6 seconds (double most interrupts).
Healer shutdown technique:
- Set enemy healer as focus
- DPS their teammate
- When healer starts casting big heal → Spell Lock macro
- Secure kill while healer is locked out
Why passive/follow: Prevents Felhunter from continuing to attack focus target. Maintains your main target DPS.
Emergency Drain Life
#showtooltip Drain Life
/stopcasting
/cast Drain Life
Function: Cancels current cast and immediately begins life draining.
Survival scenarios:
- Taking burst damage → Stop Shadow Bolt → Drain Life for 400+ HP/tick
- Healer CC’d in Arena → Self-sustain with drain
- Solo elite quests → Primary healing source
Affliction synergy: With proper talents, Drain Life heals for 20-30% of your HP over full channel.
DoT Spreading & Multi-Target Macros
Maximize your damage across multiple enemies with efficient DoT application techniques.
Corruption Mouseover Macro
#showtooltip Corruption
/cast [@mouseover,exists,harm][] Corruption
Function: Applies Corruption to mouseover without switching targets.
Multi-DoT rotation:
- Target primary enemy (Shadow Bolt spam)
- Mouseover secondary enemies
- Apply Corruption to 3-5 targets
- Maintain Shadow Bolt on main target
Trash pack DPS: Corruption ticks provide 30-40% of total damage on AoE encounters.
Siphon Life Spreading
#showtooltip Siphon Life
/cast [@mouseover,exists,harm][] Siphon Life
Function: Mouseover Siphon Life application for multi-target healing.
Affliction spec power: With proper talents, Siphon Life heals 15% of your HP per tick across multiple targets.
Solo farming: Apply to 5 enemies, AoE them down while healing 75% HP per tick cycle.
Immolate Mouseover Application
#showtooltip Immolate
/cast [@mouseover,exists,harm][] Immolate
Function: Quick Immolate spreading without target loss.
Destruction spec combo: Immolate → Conflagrate for massive burst damage. Mouseover enables multi-target Immolate before Conflagrate executes.
Utility & Quality of Life Macros
These convenience macros improve overall gameplay efficiency and reduce tedious tasks.
Mount + Auto-Dismiss Pet
#showtooltip
/dismount [mounted]
/cast [nomod,nomounted] Summon Felsteed
/cast [mod:shift,nomounted] Summon Dreadsteed
/run if IsPetActive() then PetDismiss() end
Function: Dismisses pet before mounting. Shift toggles between Felsteed/Dreadsteed.
Why it matters: Pet blocks mount casting. This macro saves 1.5 seconds per mount attempt.
Travel efficiency: Over 100 mounts per play session, saves 2-3 minutes of cumulative time.
Ritual of Summoning Announcement
#showtooltip Ritual of Summoning
/s Summoning %t to my location - please click the portal!
/cast Ritual of Summoning
Function: Announces summon target in /say chat while casting ritual.
Raid coordination: Nearby players immediately know to assist with summon. Reduces confusion and speeds up raid formation.
Soul Shard Deletion Macro
#showtooltip
/run for bag=0,4 do for slot=1,GetContainerNumSlots(bag) do local n=GetContainerItemLink(bag,slot) if n and n:find("Soul Shard") then PickupContainerItem(bag,slot) DeleteCursorItem() break end end end
Function: Instantly deletes one soul shard from bags.
Inventory management: Spam this before looting to make bag space. Essential when carrying 20+ shards for raids.
Drain Soul + Auto Loot
#showtooltip Drain Soul
/cast Drain Soul
/script if UnitHealth("target")==0 then LootUnit("target") end
Function: Casts Drain Soul and automatically loots corpse when target dies.
Soul shard farming: Streamlines leveling and pre-raid preparation. Reduces farming time by 15-20%.
Raid DPS Optimization Macros
Maximize your parse percentiles with these damage-focused macros for boss encounters.
Auto-Curse Shadow Bolt Spam
#showtooltip Shadow Bolt
/castsequence reset=target Curse of the Elements, Shadow Bolt, Shadow Bolt, Shadow Bolt, Shadow Bolt
Function: Applies Curse of Elements on new targets, then spams Shadow Bolt. Resets when switching targets.
Boss mechanic coverage: Never forget to curse after threat wipes, phase transitions, or add spawns.
Parse optimization: Consistent curse uptime increases raid magic damage by 10%. Your parse reflects this contribution.
Conflagrate Burst Combo
#showtooltip Conflagrate
/cast [@mouseover,exists,harm][] Conflagrate
Function: Mouseover Conflagrate for instant Immolate consumption.
Destruction rotation:
- Immolate target
- Shadow Bolt x3
- Mouseover Conflagrate for burst
- Continue Shadow Bolt
Burst window DPS: Conflagrate deals 600+ instant damage. Essential for burn phases and execute windows.
Amplify Curse Combo
#showtooltip Amplify Curse
/cast Amplify Curse
/cast Curse of Agony
Function: Uses Amplify Curse and immediately applies boosted Curse of Agony in one button press.
Raid curse limits: When limited to one curse per boss, Amplified Agony maximizes your contribution.
3-minute cooldown: Use on cooldown for consistent DPS boost throughout fight.
Spec-Specific Macro Priorities
Different Warlock specs require different macro focus for optimal performance.
Affliction Warlock Essential Macros
Top 5 priority macros:
- Stop Casting + Fear (survival tool)
- Mouseover Corruption (DoT spreading)
- Emergency Drain Life (self-healing)
- Siphon Life mouseover (sustain on multiple targets)
- Focus Curse of Tongues (healer pressure)
Playstyle focus: Affliction excels at multi-target DoT pressure and sustained damage. Mouseover macros enable applying 4-5 DoTs while maintaining filler cast target.
Talent synergy: Improved Drain Life + Siphon Life + Soul Link creates near-unkillable sustain builds. Macros maximize this advantage.
Demonology Warlock Essential Macros
Top 5 priority macros:
- Pet attack/follow toggle (demon positioning)
- Voidwalker sacrifice (emergency shield)
- Pet spell focus targeting (Felhunter interrupts)
- Quick demon summon (combat demon swapping)
- Soul Link monitoring (ensure buff uptime)
Playstyle focus: Demonology depends entirely on pet management. Pet command macros without target loss are non-negotiable for this spec.
Felguard power: At level 60 with Felguard, proper pet macros increase DPS by 12-15% compared to manual pet commands.
Destruction Warlock Essential Macros
Top 5 priority macros:
- Shadowburn mouseover (execute finisher)
- Conflagrate combo (burst damage)
- Stop casting + Death Coil (interrupt + kiting)
- Immolate mouseover (multi-target ignite)
- Shadowburn execute (kill securing)
Playstyle focus: Destruction is the burst damage specialist. Macros enable instant cast abilities during movement and quick target swapping for execute opportunities.
PvP dominance: Destruction + proper macros creates the highest burst damage in Classic. Essential for competitive Arena rankings.
Creating Your Custom Warlock Macros
Master the macro interface to build personalized solutions for your playstyle.
How to Access Macro Interface
Three methods:
- Type
/macroin chat window - Press
ESC→ SelectMacrosfrom menu - Keybind macro interface to hotkey (Advanced Interface Options)
Interface limits:
- 36 general macros (shared across all characters)
- 18 character-specific macros (only for current character)
- 255 character limit per macro
Step-by-Step Macro Creation
1. Click “New” button → Opens creation window
2. Choose icon:
- Question mark (?) = automatic icon based on first spell
- Manual selection = custom icon from list
- Recommendation: Use ? for dynamic icon display
3. Name your macro:
- Short, descriptive names (e.g., “Fear Stop”, “Pet Attack”)
- Names appear on action bars
- Keep under 15 characters for readability
4. Write macro commands:
- Always start with
#showtooltipfor cooldown tracking - Add spell casts, conditionals, modifiers
- Test frequently to avoid syntax errors
5. Save and drag to action bars
Testing Your Macros Properly
Training dummy checklist:
- Spells cast correctly with all modifier combinations
- Focus targeting works (set dummy as focus)
- Mouseover targeting functions properly
- Pet commands execute without errors
- No error messages appear in chat
- Cooldowns display correctly on action bar
Real combat testing:
- Dungeon trash pulls (low stakes)
- Battleground skirmishes (PvP practice)
- Raid trash (multi-target scenarios)
- Finally: Boss encounters and Arena
Advanced Macro Techniques for Experts
Push your macro skills beyond basic functionality with these advanced techniques.
Modifier Stacking for Action Bar Compression
#showtooltip
/cast [mod:shift+ctrl] Curse of Recklessness
/cast [mod:shift] Curse of Elements
/cast [mod:ctrl] Curse of Shadow
/cast Curse of Agony
Function: Four curses on one button using modifier combinations.
Complex combinations:
- No modifier = Curse of Agony
- Shift only = Curse of Elements
- Ctrl only = Curse of Shadow
- Shift + Ctrl = Curse of Recklessness
Action bar savings: Compress 4 abilities into 1 slot. Critical for limited action bar space.
Conditional Pet-Based Actions
#showtooltip
/cast [pet:Imp] Blood Pact
/cast [pet:Voidwalker] Sacrifice
/cast [pet:Succubus] Lash of Pain
/cast [pet:Felhunter] Devour Magic
Function: One keybind performs different actions based on active demon.
Adaptive gameplay: Same button press executes optimal ability for current pet. Reduces keybind complexity when swapping demons frequently.
Target of Target Assistance
#showtooltip Curse of Tongues
/assist focus
/cast Curse of Tongues
Function: Assists focus target, then curses whatever they’re attacking.
Coordinated PvP: Set raid leader as focus. This macro ensures you’re cursing the same target as team for focus fire.
Macro Best Practices & Common Mistakes
Follow these guidelines to avoid macro pitfalls and maximize effectiveness.
Best Practices for All Macros
1. Always use #showtooltip
- Displays spell tooltips on action bar
- Shows cooldown timers accurately
- Essential for cooldown tracking
2. Test before raid/PvP
- Training dummies catch 95% of errors
- Never debut new macros in progression content
3. Consistent keybinds across characters
- Muscle memory transfers between alts
- Reduces learning curve for new classes
4. Place macros near WASD
- Emergency macros on Q, E, R, F, mouse buttons
- Frequently used macros on 1-5
- Utility macros on 6-0 or shift modifiers
5. Keep macros under 255 characters
- Game engine hard limit
- Simplify complex macros by splitting them
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don’t nest excessive conditionals
# BAD - causes lag
/cast [mod:shift,target=focus,harm,nodead,exists][mod:ctrl,target=mouseover,harm,nodead,exists] Fear
- Overly complex targeting creates input delay
- Simplify to 2-3 conditionals maximum
2. Avoid multiple GCD spells in one macro
# BAD - only first spell casts
/cast Curse of Agony
/cast Shadow Bolt
- Global cooldown prevents chaining cast-time spells
- Instant casts can combo (e.g., Amplify Curse + Curse of Agony)
3. Don’t use /startattack with spells
- Auto-attack interferes with spell queueing
- Unnecessary for casters
4. Never macro consecutive cast-time spells
- Shadow Bolt → Immolate macros don’t work
- Cast times can’t be chained in single button
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important Warlock macro?
The stop casting + Fear macro is crucial for PvP survival. It allows you to interrupt your own Shadow Bolt cast to land an emergency fear without delay. This single macro can save your life countless times when Warriors charge, Rogues open, or Mages close distance.
Do macros work for all three Warlock specs?
Most macros work universally across all specs. Pet management macros benefit Demonology most due to Felguard. DoT mouseover macros favor Affliction’s multi-target playstyle. Shadowburn and Conflagrate macros are Destruction-exclusive. Fear and utility macros work for all specs.
Can I use mouseover macros in raids?
Yes, mouseover macros are extremely powerful in raids. They allow you to maintain DoTs on multiple targets during trash pulls without losing your main target. This significantly improves your overall DPS on multi-target encounters like Suppression Room in BWL or Gothik in Naxxramas.
How many macros should a Warlock have?
A functional Warlock typically uses 10-15 core macros covering pet control, fear management, curse application, and healthstone usage. Advanced players pushing high-end PvP and parsing may use 20-25 macros for specialized scenarios and optimization.
Will macros increase my DPS?
Yes, macros measurably improve DPS through efficiency gains. Mouseover DoT macros reduce target switching time by 0.5-1 second per application. Stop casting macros eliminate animation lock delays. Pet macros ensure consistent demon uptime. Proper macro usage typically increases DPS by 5-10% through reduced downtime and improved action economy.
Conclusion: Master Warlock Macros for Competitive Advantage
Warlock macros transform your gameplay from functional to exceptional. These automation tools streamline pet management, improve curse application, enhance fear control, and optimize overall efficiency in both PvE raids and PvP combat.
Implementation Strategy
Week 1: Install essential pet control and fear macros. Practice on training dummies for 30 minutes.
Week 2: Add curse application and mouseover DoT macros. Test in dungeons and battlegrounds.
Week 3: Implement advanced PvP macros. Focus on focus targeting and modifier combinations.
Week 4: Create custom spec-specific macros. Optimize for your primary content type.
Critical Takeaways
Pet management macros are non-negotiable for all specs. Instant demon control without target loss is the foundation of competent Warlock play.
Fear macros with /stopcasting save lives in PvP. This single technique wins more duels than gear upgrades or consumables.
Mouseover curse and DoT macros increase DPS efficiency by 15-25% on multi-target encounters. Essential for competitive parsing.
Healthstone and soulstone macros improve raid utility. Faster stone distribution means more raid value and secure roster spots.
Focus targeting macros enable advanced PvP strategies. Multi-target control separates good PvP Warlocks from gladiators.
Next Steps
Master each macro category progressively. Don’t overwhelm yourself by implementing 25 macros simultaneously. Build muscle memory for 3-5 macros before adding more.
Practice in low-stakes environments before critical progression raids or rated PvP. Training dummy sessions build confidence and identify errors before they cost raid wipes or Arena rating.
For comprehensive guides on each Warlock specialization including talent builds, rotation priorities, and gear optimization, explore our complete Warlock Guide library.
Related resources:
- Warlock Talent Calculator – Optimize builds for macro synergy
- Affliction Warlock Guide – DoT-focused gameplay strategies
- Demonology Warlock Guide – Pet management mastery
- Destruction Warlock Guide – Burst damage optimization
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