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Improved Shadow Bolt Improved Shadow Bolt

Warlock · Destruction · Row 1 of 7 · 5 ranks
Changed from Classic

Improved Shadow Bolt sits in row 1 of the Warlock Destruction tree. A talent tree is simply the grid of talents for one class role. It can take up to 5 points. Max it fully, or put in a few points just to open the rows below.

Changed from Classic. This talent now works differently than in Classic, so read the ranks below before you spend any points.

What Improved Shadow Bolt does at each rank

A rank is one level of a talent. Every rank makes the effect a bit stronger. The list below uses the exact wording from the beta client, word for word.

  1. Rank 1: Your Shadow Bolt critical strikes increase Shadow damage taken by the target from your attacks by 4% for 12 sec.
  2. Rank 2: Your Shadow Bolt critical strikes increase Shadow damage taken by the target from your attacks by 8% for 12 sec.
  3. Rank 3: Your Shadow Bolt critical strikes increase Shadow damage taken by the target from your attacks by 12% for 12 sec.
  4. Rank 4: Your Shadow Bolt critical strikes increase Shadow damage taken by the target from your attacks by 16% for 12 sec.
  5. Rank 5: Your Shadow Bolt critical strikes increase Shadow damage taken by the target from your attacks by 20% for 12 sec.

How to reach Improved Shadow Bolt

Row 1 opens after you spend 0 points in the earlier Destruction rows. Level 10 is the earliest you can pick up Improved Shadow Bolt.

Is Improved Shadow Bolt worth the points?

Every rank makes the effect stronger, so putting in a few points while leveling is totally fine. Max it when the final rank is the heart of your endgame build. And if you only need it as a stepping stone, no shame in stopping early.

Starter builds that take it

These starter builds already put points into Improved Shadow Bolt. Open one and see how it fits in a real build:

Try Improved Shadow Bolt in the Warlock calculator

Elsewhere in Destruction

Planning the rest of the tree? These talents sit right next to Improved Shadow Bolt:

Destructive Reach · Bane · Molten Skin · Cataclysm · Aftermath · Ruin · Shadowburn · Intensity · Agonizing Flames · Conflagrate · Pyroclasm · Bane of Havoc