Arms Warrior leveling guide
Arms is the usual way to level a Warrior in Classic Era. The spec leans on a slow two-handed weapon, 
Mortal Strike from level 40 and 
Sweeping Strikes against two enemies. The weak spot is downtime: a Warrior cannot heal, so food and bandages set the pace.
Strengths and weaknesses
- Every two-handed upgrade is felt at once, from the
Whirlwind Axe quest at level 30 to Ravager from Herod in the Scarlet Monastery Armory. - Sweeping Strikes and
Whirlwind handle two or three enemies at a time. - Rage runs dry with a weak weapon or when attacks miss.
- There is no self-healing, so every fight costs time eating or bandaging.
Talents by level
Level 10 to 30
Improved Heroic Strike 3/3 and two points in 
Deflection, then 
Tactical Mastery 5/5 so a stance change keeps your rage.
Improved Overpower 2/2, 
Anger Management and 
Deep Wounds 3/3.
Level 31 to 40
Two-Handed Weapon Specialization 5/5 and 
Impale 2/2.- Sweeping Strikes, then
Axe Specialization or 
Polearm Specialization to match your weapon. - Mortal Strike at level 40, the heart of the spec.
Level 41 to 60
- The rest goes into Fury:
Cruelty 5/5, 
Unbridled Wrath 5/5, 
Improved Battle Shout 5/5 and 
Enrage 5/5. - At level 60 that gives 31 points in Arms and 20 in Fury.
Rotation
One enemy
- Stay in
Battle Stance, keep Battle Shout up and open with 
Charge. 
Rend on enemies that live long enough, Mortal Strike on cooldown and 
Overpower whenever the target dodges.- Heroic Strike only with rage to spare, and
Execute below 20% health.
Two or three enemies
- Sweeping Strikes in Battle Stance, then
Berserker Stance for Whirlwind. Tactical Mastery keeps the rage. 
Cleave with rage to spare. Thunder Clap and 
Demoralizing Shout help against larger groups.
Staying alive
Retaliation and Intimidating Shout when a pull goes wrong.
Hamstring to kite enemies that flee or hit hard.- First Aid for bandages, and a shield in your bags for
Shield Block and Shield Wall.
Leveling route
| Level | Alliance | Horde |
|---|---|---|
| 1-12 | Elwynn Forest, Dun Morogh, Teldrassil | Durotar, Mulgore, Tirisfal Glades |
| 12-20 | Westfall, Loch Modan, Darkshore | The Barrens, Silverpine Forest |
| 20-30 | Redridge Mountains, Duskwood, Wetlands | The Barrens, Hillsbrad Foothills, Thousand Needles |
| 30-40 | Stranglethorn Vale, Arathi Highlands, Desolace | Stranglethorn Vale, Arathi Highlands, Desolace |
| 40-50 | Tanaris, Feralas, The Hinterlands | Tanaris, Feralas, The Hinterlands |
| 50-60 | Un’Goro Crater, Felwood, Western Plaguelands, Winterspring | Un’Goro Crater, Felwood, Western Plaguelands, Winterspring |
Dungeons worth the detour: Scarlet Monastery from level 30 to 40, Zul’Farrak around 45 and Blackrock Depths from 52.
Stats, weapons and tradeskills
- Strength first, then Crit from Agility and gear. Hit helps against enemies above your level, and Stamina keeps you safe.
- Pick the slower two-handed weapon with the higher top damage: Mortal Strike and Overpower scale with it.
- Enchants: Crusader on the weapon once gold allows it, and Strength on bracers and gloves.
- Tradeskills: Mining with Engineering for bombs that stun, or Mining with Blacksmithing for weapons. Skinning pays for training along the way.