Improved Shadow Bolt

In the Affliction Warlock talent tree, Improved Shadow Bolt sits in the Affliction specialization talents, row 4 of 11. It is a single-point node.

Choice node

Improved Shadow Bolt shares its node with Drain Soul. A character takes one of the two.

• 
  Drain Soul

  Drains the target's soul, causing (556.9% of Spell Power) Shadow damage over 5 sec. Damage is increased by 100% against enemies below 20% health. Generates 1 Soul Shard if the target dies during this effect.

Connected above

The tree draws a line into Improved Shadow Bolt from Nightfall.

• 
  Nightfall

  Wither damage has a chance to cause your next Drain Soul or Malefic Grasp to deal 25% increased damage. Drain Soul and Malefic Grasp channel 50% faster while affected.

Connected below

Improved Shadow Bolt leads on to Cunning Cruelty and Withering Bolt.

• 
  Cunning Cruelty

  Shadow Bolt and Drain Soul have a chance to trigger a Shadow Bolt Volley, dealing Shadow damage to 5 enemies of your current target.

• 
  Withering Bolt2 ranks

  Shadow Bolt and Drain Soul deal 5% increased damage, up to 15%, per damage over time effect you have active on the target.

Same row

Also on this row: Improved Haunt and Absolute Corruption or Siphon Life.

• 
  Improved Haunt
• 
  Absolute Corruption

  Wither is now permanent and deals 15% increased damage. Duration reduced to 24 sec against players.

• 
  Siphon Life

  Wither deals 30% increased damage and its periodic damage heals you for 5% of the damage dealt.