Best in Slot
Marksmanship Hunter Basics
Hunters were a top-tier DPS class duringBurning Crusade. While the class takes a hit inClassic Wrath of the Lich King, it is still more than capable ofdishing out efficient damage in PVE environments. The Marksmanship spec, in particular, dishes out top-tier single target damage but needs some time to ramp up due to its reliance on armor penetration from gear that drops later on in the expansion.
This guide will focus specifically on level 80 content and abilities. It will be updated throughout theWrath of the Lich Kingexpansion as more content rolls out.
If you haven’t seen our basicHunter PvE Guide for Wrath Classicyet, check this out as well. It will have additional information that may not be covered in this specialization-specific guide.
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Important New and Reworked Talents and Abilities
Auto Shot- A huge change for hunters inWrath of the Lich Kingis how Auto Shot works with Hunters. Previously, Hunters would have to ensure they don’t “clip” their auto shots. Essentially, players would have to ensure they’re not using any other abilities on your attack timer to always auto shot on time. If you interrupted the automatic attacks, this was known as “clipping,” and it was a DPS loss. That’s all a thing of the past now; your Auto Shot will attack even when using abilities such as Steady Shot that have a cast timer. This is a very welcome update for the class.
Kill Shot- One of the most important additions for Hunters inClassic Wrath. This serves as a much needed execute for the class, allowing players to ramp up their damage when enemies are below 20%.
Chimera Shot- This new ability is essential to the new Marksmanship Hunter rotation. Not only does it refresh your Serpent Sting, but it is also your highest damage ability.
Volley- This now scales with your ranged attack power. This formerly useless ability now allows Hunters to deal respectable AOE damage when appropriate.
Trueshot Aura- This is now a raid wide buff instead of strictly party wide.
Talent Build for Marksmanship Hunters
This is the default talent build for Marksmanship Hunters as they begin endgame contentWrath of the Lich King Classic, complete with the ideal glyphs as well.
Eventually, as you are able to obtain more hit rating from gear, you can remove the talent points fromFocused Aimand move them intoImproved Hunter’s Mark.
It’s important not to neglect your pets. They, too, have an ideal talent build.
You’ll want to use aWolfas your pet due to the benefit ofFurious Howl.
Marksmanship Hunter Rotation and Cooldowns - Wrath Classic
The rotations for Marksmanhip Hunters are fairly easy inClassic Wrath of the Lich Kingonce you get used to it. The days of timing and precision are over. Instead, it’s a priority rotation based on what ability is off of cooldown;Steady Shotacts as a filler ability in single target situations. Thanks to the rework on Volley, your AOE damage is now respectable.
AOE Rotation
Cooldowns
Hunters have a wide variety of options available for their cooldowns in terms of both utility and damage output. Their toolkit continues to be impressive, even when their DPS output starts to decline.
Hunter Stat Priority in WotLK
The most important stats for Hunters inWrath of the Lich King Classicare as follows, in order:
You will always need to verify you’re at hit cap to ensure you’ll never miss any of your attacks. The hit cap is an overall 8% rating. With the Focused Aim talent, you only need 5% hit from gear. With Draenei in your party or raid, you’ll only need 4% hit from gear.
Pre-Raid Best in Slot Gear
The best thing you can do to determine your Marksmanship Hunter pre-raid best in slot gear forWrath of the Lich King Classicis tosimulate your DPS. Thanks the efforts from theorycrafters throughout the years, we have a list of the best gear you can get pre-raid forWrath. Our tables are complete with recommended gems and enchants.
Helm
If you’re an engineer, this is an easy choice. If you managed to pick up Coif from Kil’Jaeden, you can ride that out for a long time.
Arcanum of Torment
Neck
Easy options here; Jewelcrafters can craft their pre-raid bis or you can buy them with emblems.
Jewelcrafting craft - Bind on Pickup
25Emblem of Heroism
Necklace of the Chrono-Lord
Xevozz - Heroic The Violet Hold
Shoulders
The ability to farm a normal dungeon should give players viable options if they’re loot luck in heroics is unlucky.
Spaulders of the Abomination
Greater Inscription of the Axe
Cloak
The leatherworking BOE might be a bit expensive, but if you have the money, always take the easy gear. Worse case scenario, you need to farm some rep.
Enchant Cloak - Major Agility
Chest
Grinding rep with Argent Crusade is your best bet here, and you’re not reliant on gear to drop from dungeons.
Enchant Chest - Powerful Stats
Wrist
If you can’t get Keristrasza to drop your item, you have some alternative options.
Enchant Bracers - Greater Assault
Hands
I don’t blame you if you don’t want to run Violet Hold. At least you have a decent option otherwise.
Enchant Gloves - Major AgilityorHyperspeed Accelerators
Waist
If King Ymiron isn’t cooperating, you have two options to pick up emblem gear.
60Emblem of Heroism
Eternal Belt Buckle
Legs
If you’re not a leatherworker, then you’re going to have to work for your pre-raid bis in the leg slot.
Leatherworking craft - Bind on Pickup
Icescale Leg Armor
Feet
If Keristrasza isn’t dropping your boots, there are some alternative options from reputation grinds.
Nitro Boosts
Rings
Unless you’re made of money, don’t bother with theBand of the Kirin Tor. You’re going to replace it in raid.
7000 gold fromHarold Winston
Gal’darah - Heroic Gundrak
Trinkets
Is the Darkmoon deck worth a lot of money? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
40Emblem of Heroism
King Ymiron - Heroic Utgarde Pinnacle
One-Handed Weapons
These sim a little lower than two-handed options, which are preferred.
Enchant 2H Weapon - Massacre
Ranged Weapon
Nesingwary 4000will probably be alotof money, so it’s worth it. you’re able to rideThori’dal, the Stars' Furythroughout the leveling process.
Heartseeker Scope
Phase 1 Best in Slot
Once you step into raids, these are the best available items for each slot.
You will want to use youDelicate Dragon’s Eyein the neck, shoulder, and chest item slots once you obtain your bis items.
Blue Aspect Helmis far and away the best option. If you need the upgrade that badly over the Engineering helm,Valorous Cryptstalker Headpiecewill be a bit easier to obtain.
Helm of the Grave
Kel’Thuzad -Crown of the Lost Protector- Naxxramas 25
You’ll have a shot at your best neck every week as Malygos will drop the quest item every time. Good luck!
Best
Favor of the Dragon Queen
Heroic Judgment at the Eye of Eternity- The Eye of Eternity
The only hurdle withValorous Cryptstalker Spaulderswill be class competition.Upstanding Spauldersis a very solid consolation prize.
Loatheb -Mantle of the Lost Protector- Naxxramas 25
Drape of the Deadly Foemay be the uncontested best cloak, butHammerhead Sharkskin Cloakis the best option if you need the hit rating.
(25)Emblem of Valor
Chestguard of Flagrant Prowessis far and away the best option. If your guild uses soft reserves, this is the item you reserve and don’t look back.
Slime Stream Bandsgets the edge thanks to its socket, butArmguard of the Tower Archerwill be easier to obtain.
(60)Emblem of Valor
Frosted Adroit Handguardswill have a lot of competition. The other options will be more than fine while you wait your turn.
Torn Web Wrappingis everything you could ever want in an item stat wise.
Not only areLeggings of Failed Escapethe best itemized option, but they have two sockets as well.
Gothik the Harvester - Naxxramas 25
Heigan the Unclean - Naxxramas 25
Boots of the Renewed FlightandCrippled Treadsare incredibly similar in output. You won’t be disappointed with either.
Malygos - Eye of Eternity 25
Noth the Plaguebringer - Naxxramas 25
Due to their popularity, you might not be able to obtainStrong-Handed RingandSurge Needle Ring. You’ll be more than happy to pick upRing of Invincibilitywith emblems.
Malygos - Eye of Eternity 10
You’re reading this right; your pre-raid bis trinkets are also your phase 1 bis trinkets.
Two-handed weapons are preferred options. You should never,ever,evertakeWebbed DeathorSinister Revengefrom a melee class.
Final Voyagemay have the best name, butEnvoy of Mortalityis the ideal ranged weapon here.
