Class Guide: Hunters - Guide for World of Warcraft
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WORLD OF WARCRAFT: CATACLYSM Hunter Guide Systems: PC, Mac Author: UltimaZER0 ([email protected], Jonathan Wong) On Eredar Server: Eldrethor, Lv.85 Dwarf HunterInitial Release: 04/25/06 Current Release: 07/01/11 Current Version: 4.2.0 =============================================================================== ----------------------------------[ UPDATES ]---------------------------------- =============================================================================== Version 4.2.0 - 07/01/11 - Updated certain sections to reflect recent patch updates. Version 4.1.0 - 05/01/11 - All information updated for version 4.1.0. - All chapters have been cleaned up. Though the structure of the guide remains intact, much of the information has been rewritten to bring it up to date with the most current patch. =============================================================================== ---------------------------[ TABLE OF CONTENTS ]------------------------------- =============================================================================== I. Introduction II. Legal Information III. Combat Basics a. About The Hunter b. Choosing Your Race c. Choosing Your Professions IV. Hunter Abilities a. Beast Mastery b. Marksmanship c. Survival V. Hunter Talents a. Beast Mastery b. Marksmanship c. Survival VI. Talent Specialization a. Beast Mastery (BM) b. Marksmanship (MM) c. Survival (SV) VII. Hunter Pets a. Pet Taming & Care b. Using Your Pet c. Pet Types d. Basic Abilities e. Trainable Skills Index VIII. Pet Families XI. Building Your Character a. Understanding Your Stats b. Weapon and Armor Enchantments c. Gemming Your Equipment X. Dungeons & Raiding a. The Progression Ladder b. Important Add-Ons XI. Future Plans XII. Credits =============================================================================== ------------------------------[ I. Introduction ]------------------------------ =============================================================================== The hunter is one of the most versatile classes in the game. You can inflict damage from afar, you have an unparalleled selection of pets to choose from, and you have a whole myriad of tools at your disposal to help you and others survive worst-case scenarios. Consequently, this also makes it one of the most complex classes in the game. There is much to learn beyond just knowing how to shoot a mob. It's not a class that many players will fully grasp by the time they hit level 85. The goal of this guide is to help you understand the hunter class better. I will analyze nearly every nook and cranny of the class, and explain everything in great detail. This includes such topics as learning to use Focus efficiently, when to use your abilities, which glyphs and pets to use, and what talents will get the job done. Much of what is written here is what Iâve learned from personal experience, research, and guidance from the hunter community. Though mostly accurate, I may not always be right about certain things. I am always open to suggestions, and you are always more than welcome to email me if you believe that something Iâve written is incorrect. I also use some common abbreviations in my guide, some common, others not so much. You will see me use the following: ========================================================================== | ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION | ========================================================================== | BM-Hunter | Beast Mastery Hunter | | MM-Hunter | Marksmanship Hunter | | SV-Hunter | Survival Hunter | | RAP | Ranged Attack Power | | AP | Attack Power | | Crit | Critical Strike | | GCD | Global Cooldown | | T11, T12, T13 | Tier 11, 12, 13 | | T11+, T12+, T13+ | Tier 11, 12, 13 (Heroic) | | DW | Dual Wield | | 2H, 1H | Two-Handed, One-Handed | | DOT, HOT | Damage Over Time, Heal Over Time | | AOE | Area of Effect | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am also very PvE-oriented as a player so much of what I cover will focus very heavily on the PvE aspect of the game. Many of my talent builds, shot rotations, and strategies revolve around running instances and raiding. =============================================================================== ---------------------------[ II. Legal Information ]--------------------------- =============================================================================== This document is Copyright [email protected]. All rights reserved. This document may not be altered or used for profit without the written consent of its original author. As of the first of July, year two thousand and eleven, the following establishments have my permission to host their guide on their websites or publications under said conditions: GameFAQs.com 1Up.com SuperCheats.com GamersGuides.com Gameabolic.com Gamerstemple.com DLH.net s13.invisionfree.com/Ehgeiz/ (www.randomactsguild.net) Orderofarcane.com www.honestgamers.com Fatal Legacy (www.fatallegacy.org) WoW Newsletter from âMelissaâ of Topvideogameguides.com [Title Pending] www.world-of-warcraft-tipps.de www.hunterftw.com www.gamertales.com www.stvsweets.com www.curse.com, www.curse-gaming.com www.GamersHell.com www.CheatMasters.com If you bought this guide from auctioneers, youâve been ripped off: this guide is primarily hosted on GameFAQs for free. =============================================================================== ----------------------------[ III. Getting Started ]--------------------------- =============================================================================== This chapter will help you get started by introducing you to what the hunter has to offer, what each selectable race has to contribute to the class, and what each profession has in store for you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. About The Hunter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the surface, the hunter class is generally the archer/ranger archetype of most RPG's. Beneath that is an intricate class that can inflict ranged damage, command wild beasts, and has a myriad of traps and tools at his/her disposal. Here is what to expect when playing as a hunter. ==================== | The Focus System | ==================== Hunters use a unique 100-point resource called Focus. Your abilities deplete your Focus but it quickly regenerates over time. Though it would be easy to make comparisons to the way a rogue's Energy system works, Focus is a much more flexible resource, thanks to the different ways in which you can replenish it. =============== | Hunter Pets | =============== While mages, warlocks, and death knights may have some nifty pets, none of them can hold a candle to what hunter pets have to offer. There are 37 possible pet families to choose from, each with its own set of colors and abilities. Beyond that is a structured system of pet talents that allow you to customize your pets to your liking. There is also the fun process of taming your favorite beasts in the wild and naming them, something that no other class gets to experience. ==================== | Tactical Utility | ==================== As a hunter, you have an unparalleled set of tricks and tools at your command. You can manipulate threat and aggro, your crowd control abilities aren't limited to specific subtypes, and you have different ways of surviving worst- case scenarios. Hunters are also great at kiting their targets around until they are nice and dead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Choosing Your Race ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The foundation of any character is your personal choice in race. As a hunter, you have eleven different races to choose from, each with its own unique set of passive and active abilities. Listed below is a breakdown of each race and what it has to offer. ========= | HUMAN | ========= - Every Man For Himself can free you from deadly roots, snares, and stuns. - Higher reputation gain means a quicker grind for faction rewards. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Every Man For Himself | Instant cast. 3 min cooldown. | | | Removes all movement impairing effects and all | | | effects which cause loss of control of your | | | character. This effect shares a cooldown with | | | other similar effects. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Diplomacy | Passive. Reputation gains increased by 10%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Mace Specialization | Passive. Expertise with Maces and Two-Handed | | | Maces increased by 3. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Sword Specialization | Passive. Expertise with Swords and Two-Handed | | | Swords increased by 3. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | The Human Spirit | Passive. Spirit increased by 3%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========= | DWARF | ========= - Gun Specialization is a great boon to hunters. - Stoneform can remove some potentially lethal poisons, diseases, and bleeds. Also great against slowing poisons. - Explorer is great if you're pushing to find Archeology rewards. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Stoneform | Instant cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Removes all poison, disease and bleed effects and | | | increases your armor by 10% for 8 sec. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Explorer | Passive. Archaeology skill increased by 15 and | | | you survey faster than normal archaeologists. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Frost Resistance | Passive. Reduces the chance you will be hit by | | | Frost spells by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Gun Specialization | Passive. Your chance to critically hit with Guns | | | is increased by 1%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Mace Specialization | Passive. Expertise with Maces and Two-Handed | | | Maces increased by 3. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============= | NIGHT ELF | ============= - Shadowmeld is great for escaping combat if Feign Death fails. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Shadowmeld | Instant cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Activate to slip into the shadows, reducing the | | | chance for enemies to detect your presence. Lasts | | | until cancelled or upon moving. Any threat is | | | restored versus enemies still in combat upon | | | cancellation of this effect. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Nature Resistance | Passive. Reduces the chance you will be hit by | | | Nature spells by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Quickness | Passive. Reduces the chance that melee and ranged | | | attackers will hit you by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wisp Spirit | Passive. Transform into a wisp upon death, | | | increasing speed by 75%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- =========== | DRAENEI | =========== - The +1% to hit from Heroic Presence is a major plus for hunters. - Free heal. It doesn't heal for all that much but hey, it's free. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Gift of the Naaru | Instant cast. 3 min cooldown. 40 yd range. | | | Heals the target for 50 over 15 sec. The amount | | | healed is increased by your attack power. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Gemcutting | Passive. Jewelcrafting skill increased by 10. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Heroic Presence | Passive. Increases your chance to hit with all | | | spells and attacks by 1%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Shadow Resistance | Passive. Reduces the chance you will be hit by | | | Shadow spells by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========== | WORGEN | ========== - Darkflight can allow you to gain distance from a potentially bad enemy. Conversely, it can also allow you to catch up to a runner. - The +1% to crit from Viciousness is a big plus for hunters. - Aberration can be useful against curses and diseases that reduce your haste or movement speed. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Darkflight | Instant cast. 3 min cooldown. | | | Activates your true form, increasing movement | | | speed by 70% for 10 sec. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Running Wild | 1.5 sec cast. | | | Drop to all fours to run as fast as a wild | | | animal. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Transform: Worgen | Instant cast. | | | Transform into Worgen Form. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Two Forms | Instant cast. 1.5 sec cooldown. | | | Turn into your currently inactive form. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Aberration | Passive. Reduces the duration of all Curses and | | | Diseases used against you by 15%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Flayer | Passive. Skinning skill increased by 15 and | | | allows you to skin faster. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Viciousness | Passive. Increases critical strike chance by 1%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ======= | ORC | ======= - Blood Fury works really well with Rapid Fire. - Command is great on its own but is especially handy for BM-Hunters. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Blood Fury | Instant cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Increases attack power by 2+(level*4). | | | Lasts 15 sec. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Axe Specialization | Passive. Expertise with Fist Weapons, Axes and | | | Two-Handed Axes increased by 3. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Command | Passive. Damage dealt by pets increased by 5%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Hardiness | Passive. Duration of Stun effects reduced by an | | | additional 15%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========= | TROLL | ========= - Berserking goes great with Rapid Fire. - Bow Specialization is a big boon for hunters. - Da Voodoo Shuffle is very useful in PvP. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Berserking | Instant cast. 3 min cooldown. | | | Increases your attack and casting speed by 20% | | | for 10 sec. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Beast Slaying | Passive. Damage dealt versus Beasts increased by | | | 5%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Bow Specialization | Passive. Your chance to critically hit with Bows | | | is increased by 1%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Da Voodoo Shuffle | Passive. Reduces the duration of all movement | | | impairing effects by 15%. Trolls be flippin' out | | | mon! | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Regeneration | Passive. Health regeneration rate increased by | | | 10%. 10% of total Health regeneration may | | | continue during combat. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Throw Specialization | Passive. Your chance to critically hit with | | | Throwing Weapons is increased by 1%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========== | TAUREN | ========== - War Stomp is useful for situations where several enemies have gotten too close to you. Also great for interrupting spells if used correctly. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | War Stomp | 0.5 sec cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Stuns up to 5 enemies within 8 yds for 2 sec. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Cultivation | Passive. Herbalism skill increased by 15 and you | | | gather herbs faster than normal herbalists. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Endurance | Passive. Base Health increased by 5%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Nature Resistance | Passive. Reduces the chance you will be hit by | | | Nature spells by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========== | UNDEAD | ========== - Will of the Forsaken can be useful against specific CC abilities. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Will of the Forsaken | Instant cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Removes any Charm, Fear and Sleep effect. This | | | effect shares a 30 sec cooldown with other | | | similar effects. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Cannibalize | Instant cast. 5 yd range. 2 min cooldown. | | | When activated, regenerates 7% of total health | | | and mana every 2 sec for 10 sec. Only works on | | | Humanoid or Undead corpses within 5 yds. Any | | | movement, action, or damage taken while | | | Cannibalizing will cancel the effect. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Shadow Resistance | Passive. Reduces the chance you will be hit by | | | Shadow spells by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Underwater Breathing | Passive. Underwater breath lasts 233% longer than | | | normal. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ============= | BLOOD ELF | ============= - Arcane Torrent makes a great spell interrupt if used correctly. The quick burst of Focus can also come in handy. - Magic Resistance can be useful against pesky casters. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Arcane Torrent | Instant cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Silence all enemies within 8 yards for 2 sec and | | | restores 15 of your Focus. Non-player victim | | | spellcasting is also interrupted for 3 sec. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Arcane Affinity | Passive. Enchanting skill increased by 10. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Magic Resistance | Passive. Reduces the chance you will be hit by | | | spells by 2%. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========== | GOBLIN | ========== - Rocket Jump is a great supplement to Disengage. - The +1% haste from Time is Money is very beneficial to hunters. - Best Deals Anywhere offers great discounts on repair bills. ============================================================================= | RACIAL ABILITIES | DESCRIPTION | ============================================================================= | Pack Hobgoblin | Instant cast. 30 min cooldown. | | | Calls in your friend, Gobber, allowing you bank | | | access for 1 min. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Rocket Barrage | Instant cast. 30 yd range. 2 min cooldown. | | | Launches your belt rockets at an enemy, dealing X | | | fire damage. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Rocket Jump | Instant cast. 2 min cooldown. | | | Activates your rocket belt to jump forward. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Best Deals Anywhere | Passive. Always receive the best possible gold | | | discount, regardless of faction. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Better Living Through | Passive. Alchemy skill increased by 15. | | Chemistry | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Time is Money | Passive. Cash in on a 1% increase to attack and | | | casting speed. | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Choosing Your Professions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Professions allow you to do a multitude of things, depending on which ones you choose to learn. You can create items and enchants for yourself, and you can make money doing so for others. Though you can play through the entire game without having any professions, you miss out on some very crucial bonuses that each one has to offer. Be sure to invest in professions as early as possible. ================== | Leatherworking | ================== BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Leather & Mail Armor Patterns Powerful Bracer Enchant Armor Patches Easy Leg Enchants Leatherworking allows you to craft your own leather and mail armor. Most of the recipes are decent at best, but there are quite a few epic endgame patterns that will be very useful to you. You also have access to some very powerful bracer and leg enchants that require the simplest of materials. Because this profession requires large quantities of leathers, hides, and scales, Leatherworking is best paired with Skinning. =============== | Engineering | =============== BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Jumper Cables & Repair Bots Powerful Glove Enchant Lots of Fun Toys Epic Helm and Cogwheel Sockets Ranged Weapons Engineering is a very diverse crafting profession that allows you to craft a multitude of objects, including mechanical pets, repair bots, jumper cables, trinkets, explosives, ranged weapons, among many other things. You also have the option of crafting an exclusive epic helm with sockets that can be fitted with powerful cogwheels instead of gems. Though many recipes require a wide variety of materials, minerals are especially in high demand for engineers. This makes Mining the most ideal gathering profession to have. However, its exclusive +Stam bonus is generally less favorable for DPS than what other professions have to offer. =========== | Alchemy | =========== BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Potions & Elixirs Extended Consumable Effects & Durations Transmutations Alchemy Stones Alchemy allows you to cook up different kinds of potions, elixirs, and flasks, which are always in high demand in the raiding community. You can also transmute gems and elemental materials, and change them from one type to another. As an added bonus, your own concoctions also have increased effects and durations when used on yourself. Alchemy requires herbs, and lots of it. This makes Herbalism the most ideal gathering profession to pair this profession with. ============== | Enchanting | ============== BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Item Enchantments Ring Enchants Enchanting allows you to disenchant items into shards, crystals, and essences, which are then used to add permanent stat bonuses to your weapons and armor. As an enchanter, you get the added bonus of being able to enchant your rings as well. You can also market your enchants with the help of scrolls that can store your enchants. Enchanting is perhaps the most difficult profession to work with because of the need to find unwanted weapons and armor to disenchant. However, the reaped materials are extremely valuable as a result, and you can make a decent profit selling unwanted materials to other players. Tailoring is typically the best profession to pair Enchanting with, since it allows you to craft cloth armor that can go straight to Disenchanting, though you should consider learning a second crafting profession for the sake of being able to create things that you can actually use. ================= | Jewelcrafting | ================= BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Crafted Rings, Necks, & Trinkets Jewelerâs Gems Cut Your Own Gems Jewelcrafting allows you to craft a variety of rings, necklaces, and trinkets. As you progress, you also acquire the ability to cut stat-boosting gems that can fitted into sockets on your weapons and armor. This profession becomes quite lucrative at high levels, as endgame gems are extremely valuable. This profession comes with an ability called Prospecting, which allows you to gather materials from mineral ores, thereby making Mining the most ideal gathering profession to learn. =============== | Inscription | =============== BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Craft Your Own Glyphs Powerful Shoulder Enchants Tarot Cards Off-Hand Items Inscription allows you to craft glyphs, which enhances your abilities. You can also craft tarot cards and off-hand items, though neither of the two are of much use to you by the time you reach endgame. The benefit of being an inscriber is being able to apply shoulder enchants that far surpass those available to others. Inscription comes with an ability called Milling, which allows you grind herbs into reagents. As such, Herbalism serves as the ideal gathering profession to pair with this. ================= | Blacksmithing | ================= BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Endgame Melee Weapons Glove & Bracer Sockets Some Mail Armor Patterns Eternium Belt Buckles As a blacksmith, you can craft mail and plate armor. However, this profession is designed to cater to plate-wearing melee classes. Most hunters that become blacksmiths do so for the exclusive ability to add sockets to their gloves and bracers. Although it would make sense to pair it with Mining, Jewelcrafting is your best possible choice as a second profession. The latter allows you to craft powerful gems that can only be cut and used by jewelcrafters, though you will have to find other ways of getting mineral ores. ============= | Tailoring | ============= BENEFITS EXCLUSIVES Cloth Armor Swordguard Embroidery Bags Flying Carpet Mount Magic Carpet Mounts Tailoring allows you to craft cloth armor, bags, and spellthreads. This isn't recommended for hunters, since there are very few benefits to having it. ========== | Mining | ========== BONUS ABILITY Toughness: All your hard work spent mining has made you exceptionally tough, increasing your Stamina. RANK SKILL BONUS 1 75 +3 Stamina 2 150 +5 Stamina 3 225 +7 Stamina 4 300 +10 Stamina 5 375 +30 Stamina 6 450 +50 Stamina 7 525 +120 Stamina Mining allows you to gather ores, stones, and gems from mineral veins. Using a sub-skill called Smelting, you can convert the ore to metal bars. These materials can then be used for Blacksmithing, Jewelcrafting, and Engineering. ============ | Skinning | ============ BONUS ABILITY Master of Anatomy: Skinning all those dead animals has broadened your anatomical knowledge, increasing your critical strike rating. RANK SKILL BONUS 1 75 +3 Crit Rating 2 150 +6 Crit Rating 3 225 +9 Crit Rating 4 300 +12 Crit Rating 5 375 +20 Crit Rating 6 450 +32 Crit Rating 7 525 +80 Crit Rating Skinning allows you to skin fallen corpses for leathers, hides, and scales, making it the perfect gathering profession for leatherworks. Itâs also very easy to level since mobs are very abundant, especially in jungle habitats. Conveniently, the Master of Anatomy bonus is a great buff for you as a hunter. It also serves as a great incentive to take Leatherworking. ============= | Herbalism | ============= BONUS ABILITY Lifeblood: Uses your skill in Herbalism to absorb energy and nutrients from the earth, instantly healing minor wounds and granting X haste rating for 20 sec. Can be used while stealthed or invisible. 2 minute cooldown. RANK SKILL BONUS 1 1 Lifebloom grants 5 Haste. 2 75 Lifebloom grants 15 Haste. 3 150 Lifebloom grants 35 Haste. 4 225 Lifebloom grants 55 Haste. 5 300 Lifebloom grants 70 Haste. 6 375 Lifebloom grants 120 Haste. 7 450 Lifebloom grants 240 Haste. 8 525 Lifebloom grants 480 Haste. Herbalism allows you to find and gather many of the herbs that grow throughout the lands, which in turn can be used by inscribers and alchemists. Just as with mining, this profession requires that you travel cross-country to get the herbs you need. However, herbs are abundant enough that you will find that your skill will grow quickly as you progress through each region of the world. ========================= | Secondary Professions | ========================= FIRST AID This is an absolute necessity. With First Aid, you can convert cloth to bandages that heal you for a great deal of health. Bandages are useful for any situation where you need quick and immediate health recovery. COOKING Cooking allows you to turn raw meats into edible goods, many of which offer buffs that are vital to a PvE environment. Though you can get by without it, you really should invest some time into raising your Cooking skill. FISHING Not one of the more exciting professions to work with but fish is a key component to certain recipes, especially in Alchemy and Cooking. Also a great way to pass the time if you have nothing better to do. ARCHEOLOGY You uncover fragments from dig sites and reassemble them into nifty items. Highlights include mounts and weapons. It requires a lot of traveling but it's a great way to kill time while waiting for a dungeon or a group to assemble. =============================================================================== --------------------------[ IV. Hunter Abilities ]----------------------------- =============================================================================== This section will give you a full analysis of each of your abilities. As a hunter, you will have many abilities to work with, which will easily take up most of your action bars. If you don't have a special gaming mouse or keypad of some kind, I recommend that you enable all of your action bars and set hotkeys to them. Some players assign their Function keys to their top-left action bar. I prefer to use my Shift-number keys instead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Beast Mastery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This category features a selection of Aspects and pet-based abilities. ========================= | Aspect of the Cheetah | ========================= Instant 1.0 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The hunter takes on the aspects of a cheetah, increasing | | movement speed by 30%. If the hunter takes damage, he will | | be dazed for 4 sec. Only one Aspect can be active at a | | time. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 16 No change. COMMENTS Cheetah is a great way to quickly move through areas where mounts are not an option. The speed bonus is also great for kiting but you have to be aware of any kind of ranged damage or spells that will daze you. ===================== | Aspect of the Fox | ===================== Instant 1.0 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The hunter takes on the aspects of a fox, allowing you to | | shoot Steady Shot and Cobra Shot while moving and causing | | you to gain 2 Focus whenever you receive a melee attack. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 83 No change. COMMENTS Having to be on the move takes a toll on your Focus pool. Use this Aspect whenever you need to be on the move and can't stop to cast Steady Shot or Cobra Shot. ====================== | Aspect of the Hawk | ====================== Instant 1.0 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The hunter takes on the aspects of a hawk, increasing | | ranged attack power by X. Only one Aspect can be active | | at a time. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 12 Increases ranged attack power by 41. 85 Increases ranged attack power by 2000. COMMENTS Your main Aspect. This should remain active when all others aren't necessary. ====================== | Aspect of the Pack | ====================== Instant 1.0 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The hunter and raid members within 40 yards take on the | | aspects of a pack of cheetahs, increasing movement speed | | by 30%. If a pack member takes damage, they will be dazed | | for 4 sec. Only one Aspect can be active at a time. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 56 No change. COMMENTS This is simply Aspect of the Cheetah for the whole party. Great for running a group through long indoor environments. Just remember to turn it off when your group runs into trouble. ====================== | Aspect of the Wild | ====================== Instant 1.0 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The hunter and group members within 30 yards take on the | | aspect of the wild, increasing Nature resistance by X. | | Only one Aspect can be active at a time. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 64 Nature resist bonus starts at 45. 85 Nature resist bonus ends at 145. COMMENTS Very situational. Use this for encounters where there is a heavy intake of nature damage. However, keep in mind that the range of this Aspect will only benefit party and raid members within 30 yards of you, which is significantly shorter than your 40-yard attack range. ============== | Beast Lore | ============== 40 yd range Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Gather information about the target beast. The tooltip | | will display damage, health, armor, any special | | resistances, and diet. In addition, Beast Lore will reveal | | whether or not the creature is tameable and what | | abilities the tamed creature has. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 10 No change. COMMENTS A novelty ability. It's a fun way to take a quick look at a beast's stats, and to see if it's tamable. Also useable on druids and shamans in their transformed states. ============ | Call Pet | ============ Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Summons your first pet to you. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 1 The first pet slot is unlocked. 18 The second pet slot is unlocked. 42 The third pet slot is unlocked. 62 The fourth pet slot is unlocked. 82 The fifth pet slot is unlocked. COMMENTS This ability is self-explanatory. Although you are restricted to one pet at the start of the game, you gain the ability to swap one for another as you unlock more pet slots. =============== | Control Pet | =============== Passive -------------------------------------------------------------- | Allows you to give commands to control your pet. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 10 No change. COMMENTS When you first start out, your pet acts on its own. However, you can manually command your animal companion once you acquire this ability. =============== | Dismiss Pet | =============== Unlimited range 2 sec cast -------------------------------------------------------------- | Temporarily sends this pet away. You can call it back | | later. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 10 No change. COMMENTS Use this to un-summon your pet should you ever need to switch pets or move across some rough terrain that would otherwise cause pathing problems for your pet. ============= | Eagle Eye | ============= Unlimited range Channeled -------------------------------------------------------------- | Zooms in the hunter's vision. Only usable outdoors. Lasts | | 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 16 No change. COMMENTS Eagle Eye is great for outdoor recon. Target a spot on the ground or on the side of a mountain, and you get a nice view of the surrounding area. A great asset in PvP. Just watch your back while looking around. ============ | Feed Pet | ============ 10 yd range Instant 10 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Feed your pet the selected item, instantly restoring 50% | | of its total health. Cannot be used while in combat. | -------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: You receive this skill as a quest reward. LEVEL EFFECT 10 No change. COMMENTS Good if you need to give your pet a quick heal between pulls. ================ | Kill Command | ================ 40 Focus 100 yr range Instant 6 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Give the command to kill, causing your pet to instantly | | inflict X (+51.6% RAP) damage to its target. | | | | The pet must be in combat and within 5 yards of the target | | to Kill Command. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 10 No change. 85 Causes a base damage of 849. COMMENTS Available to all specs but is mostly utilized as a crucial attack by BM-Hunters. Other specs dump too much of their Focus into their Shots to use Kill Command regularly but it can be used while Deterrence is active. ================= | Master's Call | ================= 25 yd range Instant 1 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet attempts to remove all root and movement | | impairing effects from itself and its target, and causes | | your pet and its target to be immune to all such effects | | for 4 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 74 No change. COMMENTS There is nothing more debilitating to a hunter's performance and safety than a snare or root effect. Use this to quickly brush it off. ============ | Mend Pet | ============ 45 yd range Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Heals your pet for 25% of its total health over 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 16 No change. COMMENTS Absolutely vital for keeping your pet alive, and it can help remove harmful debuffs if you have Improved Mend Pet. You can also save money on your next pet food bill by using it to raise your pet's Happiness if you have its respective Glyph. ============== | Revive Pet | ============== 35% of base focus 10 sec cast -------------------------------------------------------------- | Revive your pet, returning it to life with 15% of its base | | health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: You receive this skill as a quest reward. LEVEL EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS The name is self-explanatory. Very time-consuming. Do your best to keep your pet alive. =============== | Scare Beast | =============== 25 Focus 2.0 sec cast 30 yd range -------------------------------------------------------------- | Scares a beast, causing it to run in fear for up to 20 | | sec. Damage caused may interrupt the effect. Only one | | beast can be feared at a time. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 36 No changes. COMMENTS Very situational. You can use it when CC isn't available. Also good versus enemy druids in PvP. ============== | Tame Beast | ============== 30 yd range Channeled -------------------------------------------------------------- | Begins taming a beast to be your companion. If you lose | | the beast's attention for any reason, the taming process | | will fail. Once tamed, the beast will be very unhappy and | | disloyal. Try feeding the pet immediately to make it | | happy. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 10 No changes. COMMENTS Takes a total of eight seconds to complete. Use CC to your advantage while taming. =============== | Widow Venom | =============== 15 Focus 40 yd range Instant Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | A venomous shot that reduces the effectiveness of any | | healing taken by 10% for 30 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 40 No change. COMMENTS Use this whenever enemy healing is a concern. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Marksmanship ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is your arsenal of ranged Shots and tools that will assist you in inflicting damage upon your target. =============== | Arcane Shot | =============== 25 Focus 40 yd range Instant Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | An instant shot that causes 100% weapon damage plus X | | (+4.83% RAP) as arcane damage. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 1 Causes 1 base arcane damage. 85 Causes 289 base arcane damage. COMMENTS A simple Shot that can be used on the move and has no cooldown. A staple ability for MM and BM but a situational ability for SV due to the cost of Explosive Shot. Use this whenever you have excess Focus while other abilities are cooling down. ============= | Auto Shot | ============= 40 yd range Instant Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Automatically shoots the target until cancelled. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS This is your basic auto-attack but with a ranged weapon. Though you can have it slotted to your action bar, the best thing is for you to learn to use your T key (auto-attack by default) as your Auto Shot trigger. =================== | Concussive Shot | =================== 40 yd range Instant 5 sec cooldown Required Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Dazes the target, slowing movement speed by 50% for 5 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 8 No change. COMMENTS Use this to slow down a fleeing target or an attacker trying to get close to you. Attach its respective Glyph to extend the duration and you can sustain the Daze effect. ==================== | Distracting Shot | ==================== 35 yd range Instant 8 sec cooldown Required Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Distracts the target to attack you, but has no effect if | | the target is already attacking you. Lasts 6 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 52 No change. COMMENTS Great way to protect fragile party members from getting ripped to pieces. Since the aggro only lasts as long as the Shot's duration, you can keep your target preoccupied for those six seconds while your fellow party or raid members get themselves together. ========= | Flare | ========= 40 yd range Instant 20 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Exposes all hidden and invisible enemies within 10 yards | | of the targeted area for 20 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 38 No change. COMMENTS Flare is great for spotting hidden mobs and players but itâs always a hit or miss. Most mobs are predictable enough that more often than not, you can get away with it not revealing your target. In PvP, it's best when used along narrow corridors and entryways. ================= | Hunterâs Mark | ================= 100 yd range Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Places the Hunter's Mark on the target, increasing the | | ranged attack power of all attackers against that target | | by X. In addition, the target of this ability can always | | be seen by the hunter whether it stealths or turns | | invisible. The target also appears on the mini-map. Lasts | | for 5 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 14 Increases RAP of attacks by 40. 85 Increases RAP of attacks by 1772. COMMENTS Always Mark your target. ============= | Kill Shot | ============= 45 yd range Instant 10 sec cooldown Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | You attempt to finish the wounded target off, firing a | | long range attack dealing 150% weapon damage plus X (+30% | | RAP). Kill Shot can only be used on enemies that have 20% | | or less health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 35 Causes 39 base damage. 85 Causes 543 base damage. COMMENTS In spite of being only useable past 20% health, it's a free shot that costs 0 Focus. Put it to use whenever it's available. ============== | Multi-Shot | ============== 40 Focus 35 yd range Instant Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Fires several missiles, hitting your current target and | | all enemies within 0 yards of that target for 120% of | | weapon damage. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 24 No change. COMMENTS This is your standard AOE attack ability. Use it in conjunction with Explosive Trap whenever you're up against large packs of mobs. Even though it has a high Focus cost, each spec has its own way of compensating for it. ============== | Rapid Fire | ============== Instant 5 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases ranged attack speed by 40% for 15 seconds. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 54 No change. COMMENTS Use this whenever you need a quick burst of DPS. Also quickens the casting times of your Steady, Cobra, and Aimed Shots. =============== | Steady Shot | =============== 40 yd range 1.5 sec cast Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | A steady shot that causes weapon damage plus X (+10% RAP). | | Generates 9 Focus. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 3 X base damage equals 2. 85 X base damage equals 280. COMMENTS As an offensive ability, Steady Shot is the weakest of your Shots, but it's the best way to replenish Focus while your heavier Shots are cooling down. A staple to MM due to the +Haste that comes from Improved Steady Shot. ====================== | Tranquilizing Shot | ====================== 20 Focus 35 yd range Instant Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Attempts to remove 1 Enrage and 1 Magic effect from an | | enemy target. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 35 No change. COMMENTS A great way to dispel potentially dangerous buffs from enemy targets. Especially useful in PvP. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Survival ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section consists of tactical defense abilities, and is your source for attacks that inflict elemental damage. ============== | Camouflage | ============== 20 Focus Instant 1 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | You blend into your surroundings, causing you and your pet | | to be untargetable by ranged attacks. Also reduces the | | range at which enemy creatures can detect you, and | | provides stealth while stationary. | | | | You can lay traps while camouflaged, but any damage done | | by you or your pet will cancel the effect. Cannot be cast | | while in combat. Lasts for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 85 No change. COMMENTS This ability allows you to safely sneak around areas that are packed with dangerous pulls. It offers the same reduction in aggro radius as a rogue's Stealth but you are still visible to enemy players unless you stand still. It's especially handy for safely setting up strategic ambushes in PvP. ============== | Cobra Shot | ============== 40 yd range 1.5 sec cast Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Deals weapon damage plus X (+1.7% RAP) in the form of | | Nature damage and increases the duration of your Serpent | | Sting on the target by 6 sec. Generates 9 Focus. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 81 Causes 254 base Nature damage. 85 Causes 277 base Nature damage. COMMENTS Replaces Steady Shot for BM and SV as both a Focus builder and a way of refreshing Serpent Sting. Also great for encounters where enemy armor is a concern. ============== | Deterrence | ============== Instant 2 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | When activated, increases the chance melee attacks will | | miss you by 100%, reduces the chance ranged attacks will | | hit you by 100% and grants a 100% chance to deflect | | spells. While Deterrence is active, you cannot attack. | | Lasts 5 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 36 No change. COMMENTS This will keep you safe from harm long enough for you to get out of a bad situation. You can use the time to run, drop some traps, break a snare with Master's Call, or use your pet abilities. Always keep in mind that there are many deadly NPC abilities that punch straight through Deterrence. ============= | Disengage | ============= Unlimited range Instant 25 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | You attempt to disengage from combat, leaping backwards. | | Can only be used while in combat. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 78 No change. COMMENTS A great way to quickly escape from a bad situation but be sure to take note of your surroundings: the last thing you would want is to hit a wall or fly off a cliff by mistake. ================== | Explosive Trap | ================== Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Place a fire trap that explodes when an enemy approaches, | | causing X Fire damage and burning all enemies for Y (*10) | | additional Fire damage over 20 sec to all within 10 yards. | | Trap will exist for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 38 Data pending. 85 Explodes for 195 to 249 Fire damage, plus 29 per tick for 10 sec. COMMENTS This serves as your secondary AOE ability. Best used when Launched into a large crowd and in conjunction with Multi-Shot. =============== | Feign Death | =============== Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Feign death, tricking enemies into ignoring you. Lasts up | | to 6 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 32 No change. COMMENTS Great way to wipe yourself clean of all threat. Also makes a great reset button when a pull goes wrong, or if you run into a mob by mistake. You can use it to un-target yourself in PvP as well as disrupt incoming spell casts. ================= | Freezing Trap | ================= Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Place a frost trap that freezes the first enemy that | | approaches, preventing all action for up to 1 min. Any | | damage caused will break the ice. Trap will exist for 1 | | min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 28 No change. COMMENTS Your primary CC ability. Unlike other classes, Freezing Trap works on anything that isn't immune to Frost spells. Easy to set up with Trap Launcher, though Scatter Shot can also buy you enough time to slip one under someone's feet. ============ | Ice Trap | ============ Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Place a frost trap that creates an ice slick around itself | | for 30 sec when the first enemy approaches it. All enemies | | within 10 yards will be slowed by 50% while in the area of | | effect. Trap will exist for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 46 No change. COMMENTS Great for slowing down a large pack of mobs that may get loose, or enemy players in a narrow space. Also a great way to give yourself a nifty +6% crit chance bonus if you have Point of No Escape. =================== | Immolation Trap | =================== Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Place a fire trap that will burn the first enemy to | | approach for X (+2% RAP) Fire damage over 15 sec. Trap | | will exist for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 22 Data pending. 85 Inflicts a base total of 2880 Fire damage, or 576 damage per tick. COMMENTS This is your secondary DOT ability. Because of its mediocre damage output, it's not one of the more reliable traps in your arsenal. SV-Hunters use Black Arrow in place of this trap. ================ | Misdirection | ================ 100 yd range Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The current party or raid member targeted will receive the | | threat caused by your next damaging attack and all actions | | taken for 4 sec afterwards. Transferred threat is not | | permanent, and will fade after 30 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 76 Great way to give a tank plenty of threat on an initial pull. Against a large pack of mobs, you can use a combination of Explosive Trap and Multi-Shot to ensure that the tank gets a good grip on the entire pack. ================= | Raptor Strike | ================= Melee Range Instant 6 sec cooldown Requires Melee Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | An attack that instantly deals your normal weapon damage | | plus X. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 6 X bonus damage equals 3. 85 X bonus damage equals 373. COMMENTS Your one melee Strike ability. Best when used with a 2H weapon. ================ | Scatter Shot | ================ 20 yd range Instant 30 sec cooldown Required Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | A short-range shot that deals 50% weapon damage and | | disorients the target for 4 sec. Any damage caused will | | remove the effect. Turns off your attack when used. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 15 No change. COMMENTS A great ability with lots of potential uses. You can use it to disrupt a spell, escape from melee range, or buy time to slip a trap under someone's feet. ================= | Serpent Sting | ================= 25 Focus 40 yd range Instant Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Causes X (+40% RAP) Nature damage over 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 10 Deals a base total of 25 Nature damage, or 5 per tick. 85 Deals a base total of 2300 Nature damage, or 460 per tick. COMMENTS Your primary DOT ability. Use it whenever possible. As you reach higher levels, you can sustain it with Cobra Shot or Chimera Shot. ============== | Snake Trap | ============== Instant 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Place a nature trap that will release several venomous | | snakes to attack the first enemy to approach. The snakes | | will die after 15 sec. Trap will exist for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 66 No change. COMMENTS The snakes bite and spit a variety of rogue poisons, including Deadly (DOT), Crippling (snare), and Mind-numbing (slows casting speed). Great way to slow your target down. The only downside is that its uses in PvP are somewhat limited by how easily the snakes fall to AOE damage. ================ | Track Beasts | ================ Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby beasts on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 4 No change. COMMENTS Great for tracking quest kills but having this available at such an early level gives you the chance to fill your stable as you grow in level, and is a valuable late-game tool for finding rare pets. ================ | Track Demons | ================ Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby demons on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 36 No change. COMMENTS Demons are rare but are fittingly prominent in pockets of Kalimdor and all throughout Outland. =================== | Track Dragonkin | =================== Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby dragonkin on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 52 No change. COMMENTS Dragons are very territorial. You will find them only in small pockets of land throughout the world. ==================== | Track Elementals | ==================== Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby elementals on the | | minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 34 No change. COMMENTS Great for farming Essences, Primals, and other crafting materials that elementals often drop. ================ | Track Giants | ================ Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby giants on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 46 No change. COMMENTS Giants are very rare in this game. You will seldom have a need for this. ================ | Track Hidden | ================ Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Greatly increases stealth detection and shows hidden units | | within detection range on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 26 No change. COMMENTS Keep this active at all times. A valuable tool for keeping an open eye on potential threats, especially in PvP. =================== | Track Humanoids | =================== Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby humanoids on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 12 No change. COMMENTS Humanoids are so common that if there is any other tracker that you would leave active at all times, this is the one. ================ | Track Undead | ================ Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shows the location of all nearby undead on the minimap. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 18 No change. COMMENTS Use this tracker near cemeteries, sunken ships, and other haunted locales. Extremely valuable in much of Northrend. ================= | Trap Launcher | ================= 20 Focus Instant -------------------------------------------------------------- | When used, your next Trap can be launched to a target | | location within 40 yards. Lasts for 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 48 No change. COMMRNTS Great ability. Use it to set down traps with ease. ============= | Wing Clip | ============= Melee Range Instant Requires Melee Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Maims the enemy, reducing the target's movement speed by | | 50% for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 12 No change. COMMENTS Use this to slow down an enemy target that has gotten too close to you. Also great for preventing targets from fleeing to safety. =============================================================================== ----------------------------[ V. Hunter Talents ]------------------------------ =============================================================================== What sets you apart from other hunters is your choice in specialization and talents. This section will give you a breakdown of the available talents in each tree. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Beast Mastery ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These talents are associated with boosting the effects of your Aspects and attack speed while strengthening your petâs offensive and defensive capabilities. ========================= | Improved Kill Command | ========================= Tier 1 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the critical strike chance of your Kill Command | | by 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Critical strike chance +5%. 2 Critical strike chance +10%. COMMENTS An absolute staple to BM-Hunters but is otherwise questionable for other specs. =================== | One With Nature | =================== Tier 1 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the attack power bonus of your Aspect of the | | Hawk by 10%, and increases the amount of focus restored by | | your Aspect of the Fox by 1. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 RAP bonus +10%. Focus restoration +1. 2 RAP bonus +20%. Focus restoration +2. 3 RAP bonus +30%. Focus restoration +3. COMMENTS An excellent choice for any spec. ====================== | Bestial Discipline | ====================== Tier 1 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the Focus regeneration of your pets by 10%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Pet Focus regeneration +10%. 2 Pet Focus regeneration +20%. 3 Pet Focus regeneration +30%. COMMENTS A crucial component to maintaining pet DPS. Great for any spec. ============== |Pathfinding | ============== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the speed bonus of your Aspect of the Cheetah | | and Aspect of the Pack by 4%, and increases your speed | | while mounted by 5%. The mounted movement speed increase | | does not stack with other effects. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Aspects of the Cheetah and Pack speed +4%. Mounted speed +5%. 2 Aspects of the Cheetah and Pack speed +8%. Mounted speed +10%. COMMENTS Pathfinding tends to get lost in the shadow of many DPS-oriented talents but it can be useful for getting to crucial nodes quickly when riding across PvP battlegrounds. =============== | Spirit Bond | =============== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | While your pet is active, you and your pet will regenerate | | 1% of total health every 10 sec., and increases healing | | done to you and your pet by 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 1% health regeneration every 10 sec. +5% healing effects. 2 2% health regeneration every 10 sec. +10% healing effects. COMMENTS With mana being a tight resource for healers these days, Spirit Bond is a worthwhile talent for both you and your pet. ========== | Frenzy | ========== Tier 2 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet gains 2% attack speed after attacking with a | | Basic Attack, lasting for 10 sec and stacking up to 5 | | times. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +2% attack speed, 10% at full stack. 2 +4% attack speed, 20% at full stack. 3 +6% attack speed, 30% at full stack. COMMENTS With a proper build, a pet can typically reach a full five stacks in about eight seconds. A must-have for any BM-Hunter, and a crucial component to Focus Fire. ===================== | Improved Mend Pet | ===================== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Gives the Mend Pet ability a 25% chance of cleansing 1 | | Curse, Disease, Magic or Poison effect from the pet each | | tick. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 25% chance of cleansing effect. 2 50% chance of cleansing effect. COMMENTS This talent tends to be situational. There aren't a whole lot of encounters where keeping your pet clean is crucial to winning. In PvP, however, you can get a lot of mileage out of it. If you plan on grabbing this talent, you probably aren't going to need more than one point. ================ | Cobra Strike | ================ Tier 3 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | You have a 5% chance when you hit with Arcane Shot to | | cause your pet's next 2 Basic Attacks to critically hit. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 5% chance to proc. 2 10% chance to proc. 3 15% chance to proc. COMMENTS This talent is the reason why Arcane Shot is a crucial ability for BM-Hunters. ========== | Fervor | ========== Tier 3 1 rank Instant 2 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Instantly restores 50 Focus to you and your pet. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 20 No change. COMMENTS Good for those times when you need a quick refuel. Also necessary for unlocking Bestial Wrath further down the tree. ============== | Focus Fire | ============== Tier 3 1 rank Instant 15 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Consumes your Pets Frenzy effect, restoring 4 Focus to | | your pet and increasing your ranged haste by 3% for each | | Frenzy stack consumed. Lasts for 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 20 No change. COMMENTS This transfers your pet's Frenzy buff to you, which makes for a nice boost in DPS. It takes roughly nine seconds to build up five stacks but once it's up, you can sustain it for a long time, assuming that the encounter will allow your pet to keep up a good output of Frenzy stacks every fifteen seconds. ============= | Longevity | ============= Tier 4 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the cooldown of your Bestial Wrath, Intimidation | | and Pet Special Abilities by 10%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 10% cooldown reduction. 2 20% cooldown reduction. 3 30% cooldown reduction. COMMENTS A vital staple to every BM build. ================== | Killing Streak | ================== Tier 4 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When you score two Kill Command critical hits in a row, | | your third will deal 10% more damage and have its cost | | reduced by 5 focus. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +10% Kill Command damage, -5 Focus cost. 2 +20% Kill Command damage, -10 Focus cost. COMMENTS A valuable DPS talent, one that shares synergy with Improved Kill Command and Bestial Wrath. =================================== | Crouching Tiger, Hidden Chimera | =================================== Tier 5 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Whenever you are hit by a melee attack, the cooldown of | | your Disengage is instantly reduced by 2 sec. | | | | Whenever you are hit by a ranged attack or spell, the | | cooldown of your Deterrence is instantly reduced by 4 sec. | | | | These effects have a 2 sec cooldown. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -2 sec on Disengage cooldown. -4 sec on Deterrence cooldown. 2 -4 sec on Disengage cooldown. -8 sec on Deterrence cooldown. COMMENTS A very handy talent for BM-Hunters who are interested in PvP but is otherwise seldom useful in PvE. ================= | Bestial Wrath | ================= Tier 5 1 rank 100 yd range Instant 2 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Send your pet into a rage causing 20% additional damage | | for 10 sec. The beast does not feel pity or remorse or | | fear and it cannot be stopped unless killed. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 30 No change. COMMENTS Use this ability whenever you need an extra boost in DPS, or if you want to put pressure on a player that is relying heavily on crowd control tactics. However, always remember that your pet must be alive and active in order to use this. ========================= | Ferocious Inspiration | ========================= Tier 5 1 rank -------------------------------------------------------------- | All party and raid members have all damage increased by 3% | | within 100 yards of your pet. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Parties and raids will love you for this. A staple to any BM build. =================== | Kindred Spirits | =================== Tier 6 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases you and your pets maximum focus by 5. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5 maximum Focus. 2 +10 maximum Focus. COMMENTS The bit of extra Focus is always a welcome commodity. ==================== | The Beast Within | ==================== Tier 6 1 rank -------------------------------------------------------------- | While your pet is under the effects of Bestial Wrath, you | | also go into a rage causing 10% additional damage and | | reducing the focus cost of all shots and abilities by 50% | | for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS A must-have for any BM-Hunter. ================ | Invigoration | ================ Tier 6 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When your pet scores a critical hit with a Basic Attack, | | you instantly regenerate 3 focus. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Regenerates 3 Focus. 2 Regenerates 6 Focus. COMMENTS Invigoration is a major source of Focus replenishment. ================= | Beast Mastery | ================= Tier 7 1 rank -------------------------------------------------------------- | You master the art of Beast training, teaching you the | | ability to tame Exotic pets and increasing your total | | amount of Pet Skill Points by 4. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS The extra pet points are nice but the real kicker is the Exotic pets. Exotics have some very interesting abilities, plus a few specific raid-wide buffs that can compensate for the lack of certain classes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Marksmanship ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These talents are mainly associated with your ranged attack abilities. The key goal of this tree is to maximize your ranged firepower. ===================== | Go for the Throat | ===================== Tier 1 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your ranged auto-shot critical hits cause your pet to | | generate 5 Focus. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Generates 5 Focus. 2 Generates 10 Focus. COMMENTS Though the talent is only affected by your auto-shots, it's tremendously helpful to your pet regardless of spec. ============== | Efficiency | ============== Tier 1 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the focus cost of your Arcane Shot by 1, and your | | Explosive Shot and Chimera Shot by 2. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -1 Arcane Shot cost. -2 Explosive Shot and Chimera Shot cost. 2 -2 Arcane Shot cost. -4 Explosive Shot and Chimera Shot cost. 3 -3 Arcane Shot cost. -6 Explosive Shot and Chimera Shot cost. COMMENTS Arguably a staple to every possible talent build. ================= | Rapid Killing | ================= Tier 1 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | After killing an opponent that yields experience or honor, | | your next Aimed Shot, Steady Shot or Cobra Shot causes 10% | | additional damage. Lasts 20 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +10% bonus damage. 2 +20% bonus damage. COMMENTS Good for PvP battlegrounds and leveling but is otherwise lackluster for dungeons and raids. Best when combined with Rapid Killing. ============ | Sic 'Em! | ============ Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When you critically hit with your Arcane Shot, Aimed Shot | | or Explosive Shot the focus cost of your Pet's next basic | | attack is reduced by 50% for 12 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -50% Focus cost. 2 -100% Focus cost. COMMENTS Together with Go For the Throat, Sic 'Em! is a great way of keeping your pet fueled regardless of spec. Only reduces the 25-point base cost of the attack before the upped cost from Wild Hunt. ======================== | Improved Steady Shot | ======================== Tier 2 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When you Steady Shot twice in a row, your ranged attack | | speed will be increased by 5% for 8 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5% ranged attack speed bonus. 2 +10% ranged attack speed bonus. 3 +15% ranged attack speed bonus. COMMENTS An absolute must for MM-Hunters. The +Haste bonus should be sustained as much as possible. =============== | Careful Aim | =============== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the critical strike chance of your Steady Shot, | | Cobra Shot and Aimed Shot by 30% on targets who are above | | 90% health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +30% critical strike chance. 2 +60% critical strike chance. COMMENTS This talent caters mainly to MM-Hunters by allowing them to start a battle with a powerful initial Aimed Shot burst. Works very well with Misdirection for that very reason. ================== | Silencing Shot | ================== Tier 3 1 rank 35 yd range Instant 20 sec cooldown Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | A shot that silences the target and interrupts | | spellcasting for 3 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 20 No change. COMMENTS Though it doesn't cause any damage, it has no Focus cost, and isn't impeded by the GCD. Extremely useful for many different PvE and PvP encounters. ====================== | Concussive Barrage | ====================== Tier 3 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your successful Chimera Shot and Multi-Shot attacks have a | | 50% chance to daze the target for 4 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 50% chance to daze target. 2 100% chance to daze target. COMMENTS Not really all that useful in PvE but it makes a great PvP talent. You can use Chimera Shot to turn the tables in an Arena match, or use Multi-Shot to rain down Concussive Shots on a group of enemy players. ================== | Piercing Shots | ================== Tier 3 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your critical Aimed, Steady and Chimera Shots cause the | | target to bleed for 10% of the damage dealt over 8 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Bleeds for 10% of damage dealt. 2 Bleeds for 20% of damage dealt. 3 Bleeds for 30% of damage dealt. COMMENTS Always a welcome talent in most MM builds, and makes crit a very desirable stat. =============== | Bombardment | =============== Tier 4 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When you critically hit with your Multi-Shot your next | | Multi-Shot's focus cost will be reduced by 25%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -25% Focus cost. 2 -50% Focus cost. COMMENTS Highly dependent on your chance to crit but a worthwhile talent. There are enough AOE-heavy situations where this makes a significant difference. ================= | Trueshot Aura | ================= Tier 4 1 rank -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the attack power of party and raid members | | within 100 yards by 10%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS MM's contribution to parties and raids. =============== | Termination | =============== Tier 4 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your Steady Shot and Cobra Shot abilities grant an | | additional 3 Focus when dealt on targets at or below 25% | | health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +3 additional Focus. 2 +6 additional Focus. COMMENTS A great talent that especially shines versus bosses. ======================== | Resistance is Futile | ======================== Tier 4 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When your marked target attempts to run, flee or move, you | | have a 4% chance to cause your next Kill Command on the | | marked target within 8 sec to refund the focus cost. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 4% chance to refund Focus cost. 2 8% chance to refund Focus cost. COMMENTS Its uses are limited in PvE, but the free Kill Commands are very useful in PvP. ====================== | Rapid Recuperation | ====================== Tier 5 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | You gain 6 focus every 3 sec while under the effect of | | Rapid Fire, and you gain 25 focus instantly when you gain | | Rapid Killing. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Restores 6 Focus per tick. Rapid Killing restores 25 Focus. 2 Restores 12 Focus per tick. Rapid Killing restores 50 Focus. COMMENTS Great for fueling Aimed Shots while Rapid Fire is active. The Focus boon from Rapid Killing is nice but you aren't likely to invest any points in Rapid Killing if you aren't building a spec that puts it to use. =================== | Master Marksman | =================== Tier 5 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | You have a 20% chance when you Steady Shot to gain the | | Master Marksman effect, lasting 30 sec. After reaching 5 | | stacks, your next Aimed Shot's cast time and focus cost | | are reduced by 100% for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 20% chance to gain the Master Marksman effect. 2 40% chance to gain the Master Marksman effect. 3 60% chance to gain the Master Marksman effect. COMMENTS Excellent talent. A must-have for any MM build. Yet another reason why Steady Shot is a much more attractive option for MM-Hunters than Cobra Shot. ============= | Readiness | ============= Tier 5 1 rank Instant 3 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | When activated, this ability immediately finishes the | | cooldown on your other Hunter abilities. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 30 No change. COMMENTS Readiness is that emergency button that you can reach whenever you need to get that second Disengage, Scatter Shot, or whatever else you may need right away. You can also use it offensively by giving yourself a second Rapid Fire. It also resets the cooldown on heavy hitters like Chimera Shot, but whether or not you can use it will depend on how much Focus you have. ============= | Posthaste | ============= Tier 6 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the cooldown of your Rapid Fire by 1 min, and your | | movement speed is increased by 15% for 4 sec after you use | | Disengage. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -1 min Rapid Fire cooldown. +15% movement speed bonus. 2 -2 min Rapid Fire cooldown. +30% movement speed bonus. COMMENTS The reduced cooldown on Rapid Fire brings it in line with the cooldown on Readiness, which conveniently sets you up for a second helping of back-to-back Rapid Fires three minutes after the first. That and the speed boost on Disengage works wonders in PvP. ==================== | Marked for Death | ==================== Tier 6 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your Arcane Shot and Chimera Shot have a 50% chance to | | automatically apply the Marked for Death effect. | | | | Marked for Death is the same as Hunter's Mark, but | | undispellable, does not restrict stealth or invisibility | | and lasts 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 50% chance to apply Marked for Death. 2 100% chance to apply Marked for Death. COMMENTS Saves you a GCD and allows you to make a preemptive strike, rather than alerting your target with a standard Hunter's Mark. You can also use this talent as a method of Marking two targets, which is a big deal when you consider how much RAP Hunter's Mark contributes to your offense. ================ | Chimera Shot | ================ Tier 7 1 rank 50 Focus 40 yd range Instant 10 sec cooldown Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | An instant shot that causes ranged weapon damage plus X | | (+24% RAP), refreshing the duration of your Serpent Sting | | and healing you for 5% of your total health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 40 X base damage equals 58 damage. 85 X base damage equals 400 damage. COMMENTS The MM-Hunter's signature power shot and main method of refreshing Serpent Sting. Use it often. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Survival ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The talents in this tree are geared towards defensive tactics and increasing elemental damage. =================== | Hunter vs. Wild | =================== Tier 1 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your total Stamina by 4%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +4% total Stamina. 2 +7% total Stamina. 3 +10% total Stamina. COMMENTS An absolute necessity for PvP but isn't crucial to PvE. =========== | Pathing | =========== Tier 1 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases ranged haste by 1%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +1% ranged haste. 2 +2% ranged haste. 3 +3% ranged haste. COMMENTS A great DPS talent for all intents and purposes. Also great for reducing Steady Shot and Cobra Shot's casting time. ========================== | Improved Serpent Sting | ========================== Tier 1 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your Serpent Sting also does instant damage equal to 15% | | of its total periodic effect. | | | | Also increases the periodic critical strike chance of your | | Serpent Sting by 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Instantly inflicts 15% of total DOT damage. +5% DOT crit chance. 2 Instantly inflicts 30% of total DOT damage. +10% DOT crit chance. COMMENTS Since the DOT will be kept active by either Cobra Shot or Chimera Shot after the initial Sting, the instant damage will typically be good for only one use. However, the additional crit chance bonus is a nice touch. Certainly worth looking at for any spec. ==================== | Survival Tactics | ==================== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the chance that your trap spells will be resisted | | by 2%, and reduces the cooldown of your Disengage ability | | by 2 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 2% reduced chance of trap resistance. -2 sec Disengage cooldown. 2 4% reduced chance of trap resistance. -4 sec Disengage cooldown. COMMENTS Trap resistance and Disengage are typically more of a concern in PvP than in PvE, but if you are a SV-Hunter, this is your best possible tier-2 talent choice alongside Trap Mastery. ================ | Trap Mastery | ================ Tier 2 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Ice Trap and Freezing Trap - Increases the duration by | | 10%. | | | | Immolation Trap, Explosive Trap and Black Arrow - | | Increases the periodic damage done by 10%. | | | | Snake Trap - Increases the number of snakes summoned by 2. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +10% cold durations. +10% DOT durations. +2 snakes summoned. 2 +20% cold durations. +20% DOT durations. +4 snakes summoned. 3 +30% cold durations. +30% DOT durations. +6 snakes summoned. COMMENTS The boost to Black Arrow makes this a crucial talent to any SV spec. Also great for pushing your Freezing Trap's duration to an amazing 1.5 minutes. ============== | Entrapment | ============== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When your Ice Trap or Snake Trap are triggered you entrap | | all afflicted targets, preventing them from moving for 2 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Immobilizes targets for 2 sec. 2 Immobilizes targets for 4 sec. COMMENTS Great for crippling an oncoming enemy offense in Battlegrounds but there are better talent choices for most PvE encounters. ====================== | Point of No Escape | ====================== Tier 2 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the critical strike chance of all of your | | attacks on targets affected by your Ice Trap and Freezing | | Trap by 3%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +3% critical strike chance on affected targets. 2 +6% critical strike chance on affected targets. COMMENTS A nice option in PvP but is otherwise not all that useful. ====================== | Thrill of the Hunt | ====================== Tier 3 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | You have a 5% chance when you use Arcane Shot, Explosive | | Shot or Black Arrow to instantly regain 40% of the base | | focus cost of the shot. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 5% chance to regain Focus. 2 10% chance to regain Focus. 3 15% chance to regain Focus. COMMENTS A good talent. The extra Focus can be dumped into Arcane Shot when your other Shots are cooling down. ================= | Counterattack | ================= Tier 3 1 rank Melee Range Instant 5 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | A strike that becomes active after parrying an opponent's | | attack. This attack deals X (+20% AP) damage and | | immobilizes the target for 5 sec. Counterattack cannot be | | blocked, dodged, or parried. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 20 X base damage equals 11. 85 X base damage equals 320. COMMENTS Awful talent. Not recommended for any SV build. While the snare can be useful in PvP, your chance to parry is so innately low that it's not worth having at all. ================= | Lock and Load | ================= Tier 3 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | You have a 50% chance when you trap a target with Freezing | | Trap or Ice Trap to cause your next 2 Arcane Shot or | | Explosive Shot abilities to cost no focus and trigger no | | cooldown. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 50% chance to trigger Lock and Load. 2 100% chance to trigger Lock and Load. COMMENTS A godsend in a PvP environment. Also good to have while questing and running through dungeons. For raiding, you will need T.N.T. to reap the benefits of Lock and Load. =================== | Resourcefulness | =================== Tier 4 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the cooldown of all traps and Black Arrow by 2 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -2 sec cooldown on all traps and Black Arrow. 2 -4 sec cooldown on all traps and Black Arrow. 3 -6 sec cooldown on all traps and Black Arrow. COMMENTS A staple to any SV build, specifically for Black Arrow's benefit. Goes really well with Trap Mastery. =================== | Mirrored Blades | =================== Tier 4 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When attacked by a spell while in Deterrence, you have a | | 50% chance to reflect it back at the attacker. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 50% chance to reflect spells while in Deterrence. 2 100% chance to reflect spells while in Deterrence. COMMENTS Not terribly useful in PvE, since most non-player spells are not harmful enough to warrant wasting Deterrence on. However, it comes in handy in PvP. ========== | T.N.T. | ========== Tier 5 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When you deal periodic damage with your Immolation Trap, | | Explosive Trap or Black Arrow you have a 6% chance to | | trigger Lock and Load. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 6% chance to trigger Lock and Load. 2 12% chance to trigger Lock and Load. COMMENTS Bosses are typically immune to the effects of cold traps, which renders Lock and Load useless without this talent. A necessary talent for dungeons and raids. ============== | Toxicology | ============== Tier 5 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the periodic critical damage of your Serpent | | Sting and Black Arrow by 50%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +50% Serpent Sting and Black Arrow damage. 2 +100% Serpent Sting and Black Arrow damage. COMMENTS An absolute must-have for any SV-Hunter. ================ | Wyvern Sting | ================ Tier 5 1 rank 10 Focus 35 yd range Instant 1 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | A stinging shot that puts the target to sleep for 30 sec. | | Any damage will cancel the effect. When the target wakes | | up, the Sting causes X Nature damage over 6 sec. Only one | | Sting per Hunter can be active on the target at a time. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 30 X base Nature damage equals , per tick. 85 X base Nature damage equals 2736, or 912 per tick. COMMENTS Excellent secondary CC ability. Even though it only lasts for 30 sec, Wyvern Sting is easy to apply. As for the DOT itself, the damage is decent but is short-lived and isn't capable of critting. ================== | Noxious Stings | ================== Tier 5 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your damage done on targets afflicted by your | | Serpent Sting by 5%. | | | | If Wyvern Sting is dispelled, the dispeller is also | | afflicted by Wyvern Sting lasting 25% of the duration | | remaining. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5% damage with Serpent Sting up. Dispel does 25% Wyvern duration. 2 +10% damage with Serpent Sting up. Dispel does 50% Wyvern duration. COMMENTS Another must-have talent for SV-Hunters. Turns Serpent Sting into a great DPS booster in PvE. ================= | Hunting Party | ================= Tier 5 1 rank -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your total Agility by an additional 2%, and | | increases the Ranged and Melee Attack Speed of all party | | and raid members by 10%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS An excellent talent that should not be passed upon. =================== | Sniper Training | =================== Tier 6 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the critical strike chance of your Kill Shot | | ability by 5%, and after remaining stationary for 6 sec, | | your Steady Shot and Cobra Shot deal 2% more damage for 15 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5% Kill Shot crit chance. +2% Steady Shot and Cobra Shot damage. 2 +10% Kill Shot crit chance. +4% Steady Shot and Cobra Shot damage. 3 +15% Kill Shot crit chance. +6% Steady Shot and Cobra Shot damage. COMMENTS A great talent. Even in situations where movement is a must, you will seldom find it hard to find time to get the talent active. ================== | Serpent Spread | ================== Tier 6 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Targets hit by your Multi-Shot are also afflicted by your | | Serpent Sting equal to 6 sec of its total duration. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Multi-Shot inflicts 6 sec worth of Serpent Sting damage. 2 Multi-Shot inflicts 12 sec worth of Serpent Sting damage. COMMENTS Adds a ton of kick to Multi-Shot, thanks to its synergy with Improved Serpent Sting. =============== | Black Arrow | =============== Tier 7 1 rank 35 Focus 40 yd range Instant 30 sec cooldown Requires Ranged Weapon -------------------------------------------------------------- | Fires a Black Arrow at the target, dealing X (+11.5% RAP) | | Shadow damage over 15 sec. Black Arrow shares a cooldown | | with other Fire Trap spells. | -------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE: This ability must be unlocked in the SV talent tree. LEVEL EFFECT 40 X base Shadow damage equals 450, or 90 per tick. 85 X base Shadow damage equals 3080, or 616 per tick. COMMENTS Black Arrow serves as a permanent replacement to Immolation Trap as a secondary DOT. Much more powerful and easier to apply than its fiery counterpart. =============================================================================== -------------------------[ VI. Talent Specialization ]------------------------- =============================================================================== This chapter will give you an in-depth analysis of each talent tree. Each section will provide you with a template build for each spec, as well as playing tips on how to perform well with that spec. Please understand that there are numerous ways to construct a talent build, depending on what your needs are and what you plan on doing with yourself at endgame. The templates that you see below are all-purpose builds that are suitable for primarily dungeons and raiding. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Beast Mastery (BM) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By unleashing the animal spirit within, you become one with your loyal companion. Your pet becomes one with you in mind, body, and soul. Its anger becomes your anger. Its claws become your blades. Its bones become your armor. Protect your companion and it shall protect you. ======================================================================== | Primary: Beast Mastery (31) | Secondary: Marksmanship (7) | ======================================================================== | 2/2 Improved Kill Command | 2/2 Go for the Throat | | 3/3 One with Nature | 3/3 Efficiency | | 3/3 Bestial Discipline | 2/2 Sic 'Em! | | 3/3 Frenzy | | | 2/2 Spirit Bond ==================================== | 3/3 Cobra Strikes | Tertiary: Survival (3) | | 1/1 Fervor ==================================== | 1/1 Focus Fire | 3/3 Pathing | | 3/3 Longevity | | | 2/2 Killing Streak | | | 1/1 Bestial Wrath | | | 1/1 Ferocious Inspiration | | | 2/2 Kindred Spirits | | | 1/1 The Beast Within | | | 2/2 Invigoration | | | 1/1 Beast Mastery | | | | | ======================================================================== | Prime Glyphs | Major Glyphs | Minor Glyphs | ======================================================================== | Kill Command | Bestial Wrath | Feign Death | | Arcane Shot | Trap Launcher | Mend Pet | | Kill Shot | Mending | Revive Pet | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This is about as ideal for PvE as it gets for a BM-Hunter. All talents and Glyphs are selected for optimal performance in dungeons and raids. If you're confident that you will never let your pet die, you can swap out Glyph of Revive Pet with Scare Beast. ======================= | Trademark Abilities | ======================= ---------------- | Intimidation | -------------------------------------------------------------- | 100 yd range | | Instant 1 min cooldown | | | | Command your pet to intimidate the target on the next | | successful melee attack, causing a high amount of threat | | and stunning the target for 3 sec. Lasts 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ | Animal Handler | -------------------------------------------------------------- | Passive | | | | Attack Power increased by 25%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- | Mastery: Master of Beasts | -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the damage done by yours pets by 13.6%. Each | | point of Mastery increases pet damage by an additional | | 1.7%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ============================ | Technical Specifications | ============================ PROS + Pet's offensive power and survivability greatly increased. + Significantly faster Focus regeneration. + You can tame and control Exotic beasts. + You can provide a +3% damage bonus to parties and raids. + The corehound's Ancient Hysteria is highly valued. CONS - A dead pet significantly reduces your overall DPS. - Maximum AOE damage requires a pet with an AOE ability. As the name of the tree implies, BM spec emphasizes the use of your pets as a source of DPS. With the additional skill points from Beast Mastery, and the multitude of power-boosting talents for your pets, your pets can become killing machines. With the right talent choices, they can also become durable sponges that can soak up damage from targets that would otherwise kill a normal pet. As a player, you have a very simple pool of abilities to work with, requiring little more than Kill Command, Arcane Shot, and Cobra Shot in a typical shot rotation. Your talents also allow you and your pet to regenerate Focus at a much faster rate than if you were a MM- or SV-Hunter. As a BM-Hunter, you can bring a lot to the table when it comes to providing raids with buffs. Ferocious Inspiration delivers a wonderful 3% bonus to parties and raids, and your Exotic pets can provide abilities akin to those of other classes, such as the core hound's Ancient Hysteria (Bloodlust/Heroism), and the silithid's Qiraji Fortitude (Power Word: Fortitude). Your ability to compensate for the lack of specific buffs makes you a valuable addition to any raid. With such reliance on your pets, however, your greatest drawback is the burden of having to go the extra mile to make that your pet stays alive. A dead pet means no Focus Fire, no Bestial Wrath, no Kill Command, and having several of your talents go completely inactive. Your performance will also suffer in specific encounters where melee classes are unable to reach their target, though such encounters are not very common. ===================== | Attacks Explained | ===================== Listed in order of priority are the typical abilities that a BM-Hunter will use regularly in a shot rotation. ============================================================================ | PRIO | PRIMARY ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | 1st | Kill Shot | Free high-damage attack; use as soon as | | | | your target drops to 20% health. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Kill Command | High damage burst attack; use often. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Arcane Shot | Medium damage; use to burn excess Focus | | | | before regen reaches the 110 cap. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Cobra Shot | Low damage; use to replenish Focus | | | | between Kill Commands. Also extends the | | | | duration of Serpent Sting. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BM-Hunters have a very short list of abilities but this is all they need. Now for secondary abilities that supplement your primary attacks. ============================================================================ | PRIO | SECONDARY ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | 1st | Hunter's Mark | Very high RAP boost; use often. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Serpent Sting | DOT; use often unless you know for sure | | | | that your target will die quickly. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Focus Fire | Haste boost; lights up when Frenzy | | | | reaches 5 stacks. Use often. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Bestial Wrath | Damage boost; use against tough targets. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 5th | Rapid Fire | Extreme haste boost with long cooldown. | | | | Know when is the right time to use it. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some things to consider: 1. As soon as Focus Fire becomes available, use it. Your pet will start accumulating its stacks of Frenzy again as soon as you do. However, don't use it shortly before Bestial Wrath, since you'd be removing your pet's Frenzy buff before it gets its meaty damage bonus from Bestial Wrath. 2. When glyphed and fully talented, the cooldown on Bestial Wrath falls to an easy 1.17 min (70 sec). This allows you to use it more liberally. You should also time it so that you have plenty of Focus before using it, allowing you to take full advantage of the reduced costs from The Beast Within. 3. Generally, you should never use Rapid Fire and Bestial Wrath together. With the cost of your attacks reduced by Bestial Wrath, you aren't going to be using Cobra Shot, the only ability that would benefit from the huge surge in Haste. To get the most out of Rapid Fire, use the two abilities separately. Mechanical abilities to be used for specific situations. ===================================================================== | OTHER ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ===================================================================== | Scatter Shot | Disorient effect with low damage; use to | | | buy time to plant Freezing Trap. Also | | | indirectly interrupts spells. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Intimidation | Stun; indirect spell interrupt. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Fervor | Instant 50 Focus; many possible uses. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- Fervor can be used for a number of possibilities, but one of the best times to use it is during Bestial Wrath. Since you don't want to waste any of those few precious seconds casting Cobra Shot, Fervor can give you a quick jolt of fuel. =================== | Stat Allocation | =================== ----------- | AGILITY | ----------- This is your most important stat. Agility will always provide the most benefit to your firepower, and should be stacked as high as possible. -------------- | HIT RATING | -------------- The most important of the secondary stats. At level 85, do your best to reach the 8% cap. At that point, none of your shots will ever miss. You will need a total of 961 Hit Rating to achieve this. Draenei hunters only need 841, thanks to Heroic Presence. -------------------------- | CRITICAL STRIKE RATING | -------------------------- Your next most important stat. Critical strikes are just good for you in general, but as a BM-Hunter, more crit means more chances to use Wolverine Bite, and more Culling the Herd procs. ------------------- | MASTERY & HASTE | ------------------- At this point, it's hard to say which of the two is better. In trying to quantify the two stats, both seem like they provide roughly the same overall damage benefit with Mastery beating out Haste but a slight margin. =============== | Pet Choices | =============== ===================================================================== | PET | REASON | ===================================================================== | Core Hound | Provides Ancient Hysteria. Also has a slowing | | | effect versus casters. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Devilsaur | Provides raid-wide +5% Crit plus healing debuff. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Worm | Provides +4% physical damage bonus. Also has a | | | supplemental AOE attack. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Serpent | Provides 12% armor reduction debuff. Choice will | | Raptor | depend on whether you want a Ferocity or Cunning | | | pet. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Spirit Beast | Provides Strength and Agility buff. Spirit Beast | | Cat | also has a healing effect. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- As long as you're a BM-Hunter, you might as well get as much mileage out of your 31-point talent as possible. The key difference between Exotic pets and regular pets is that Exotics have additional abilities, as you can see in the chart above. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Marksmanship (MM) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The marksman has a keen eye and a mastery of the finest bows and firearms. Once he makes his mark, his careful aim and precision assures that his enemies will feel the full impact of his shots. ======================================================================== | Primary: Marksmanship (31) | Secondary: Survival (10) | ======================================================================== | 2/2 Go for the Throat | 3/3 Pathing | | 3/3 Efficiency | 2/2 Improved Serpent Sting | | 1/2 Sic 'Em! | | | 3/3 Improved Steady Shot | | | 2/2 Careful Aim ==================================== | 1/1 Silencing Shot | Tertiary: Beast Mastery (10) | | 3/3 Piercing Shots ==================================== | 2/2 Bombardment | 3/3 One With Nature | | 1/1 Trueshot Aura | 2/3 Bestial Discipline | | 2/2 Termination | | | 2/2 Rapid Recuperation | | | 3/3 Master Marksman | | | 1/1 Readiness | | | 2/2 Posthaste | | | 2/2 Marked for Death | | | 1/1 Chimera Shot | | | | | ======================================================================== | Prime Glyphs | Major Glyphs | Minor Glyphs | ======================================================================== | Steady Shot | Disengage | Feign Death | | Arcane Shot | Trap Launcher | Mend Pet | | Chimera Shot | Mending | Revive Pet | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pure damage enthusiasts will argue that the one point in Silencing Shot would better serve you if it were placed in a full 2/2 Sic 'Em! However, having a ranged spell interrupt is a valuable asset, one that should not be overlooked. ======================= | Trademark Abilities | ======================= -------------- | Aimed Shot | -------------------------------------------------------------- | 50 Focus 40 yd range | | 2.5 sec cast | | Requires Ranged Weapon | | | | A powerful aimed shot that deals ranged weapon damage plus | | X (+48% RAP). | -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ | Artisan Quiver | -------------------------------------------------------------- | Passive. Ranged auto-attack damage increased by 15%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ | Mastery: Wild Quiver | -------------------------------------------------------------- | Grants a 14.4% chance for your ranged attacks to also | | instantly fire an additional ranged shot for 100% normal | | damage. Each point of Mastery increases the chance by an | | additional 1.8%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ============================ | Technical Specifications | ============================ PROS + Excels at inflicting direct damage. + High burst damage potential. + More potential for inflicting interrupts. + Very powerful with high-level weapons and armor. + You can provide a 10% AP bonus to parties and raids. + Tremendous Rapid Fire uptime. CONS - More dependent on weapons and armor than in other specs. - Complex shot rotations. - Setting up Improved Steady Shot can feel sluggish. The MM spec emphasizes ranged firepower by providing you with powerful Shots that cause direct damage. This is the spec you want if you're going for pure offense. Though gear dependency is a burden for MM, you will find that this becomes less of an issue as you acquire higher-end gear with adequate amounts of stats. MM is also arguably the most complex of the three specs because of the need to constantly keep the Haste effect from Improved Steady Shot active while maintaining a smooth rotation of shots, and juggling between Aimed Shot and Arcane Shot as Focus dumps. ===================== | Attacks Explained | ===================== Listed in order of priority are the typical abilities that a MM-Hunter will use regularly in a shot rotation. ============================================================================ | PRIO | PRIMARY ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | 1st | Kill Shot | Free high-damage attack; use as soon as | | | | your target drops to 20% health. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Chimera Shot | High damage burst attack; use often. | | | | Also refreshes Serpent Sting. | | |-------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Aimed Shot! | Instant high-damage burst attack; use | | | (instant cast) | whenever active. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Arcane Shot | Medium damage; use to burn excess Focus | | | | before regen reaches the 100-point cap. | | |-------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Aimed Shot | High-damage burst attack with long cast | | | | time. Best when used under the effects | | | | of Rapid Fire or Bloodlust/Heroism. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Steady Shot | Low damage; use to replenish Focus | | | | between Kill Commands. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- There has been some debate as to whether it's better to use Arcane Shot or Aimed Shot when trying to get rid of your Focus. The answer is unclear, but here are the conditions that I look for when making the decision: 1. Use Aimed Shot if your target is above 80% health. This is to take advantage of Careful Aim, which in turn aids in Piercing Shots bleeds. Once it falls below 80%, switch to Arcane Shot. 2. Use Aimed Shot if under the effects of Rapid Fire or some other high haste buff such as Bloodlust and Heroism. 3. Arcane Shot is a much more reliable Focus dump in encounters where movement is a must. Now for secondary abilities that supplement your primary attacks. ============================================================================ | PRIO | SECONDARY ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | 1st | Hunter's Mark | Very high RAP boost; use often. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Serpent Sting | DOT; use often unless you know for sure | | | | that your target will die quickly. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Rapid Fire | Extreme haste boost with long cooldown. | | | | Know when is the right time to use it. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mechanical abilities to be used for specific situations. ===================================================================== | OTHER ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ===================================================================== | Scatter Shot | Short-ranged Disorient effect with low | | | damage; use to buy time to plant traps. | | | Also indirectly interrupts spells. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Silencing Shot | True spell interrupt. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Readiness | Reset button; use for back-to-back Rapid | | | Fires. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- In most situations, Readiness is best used offensively as a way of resetting Rapid Fire. Since MM-Hunters have a shorter cooldown on Rapid Fire, use it early in boss encounters so that both abilities becomes available again towards the end of the battle. =================== | Stat Allocation | =================== ----------- | AGILITY | ----------- This is your most important stat. Agility will always provide the most benefit to your firepower, and should be stacked as high as possible. -------------- | HIT RATING | -------------- The most important of the secondary stats. At level 85, do your best to reach the 8% cap. At that point, none of your shots will ever miss. You will need a total of 961 Hit Rating to achieve this. Draenei hunters only need 841, thanks to Heroic Presence. -------------------------- | CRITICAL STRIKE RATING | -------------------------- Crit is a valuable stat regardless of any spec, but it's especially important for MM-Hunters because it affects two staple talents: Bombardment and Piercing Shots. For that reason, Crit Rating should be given higher priority over Haste and Mastery. Generally, you should reforge Mastery or excess Hit to Crit. --------- | HASTE | --------- I find Haste to be of particular value to MM-Hunters because of Aimed Shot's long casting time. That and the additional Focus regen is useful for fueling Aimed Shot's high cost. However, it's generally not worth pushing Haste as a secondary stat but I still prefer it over Mastery. ----------- | MASTERY | ----------- While the additional shots from Wild Quiver are nice to have, I don't love them enough to warrant wanting Mastery over any other secondary stat. Reforge any Mastery that you may have to a more useful stat. =============== | Pet Choices | =============== ===================================================================== | PET | REASON | ===================================================================== | Wolf | Provides raid-wide +5% Crit. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Ravager | Provides +4% physical damage bonus. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Serpent | Provides 12% armor reduction debuff. Choice will | | Raptor | depend on whether you want a Ferocity or Cunning | | | pet. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Cat | Provides Strength and Agility buff. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Boar | Provides 30% bleed damage bonus. Debatable. | | Hyena | | --------------------------------------------------------------------- These five pets will provide you will all the effects you'll need for any given group or raid. The overall benefit of having a bleed damage debuff is highly questionable but it may be useful if you can somehow get some decent uptime on Piercing Shot. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Survival (SV) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The master huntsman becomes acquainted with his surroundings, looking carefully for the dangers that lie in wait for him. No matter the peril, he is prepared to outwit and outlast the competition under the ruthless laws of the wild. ======================================================================== | Primary: Survival (31) | Secondary: Marksmanship (7) | ======================================================================== | 3/3 Pathing | 2/2 Go for the Throat | | 2/2 Improved Serpent Sting | 3/3 Efficiency | | 3/3 Trap Mastery | 2/2 Sic 'Em! | | 2/2 Survival Tactics | | | 3/3 Thrill of the Hunt ==================================== | 2/2 Lock and Load | Tertiary: Beast Mastery (3) | | 3/3 Resourcefulness ==================================== | 2/2 T.N.T. | 3/3 Bestial Discipline | | 2/2 Toxicology | | | 1/1 Wyvern Sting | | | 2/2 Noxious Stings | | | 1/1 Hunting Party | | | 3/3 Sniper Training | | | 1/2 Serpent Spread | | | 1/1 Black Arrow | | | | | ======================================================================== | Prime Glyphs | Major Glyphs | Minor Glyphs | ======================================================================== | Explosive Shot | Disengage | Feign Death | | Serpent Sting | Trap Launcher | Mend Pet | | Kill Shot | Mending | Revive Pet | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This SV build should work nicely for all of your PvE needs. Missing from this build is Counterattack, which is worthless on its own. I also don't find Glyph of Wyvern Sting to be all that useful, so I have Disengage in its place. ======================= | Trademark Abilities | ======================= ------------------ | Explosive Shot | -------------------------------------------------------------- | 50 Focus 40 yd range | | Instant 6 sec cooldown | | | | You fire an explosive charge into the enemy target, | | dealing X (+18% RAP) Fire damage. The charge will blast | | the target every second for an additional 2 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- | Into the Wilderness | -------------------------------------------------------------- | Passive. Agility increased by 10%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------- | Mastery: Essence of the Viper | -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases all magical damage you deal by 8%. Each point of | | Mastery increases magical damage by an additional 1.0%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ============================ | Technical Specifications | ============================ PROS + Heavy emphasis on inflicting magic damage. + Unparalleled crowd control capabilities. + You can bring a passive 10% Haste bonus to parties and raids. + Generally smooth shot rotations. CONS - Much of the elemental damage has to seep in over time. - Leaves you wishing you had more interrupts. - High mobility encounters can interfere with Sniper Training. The SV spec is unique in how rather than upping pet damage or ranged firepower, it expands upon your ability to inflict elemental damage. Several of your ranged abilities cause magic damage, which is great against high-armored targets. That and unlike "true" magic spells, your Shots and Stings are unaffected by spell reflection effects. SV is also capable of some incredible crowd control. A fully talented Freezing Trap has a shortened 24-sec cooldown, and the trap's effect can last up to 1.50 min. Wyvern Sting provides additional, short-term CC that's easy to apply with one simple keystroke. ===================== | Attacks Explained | ===================== Listed in order of priority are the typical abilities that a SV-Hunter will use regularly in a shot rotation. ============================================================================ | PRIO | PRIMARY ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | 1st | Kill Shot | Free high-damage attack; use as soon as | | | | your target drops to 20% health. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Explosive Shot | High damage, triple burst attack; use | | | | often. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Arcane Shot | Medium damage; use to burn excess Focus | | | | before regen reaches the 100-point cap. | | | | Seldom used. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Cobra Shot | Low damage; use to replenish Focus | | | | between Kill Commands. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SV-Hunters seldom use Arcane Shot because most of the Focus goes towards Explosive Shot. Since Thrill of the Hunt will grant you occasional surpluses of Focus, keep Arcane Shot on hand. Now for secondary abilities that supplement your primary attacks. ============================================================================ | PRIO | SECONDARY ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | 1st | Hunter's Mark | Very high RAP boost; use often. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Serpent Sting | DOT; use often unless you know for sure | | | | that your target will die quickly. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Black Arrow | High damage DOT; use on a beefy target, | | | | or on a target that has to die quickly. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Rapid Fire | Extreme haste boost with long cooldown. | | | | Know when is the right time to use it. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note that Black Arrow shares a cooldown with Immolation Trap. Mechanical abilities to be used for specific situations. ===================================================================== | OTHER ABILITIES | PURPOSE | ===================================================================== | Scatter Shot | Disorient effect with low damage; use to | | | buy time to plant Freezing Trap. Also | | | indirectly interrupts spells. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Wyvern Sting | Short-term CC with medium-grade DOT. | | | Use when secondary CC is needed. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite having a DOT, Wyvern Sting is always best used as a form of CC. It can also be used as a spell interrupt to a certain extent but chances are good that if you're in a situation where you really have to resort to that, you probably need it for CC. =================== | Stat Allocation | =================== ----------- | AGILITY | ----------- This is the most important stat for hunters regardless of spec but it's especially crucial for SV-Hunters due to the Agility bonus from Into the Wilderness. -------------- | HIT RATING | -------------- The most important of the secondary stats. At level 85, do your best to reach the 8% cap. At that point, none of your shots will ever miss. You will need a total of 961 Hit Rating to achieve this. Draenei hunters only need 841, thanks to Heroic Presence. -------------------------- | CRITICAL STRIKE RATING | -------------------------- Crits are generally important because your pet can use it for Culling the Herd and Wolverine Bite, and the Agile Shadowspirit Diamond increases your crit damage by 3%. --------- | HASTE | --------- To achieve a smooth shot rotation, you will need enough Haste to allow for three Cobra Shot casts between Explosive Shots. To achieve this, you would need to bring your Cobra Shot's casting time to at least 1.67 sec, which shouldn't be very hard to do with Pathing and Hunting Party. ----------- | MASTERY | ----------- Mastery increases the elemental damage that you inflict, but I would give it the lowest priority out of all the possible secondary stats. If you're looking to increase your magic damage, use a dragonhawk or wind serpent. =============== | Pet Choices | =============== ===================================================================== | PET | REASON | ===================================================================== | Wolf | Provides raid-wide +5% Crit. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Dragonhawk | Provides +8% magic damage debuff. | | Wind Serpent | | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Cat | Provides Strength and Agility buff. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Moth | Spell interrupt. Variable durations, pet types, | | Gorilla | effect ranges, and cooldown durations. | | Nether Ray | | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Serpent | Provides 12% armor reduction debuff. Choice will | | Raptor | depend on whether you want a Ferocity or Cunning | | | pet. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | Ravager | Provides +4% physical damage bonus. | --------------------------------------------------------------------- The moth, gorilla, and nether ray can compensate for the lack of a true spell interrupt for encounters where you absolutely need it. Since all three have varying numbers, ranges, and pet types, check out all three to see which one suits your needs. Even though SV tends to focus heavily on magic damage, keep a ravager, serpent, or raptor around in case your fellow party or raids members have your other buffs and effects covered. =============================================================================== ----------------------------[ VII. Hunter Pets ]------------------------------- =============================================================================== Pets are extremely important to a hunter. They tank for you, they provide very important abilities, and they add a level of customization and uniqueness to your character. This chapter will explain all that you need to know about pets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Pet Taming ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When you first create your hunter, you begin with a preset pet with few options. It attacks whenever you attack, and cannot be named or fed. However, once you acquire a series of pet-related abilities at level 10, you can venture out in search of a real pet. ====================== | The Taming Process | ====================== Taming a pet is easy: target it, cast Tame Beast, and let its eight-second duration take its course. It will attack you as you channeling the spell but if you have Freezing Trap, you can use it to subdue the beast until the taming process is complete. Three things to keep in mind: 1. Not all beasts are tamable. Use Beast Lore or refer to the pet families in a later section to see whether or not a particular animal can be tamed. 2. Use Track Beast to make finding animals in the wild much easier. Have Track Hidden active to spot stealthy beasts. 3. Make sure that no one interferes with the taming process. Attacking the beast will disrupt it and cause it to fail. ============================== | Understanding Stable Slots | ============================== As a hunter, you are not limited to a single pet. An any additional pets that you acquire can be kept with the local Stable Master until needed. At the stables, you have five frontline slots and twenty plain, old stable slots. Placing your pets in the frontline slots allow you to summon your pet into action. Though you start out with only one slot, the others will unlock themselves as you grow. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Using Your Pet ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section will help you make the most out of having a pet. ================ | Pet Behavior | ================ When you create your character for the first time, your starting pet will automatically attack whatever you attack, which is fine at the beginning. However, once you eventually acquire the ability to fully command your pet, you are free to set your pet to one of three possible behaviors: =================================================================== | BEHAVIOR TYPE | ACTION | =================================================================== | Defensive | Automatically goes after whatever you attack. | | | Will also go after any target that attacks you. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Aggressive | Will automatically seek out nearby hostile | | | targets. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Passive | Pet does nothing unless given manual commands. | =================================================================== By default, all pets are set to Defensive. Aggressive is never recommended, and Defensive can run into problems when coordinating dungeon and raid targets. It is recommended that you set your pet to Passive and learn to command your pet manually. By doing so, you can minimize the risk of mishaps. =============== | The Pet Bar | =============== Every command that you need to give your pet (besides Kill Command) is on that pet bar that appears in the lower-right corner of your screen. Each button is mapped to CTRL and a number key across the top of your keyboard. By default, this is what you'll see going from left to right: 1: Attack Commands your pet to attack your target. 2: Follow Commands your pet to retreat back to you. 3: Go To Commands your pet to move to a specific location. 4: ability Pet ability. 5: ability Pet ability. 6: ability Pet ability. 7: ability Pet ability. 8: Aggressive Your pet will attack nearby hostile targets automatically. 9: Defensive Your pet will attack hostile targets that attack you. 0: Passive Your pet must be manually directed. You can customize this pet bar to your liking. I suggest that you keep 1-3 as is, and add pet abilities to the remaining six. Doing so gives you quick access to your pet's abilities, and it allows you to keep track of the cooldown on each ability. ======================= | Basic Pet Abilities | ======================= All pets are structured with the same set of basic abilities that you should familiarize yourself with: ========================================================== | ABILITY | EFFECT | ========================================================== | Growl | Instant threat generation. | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Basic Attack | Refers to Bite, Claw, and Smack. | | | Basic instant physical attack. | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Cower | Short-term damage reduction but | | | reduces movement speed. | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Special Ability | Signature ability. | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Exotic Ability | Exotic pets have a second ability. | ---------------------------------------------------------- | Bonus Ability | Just for fun! | ========================================================== Growl is always set to auto-cast by default and should be disabled when your pet isn't tanking. Though Cower is always set to auto-cast, it never casts on its own and must be manually activated. Pets can also learn a large variety of other abilities depending on what their talent trees offer them. This will be covered in Chapter VIII. ================================= | Learning to Use Pet Abilities | ================================= By default, your pet's abilities are set to auto-cast. While most abilities are fine this way, your pet will try to use any and all abilities, and this includes powerful effects that should be kept on reserve until they're needed. Here are three examples: 1. Call of the Wild (DPS boost) 2. Roar of Recovery (Focus replenishment) 3. Roar of Sacrifice (damage reduction) Keep these on your pet's ActionBar with auto-cast disabled and use them whenever needed. Conversely, your pet will never use spell interrupts and disarms regardless of whether or not auto-cast is enabled, which means it's up to you to make use of them. You can make it easy on yourself by using an easy macro that you can place on one of your ActionBars. This is the macro with Nether Shock as an example: ---------------------------------- | | | #showtooltip Nether Shock | | /cast Nether Shock | | | ---------------------------------- Simply replace Nether Shock with whatever ability you wish to use. ===================================== | Stat Growths & Your Contributions | ===================================== As you grow, your pet gains a certain percentage of your stats. Below is a list of stats that your pet gets from you. Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate at best: 45% of your Stamina 70% of your armor 22% of your RAP converted to pet AP 12.5% of your RAP converted to pet spell power 40% of your spell resistances 100% of your chance to hit 100% of your chance to crit In addition to these scaling bonuses, your pet will also gain +1 Resist All each level for a maximum of 85 at max level. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Pet Types ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pets have individual talent trees that allow you to customize your pet to your liking. Each pet family falls into one of three possible trees: Ferocity, Tenacity, and Cunning. Below is an explanation of what each tree has to offer. ============ | Ferocity | ============ ========================================================================= | TIER | ABILITIES | ========================================================================= | 1st | Serpent Swiftness, Dash/Dive, Great Stamina, Natural Armor | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Improved Cower, Bloodthirsty, Spiked Collar, Boar's Speed | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Culling the Herd, Lionhearted, Charge/Swoop | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Heart of the Phoenix, Spider's Bite, Great Resistance | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 5th | Rabid, Lick Your Wounds, Call of the Wild | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 6th | Shark Attack, Wild Hunt | ========================================================================= The Ferocity tree is designed to maximize your DPS output with a slew of offense-oriented talents such as Shark Attack and Call of the Wild. This is the most ideal tree for dungeons and raiding. ======================================================================= | MM-/SV-HUNTERS (17) | BM-HUNTERS (21) | ======================================================================= | 2/2 Serpent Swiftness | 2/2 Serpent Swiftness | | 1/1 Dash/Dive | 1/1 Dash/Dive | | 3/3 Spiked Collar | 2/2 Bloodthirsty | | 1/1 Boarâs Speed | 3/3 Spiked Collar | | 3/3 Culling the Herd | 1/1 Boar's Speed | | 3/3 Spiderâs Bite | 3/3 Culling the Herd | | 1/1 Rabid | 3/3 Spider's Bite | | 1/1 Call of the Wild | 1/1 Rabid | | 2/2 Sharkâs Bite | 1/1 Call of the Wild | | | 2/2 Shark Attack | | | 2/2 Wild Hunt | ======================================================================= This build pushes your pet's DPS as far as it can go, utilizing nearly every possible damage-boosting talent that can be obtained at max level. ============ | Tenacity | ============ ========================================================================= | TIER | ABILITIES | ========================================================================= | 1st | Serpent Swiftness, Charge/Swoop, Great Stamina, Natural Armor | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Spiked Collar, Boar's Speed, Blood of the Rhino, Pet Barding | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Culling the Herd, Guard Dog, Lionhearted, Thunderstomp | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Grace of the Mantis, Great Resistance | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 5th | Last Stand, Taunt, Roar of Sacrifice, Intervene | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 6th | Silverback, Wild Hunt | ========================================================================= Tenacity pets are built with defense in mind. They can soak up damage and generate significant amounts of threat with talents, thereby making them the perfect pet for tanking. Tenacity pets are best using for questing and soloing content. ======================================================================= | MM-/SV-HUNTERS (17) | BM-HUNTERS (21) | ======================================================================= | 1/1 Charge/Swoop | 1/1 Charge/Swoop | | 3/3 Great Stamina | 3/3 Great Stamina | | 2/2 Natural Armor | 2/2 Natural Armor | | 1/1 Boar's Speed | 1/1 Boar's Speed | | 2/2 Blood of the Rhino | 2/2 Blood of the Rhino | | 2/2 Pet Barding | 2/2 Pet Barding | | 2/2 Guard Dog | 1/1 Guard Dog | | 1/1 Thunderstomp | 2/2 Grace of the Mantis | | 2/2 Grace of the Mantis | 1/1 Last Stand | | 1/1 Taunt | 1/1 Taunt | | | 1/1 Roar of Sacrifice | | | 2/2 Silverback | ======================================================================= This setup is designed to maximize your pet's tanking capabilities by fully boosting its armor, healing, health, and threat generation. BM-Hunters can take full advantage of many of the more active talents that the tree has to offer. =========== | Cunning | =========== ============================================================================ | TIER | ABILITIES | ============================================================================ | 1st | Serpent Swiftness, Dash/Dive, Great Stamina, Natural Armor | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 2nd | Boarâs Speed, Mobility, Owlâs Focus, Spiked Collar | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 3rd | Culling the Herd, Lionhearted, Carrion Feeder | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 4th | Great Resistance, Cornered, Feeding Frenzy | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 5th | Wolverine Bite, Roar of Recovery, Bullheaded, Grace of the Mantis | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 6th | Wild Hunt, Roar of Sacrifice | ============================================================================ Cunning pets possess a fine mix of offensive and defensive talents. A happy medium between Ferocity and Tenacity, Cunning pets are competitive strikers with some unique abilities that make them viable for just about anything. Their talents are especially well-suited for PvP environments. ======================================================================= | MM-/SV-HUNTERS (17) | BM-HUNTERS (21) | ======================================================================= | 2/2 Serpent Swiftness | 2/2 Serpent Swiftness | | 1/1 Dash/Dive | 1/1 Dash/Dive | | 1/1 Boarâs Speed | 1/1 Boar's Speed | | 2/2 Owl's Focus | 2/2 Owl's Focus | | 3/3 Spiked Collar | 3/3 Spiked Collar | | 3/3 Culling the Herd | 3/3 Culling the Herd | | 2/2 Feeding Frenzy | 2/2 Feeding Frenzy | | 1/1 Wolverine Bite | 1/1 Wolverine Bite | | 1/2 Wild Hunt | 1/1 Roar of Recovery | | | 2/2 Grace of the Mantis | | | 2/2 Wild Hunt | | | 1/1 Roar of Sacrifice | ======================================================================= The talents in the Cunning can be arranged a number of ways but this is a practical setup for dungeons and raids. Though this build is designed with offense in mind, BM-Hunters can make their way down to Roar of Sacrifice with their surplus of points. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- d. Basic Abilities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here are the three universal abilities that are basic staples to all pets. =================== | Bite/Claw/Smack | =================== 20 Focus Melee Range Instant 3 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | An attack that instantly deals your normal weapon damage | | plus X (+8% RAP). | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 1 Deals a base damage of 1. 85 Deals a base damage of 186. COMMENTS This is the Basic Attack that your pet's talents refer to. True to its namesake, it's simply a single physical attack. ========= | Growl | ========= Melee Range 5 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet growls at the target, generating threat and | | increasing the likelihood the target will attack it. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 1 Generates threat based on stats and level. 85 Generates threat based on stats and level. COMMENTS Causes no damage but generates a competitive amount of threat. Growl is what makes pet tanking work as well as it does. It's especially potent when used by a BM-enhanced Tenacity pet. ========= | Cower | ========= 45 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet cowers, reducing damage taken by 40% for 6 sec. | | While cowering, your pet's movement speed is reduced by | | 50%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- LEVEL EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS A good way to buffer some incoming damage while letting Mend Pet take its course. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- e. Trainable Skills Index ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section contains a full list of pet talents arranged in alphabetical order. ====================== | Blood of the Rhino | ====================== Tenacity 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases all healing effects on your pet by 20%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +20% healing taken. 2 +40% healing taken. COMMENTS Crucial to tanking. Best when supplemented with Glyph of Mending. ================ | Bloodthirsty | ================ Ferocity 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet's attacks have a 10% chance to heal 5% of its | | total health over 5 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 10% chance to proc healing. 2 20% chance to proc healing. COMMENTS A good talent but not a high priority for Ferocity pets. ================ | Boarâs Speed | ================ All Types 1 rank -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your pet's movement speed by 30%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +30% movement speed. COMMENTS Highly recommended for any spec and build. ============== | Bullheaded | ============== Cunning 1 rank 3 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Removes all movement impairing effects and all effects | | which cause loss of control of your pet, and reduces | | damage done to your pet by 20% for 12 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS The snare removal effect is very handy in PvP for any hunters that don't have the benefit of Bestial Wrath's immunity to snares. The damage reduction is great if your pet needs to do some tanking. ==================== | Call of the Wild | ==================== Ferocity 1 rank 5 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet roars, increasing your pet's and your melee and | | ranged attack power by 10%. Lasts 20 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Use Call of the Wild together with Rapid Fire. ================== | Carrion Feeder | ================== Cunning 1 rank 5 yd range 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet can generate health by eating a corpse. Will not | | work on the remains of elemental or mechanical creatures. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Not a very useful talent. Glyph of Mending gives Mend Pet plenty of healing power to warrant not needing Carrion Feeder. ================ | Charge/Swoop | ================ Ferocity, Tenacity 1 rank 35 Focus 8-25 yd range Instant cast 25 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet charges an enemy, immobilizing the target for 1 | | sec, and increasing the pet's melee attack power by 25% | | for its next attack. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Best used with tanking pets. A good way to land a solid first strike. ============ | Cornered | ============ Cunning 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When at less than 35% health, your pet does 25% more | | damage and has a 30% reduced chance to be critically hit. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +25% damage increase. -30% chance to receive crits. 2 +50% damage increase. -60% chance to receive crits. COMMENTS Excellent PvP talent. Great way to turn the tables when your pet is under fire. ==================== | Culling the Herd | ==================== All Types 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When your pet's Basic Attack deals a critical strike, you | | and your pet deal 1% increased damage for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +1% increased damage. 2 +2% increased damage. 3 +3% increased damage. COMMENTS A great talent overall, and a key component to your DPS. Best used in offensive builds. ============= | Dash/Dive | ============= Ferocity, Cunning 1 rank 30 Focus 32 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your pet's movement speed by 80% for 16 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Great way to quickly get your pet in and out of the fray. ================== | Feeding Frenzy | ================== Cunning 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet does 8% additional damage to targets with less | | than 35% health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +8% additional damage. 2 +16% additional damage. COMMENTS Excellent offense talent for Cunning pets. ======================= | Grace of the Mantis | ======================= Tenacity, Cunning 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the chance your pet will be critically hit by | | melee attacks by 3%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -3% chance to receive melee crit. 2 -6% chance to receive melee crit. COMMENTS Makes tanking pets completely immune to crits from bosses. Can also be useful in PvP. ==================== | Great Resistance | ==================== All Types 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet takes 5% less damage from Arcane, Fire, Frost, | | Nature and Shadow magic. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -5% magic damage taken. 2 -10% magic damage taken. 3 -15% magic damage taken. COMMENTS Situational talent. Can be useful against casters. ================= | Great Stamina | ================= All Types 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your pet's total health by 4%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +4% total health. 2 +8% total health. 3 +12% total health. COMMENTS An absolute must for tanking pets. Also a valuable PvP talent. ======================== | Heart of the Phoenix | ======================== Cunning 1 rank 8 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | When used, your pet will miraculously return to life with | | full health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS An extremely valuable talent for PvP but can be buggy at times. It's best to use the simple pet ability macro with this ability. ================== | Improved Cower | ================== Ferocity 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | The movement speed penalty of your pet's Cower is reduced | | by 50%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -50% movement speed penalty. 2 -100% movement speed penalty. COMMENTS Can be useful for situations where your Ferocity pet is taking a lot of damage. ============= | Intervene | ============= Tenacity 1 rank 8-25 yd range 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet runs at high speed towards a group member, | | reducing the damage done by attack made against them equal | | to 50% of your pet's total health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Intervene can help you save a fellow player from a potentially fatal blow. Damage must be taken within ten seconds. ============== | Last Stand | ============== Tenacity 1 rank 6 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet temporarily gains 30% of its maximum health for | | 20 sec. After the effect expires, the health is lost. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Last Stand is good for situations where your pet is taking heavy damage. While active, the healing done by Mend Pet scales with the health bonus as well. ==================== | Lick Your Wounds | ==================== Ferocity 1 rank Channeled 3 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet heals itself for 100% of its total health over 5 | | sec while channeling. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Quick and effective way to heal to full health but can be interrupted if you're not careful. =============== | Lionhearted | =============== All Types 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the duration of all Stun and Fear effects used | | against your pet by 15%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -15% stun and fear durations. 2 -30% stun and fear durations. COMMENTS Very situational. Best suited for PvP. ============ | Mobility | ============ Cunning 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Reduces the cooldown on your pet's Dash/Dive ability by 8 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 -8 sec cooldown on Dash/Dive. 2 -16 sec cooldown on Dash/Dive. COMMENTS Allows for a continuous speed boost so long as your pet has the Focus for it. Not really needed in most situations but it can come in handy. ================= | Natural Armor | ================= All Types 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your pet's armor by 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5% armor. 2 +10% armor. COMMENTS Crucial for tanking pets but is otherwise not all that great for dungeons and raids. =============== | Owlâs Focus | =============== Cunning 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet has a 15% chance after using a Basic Attack to | | cause the next Basic Attack to cost no Focus if used | | within 8 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 15% chance to reduce Focus cost. 2 30% chance to reduce Focus cost. COMMENTS Excellent talent for offensive pets. Goes well with Wild Hunt. =============== | Pet Barding | =============== Tenacity 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your pet's armor by 5% and chance to Dodge by | | 1%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5% armor and +1% Dodge. 2 +10% armor and +2% Dodge. COMMENTS An important staple for any tanking pet. ========= | Rabid | ========= Ferocity 1 rank 45 sec -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet goes into a killing frenzy. Successful attacks | | have a chance to increase attack power by 5%. This effect | | will stack up to 5 times. Lasts 20 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS A staple for any Ferocity pet. ==================== | Roar of Recovery | ==================== Cunning 1 rank 40 yd range 3 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet's inspiring roar restores 30 focus over 9 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Handy for those times when you need a Focus boost. Great for just about any talent build. ===================== | Roar of Sacrifice | ===================== Tenacity 1 rank 40 yd range 1 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Protects a friendly target from critical strikes, making | | attacks against that target unable to be critical strikes, | | but 20% of all damage taken by that target is also taken | | by the pet. Lasts 12 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Great talent for both PvP and PvE. Excellent way to help softies from getting demolished but also great for helping tanks mitigate damage. ===================== | Serpent Swiftness | ===================== All Types 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases your pet's attack speed by 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +5% attack speed. 2 +10% attack speed. COMMENTS Excellent for offensive builds but can be left aside for tanking builds in favor of better talents. ================ | Shark Attack | ================ Ferocity 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet does an additional 3% damage with all attacks. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +3% attack damage. 2 +6% attack damage. COMMENTS A crucial staple to any Ferocity build. Get it! ============== | Silverback | ============== Tenacity 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet's Growl also heals it for 1% of its total health. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 Heals for 1% total health. 2 Heals for 2% total health. COMMENTS Silverback doesn't look like much of a talent but its synergy with several other pet and hunter talents makes it a valuable asset to any tanking pet. ================= | Spiderâs Bite | ================= Ferocity 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the critical strike chance of your pet by 3%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +3% critical strike chance. 2 +6% critical strike chance. 3 +9% critical strike chance. COMMENTS Crucial to any attacking pet's DPS. ================= | Spiked Collar | ================= All Types 3 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases the damage done by your pet's Basic Attacks by | | 3%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +3% Basic Attack damage. 2 +6% Basic Attack damage. 3 +9% Basic Attack damage. COMMENTS Despite affecting only Claw, Bite, and Smack, it's a valuable DPS talent for any offensive pet. ========= | Taunt | ========= Tenacity 1 rank Melee range Instant cast 1 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet taunts the target to attack it for 3 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Works the same way as a warrior's Taunt by putting your pet at the top of the threat ladder. ================ | Thunderstomp | ================ Tenacity 1 rank 20 Focus Melee range Instant cast 10 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Shakes the ground with thundering force, doing X Nature | | damage to all enemies within 8 yards. This ability causes | | a moderate amount of additional threat. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS Weak ability, even at max level with respectable item levels. Its purpose is to simply give your pet some threat in situations where it has to tank several mobs. ============= | Wild Hunt | ============= All Types 2 ranks -------------------------------------------------------------- | When your Pet is at or above 50 Focus, your Pet's Basic | | Attacks will deal 60% more damage, but cost 50% additional | | focus. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 +60% increased Basic Attack damage but +50% Focus cost. 2 +120% increased Basic Attack damage but +100% Focus cost. COMMENTS An excellent DPS talent but needs to be supplemented with hunter talents that can generate the Focus needed to make this worthwhile. ================== | Wolverine Bite | ================== Cunning 1 rank Melee range Instant cast 10 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | A fierce attack causing X (+4% RAP) damage, that your pet | | can use after it makes a critical attack. Cannot be | | dodged, blocked or parried. | -------------------------------------------------------------- RANK EFFECT 1 No change. COMMENTS A formidable attack for Cunning pets, and is one reason why Crit is such an important secondary stat. =============================================================================== -----------------------[ IX. Pet Families & Abilities ]------------------------ =============================================================================== Pet families are what makes the pet system for hunters so unique from other classes. It's a fun aspect of the hunter class, and it's a joy that no other class can share in. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bats can be found in some of the most dark and foreboding regions of the world. They possess a frightening facade, though the variety is tragically lacking. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ======================== | Demoralizing Screech | ======================== Melee range 5 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The Carrion Bird screeches, reducing the physical damage | | caused by all enemies within 5 yards by 10% for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- As a pet, its Demoralizing Screech paired with Cunning talents make it a formidable pet in PvP. It's an excellent way to weaken classes that rely heavily on physical attacks. They also make effective assistants to tanks in dungeons in the absence of Demoralizing Shout. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bear ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bears can be found all throughout the Eastern Kingdom, Kalimdor, and Northrend. Despite them constantly baring their teeth, bears are lovable creatures. Also the preferred pet of the Ironforge Riflemen. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish, Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ===================== | Demoralizing Roar | ===================== Melee range 10 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The bear roars, reducing the physical damage caused by all | | enemies within 5 yards by 10% for 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ======== | Rest | ======== Bonus Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | You command your Bear to take a rest. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Bears make amazing soloing pets because of their tanking abilities and diverse diet. If you are looking for a dedicated companion for questing and soloing, bears are a great choice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beetle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beetles and scarabs are most commonly found roaming around the dry desert sands of Kalimdor. They have an exotic look and feel to them and can be found in a wide variety of bright colors. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- =================== | Harden Carapace | =================== 1 min cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Hardens up, reducing damage taken by 50% for 12 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Despite being one of the latest additions to the game, beetles are functionally the same as turtles. Their Harden Carapace ability allows them to take a heavy beating from strong mobs, so if you're hoping to bring an off-tank with you to an instance, beetles are an ideal pick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bird of Prey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The bird of prey family consists of several species of predatory birds, including eagles, hawks, killer seagulls, and giant parrots. Their raised height and majestic wings make them one of the most visually stunning pets that the game has to offer. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish | --------------------------------------------------------- ========== | Snatch | ========== Melee range 1 min cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The bird of prey grabs the enemy's weapon with its talons, | | disarming them for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Birds of prey are exceptionally potent PvP pets because of their Cunning talents and their Snatch ability. They can also be useful for specific encounters where a Disarm effect is required. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Boar ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Boars populate nearly every known nook and cranny of the world, and come in some fun designs. Whether you like armor plating or demonic spikes, there's a boar out there for you. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish, Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ======== | Gore | ======== Melee range 10 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your boar gores the enemy, causing it to take 30% | | additional damage from bleed effects for 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Boars are a very odd pet. They use Tenacity talents and have a debuff that increases bleed damage, which only MM-Hunters can take advantage of. In most situations, you're much better off with a different pet altogether. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carrion Bird ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Condors, vultures, and buzzards are some of the birds that make up this carnivorous family. Carrion birds have a certain veil of dread to them that some hunters may find appealing. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish | --------------------------------------------------------- ======================== | Demoralizing Screech | ======================== Melee range 5 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The Carrion Bird screeches, reducing the physical damage | | caused by all enemies within 5 yards by 10% for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Carrion birds are an excellent choice for players who want the benefit of a damage reduction debuff but prefer the more offense-oriented talents of the Ferocity tree. This has some utility in PvP, and can be useful in dungeons if a tank doesn't have an effect similar to Demoralizing Screech. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sabers, lynxes, lions, and many other great felines belong to this genus. Cats are by far the most diverse pet family that the game has to offer. They come in a wide variety of gorgeous shapes and colors, and can be found all throughout the world. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish | --------------------------------------------------------- =================== | Roar of Courage | =================== 45 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The beast lets out a roar of courage, increasing the | | Strength and Agility of all party and raid members by 549 | | within 100 yards. Lasts for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ========= | Prowl | ========= 10 sec cooldown Bonus Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Puts your pet in stealth mode, but slows its movement | | speed by 50%. The first attack from stealth receives a 20% | | bonus to damage. Lasts until cancelled. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Cats are revered by many hunters because of their prized Agility buff and Ferocity talents. When Horn of Winter or Battle Shout isn't present, your cat will be your top choice for dungeons and raids. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chimaera (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystical two-headed creatures with the ability to assault their prey with frost and lightning breaths. Their intimidating visage is a sight to behold. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ================ | Frost Breath | ================ 30 yd range 10 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet simultaneously breathes frost and lightning at an | | enemy target, slowing the target for 5 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ===================== | Froststorm Breath | ===================== 20 Focus Channeled Exotic Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The Chimera channels a frozen breath attack, causing X | | (+9.6% RAP) Froststorm damage every 2 sec for 8 sec to to | | all enemies within 7 yards. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Chimeara can cause quite a bit of damage with their AOE ability but it's up to you to use it properly. Use the casting macro, or create a macro that integrates Froststorm Breath into one of your Shots or attacks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Core Hound (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Giant, fiery, two-headed beasts with a terrifying visage. Core hounds are iconic of Ragnaros and the Molten Core. Though lacking in variety, they are a favorite for many hunters. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- =============== | Lava Breath | =============== 30 yd range 8 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your pet breathes a double gout of molten lava at the | | target, reducing the target's casting speed by 25% for 10 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ==================== | Ancient Hysteria | ==================== 6 min cooldown Exotic Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases melee, ranged, and spell casting speed by 30% | | for all party and raid members. Lasts 40 sec. | | | | Allies receiving this effect will become Sated and be | | unable to benefit from Bloodlust or Time Warp again for | | 10 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Core hounds are favored by raiding hunters for their Ancient Hysteria. Their Lava Breath is also important for fights where limiting a target's casting speed is crucial. Bring this pet along if a shaman or mage is unavailable. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crab ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Condors, vultures, and buzzards are some of the birds that make up this carnivorous family. Carrion birds have a certain veil of dread to them that some hunters may find appealing. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Bread, Fish, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ======= | Pin | ======= Melee range 40 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Pins the target in place for 4 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Though you wouldn't bring one to most dungeons, crabs can be useful if you're kiting something that's potentially dangerous. Their Pin ability is also very handy against hostile players that rely on closer abilities such as Death Grip and Intercept. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Crocolisk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A cross between a crocodile and a basilisk. Crocolisks are scaly, six-legged reptiles that typically inhabit swamps and marshlands, though some varieties have been found in deserts and jungles. The most recently discovered species of crocolisks are atypical in their lack of whiskers that are present in older species. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish | --------------------------------------------------------- =============== | Ankle Crack | =============== Melee range 10 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Snap at the target's feet, reducing movement speed by 50% | | for 6 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Crocolisks are great at limiting the mobility of hostile targets. Their advantage over other pets with a snare is its relatively short four-second gap between Ankle Cracks, a tradeoff for requiring that the pet be in melee range. Best when paired with Charge. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Devilsaur (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Azerothian variant of the common-day tyrannosaurus rex. Encounters with devilsaurs in the wild are far and few. They inhabit only a few locations all throughout the world. Most can be found wandering around exotic jungles and rain forests, and they will generally put up a good fight before submitting to the will of a tamer. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- =================== | Terrifying Roar | =================== 30 yd range 8 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The devilsaur lets out a terrifying roar, increasing the | | critical strike chance of all party and raid members by | | 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ================== | Monstrous Bite | ================== Melee Range 8 sec cooldown Exotic Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your devilsaur ferociously bites the enemy, reducing the | | effectiveness of any healing received for 8 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Devilsaurs provide the +5% Crit chance buff that wolves would usually provide for hunters that aren't specced into BM. Their Monstrous Bite is also a great asset versus hostile players, since it would mean not having to constantly keep an eye on Widow Venom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dog ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apparently, there are only two species of dogs in the world: mastiffs and devil hounds. Despite the lack of variety, dogs are loyal companions to their owners. They gleely share in their masters' adventures, and will fight to the death to protect them. They truly are man's (and orc's) best friend. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish, Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ============ | Lock Jaw | ============ Melee range 40 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Dog locks its jaws on the target, holding it in place for | | 4 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Dogs aren't the most ideal pets to bring with you to dungeons and raids, but they make excellent pets in PvP. Lock Jaw allows you to gain distance from hostile players that need to attack you from melee range. Great counter to Death Grip or Intercept. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonhawk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonhawks are graceful creatures that are rarely found outside the elven territories of Quel'thalas. Favored by high elves for years, they have come to represent the mysticism and wonder of the elves, and much of the world turns to them as a source of magical inspiration. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- =============== | Fire Breath | =============== 40 yd range 30 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Breathes Fire on the target, increasing magic damage taken | | by 8% for 45 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Dragonhawks are a great choice for SV-Hunters because of the synergy Fire Breath has with their abilities. Most ideal for single targets with high health pools, since the cooldown is long enough that it makes it hard to quickly apply the debuff to a second target. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fox ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Though foxes are loathed by farmers for their insatiable desire to prey on livestock, hunters love them for their graceful and adorable demeanor. Foxes are typically found in wooded areas. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fish, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ============ | Tailspin | ============ Melee range 25 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your fox twirls its tail around, kicking up an obscuring | | cloud of dust, causing all enemies within 10 yards to have | | their melee and ranged attack speed reduced by 20% for 30 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ======== | Play | ======== Bonus Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Puts your Fox into a playful state. | -------------------------------------------------------------- For a pet family that's new to this expansion, it's sadly underwhelming. Its talents and ability are identical to that of the tallstrider's, and the slowing debuff can be provided by a number of other sources. It can be useful if the tank in your group is unable to spread that debuff across several mobs, as is the case with paladins, but you're much better off setting the fox aside for other pets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gorilla ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gorillas have been known to be aggressive towards humanoids, but their hostility is simply a reaction to having fallen prey to wild game hunters over the years. Gorillas can be found in tropical climates. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ========== | Pummel | ========== Melee range 30 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Pummel the target, interrupting spellcasting and | | preventing any spell in that school from being cast for 2 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Out of the three pet families with spell interrupts, the gorilla has the shortest cooldown at 30 seconds but requires that you be at melee range. The short cooldown is ideal for specs that don't have a true spell interrupt, specifically BM and SV. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hyena ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commonly found in arid environments and wastelands, hyenas are known for their sinister cackle and menacing demeanor. For that very reason, they are praised in some circles. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ============== | Tendon Rip | ============== Melee range Special Ability Next melee 10 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Tears at an enemy's legs, increasing damage taken from | | bleed effects by 30% for 15 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Just as with boars, only MM-Hunters can benefit from Tendon Rip's bonus to bleeds. However, hyenas are worth bringing to a raid when all other possible pet buffs are accounted for. Even without Piercing Shots, rogues and warriors can benefit from causing additional bleed damage. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monkey ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Monkeys are mischievous creatures that are found mostly around tropical zones. As pets, they are loud and enjoy throwing questionable objects, but are fun companions. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ============== | Bad Manner | ============== 20 yd range Special Ability 0.5 sec cast 1 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | Hurls a handful of something special at the target, | | blinding them for 4 sec. Rude. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Monkeys are amazing PvP pets because of Bad Manner and their access to Cunning talents. Great for keeping a hostile player at bay for a few precious seconds. It can also be useful for stopping a loose mob in its tracks, giving you just enough time to slip a trap under its feet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moth ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Moths. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ================= | Serenity Dust | ================= 25 yd range 1 min cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The moth's wings produce a cloud of dust that interrupts | | the enemies spellcasting and preventing any spell in that | | school from being cast for 4 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Moths have the longest spell locking effect at 4 seconds but Serenity Dust has a far longer cooldown than what gorillas and nether rays have on their spell interrupts. Judge your use of it carefully. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nether Ray ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nether rays are visually similar to sporebats but are much more aggressive than their docile cousins. Nether rays are native to Outland, and are often found feeding on mana sources for energy. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fungus | --------------------------------------------------------- ================ | Nether Shock | ================ 20 yd range 40 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Instantly lashes an enemy, interrupting spellcasting and | | prevents any spell in that school from being cast for 2 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- The combination of Cunning talents and a ranged spell interrupt makes nether rays very useful against casters in PvP. Use Nether Shock in conjunction with other interrupt effects such as Scatter Shot and Silencing Shot. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raptor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raptors are bloodthirsty, carnivorous reptiles that can tear their prey from limb to limb with razor-sharp claws. Raptors can be found patrolling jungles and marshlands, though some can be found roaming around grassy plains. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ============== | Tear Armor | ============== Melee range 6 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Tears at the enemies armor with the raptor's talons, | | reducing it by 4%. Stacks up to 3 times. Lasts 30 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Raptors are highly regarded in dungeons and raids, thanks to their valuable Tear Armor ability. Having a raptor also allows rogues and tanking warriors to not concern themselves with Expose Armor or Sunder Armor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ravager ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Raptors are bloodthirsty, carnivorous reptiles that can tear their prey from limb to limb with razor-sharp claws. Raptors can be found patrolling jungles and marshlands, though some can be found roaming around grassy plains. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ========== | Ravage | ========== Melee range 15 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Violently attacks an enemy, causing the enemy target to | | take 4% increased physical damage for 25 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Ravagers make excellent dungeon and raiding companions because of their Ravage ability. Of course, you'll want a dragonhawk or wind serpent over a ravager if you're playing with a SV spec, but keep one with you; you never know when it will come in handy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rhino (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The mighty rhinoceros is a tough, resilient beast that will charge its victims with great force when startled. Rhinos are not native to any region of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. Most can be found grazing in the plains of Nagrand, or throughout various parts of Northrend. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ============ | Stampede | ============ Melee range 15 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your rhino slams into a nearby enemy, causing it to take | | 30% additional damage from bleed effects for 30 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ============= | Horn Toss | ============= Exotic Ability 30 Focus Melee Range Instant cast 1.5 min cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The Rhino punts the enemy with its mighty horn, knocking | | them back a great distance. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Despite being the only pet with an instant knockback, rhinos make odd pets. Like hyenas and boars, the bleed damage debuff from Stampede is only good for Piercing Shots, which is exclusive to MM-Hunters. Since rhinos are Exotic, that gives you no way of actually taking advantage of Stampede whatsoever. You'll probably want a pet with a more practical ability. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scorpid ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scorpids are the oversized cousins of modern-day scorpions. Their tough exoskeletons allow them to withstand attacks from hostile predators while using their claws to inflict harm. Scorpids can be found in dry, sandy, arid zones. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ========== | Clench | ========== Melee range 1 min cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The scorpid clenches the enemy's weapon with its claws, | | disarming their main hand and ranged weapons for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Scorpids are best used as PvP pets, and are a good choice if you are looking specifically for Tenacity talents as opposed to the bird of prey's Cunning talents. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Serpent ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scorpids are the oversized cousins of modern-day scorpions. Their tough exoskeletons allow them to withstand attacks from hostile predators while using their claws to inflict harm. Scorpids can be found in dry, sandy, arid zones. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ================== | Corrosive Spit | ================== 30 yd range 6 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Spits poison at an enemy, corroding their armor, reducing | | it by 4%. Stacks up to 3 times. Lasts 30 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Serpents are a great alternative to raptors if you prefer a pet with Cunning talents. Like raptors, serpents are an excellent choice for dungeons and raids, and are especially great for distant or airborne targets that the raptor would otherwise be unable to reach. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shale Spider (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shale spiders are a recent discovery in the world of Azeroth. After countless years of natural selection, they've developed rock-like bodies that allow them to withstand environments that would otherwise be volatile to softer creatures. Shale spiders are native to Deepholm. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Fish, Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ============ | Web Wrap | ============ 30 yd range 45 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Encases the target in sticky webs, stunning them for for 3 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- =============================== | Embrace of the Shale Spider | =============================== Exotic Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Fills all friendly party and raid members with the Shale | | Spider's embrace, increasing Strength, Agility, Stamina, | | and Intellect by 5%, and all magical resistances by X. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Shale spiders are best used to compensate for a lack of Mark of the Wild or Blessing of Kings. Their Web Wrap ability is also a very powerful ability when used against hostile players. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silithid (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silithids are strange, unearthly creatures that can be found in hive clusters in the south-most regions of Kalimdor. In recent years, many hunters have been able to successfully tame the larger, more powerful silithids that typically rule over their lesser kind. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat, Fungus | --------------------------------------------------------- =================== | Venom Web Spray | =================== 30 yd range 40 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Sprays toxic webs at the target, preventing movement for 5 | | sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ==================== | Qiraji Fortitude | ==================== Exotic Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Increases party and raid members' Stamina by 584. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Silithids are simply spiders with a Stamina buff. Use one to compensate for the lack of Power Word: Fortitude or Commanding Shout. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spider ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spiders are everywhere. They can be found in nearly every corner of the known world, and come in a wide variety of shapes and appearances. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ======= | Web | ======= 30 yd range 40 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Encases the target in sticky webs, preventing movement for | | 5 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Web's potential lies in its long range and decent root duration. As a result, spiders make handy PvP pets. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spirit Beast (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spirit beasts are extraordinarily rare creatures that only appear at unforeseen times. As ethereal creatures, they also vary greatly in overall appearance. A spirit beast can take on the form of a crab, a bear, among other animals. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Fish, Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- =================== | Roar of Courage | =================== 45 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The beast lets out a roar of courage, increasing the | | Strength and Agility of all party and raid members by 549 | | within 100 yards. Lasts for 1 min. | -------------------------------------------------------------- =============== | Spirit Walk | =============== 10 sec cooldown Bonus Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Puts your pet in stealth mode, but slows its movement | | speed by 50%. The first attack from stealth receives a 20% | | bonus to damage. Lasts until cancelled. | -------------------------------------------------------------- =============== | Spirit Mend | =============== Exotic Ability 5 Focus 25 yd range Instant cast 40 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The Spirit Beast heals the current friendly target for | | 1237 (+17.5% RAP) plus an additional (475 + (11.725% RAP) | | over 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Spirit beasts are amazing pets and are a personal trophy for BM-Hunters. Its Agility buff and healing spell makes it a top choice for raiding hunters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sporebat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sporebats are herbivorous creatures that are found only in Zangarmarsh. They are typically docile, though particular ones are hostile. They often release allergenic spores when provoked. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- =============== | Spore Cloud | =============== 6 yd range 8 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Dusts nearby enemies with spores, reducing the casting | | speed of all enemy targets within 6 by 30% for 10 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Sporebats are best used in PvP as a way to cripple casters, though there are a few specific dungeon and raid encounters where a slower casting speed may come in handy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tallstrider ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tallstriders are land birds that bear a resemblance to ostriches. Their tall legs allow them to run quick across plains and fields. Tallstriders are commonly found in the eastern parts of Kalimdor. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ============== | Dust Cloud | ============== Melee range 25 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your tallstrider kicks up an obscuring cloud of dust, | | causing all enemies within 10 yards to have their melee | | and ranged attack speed reduced by 20% for 30 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Tallstriders aren't the most ideal pet in the game, since the slowing debuff can be provided by a number of other sources. It can be useful if the tank in your group is unable to slow the swing speed of several mobs, but in most cases, you're better off using a different pet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turtle ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contrary to popular beliefs, turtles can be quick on their feet. Their thick shells allow them to withstand a lot of pain while they protect their owners. Turtles are often found wandering near beaches and bodies of water. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Fish, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ================ | Shell Shield | ================ 1 min cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The turtle partially withdraws into its shell, reducing | | damage taken by 50% for 12 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Turtles have always made very sturdy tanks, thanks to their Shell Shield ability, rivaling bears in overall tanking potential. If you're looking for a solid tanking pet, find yourself a nice turtle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warp Stalker ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warp stalkers are outlandish creatures with reptilian features. They have the power to manipulate time, allowing them to phase in and out of reality, and disrupting the flow of time around others. Warp stalkers are native to certain regions of Outland. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Fish, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ============= | Time Warp | ============= 25 yd range 15 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Slows time around the enemy, reducing their movement speed | | by 50% for 6 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Warp stalkers are great if you want a pet with a snare effect. However, the price for having a ranged snare as opposed to the crocolisk's melee-ranged Ankle Crack is having a 9-second gap between snares. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wasp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wasps are nasty little buggers whose stingers are coated with all sorts of toxic venoms. Though most look normal, some species have been unnaturally warped by the assimilatory effects of silithid hive clusters. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fungus, Fruit | --------------------------------------------------------- ========= | Sting | ========= Melee range 45 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your wasp stings the target, stunning them for 2 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Wasps are prized for their short-lived stun, and are an alternative to bats for anyone who prefers Ferocity talents over Cunning. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wind Serpent ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wind serpents are winged, snake-like creatures that are native to Kalimdor, though some species exist in Outland. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Cunning | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fish | --------------------------------------------------------- ==================== | Lightning Breath | ==================== 40 yd range 30 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Breathes lightning, increasing magic damage taken by 8% | | for 45 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Wind serpents are functionally identical to dragonhawks. Choose whichever suits your tastes. Lightning Breath is an excellent ability that synergizes with SV's emphasis on inflicting magic damage. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wolves can be found all throughout the world. Though they can be vicious, they are capable of the same level of companionship as dogs. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Ferocity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Meat | --------------------------------------------------------- ================ | Furious Howl | ================ 45 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | The wolf lets out a furious howl, increasing the critical | | strike chance of all party and raid members by 5%. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Wolves are a great pet for dungeons and raids, thanks to their incredibly useful Furious Howl ability. Keep one in your reserves wherever you go. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Worm (Exotic) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Worms and jormungar are earthly creatures that are found in certain areas of the world. Their ability to work with soil allows them to be shake the ground when burrowed underground. --------------------------------------------------------- | PET TYPE | Tenacity | --------------------------------------------------------- | DIET | Cheese, Bread, Fungus | --------------------------------------------------------- ============= | Acid Spit | ============= 30 yd range 10 sec cooldown Special Ability -------------------------------------------------------------- | Your worm spits acid, causing the enemy target to take an | | increased 4% physical damage for 25 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- ================= | Burrow Attack | ================= 30 Focus Exotic Ability Channeled 30 sec cooldown -------------------------------------------------------------- | The Worm burrows into the earth, shaking the ground above | | dealing 1432 (+76.8% RAP) Nature damage over 8 sec. | -------------------------------------------------------------- Worms give you the same benefit as ravagers while providing you with a supplemental AOE ability. If you're a BM-Hunter, keep one around. =============================================================================== ------------------------[ X. Building Your Character ]------------------------- =============================================================================== This chapter will give you a better understanding of how your stats work, and how best to maximize your potential as a hunter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. Understanding Your Stats ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As you make your way to level 85, you will come across countless numbers of items as quest rewards, boss drops, and random loot. The key to building your hunter's power is understanding your stats and what to look for when upgrading your gear or buying new weapons and armor. As a Hunter, you will only concern yourself with two of the five primary stats. Here is what you need to know about each stat: ============================================================================ | PRIMARY STATS | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | Agility | Increases your AP/RAP, Crit Rating, and Dodge Rating. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Stamina | Increases your total health. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weapons and armor that are designed for hunters will have always have these two stats. Consequently, these same two stats apply to rogues, enhancement shamans, and feral druids as well, which means that you will compete with them for rings, trinkets, and necks. ============================================================================ | SECONDARY STATS | PURPOSE | ============================================================================ | Hit Rating | Reduces your chance to miss with attacks. | | | Max effectiveness at +8.00% (961 Hit Rating). | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Crit Rating | Increases your chance to land a critical strike. | | | Important stat across all three specs. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Haste Rating | Increases your attack and casting speed. | | | Use to fine-tune Cobra/Steady Shot cast times. | | | Also increases Focus regeneration rate. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Mastery Rating | Increases the effectiveness of your spec-exclusive | | | ability. Actual usefulness over other stats is up for | | | debate. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Resilience* | Reduces the chance of receiving a critical strike from | | | hostile players. Only effective in PvP. | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- At level 85, most of the weapons and armor that you can acquire have Agility, Stamina, and any of the two secondary stats. Resilience only appears on gear that is specifically tailored for PvP combat. ============= | Reforging | ============= Your local enchanting shop features a reforging service that allows you to shift 40% of a secondary stat into an entirely different stat. Use this to your advantage to make fine adjustments to your overall numbers. To make the most out of reforging, you want to reduce your weaker stats in favor of your more powerful stats. Here is a general idea of the value of each stat for your class: ----------------------------- | STRONG | Hit Rating | | | Crit Rating | | | Haste Rating | | WEAK | Mastery Rating | ----------------------------- Always remember that Hit Rating is designed to reduce your innate chance to miss. Once you've completely closed that gap at 8.00%, any further Hit has no effect on your DPS. Another criteria to keep in mind is even though you can generally get more out of Crit than Haste, you want enough Haste to bring your Steady and Cobra Shot casting times down to a point where they can flow smoothly with your GCD. *Resilience cannot be reforged. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Weapon and Armor Enhancements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section will help you build your character properly by examining the types of item enhancements that are available to you. ======================== | Endgame Enhancements | ======================== The following are a series of the best possible endgame enhancements that are available to all players. These are an absolute must for anyone who wants to do raid-level dungeons. ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Helm | Arcanum of the Ramkahen | | | +60 Agility, +35 Haste | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Shoulders | Greater Inscription of Shattered Crystal | | | +50 Agility, +25 Mastery Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Cloak | Enchant Cloak - Greater Critical Strike | | | +65 Crit Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Chest | Enchant Chest - Peerless Stats | | | +20 All Stats | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Bracers | Enchant Bracers - Greater Assault | | | +50 Attack Power | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Gloves | Enchant Gloves - Haste | | | +50 Haste Rating | | |------------------------------------------------- | | Enchant Gloves - Major Agility | | | +20 Agility | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Belt | Ebonsteel Belt Buckle | | | +Gem Socket | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Leggings | Dragonscale Leg Armor | | | +190 AP, +55 Crit Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Boots | Enchant Boots - Assassin's Step | | | +25 Agility, Minor Movement Speed | | |------------------------------------------------- | | Enchant Boots - Major Agility | | | +35 Agility | | |------------------------------------------------| | | Enchant Boots - Precision | | | +50 Hit Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | 2H Weapon | Enchant 2H Weapon - Mighty Agility | | | +130 Agility | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | Ranged Weapon | Gnomish X-Ray Scope | | | Chance to proc +800 AP | | |------------------------------------------------- | | R19 Threatfinder | | | +88 Hit Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------ While some can be acquired simply by raising your reputation with the right factions, many will require that you seek out someone with the appropriate profession. Thankfully, any enchantments, buckles, or scopes can be found in your local auction house. ===================================== | Profession-Exclusive Enhancements | ===================================== Below are a series of powerful enhancements that you can get as perks for having specific professions. Most generally require that you reach at least a minimum of 500 skill in your profession in order to use them, but the materials involved are usually easy to procure. BEST STAT BONUSES ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Inscription | Shoulders | | | +130 Agility, +25 Mastery Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Blacksmithing | Bracers, Gloves | | | 1x Gem Socket each. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Jewelcrafting | Delicate Chimera's Eye | | | +67 Agility. Up to three allowed. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Leatherworking | Leggings | | | +190 AP, +55 Crit Rating | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Enchanting | Rings | | | +40 Agility per ring. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Alchemy | Mixology offers +80 Agility bonus to Flask of | | | the Wind. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Engineering | Gloves | | | Synapse Springs - +480 Agility for 10 sec. | | | On-use ability. 1 min cooldown. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Skinning | +80 Crit Rating at max skill. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Herbalism | +480 Haste Rating for 20 sec via Lifeblood. | | | On-use ability. 2 sec cooldown. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Mining | +120 Stamina | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | Tailoring | Cloak | | | Swordguard Embroidery - grants 1000 AP for 15 | | | sec on proc. | ------------------------------------------------------------------- If you're looking to maximize your DPS potential, the best combination is blacksmithing and jewelcrafting. Granted, you will need a constant source of ore to make both professions work but it's the best possible pair for anyone trying to make that push. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- c. Gemming Your Equipment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This section will instruct you on how to properly gem your gear. Most weapons and armor that have sockets tend to have slightly lower stats than equal-level items without sockets. However, the plus side is that the right gems and socket bonuses allow those pieces to become very good. ================ | Endgame Gems | ================ As you level, you can get away with using some of the weaker, uncommon-quality gems, but once you reach level 85, these are the gems that you should be looking at: ======================================================================= | SOCKET | NAME | BONUS | ======================================================================= | RED | Delicate Inferno Ruby | +40 Agility | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | YELLOW | Deadly Amber Topaz | +20 Agility, +20 Crit Rating | | |------------------------------------------------------------| | | Deft Ember Topaz | +20 Agility, +20 Haste Rating | | |------------------------------------------------------------| | | Adept Ember Topaz | +20 Agility, +20 Mastery Rating | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | BLUE | Glinting Demonseye | +20 Agility, +20 Hit Rating | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- All items that have sockets have additional stat bonuses that you can acquire by matching the sockets with gems of the appropriate color. While it's a nice incentive, Your goal is to maximize your Agility by using as many Delicate Inferno Rubies as possible. You have to decide whether or not the bonus is worth it for you. ============= | Meta Gems | ============= Meta gems are extraordinarily powerful gems that only fit in meta sockets, which are found only on helms. Their bonuses will only go into effect when the color requirements are fulfilled by your other gems. ============================== | Agile Shadowspirit Diamond | ============================== | +54 Agility | | +3% Critical Strike Damage | ------------------------------ | Requires 3 red gems | ------------------------------ Your best possible choice for endgame content. Also very easy to activate, since all of the endgame gems listed above fulfill the requirement. =============================================================================== --------------------------[ XI. Dungeons & Raiding ]--------------------------- =============================================================================== Once you reach level 85, the only way that you can grow from there is by acquiring endgame weapons and armor. The most common way to do so is by running through dungeons and raids. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. The Progression Ladder ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After reaching level 85, your endgame adventures begin with 5-man dungeons appropriate to what should be a low overall item level. Once you've accumulated enough gear, you gain access to Heroic dungeons. From there on, you can form or look for raids. Below is a general idea of how you will progress at endgame. Listed in each bracket is the general item level of the weapons and armor that you will come across. ========= | Lv.85 | ========= | | Lv.333 ============================ | 5-Man Dungeons | ============================ | Lost City of the Tol'vir | ---------------------------- | Grim Batol | ---------------------------- | Halls of Origination | ---------------------------- | | Lv.346 ======================================================= | 5-Man Heroic Dungeons | ======================================================= | Blackrock Caverns | Shadowfang Keep | ------------------------------------------------------- | Throne of the Tides | Deadmines | ------------------------------------------------------- | Lost City of the Tol'vir | Grim Batol | ------------------------------------------------------- | Halls of Origination | ---------------------------- | | | Lv.353 | =========================== | | Rise of the Zandalari | | =========================== | | Zul'Aman | Zul'Gurub | | --------------------------- | | | | | Lv.359 ================================ | Tier-11 Raid Dungeons | Heroic Lv.372 ================================ ----------------------- | Bastion of Twilight |-----> | Bastion of Twilight | -------------------------------- ----------------------- | Blackwing Descent |-----> | Blackwing Descent | -------------------------------- ----------------------- | Throne of the Four Winds | -------------------------------- | | Lv.378 ========================= | Tier-12 Raid Dungeons | Heroic Lv.391 ========================= ----------------- | The Firelands |-----> | The Firelands | ------------------------- ----------------- As the game continues to change and evolve, new dungeons will be added, giving players the chance to acquire upgrades to their current gear. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. Important Add-Ons ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dungeons are full of dangers and surprises that will often require good communication and reflexes, especially in raids. The following are add-ons that you will find to be extremely helpful to you. If anything, they are essential to doing well. Most can be found by simply using an internet search engine. =================== | Deadly Boss Mod | =================== This add-on is absolutely vital to dungeons. It keeps track of boss abilities, and allows you to anticipate deadly spell effects, phase changes, and immediate dangers. =========== | Recount | =========== Recount keeps track of the amount of damage that you and your fellow players are doing, and graphs everything into easy-to-read histograms and pie charts. It also keeps track of other things such as healing done, damage taken, number of successful spell interrupts, and so much more. ============ | Ventrilo | ============ Even though the game has built-in voice chat, many players prefer this dedicated third-party voice chat service. Adjustable audio settings and crystal-clear codex give you an unmatched level of quality. Of course, this service isn't free. It will require the purchase of a Ventrilo server, which is something that you and your guildmates will have to negotiate. =============================================================================== ----------------------------[ XII. Future Plans ]------------------------------ =============================================================================== I came out of retirement to give the Cataclysm expansion a good run for its money, and I've been able to give the guild a full update as a result of that. Though I'm currently taking a break from the game to pursue personal endeavors, I will continue to update the guide as necessary, assuming that my own personal prospects will allow me to do so. =============================================================================== ------------------------------[ XII. Credits ]--------------------------------- =============================================================================== I give thanks to the following people: CJayC (Jeff Veasey) - If it weren't for you and GameFAQs, I would never have had the opportunity to even consider writing this FAQ. Thanks Jeff Veasey. DJellybean (Dingo Jellybean) - It was you who came up with the style of borders that I use now for my FAQ's. Thanks Dingo! You, The Reader - Iâve received a lot of e-mail from you guys and I must say that Iâm grateful for all of your feedback. Thank you for your support of my guide! A very special thanks to the kind and loving folks at ! Phoebus Nehalennia Lorillus Socxinfinity Rize Zelos Spook Jkealy Euripades Fuqua Graphico Karnic Demodocus Joonho Flan Taiju Blowy Leith Masterofone Nickademus Ismaela Fuzukuraki Villar Boram Derjager Aachor Raithen Lennex Taelar Warbeard Minionite Trogdornator Barristan Ainvar Manthoray Lelania Davidmelech Riodon Kw Meyer (Thereâs a lot more but thatâs all I can remember off the top of my head right now!) Itâs been fun! =============================================================================== | END | ===============================================================================
