Gearing a Marksmanship Hunter through The Burning Crusade Classic isn't as straightforward as grabbing the highest item level piece that drops. You'll need to juggle set bonuses, hit rating thresholds, crafted items, and the melee weaving playstyle to squeeze out maximum damage.
This guide covers every phase from pre-raid preparation through Sunwell Plateau. You'll find detailed gear recommendations for each slot, Fresh 70s preparing for Karazhan and veterans pushing end-game content will both find what they need here.
Hit Rating Requirements
Marksmanship Hunters need specific hit rating thresholds to avoid missing attacks against raid bosses. Two gearsets exist throughout TBC Classic:
The recommendations throughout this guide note when items specifically support one hit configuration over another. Managing hit rating gets especially tricky during Phase 3 and beyond when you're transitioning from Tier 5 to Tier 6 gear, since Hunters lose significant hit rating during that swap.
Set Bonuses
Two armor sets define Marksmanship Hunter gearing through most of TBC Classic:
The 4-piece bonus from this set is powerful enough that Hunters wear it until they have 4 pieces of Tier 5. The Helm, Mantle, Handguards, and either Cuirass or Leggings form the core of pre-raid and Phase 1 gearing. This set drops from Heroic dungeons and should be your first priority after hitting 70.
Starting in Phase 2, Hunters transition to this set. You must collect all 4 pieces before swapping from Beast Lord. Breaking the Beast Lord 4-piece early means a significant damage loss.
Phase 3 introduces this set from Black Temple and Mount Hyjal. The transition from Tier 5 to Tier 6 is tricky because certain Tier 6 pieces can be used before completing the full 4-piece bonus, particularly when paired with Cursed Vision of Sargeras.
Aldor or Scryer
For Marksmanship Hunters, The Aldor is the better faction for min-maxing, though the difference between factions is small enough that choosing The Scryers won't noticeably hurt your raid performance.
Shoulder Enchants
- The Aldor: Greater Inscription of Vengeance provides slightly better stats than the Scryer alternative.
- The Scryers: Greater Inscription of the Blade works perfectly fine.
Other Considerations
Beyond shoulder enchants, The Aldor gives you access to Kaylaan's Signet, one of your pre-raid BiS rings from the quest "Deathblow to the Legion." This quest is Aldor-exclusive, making faction choice relevant for early gearing. Scryer players can use Ravenclaw Band from Sethekk Halls instead.
Nothing else faction-locked affects Hunter gearing throughout TBC Classic. The shoulder enchant difference is small enough that you won't notice it in actual raid encounters.
Profession Considerations
Leatherworking
Leatherworking provides several BiS crafted items throughout TBC Classic:
- Primalstrike Set: Vest, Bracers, and Belt form a strong pre-raid set that beats the Ebon Netherscale alternative despite being leather rather than mail. The set bonus and raw stats make this the better crafted option for Marksmanship Hunters.
- Fel Leather Boots: Critical for hitting your hit cap during pre-raid and early Phase 1.
- Belt of Deep Shadow: Available through Serpentshrine Cavern patterns, this becomes BiS during Phase 2.
- Quiver of a Thousand Feathers and Netherscale Ammo Pouch: Phase 3 introduces these 28-slot ammunition containers, replacing smaller options from earlier phases.
Blacksmithing
- Mooncleaver: The go-to two-handed weapon for melee weaving through Phase 2. Requires Master Axesmith specialization. Before dumping gold into leveling Blacksmithing and crafting this weapon, practice melee weaving with a cheaper dungeon weapon to make sure you enjoy the playstyle and can execute it properly.
- Bloodmoon: Phase 2 alternative to Mooncleaver, though Nether Vortex requirements make this a lower priority for Hunters compared to other classes.
Engineering
Surestrike Goggles v2.0: Available in Phase 2, but Hunters can't craft Deathblow X11 Goggles. Despite looking attractive, using Beast Lord Helm for the 4-piece set bonus provides more DPS than the engineering goggles, making this craft unnecessary.
Jewelcrafting
Phase 5 introduces craftable BiS items:
- Hard Khorium Choker: BiS neck piece for most gearsets.
- Hard Khorium Band: BiS ring.
Melee Weapons and Melee Weaving
Understanding melee weapon choices requires knowing whether you plan to melee weave. Melee weaving involves dealing melee damage with your equipped weapon between ranged auto-shots, significantly increasing overall DPS when you do it correctly.
Dual Wield vs Two-Handed
Dual Wield (Non-Weaving): If you skip melee weaving, dual wielding provides passive stat bonuses. Fist weapons work best because Adamantite Weightstone affects both ranged weapon damage and ranged critical strike rating. Your main hand and off hand serve purely as stat sticks.
Two-Handed (Melee Weaving): If you melee weave, a two-handed weapon provides better damage during the melee portion of your rotation. This takes more skill and practice but yields higher DPS when performed correctly.
Weapon Recommendations by Phase
| Phase | Non-Weaving (Dual Wield) | Melee Weaving (Two-Handed) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Raid & Phase 1 | MH: Claw of the Watcher / OH: Stormreaver Warblades | Mooncleaver or Sonic Spear |
| Phase 2 | MH: Talon of the Phoenix / OH: Claw of the Phoenix | Twinblade of the Phoenix or Bloodmoon |
| Phase 3 | MH: Boundless Agility / OH: Blade of Infamy | Twinblade of the Phoenix (re-gemmed) |
| Phase 4 | MH & OH: Dagger of Bad Mojo (x2) | Twinblade of the Phoenix or Trollbane |
| Phase 5 | MH: Hand of the Deceiver / OH: Crux of the Apocalypse | Shivering Felspine |
Arena PvP Weapons
For players who participate in arena PvP, reaching 1850 rating unlocks strong weapon options:
Vengeful Gladiator's Right Ripper and Vengeful Gladiator's Left Ripper: These fist weapons provide hit rating and compete with raid options, particularly valuable during Phase 3 when hit rating is hard to maintain.
Pre-Raid Best in Slot
Before entering Karazhan, Gruul's Lair, or Magtheridon's Lair, focus on acquiring gear through Heroic dungeons, reputation vendors, professions, and world drops.
- Complete Beast Lord 4-piece bonus (Helm, Mantle, Cuirass/Leggings, Handguards)
- Craft or purchase Primalstrike set pieces (Vest, Bracers, Belt)
- Reach hit cap through Fel Leather Boots and other hit rating gear
- Get Bloodlust Brooch from the Badge of Justice vendor
Head Slot
Never replaced until Tier 5 transition. Required for Beast Lord 4-piece.
Alternatives: Stealther's Helmet of Second Sight / Stalker's Helmet of Second Sight (Quest: Teron Gorefiend, I am...), Mask of Veiled Death (World Drop, Outland), Mok'Nathal Beast-Mask (Exarch Maladaar, Auchenai Crypts), Cryptstalker Headpiece (Classic Naxxramas content)
Shoulder Slot
Required for Beast Lord 4-piece. Match socket colors appropriately.
Alternatives: Expedition Scout's Epaulets (Quest: Fel Embers), Wastewalker Shoulderpads (Avatar of the Martyred, Heroic Auchenai Crypts), Mantle of Perenolde (Epoch Hunter, Old Hillsbrad Foothills), Cryptstalker Spaulders (Classic Naxxramas content)
Back Slot
May be expensive early in the phase. Stays BiS until Phase 2.
Alternatives: Blood Knight War Cloak (G'eras vendor, 25 Badges of Justice), Cloak of the Craft (Durnholde Tracking Hound, Old Hillsbrad Foothills), Auchenai Death Shroud (Avatar of the Martyred, Heroic Auchenai Crypts), Cloak of the Inciter (Blackheart the Inciter, Shadow Labyrinth)
Chest Slot
Beats Ebon Netherscale despite being leather. Part of Primalstrike 3-piece set.
Alternative Best in Slot: Beast Lord Cuirass (Warp Splinter, The Botanica) - Use if you're not going Primalstrike or need Beast Lord 4-piece through this slot.
Other Options: Ebon Netherscale Breastplate (Dragonscale Leatherworking), Hauberk of Karabor (Quest: Varedis Must Be Stopped), Cryptstalker Tunic (Classic Naxxramas content)
Wrist Slot
Part of Primalstrike set bonus.
Alternatives: Nightfall Wristguards (Epoch Hunter, Old Hillsbrad Foothills), Felstalker Bracers (Leatherworking, pattern requires Honor Hold/Thrallmar Honored), Ebon Netherscale Bracers (Dragonscale Leatherworking), Cryptstalker Wristguards (Classic Naxxramas content)
Hand Slot
Required for Beast Lord 4-piece. Never replaced until Tier 5 transition.
Alternatives: Marshal's Chain Grips / General's Chain Gloves (Classic PvP vendors), Ar'tor's Mainstay (Quest: The Cipher of Damnation), Gloves of the Nether-Stalker (Quest: Dealing with the Overmaster), Cryptstalker Handguards (Classic Naxxramas content)
Waist Slot
Completes Primalstrike 3-piece set bonus.
Alternatives: Dunewind Sash (Ghaz'an, Heroic The Underbog), Ebon Netherscale Belt (Dragonscale Leatherworking), Felstalker Belt (Leatherworking), Cryptstalker Girdle (Classic Naxxramas content)
Leg Slot
Can be used for Beast Lord 4-piece if you're using Primalstrike Vest in the chest slot.
Alternative Best in Slot: Midnight Legguards (Quagmirran, Heroic The Slave Pens) - Use when running Beast Lord Cuirass in chest slot.
Other Options: Wastewalker Leggings (Nexus-Prince Shaffar, Heroic Mana-Tombs), Cryptstalker Legguards (Classic Naxxramas content)
Foot Slot
Critical for hitting your hit cap. Get these early.
Alternatives: The Master's Treads (World Drop, Outland), Boots of the Endless Hunt (Warp Splinter, Heroic The Botanica), Farahlite Studded Boots (Quest: A Fate Worse Than Death), Cryptstalker Boots (Classic Naxxramas content)
Neck Slot
Easy to get through Badge farming. High priority purchase.
Alternatives: Prestor's Talisman of Connivery (Nefarian, Blackwing Lair, Classic content), Jagged Bark Pendant (Warp Splinter, The Botanica), Earthen Mark of Razing (Quest: Gurok the Usurper)
Ring Slots
Best in Slot: Kaylaan's Signet (Aldor Only) - Quest: Deathblow to the Legion. One of the main reasons to choose Aldor.
Best in Slot: Slayer's Mark of the Redemption - Quest: Dissension Amongst the Ranks... Available to both factions.
Non-Aldor Alternative: Ravenclaw Band (Talon King Ikiss, Sethekk Halls)
Other Options: Band of Unnatural Forces (Loatheb, Classic Naxxramas), Band of Anguish (Quest: News of Victory)
Trinket Slots
Top priority Badge purchase. Stays BiS through Phase 1 and stays competitive into Phase 2.
Best in Slot: Abacus of Violent Odds (Pathaleon the Calculator, The Mechanar) - Farm this alongside Beast Lord Helm.
Alternatives: Hourglass of the Unraveller (Temporus, The Black Morass), Badge of the Swarmguard (Battleguard Sartura, Ahn'Qiraj), Bladefist's Breadth (Quest: Overlord / Cruel's Intentions)
Ranged Weapon
Keep using this until you get a raid-tier ranged weapon.
Alternatives: Veteran's Musket / Marksman's Bow (Honor Hold/Thrallmar Exalted), Nerubian Slavemaker (Kel'Thuzad, Classic Naxxramas), Don Santos' Famous Hunting Rifle (World Drop, Outland), Valanos' Longbow (World Drop, Outland)
Phase 1 BiS: Karazhan, Gruul's Lair, Magtheridon's Lair
Phase 1 introduces raid content while you still rely heavily on Beast Lord and crafted gear. Your main upgrades come from accessory slots, ranged weapons, and specific drops that don't break your set bonuses.
Key Phase 1 Upgrades
| Slot | Best in Slot | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Beast Lord Helm (keep) | The Mechanar |
| Back | Vengeance Wrap (keep) | Tailoring BoE |
| Waist | Gronn-Stitched Girdle | Gruul the Dragonkiller |
| Legs | Skulker's Greaves | Netherspite, Karazhan |
| Feet | Edgewalker Longboots | Moroes, Karazhan |
| Neck | Choker of Vile Intent / Worgen Claw Necklace | Badge Vendor / Attumen |
| Rings | Ring of the Recalcitrant + Ring of a Thousand Marks | Magtheridon Quest / Prince Malchezaar |
| Trinkets | Dragonspine Trophy + Bloodlust Brooch | Gruul / Badge Vendor |
| Ranged | Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix | Prince Malchezaar, Karazhan |
Phase 2 BiS: Tempest Keep and Serpentshrine Cavern
Phase 2 introduces Tier 5 content and the transition from Beast Lord to Rift Stalker Armor. This phase requires careful planning since you can't simply swap pieces one at a time.
Phase 2 Tier 5 Gear
| Slot | Rift Stalker Piece | Token Source |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Rift Stalker Helm | Lady Vashj, Serpentshrine Cavern |
| Shoulders | Rift Stalker Mantle | Void Reaver, Tempest Keep |
| Chest | Rift Stalker Hauberk | Kael'thas Sunstrider, Tempest Keep |
| Hands | Rift Stalker Gauntlets | Leotheras the Blind, SSC |
Key Phase 2 Non-Set Pieces
| Slot | Best in Slot | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Back | Thalassian Wildercloak | Kael'thas Sunstrider |
| Waist | Belt of Deep Shadow | Leatherworking (SSC pattern) |
| Legs | Leggings of Murderous Intent | Kael'thas Sunstrider |
| Feet | Cobra-Lash Boots / Star-Strider Boots | Lady Vashj / Solarian |
| Neck | Telonicus's Pendant of Mayhem | Kael'thas Quest Reward |
| Ranged | Serpent Spine Longbow | Lady Vashj, SSC |
Phase 3 BiS: Black Temple and Mount Hyjal
Phase 3 introduces significant stat changes with Armor Penetration and Haste appearing on gear. This phase brings the most complex gearing decisions due to hit rating challenges when transitioning from Tier 5 to Tier 6.
The Cursed Vision Priority
Cursed Vision of Sargeras is the single most important item for Marksmanship Hunters in Phase 3. Multiple factors support Hunter prioritization:
- Hit Rating: Hunters lose massive hit rating when dropping Tier 5. This helm provides critical hit rating.
- Set Bonus Breaking: The DPS gain is significant enough that you can break Beast Lord 4-piece for it and still gain DPS with only 3/5 Tier 5.
- Immediate Use: Unlike other classes that need supporting pieces, Hunters can equip this immediately for a DPS boost.
If your guild doesn't prioritize you for Cursed Vision, pursue Vengeful Gladiator's Chain Helm through arena for hit rating support.
Gronnstalker's Armor (Tier 6)
| Slot | Tier 6 Piece | Token Source |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Gronnstalker's Helmet | Archimonde, Hyjal Summit |
| Shoulders | Gronnstalker's Spaulders | Mother Shahraz, Black Temple |
| Chest | Gronnstalker's Chestguard | Illidan Stormrage, Black Temple |
| Hands | Gronnstalker's Gloves | Azgalor, Hyjal Summit |
| Legs | Gronnstalker's Leggings | The Illidari Council, Black Temple |
Key Phase 3 Upgrades
Can break Tier 5 4-piece for this and still gain DPS. Highest Phase 3 priority.
From a pure DPS standpoint, this is your best option. Black Bow of the Betrayer is a close second.
Phase 4 BiS: Zul'Aman
Phase 4 adds Zul'Aman content while maintaining Black Temple and Hyjal as primary raids. Three significant upgrades come from Zul'Aman specifically.
Key Zul'Aman Items
| Item | Slot | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dagger of Bad Mojo | Main Hand & Off Hand (use 2) | Hex Lord Malacrass |
| Signet of Primal Wrath | Ring | Zul'Aman Timed Chest |
| Berserker's Call | Trinket | Zul'jin |
Badge of Justice Priorities for Phase 4
- Nyn'jah's Tabi Boots (60 Badges): Hit rating for Tier 6 transition
- Dory's Embrace (60 Badges): Decent cloak if lacking Shadowmoon Destroyer's Drape
Phase 5 BiS: Sunwell Plateau
Phase 5 represents the final content phase of TBC Classic, featuring Sunwell Plateau and the legendary bow Thori'dal. Nearly every equipment slot sees significant upgrades, though competition for items reaches its peak.
Thori'dal, the Stars' Fury
Tier 6 Completion in Sunwell
Sunwell provides three new Tier 6 tokens (Bracers, Belt, Boots) that complete the set. The 4-piece bonus stays ideal using:
- Gronnstalker's Spaulders
- Gronnstalker's Bracers
- Gronnstalker's Belt
- Gronnstalker's Boots
Phase 5 Key Upgrades
| Slot | Best in Slot | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Head (6%) | Coif of Alleria | Kil'jaeden |
| Head (9%) | Duplicitous Guise | Kil'jaeden |
| Back | Cloak of Unforgivable Sin | Kil'jaeden |
| Chest | Bladed Chaos Tunic | M'uru (Sunmote transfer) |
| Hands | Gloves of Immortal Dusk | Leatherworking BoE |
| Legs | Leggings of the Immortal Night | Felmyst |
| Neck | Hard Khorium Choker | Jewelcrafting |
| Rings | Band of Ruinous Delight + Hard Khorium Band | Alythess / Jewelcrafting |
| Trinkets (with Thori'dal) | Berserker's Call + Blackened Naaru Sliver | Zul'Aman / M'uru |
| Trinkets (without) | Dragonspine Trophy + Blackened Naaru Sliver | Gruul / M'uru |
| Ranged | Thori'dal / Golden Bow of Quel'Thalas | Kil'jaeden / Alythess |
Quivers, Ammo Pouches, and Ammunition
Hunters uniquely sacrifice a bag slot for ammunition storage. The container type depends on your ranged weapon: Quivers for Bows and Crossbows, Ammo Pouches for Guns.
Quiver Progression
All quivers provide identical 15% ranged attack speed bonus. The only difference is slot count.
| Phase | Best Quiver | Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1-2 | Ancient Sinew Wrapped Lamina | 24 slots |
| Phase 1-2 Alt | Clefthoof Hide Quiver / Worg Hide Quiver | 20 slots |
| Phase 3-5 | Quiver of a Thousand Feathers | 28 slots |
Ammunition Progression
| Phase | Best Arrows | Best Bullets |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Warden's Arrow (Cenarion Expedition Revered) | Hellfire Shot / Felbane Slugs |
| Phase 2 | Adamantite Stinger (Engineering) | Adamantite Shells (Engineering) |
| Phase 3-5 | Timeless Arrow (Scale of the Sands Honored) | Timeless Shell (Scale of the Sands Honored) |
Gems and Enchants Quick Reference
Meta Gems
Throughout TBC Classic: Relentless Earthstorm Diamond - Requires 2 of each color gem to activate. Socket in helm meta slot.
Gem Color Priority
Key Enchants
| Slot | Enchant |
|---|---|
| Head | Glyph of Ferocity (Cenarion Expedition Revered) |
| Shoulders | Greater Inscription of Vengeance (Aldor) / Greater Inscription of the Blade (Scryer) |
| Back | Enchant Cloak - Greater Agility |
| Chest | Enchant Chest - Exceptional Stats |
| Wrists | Enchant Bracer - Assault |
| Hands | Enchant Gloves - Superior Agility |
| Legs | Nethercobra Leg Armor |
| Feet | Enchant Boots - Dexterity |
| Ranged Weapon | Stabilized Eternium Scope |
| Melee Weapons | Enchant Weapon - Greater Agility (Phase 3+) |
Conclusion
Gearing a Marksmanship Hunter through TBC Classic requires balancing set bonuses, hit rating requirements, and contested loot across multiple raid tiers. Here are the core principles:
- Never break 4-piece Beast Lord until you have 4-piece Tier 5 ready
- Never break 4-piece Tier 5 until you have 4-piece Tier 6 ready (exception: Cursed Vision of Sargeras)
- Cursed Vision of Sargeras is your highest priority item in Phase 3
- Hit rating management becomes critical during Tier 5 to Tier 6 transition
- Breaking set bonuses before having replacements ready
- Ignoring hit rating caps when swapping gear
- Not planning tier transitions in advance
- Undervaluing Thori'dal's massive DPS gain
Use this guide to plan your gearing progression, understand loot priorities, and communicate with your guild about item needs. Successful Hunter gearing requires foresight and strategic planning across multiple content phases.