TBC Classic Survival Hunter BiS Gear Guide - All Phases

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This guide covers all Best in Slot gear for Survival Hunters throughout every phase of The Burning Crusade Classic. Survival Hunters bring a unique raid buff through Expose Weakness, which grants attack power to your entire raid based on your Agility. Your gearing decisions matter more than you might think because you're not just boosting your own damage, you're contributing to everyone's DPS.

How Survival Differs from Beast Mastery

Survival Hunters have several gearing advantages over Beast Mastery.

Faction Choice: Aldor vs. Scryers

For min-maxing, The Aldor is slightly better because Greater Inscription of Vengeance edges out Greater Inscription of the Blade from The Scryers. The difference is tiny though, only a few DPS, so most players won't notice anything in raids. Pick whichever faction works for your other characters without worrying about it.

Neither faction offers anything else essential for Hunter raid gear beyond shoulder enchants.

Survival Hunter Stat Priorities

Before diving into specific gear, knowing why certain stats matter helps you make smart decisions when BiS items aren't available.

Primary Stats (In Order of Importance)

Agility

Your most valuable stat - gives crit chance, attack power through talents, and powers Expose Weakness

Hit Rating

Need enough to reach hit cap, but going over is a waste - Survival needs less than other specs

Attack Power

Directly increases damage - valuable but generally secondary to Agility for Survival

Pre-Raid Best in Slot Gear

Before stepping into Tier 4 raids (Karazhan, Gruul's Lair, Magtheridon's Lair), focus on getting the following gear from dungeons, heroics, crafting, and reputation vendors.

Core Set Pieces: Beast Lord Armor

The Beast Lord set is the foundation of Hunter pre-raid gearing. The 4-piece bonus stays BiS until Tier 5, making these pieces your top farming priority.

Slot-by-Slot Pre-Raid BiS

Head: Beast Lord Helm (The Mechanar) - Alternatives until you get it: Stalker's Helmet of Second Sight (quest reward from Teron Gorefiend, I am...), Mok'Nathal Beast-Mask (Exarch Maladaar in Auchenai Crypts)

Neck: Jagged Bark Pendant (Warp Splinter in The Botanica) - This rare-quality necklace is pre-raid BiS and stays BiS throughout Phase 1 thanks to its high Agility and Attack Power. Alternatives: Choker of Vile Intent (25 Badges of Justice), Earthen Mark of Razing (Gurok the Usurper quest in Nagrand)

Shoulders: Beast Lord Mantle (The Steamvault) - Alternatives: Expedition Scout's Epaulets (quest reward from Fel Embers in Hellfire Peninsula), Wastewalker Shoulderpads (Heroic Auchenai Crypts)

Back: Blood Knight War Cloak (25 Badges of Justice from G'eras in Shattrath) - This cloak is BiS for Survival because of its high Agility compared to alternatives. Alternatives: Vengeance Wrap (Tailoring crafted), Auchenai Death Shroud (Heroic Auchenai Crypts), Cloak of the Inciter (Shadow Labyrinth)

Chest: Beast Lord Cuirass (The Botanica) - Alternatives: Primalstrike Vest (Elemental Leatherworking, Bind on Pickup), Hauberk of Karabor (quest reward from Varedis Must Be Stopped)

Wrists: Felstalker Bracers (Leatherworking crafted) OR Nightfall Wristguards (Heroic Old Hillsbrad Foothills) - Both options are basically equal. Felstalker Bracers might be easier since they're crafted, though they can be expensive early on. Nightfall Wristguards are free but could be contested in groups. Alternative: Primalstrike Bracers (Elemental Leatherworking)

Hands: Beast Lord Handguards (The Shattered Halls) - Alternatives: Ar'tor's Mainstay (The Cipher of Damnation quest chain), Gloves of the Nether-Stalker (quest reward from Dealing with the Overmaster)

Waist: Dunewind Sash (Heroic The Underbog from Ghaz'an) - The high base Agility and 2 sockets make this the best pre-raid option. Very close second: Girdle of the Deathdealer (Heroic Black Morass). Alternatives: Primalstrike Belt (Elemental Leatherworking), Felstalker Belt (Leatherworking)

Legs: Wastewalker Leggings (Heroic Mana-Tombs from Nexus-Prince Shaffar) - Highest base Agility plus 3 sockets makes this the best choice for stacking Agility. Alternatives: Beast Lord Leggings (The Steamvault), Midnight Legguards (Heroic Slave Pens)

Feet: Boots of the Endless Hunt (Heroic The Botanica from Warp Splinter) - Slightly better than alternatives because of the base Agility. Alternatives: The Master's Treads (World Drop), Fel Leather Boots (Leatherworking)

Rings: Slayer's Mark of the Redemption (quest reward from Dissension Amongst the Ranks... in Shadowmoon Valley), Ravenclaw Band (Talon King Ikiss in Sethekk Halls). World drop alternatives if you can get them: Truestrike Ring, Pathfinder's Band

Trinkets: Bloodlust Brooch (41 Badges of Justice) - Carries over as Phase 1 BiS. Hourglass of the Unraveller (Temporus in Black Morass). Alternative: Abacus of Violent Odds (Pathaleon the Calculator in The Mechanar)

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Pre-Raid Weapons

Dual Wield Option:

• Main Hand: Stellaris (Nethermancer Sepethrea in The Mechanar), best for high Agility
• Alternative Main Hand: Claw of the Watcher (Shirrak the Dead Watcher in Heroic Auchenai Crypts), use if you're taking advantage of Adamantite Weightstone with fist weapons
• Off Hand: Void-Talon (Purchased from Dealer Jadyan in Netherstorm)
• Alternative: Guile of Khoraazi (Exalted with The Consortium). Note: UNIQUE-EQUIPPED, so you can't dual-wield two of them

Two-Handed Option:

• Sonic Spear (Murmur in Shadow Labyrinth): Best non-crafted option for melee weaving
• Mooncleaver (Master Axesmith Blacksmithing): Technically best but extremely expensive and unnecessary since your Phase 1 BiS two-hander is virtually uncontested

Ranged Weapon: Wrathtide Longbow (Heroic The Steamvault from Warlord Kalithresh) - Use this until you can get a raid bow. Alternatives: Veteran's Musket/Marksman's Bow (Exalted with Honor Hold/Thrallmar)

Phase 1 Best in Slot

Phase 1 introduces your first raid gear while you maintain the crucial Beast Lord 4-piece bonus.

Gearing Principles for Phase 1

One major difference from Beast Mastery: Survival Hunters want Legacy (two-handed polearm) over Mooncleaver. Even without melee weaving, Legacy gives your raid a small benefit over using fist weapons with Adamantite Weightstone.

Phase 1 Slot-by-Slot BiS

Head: Beast Lord Helm (The Mechanar) - Keep this for the 4-piece bonus. If needed before you get it: Demon Stalker Greathelm (Prince Malchezaar tier token in Karazhan)

Neck: Jagged Bark Pendant (The Botanica) - Stays BiS in Phase 1 despite being a rare dungeon drop

Shoulders: Beast Lord Mantle (The Steamvault) - Keep for 4-piece bonus

Back: Drape of the Dark Reavers (Shade of Aran in Karazhan) - Very small upgrade over Blood Knight War Cloak. Either cloak works fine in Phase 1

Chest: Beast Lord Cuirass (The Botanica) - Unlike Beast Mastery, the chest stays permanent for Survival no matter what other gear you get. Alternative: Primalstrike Vest (Elemental Leatherworking)

Wrists: Ravager's Bands of Agility (Rokad the Ravager in Karazhan) - Unfortunately, this drops from one of three random bosses in Karazhan's basement, and the bracers can roll random stats that aren't always Agility. Realistic alternative: Nightfall Wristguards (Heroic Old Hillsbrad), much easier to get with less RNG

Hands: Beast Lord Handguards (The Shattered Halls) - Fourth piece for set bonus, never replaced by different gear sets. Alternative until you get them: Gloves of Dexterous Manipulation (Attumen the Huntsman in Karazhan)

Waist: Lurker's Belt of Agility (Hyakiss the Lurker in Karazhan) - Same unfortunate RNG situation as bracers, requires the right boss spawn AND the right stat roll. Realistic BiS: Girdle of Treachery (Chess Event in Karazhan)

Legs: Scaled Greaves of the Marksman (Doom Lord Kazzak world boss) - All red sockets with +4 Agility bonus makes this the best option. Extremely hard or expensive to get early. Realistic BiS: Skulker's Greaves (Netherspite in Karazhan)

Feet: Glider's Sabatons of Agility (Shadikith the Glider in Karazhan) - Third piece from the random basement boss pool with random stat rolls. Realistic BiS: Edgewalker Longboots (Moroes in Karazhan)

Rings: Ring of the Recalcitrant (Quest reward from Magtheridon's Head), Pathfinder's Band (World Drop). Alternative: Garona's Signet Ring (The Curator in Karazhan)

Trinkets: Dragonspine Trophy (Gruul the Dragonkiller) - Incredibly contested, won't be replaced until the final raid tier. Bloodlust Brooch (41 Badges of Justice). Alternatives while waiting for DST: Hourglass of the Unraveller, Abacus of Violent Odds

Phase 1 Weapons

Dual Wield: Main Hand: Stellaris (The Mechanar) OR Claw of the Watcher (Heroic Auchenai Crypts) for the fist weapon option. Off Hand: Blade of the Unrequited (Opera Event in Karazhan), 3 sockets provide highest available Agility

Two-Handed: Legacy (The Big Bad Wolf in Karazhan) - Survival Hunters have it easier than Marksmanship here because Legacy provides high Agility and drops from a relatively easy encounter. This is your main two-handed weapon for Phase 1

Ranged: Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix (Prince Malchezaar in Karazhan) - Technically second to Barrel-Blade Longrifle from Doomwalker world boss, but world boss loot is nearly impossible to get. Alternative: Wolfslayer Sniper Rifle (The Big Bad Wolf in Karazhan)

Phase 2 Best in Slot

Phase 2 introduces Tier 5 (Rift Stalker) armor and some major gear upgrades. Survival gearing becomes nearly identical to Beast Mastery since Phase 2 gear naturally has high Agility.

Phase 2 Differences for Survival

For melee weaving, Survival wants Twinblade of the Phoenix over Bloodmoon because of the extra 24 Agility from gem sockets.

The off-set piece for Tier 5 differs from Beast Mastery: Survival uses Gloves of Dexterous Manipulation as the off-piece instead of tier gloves. The 2 sockets and high raw Agility make them the better choice.

Phase 2 Slot-by-Slot BiS

Head: Rift Stalker Helm (Lady Vashj tier token in Serpentshrine Cavern) - Gem: Relentless Earthstorm Diamond + Delicate Living Ruby. Use Beast Lord Helm until you have 4-piece Tier 5. Note: Surestrike Goggles v2.0 (Engineering) might look attractive, but Beast Lord 4-piece bonus is still a DPS gain

Neck: Telonicus's Pendant of Mayhem (Quest reward from Verdant Sphere, which drops from Kael'thas Sunstrider) - Highly contested by many classes; you might need to wait depending on your loot system. Good alternative: Necklace of the Deep (Jewelcrafting), cheap to craft and an excellent placeholder

Shoulders: Rift Stalker Mantle (Void Reaver tier token in Tempest Keep) - Gem: 2x Delicate Living Ruby. Use Beast Lord Mantle until Tier 5

Back: Thalassian Wildercloak (Kael'thas Sunstrider in Tempest Keep) - New BiS with an Agility increase and a big chunk of Attack Power. You can now afford to lose the hit rating from Drape of the Dark Reavers

Chest: Rift Stalker Hauberk (Kael'thas Sunstrider tier token in Tempest Keep) - Gem: 2x Glinting Fire Opal + Shifting Tanzanite. Use Beast Lord Cuirass until Tier 5

Wrists: Vambraces of Ending (High Astromancer Solarian in Tempest Keep) - BiS for balancing personal DPS and raid-wide benefit. Ravager's Bands of Agility still gives the best raid-wide increase at a personal DPS loss (if you can actually get them)

Hands: Gloves of Dexterous Manipulation (Attumen the Huntsman in Karazhan) - Major difference from Beast Mastery: this is the BiS off-set piece for Survival. 2 sockets and high raw Agility make these better than tier gloves

Waist: Belt of Deep Shadow (Leatherworking crafted from SSC trash pattern) - New absolute BiS belt. Belt of One-Hundred Deaths (Lady Vashj) is very close but melee highly prioritize it for expertise rating

Legs: Rift Stalker Leggings (Fathom-Lord Karathress tier token in Serpentshrine Cavern) - BiS for Survival (unlike Beast Mastery which uses different legs). One of your 4-piece set pieces

Feet: Cobra-Lash Boots (Lady Vashj) OR Star-Strider Boots (High Astromancer Solarian) - Completely identical in DPS stats; Cobra-Lash has slightly more Intellect. Either works perfectly fine

Rings: Ring of the Recalcitrant (Magtheridon quest), Band of Eternity (Caverns of Time quest Champion's Pledge). This eliminates competition with Beast Mastery Hunters who prefer Band of the Ranger-General

Trinkets: Dragonspine Trophy (Gruul's Lair) - Still BiS. Bloodlust Brooch (Badges) - Still BiS. Tsunami Talisman (Leotheras the Blind) is an upgrade but only helps on very short fights

Phase 2 Weapons

Dual Wield: Main Hand: Netherbane (Al'ar in Tempest Keep), best for high Agility and basically an upgraded Stellaris. Off Hand: Claw of the Phoenix (Al'ar) with Adamantite Weightstone, better personal DPS than two Netherbanes. Alternative: Two Netherbanes for highest overall Agility

Two-Handed: Twinblade of the Phoenix (Kael'thas Sunstrider) - Best for Survival melee weaving because of 3 sockets providing an extra 24 Agility. Bloodmoon (Master Axesmith) is very close but lacks Agility sockets

Ranged: Serpent Spine Longbow (Lady Vashj) - While high-Agility weapons like Arcanite Steam-Pistol benefit Expose Weakness more, the overall DPS increase from Serpent Spine Longbow outweighs the Agility bonus

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Phase 3 Best in Slot

Phase 3 introduces Tier 6 (Gronnstalker) armor. Survival has several advantages over Beast Mastery this phase.

Survival Advantages in Phase 3

• You don't need Cursed Vision of Sargeras (the most contested helm in the game) because Survival uses Gronnstalker's Helmet for 4-piece Tier 6
• You don't need Stormrage Signet Ring, another highly contested item
• Only requiring 3% hit makes gearing up and transitioning into Tier 6 much easier

Items to Prioritize in Phase 3

Halberd of Desolation: This two-hander covers over half your required hit rating early on. It's an excellent option while working toward dual-wield weapons.

Madness of the Betrayer: A significant trinket upgrade that lets you drop Halberd of Desolation and transition to melee weapons. This trinket accounts for nearly half your hit rating in Phase 3.

Phase 3 Slot-by-Slot BiS

Head: Gronnstalker's Helmet (Archimonde tier token in Hyjal Summit) - Unlike Beast Mastery, Survival uses the tier helm to complete 4-piece. Gem: Relentless Earthstorm Diamond + Delicate Crimson Spinel. Use Rift Stalker Helm until you get Tier 6

Neck: Telonicus's Pendant of Mayhem (Tempest Keep quest) - Stays absolute BiS; no new alternatives worth using

Shoulders: Gronnstalker's Spaulders (Mother Shahraz tier token in Black Temple) - One of the better individual Tier 6 pieces. Gem: 2x Delicate Crimson Spinel. Warriors share this token and can use it immediately, while Hunters need 2 pieces before seeing any benefit

Back: Thalassian Wildercloak (Tempest Keep) - Stays absolute BiS for Survival in all situations. You should never need to swap to a different cloak for hit rating

Chest: Gronnstalker's Chestguard (Illidan Stormrage tier token in Black Temple) - Not the best piece to grab immediately since you can't use it without the rest of the set without breaking your Tier 5 bonus. Pass to Warriors first since they can use it immediately. Only go for this after getting Tier 6 shoulders and gloves. Gem: 1x Delicate Crimson Spinel + 2x Jagged Seaspray Emerald

Wrists: Insidious Bands (Teron Gorefiend in Black Temple) - New BiS bracers and an important piece because the hit rating helps you stay capped. Prioritize over Beast Mastery Hunters. Swiftstrike Bracers are NOT worth going for as Survival because you lose Agility and Attack Power

Hands: Gronnstalker's Gloves (Azgalor tier token in Hyjal Summit) - Second biggest Tier 6 piece for Survival. Paired with shoulders, these let you break 4-piece Tier 5 early. Should be one of your highest Phase 3 priorities

Waist: Don Alejandro's Money Belt (Anetheron in Hyjal Summit) - Nice upgrade from Belt of Deep Shadow. Should be prioritized over Beast Mastery Hunters. Boneweave Girdle isn't worth taking as Survival because the hit isn't needed and it's an overall downgrade

Legs: Bow-stitched Leggings (Azgalor in Hyjal Summit) - THE single biggest upgrade of the phase. Incredible raw Agility and Critical Strike Rating. Boosts both personal DPS and raid-wide Expose Weakness benefit. Enhancement Shamans and Retribution Paladins want these too, but you should have higher priority

Feet: Shadowmaster's Boots (Mother Shahraz in Black Temple) - Absolute best option; smaller upgrade but not highly contested. Softstep Boots of Tracking and Quickstrider Moccasins are actually WORSE than Phase 2 boots, so don't pick them up as Survival

Rings: Ring of the Recalcitrant (Magtheridon quest), Band of the Eternal Champion (Scale of the Sands Exalted reputation). BiS for both 6% and 9% hit sets, and you don't need Stormrage Signet Ring

Trinkets: Dragonspine Trophy (Gruul's Lair) - Still BiS. Madness of the Betrayer (The Illidari Council in Black Temple) - Replaces Bloodlust Brooch. Highly contested by nearly all physical DPS and even Feral Tanks. Put near the very top of your priority list

Phase 3 Weapons

Dual Wield: Main Hand AND Off Hand: Blade of Infamy (Anetheron in Hyjal Summit) - Best for both slots as Survival. Alliance Human Fury Warriors might contest these

Two-Handed: Best for melee weaving: Twinblade of the Phoenix (Tempest Keep). Best for hit rating: Halberd of Desolation (High Warlord Naj'entus in Black Temple). Halberd is excellent early and helps you stay hit capped until you get other hit pieces

Ranged: Bristleblitz Striker (Archimonde in Hyjal Summit) - Best from a pure DPS standpoint. Alternative: Black Bow of the Betrayer (Illidan), better if you're struggling with mana due to low Judgement of Wisdom uptime. Dwarf Hunters: Work toward Vengeful Gladiator's Rifle (1850 arena rating, 3750 points)

Phase 4 Best in Slot

Phase 4 adds Zul'Aman as a catch-up raid with several strong pieces. Survival continues to have easier gearing than Beast Mastery thanks to lower hit requirements.

Two Gearing Approaches in Phase 4

Phase 4 introduces a choice between:

1. Raid-Wide Benefit Build: Balances personal DPS with maximizing Expose Weakness for raid-wide gain
2. Personal DPS Build: Focuses purely on your own damage output

Both approaches are shown in gear recommendations where they differ.

Phase 4 Slot-by-Slot BiS

Head: Best Raid-Wide: Gronnstalker's Helmet (Hyjal Summit). Best Personal: Cursed Vision of Sargeras (Illidan Stormrage). Recommendation: Stick with Gronnstalker's Helmet because Cursed Vision is heavily contested and your raid benefits more from the tier option

Neck: Telonicus's Pendant of Mayhem (Tempest Keep) - Stays BiS; if you still don't have it, consider putting 2x Delicate Crimson Spinel in Necklace of the Deep

Shoulders: Gronnstalker's Spaulders (Black Temple) - No new alternatives worth looking at

Back: Thalassian Wildercloak (Tempest Keep) - Still absolute BiS for all situations

Chest: Gronnstalker's Chestguard (Black Temple) - Keep using Rift Stalker Hauberk until you're ready for the full Tier 6 transition

Wrists: Insidious Bands (Black Temple) - Stays BiS; new alternatives like Bindings of Lightning Reflexes aren't worth pursuing for Survival

Hands: Gronnstalker's Gloves (Hyjal Summit) - Still one of the highest priorities if you haven't gotten them yet

Waist: Don Alejandro's Money Belt (Hyjal Summit) - Alternative: Bladeangel's Money Belt (Nalorakk in Zul'Aman), decent option if needed

Legs: Best Raid-Wide: Bow-stitched Leggings (Hyjal Summit). Best Personal: Gronnstalker's Leggings (Black Temple) as 4th Tier 6 piece. Your choice depends on which gearing philosophy you prefer

Feet: Shadowmaster's Boots (Black Temple) - Nyn'jah's Tabi Boots from badges can help with hit rating if you're struggling

Rings: Signet of Primal Wrath (Timed Chest in Zul'Aman) - New BiS. Band of the Eternal Champion (Scale of the Sands). BiS for both 6% and 9% hit sets

Trinkets: Dragonspine Trophy (Gruul's Lair) - Still BiS first slot. Best Raid-Wide: Madness of the Betrayer (Black Temple). Best Personal: Berserker's Call (Zul'jin in Zul'Aman). Madness provides hit rating that gives you weapon flexibility; Berserker's Call is pure damage

Phase 4 Weapons

Dual Wield: Main Hand AND Off Hand: Dagger of Bad Mojo (Hex Lord Malacrass in Zul'Aman) - New best option over Blade of Infamy. Slight loss in Agility/Attack Power but armor penetration gain makes up for it. Note: Unlike Beast Mastery, arena fist weapons are NOT recommended for Survival because of the large Agility loss

Two-Handed: Best: Halberd of Desolation (Black Temple), stays the primary option for hit rating. Alternative for melee weaving without hit needs: Trollbane (Timed Chest in Zul'Aman)

Ranged: Bristleblitz Striker (Hyjal Summit) - Ancient Amani Longbow (Zul'jin) is a decent temporary option if you've been unlucky with earlier drops. Dwarf Hunters keep working toward Vengeful Gladiator's Rifle

Phase 5 Best in Slot

The final phase brings Sunwell Plateau and the legendary Thori'dal, the Stars' Fury. Nearly every piece from Phase 4 gets replaced except Gronnstalker's Spaulders and Dragonspine Trophy.

Phase 5 Gearing Reality

Survival Hunters gear almost identically to Beast Mastery in Phase 5, with only minor differences in alternatives based on Expose Weakness optimization versus personal DPS.

Many BiS pieces come from Kil'jaeden, which creates heavy competition from other classes. Work with alternatives where possible.

Badge of Justice Updates

New items available include:

• Crossbow of Relentless Strikes (150 badges): Good catch-up weapon
• Angelista's Revenge (60 badges): 1 Agility upgrade from Signet of Primal Wrath
• Gems purchasable with badges, easing gold costs

Phase 5 Slot-by-Slot BiS

Head: Coif of Alleria (Kil'jaeden in Sunwell Plateau) - Absolute best for 6% hit situations. Gem: Relentless Earthstorm Diamond + Delicate Crimson Spinel. For 9% hit: Duplicitous Guise (Kil'jaeden), contested by Retribution Paladins

Neck: Clutch of Demise (Brutallus in Sunwell Plateau) - Best overall for Survival. Hard Khorium Choker (Jewelcrafting) gives slightly more personal DPS but loses Agility and requires competing for the recipe

Shoulders: Gronnstalker's Spaulders (Black Temple) - NEVER REPLACED and stays BiS throughout Phase 5. Alternative for returning players: Mantle of the Golden Forest (Eredar Twins)

Back: Cloak of Unforgivable Sin (Kil'jaeden) - New BiS but heavily contested by all physical DPS. Not a massive upgrade, so Thalassian Wildercloak is perfectly fine for a while. Don't prioritize this over more impactful upgrades

Chest: Bladed Chaos Tunic (M'uru, transferred from Harness of Carnal Instinct + Sunmote) - Huge upgrade that every physical DPS class wants. Hunters gain more from this than nearly every other class. Alternative: Vicious Hawkstrider Hauberk (M'uru), should be uncontested and makes an excellent placeholder. Leatherworking options: Embrace of the Phoenix or Carapace of Sun and Shadow (if you need hit)

Wrists: Gronnstalker's Bracers (Kalecgos tier token in Sunwell Plateau) - New BiS and main piece for maintaining 4-piece Tier 6. No other alternatives worth considering

Hands: Thalassian Ranger Gauntlets (Kil'jaeden) - Absolute best for Survival; prioritize over Beast Mastery. Beast Mastery can use Gloves of Immortal Dusk (crafted) and be equally well off. Gem: 1x Delicate Crimson Spinel + 1x Jagged Seaspray Emerald

Waist: Gronnstalker's Belt (Brutallus tier token) - Another piece maintaining 4-piece Tier 6. Provides significant hit rating for gearing flexibility

Legs: Leggings of the Immortal Night (Felmyst in Sunwell Plateau) - Huge upgrade but you're unlikely to see the first pairs since better classes gain more. Alternative: Starstalker Legguards (Kalecgos), most raw Agility and should be uncontested, excellent while waiting

Feet: Gronnstalker's Boots (Felmyst tier token) - Third and final Tier 6 piece from Sunwell for 4-piece bonus. Decent hit rating for gearing flexibility

Rings: Hard Khorium Band (Jewelcrafting) - Best option. Angelista's Revenge (60 Badges) - Best second ring. Alternative if Hard Khorium Band is too expensive: Signet of Primal Wrath (Zul'Aman). Note: Do NOT ask for Band of Ruinous Delight unless it would otherwise be disenchanted

Trinkets: Blackened Naaru Sliver (M'uru) - New BiS second trinket. Dragonspine Trophy (Gruul's Lair) - STILL BiS first trinket, even with Thori'dal. Use Madness of the Betrayer or Berserker's Call until you get Blackened Naaru Sliver

Phase 5 Weapons

Dual Wield: Best Main Hand: Hand of the Deceiver (Kil'jaeden), contested by Fury Warriors, Enhance Shamans, Beast Mastery Hunters, Rogues. Best Alternative Main Hand: Shiv of Exsanguination (Eredar Twins), helps reach armor penetration cap with nearly the same Agility. Recommendation: Aim for Shiv of Exsanguination as Survival because it's less contested and has excellent stats. Off Hand: Crux of the Apocalypse (Kil'jaeden) OR second Shiv of Exsanguination

Two-Handed: Shivering Felspine (Sunwell trash drop) - Best option for Survival melee weaving. Do NOT take Apolyon, the Soul-Render over other classes who want it; stick to Shivering Felspine

Ranged: Best: Thori'dal, the Stars' Fury (Kil'jaeden), up to 250 DPS gain for Survival. Alternative: Golden Bow of Quel'Thalas (Eredar Twins), what most Hunters will realistically use

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Ammunition, Quivers, and Ammo Pouches

Hunters uniquely need one bag slot dedicated to ammunition storage. Your choice between a quiver (for bows/crossbows) or ammo pouch (for guns) depends on your ranged weapon.

Quivers (Bows/Crossbows)

All quivers give the same 15% ranged attack speed bonus. The only difference between them is slot capacity.

Phase 1-2 Options: Best: Ancient Sinew Wrapped Lamina (24 slots) from Classic content, Majordomo Executus. Alternative: Clefthoof Hide Quiver/Worg Hide Quiver (18 slots), Honored with Mag'har/Kurenai

Phase 3-5 Best: Quiver of a Thousand Feathers (24 slots), Leatherworking crafted

Ammo Pouches (Guns)

Same 15% ranged attack speed as quivers, differing only in capacity.

Phase 1-2 Options: Best: Smuggler's Ammo Pouch, Honored with The Consortium. Classic Option: Gnoll Skin Bandolier

Phase 3-5 Best: Netherscale Ammo Pouch, Leatherworking crafted

Arrows

Phase 1: Warden's Arrow (Revered with Cenarion Expedition) - Alternative: Halaani Razorshaft (requires faction control of Halaa in Nagrand)

Phase 2+: Adamantite Stinger (Engineering crafted) - Adamantite Arrow Maker lets you carry more ammo and create it on demand

Phase 3+: Timeless Arrow (Honored with Scale of the Sands) - Alternative: Mysterious Arrow (Revered with The Violet Eye)

Bullets

Phase 1: Hellfire Shot/Felbane Slugs (Revered with Honor Hold/Thrallmar) - Alternative: Halaani Grimshot (requires faction control of Halaa)

Phase 2+: Adamantite Shells (Engineering crafted)

Phase 3+: Timeless Shell (Honored with Scale of the Sands) - Alternative: Mysterious Shell (Revered with The Violet Eye)

Gems and Enchants Overview

Meta Gem

Relentless Earthstorm Diamond: Your meta gem throughout all phases. It requires more red gems than blue and yellow combined, so plan socket colors accordingly.

Primary Gems by Phase

Phase 1-2: Delicate Living Ruby (red socket), Shifting Nightseye/Tanzanite (blue socket activation), Glinting Fire Opal (yellow socket if hit needed)

Phase 3-5: Delicate Crimson Spinel (red socket), Jagged Seaspray Emerald (green socket activation), Shifting Shadowsong Amethyst (purple socket activation)

Survival Hunters gem primarily for Agility. Socket bonuses that give Agility are generally worth matching; ignore bonuses that don't benefit you.

Enchants

4-Piece Set Bonuses by Phase

Understanding when to maintain and when to break set bonuses is crucial for proper gearing progression.

Gearing Priorities Summary by Phase

Pre-Raid Priority Order

1. Beast Lord 4-piece (Helm, Shoulders, Chest, Gloves)
2. Ranged weapon (Wrathtide Longbow)
3. Trinkets (Bloodlust Brooch, Hourglass of the Unraveller)
4. Remaining slots focusing on Agility

Phase 1 Priority Order

1. Maintain Beast Lord 4-piece
2. Dragonspine Trophy
3. Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix
4. Legacy (two-handed weapon)
5. Ring of the Recalcitrant

Phase 2 Priority Order

1. Tier 5 4-piece to replace Beast Lord
2. Thalassian Wildercloak
3. Telonicus's Pendant of Mayhem
4. Serpent Spine Longbow
5. Belt of Deep Shadow

Phase 3 Priority Order

1. Madness of the Betrayer (enables weapon flexibility)
2. Gronnstalker's Gloves + Spaulders (break Tier 5)
3. Bow-stitched Leggings
4. Insidious Bands
5. Bristleblitz Striker
6. Complete Tier 6 4-piece

Phase 4 Priority Order

1. Signet of Primal Wrath
2. Berserker's Call (if going personal DPS) OR keep Madness
3. Dagger of Bad Mojo (x2)
4. Complete any missing Tier 6

Phase 5 Priority Order

1. Thori'dal, the Stars' Fury (if extremely lucky)
2. Blackened Naaru Sliver
3. Sunwell Tier 6 pieces (Bracers, Belt, Boots)
4. Bladed Chaos Tunic
5. Coif of Alleria
6. Thalassian Ranger Gauntlets
7. Golden Bow of Quel'Thalas (realistic ranged goal)
8. Shiv of Exsanguination (x2)

Conclusion

Survival Hunter gearing in TBC Classic rewards patience and understanding of your unique strengths. Your lower hit requirements, Agility scaling through Expose Weakness, and avoidance of the most contested items make progression smoother than other Hunter specs.

Focus on maintaining relevant set bonuses during transitions, prioritize high-Agility pieces, and remember that your gear choices affect your entire raid's damage through Expose Weakness, not just your own numbers.

Good luck in Outland, and may your Thori'dal drop come swiftly.

Master the Dark Portal

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