Hunter specialization

Survival Hunter in WoW Forever

Close-range attacks and traps.

  • Your role: Melee damage
  • Advice for every level to 60
  • Class notes checked

Your character

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Your gear Use my character
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Choose the level you are playing now. The playbook and gear rankings update to match.

Level 30 · Damage in a group

How to play dungeons at level 30

Your combat loop

Press the first one that is ready.

Survival’s own loop, from level 10. Before that every Hunter plays the same loop.

Own loop from: Survival level 10Marksmanship level 25Beast Mastery never

In this model, Marksmanship’s loop does 18% more with Survival’s talents at this level. This is Survival’s own loop, the one its talents are built for.

Keep up:

Half of each fight you shoot, as the enemy runs in and whenever it is out of melee range: Auto Shot with Aimed Shot, Arcane Shot and Serpent Sting. The shares below are of your melee damage.

  1. Rapid Fire Cooldown · every 5 min

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 300 sec. It raises the rest.

  2. Raptor Strike Rank 4 Every 6 sec

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 6 sec.

    11% of your damage
  3. Strider Kick Every 8 sec

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 8 sec.

    17% of your damage
  4. Auto attack All the time

    Your weapon swings on its own. Stay in melee range.

    72% of your damage

The first 30 seconds

When to press each one from the pull. The blue line under a press is the global cooldown (1.5 sec) or cast it holds: nothing else on the global cooldown can go until it ends, so of two that are ready together the higher one goes first. Rapid Fire and Raptor Strike are off the global cooldown, so they have no line and go alongside.

All the time
Auto attack

How MaxDPS works this out

Talents at level 30

21 points at level 30: the first at level 10, then one every level.

The MaxDPS build at this level, in the game’s talent frame. Click a talent to learn it and right click to unlearn it, as in the game.

Talents
Unspent Talents
Point order: when each point goes in
  1. Improved Tracking 5/5 · levels 10–14 +3.1% damage
  2. Savage Strikes 2/2 · levels 15–16 +0.8% damage
  3. Survivalist 5/5 · levels 17–19 and 23–24 not counted here
  4. Surefooted 3/3 · levels 20–22 +3.7% damage
  5. Predator's Edge 5/5 · levels 25–29 +4.3% damage
  6. Strider Kick 1/1 · level 30 +6.2% damage

Every Hunter talent

Preliminary item rankings · Dungeons

Survival Hunter gear rankings

Melee and ranged weaving; two-hand or dual-wield · Level 30 · Calculated defaults

Hunt list
Show gear for

Off hand 192 items · Updating…

Where it comes from
Auction prices from

Materials: . Each reagent counts at the lower of a vendor’s price and its lowest buyout.

Key stats show the stats behind the three largest score contributions, as the game tooltip states them; open an item’s details for every value and source.

Off hand items with imported stats, weighted scores and acquisition sources.
Rank Item Score (pts) Where to get it Actions
1 in this filtered list
Outlaw Sabre Sword · iLvl 32 · Req. 27* · Quest · Horde only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 20.37 Weapon melee DPS16 Attack power
50.73
Baron AquanisQuest choice · Ashenvale

Score breakdown

  • Weapon damage per swing: 55 × 0.3933 = 21.63 pts
  • Weapon melee DPS: 20.37 × 1.1113 = 20.96 pts
  • Attack power: 16 × 0.5084 = 8.13 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

2 sources

Baron AquanisQuest choice · Ashenvale
Baron AquanisQuest choice · Ashenvale
2 in this filtered list
Zealot Blade Sword · iLvl 34 · Req. 29 · Other drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 22.14 Weapon melee DPS5 Intellect6 Spirit
47.71
Horde ChestObject loot · 0.2% · Arathi Highlands
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon damage per swing: 62 × 0.3933 = 24.38 pts
  • Weapon melee DPS: 22.14 × 1.1113 = 22.78 pts
  • Intellect: 5 × 0.0855 = 0.43 pts
  • Spirit: 6 × 0.0188 = 0.11 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

49 sources

Horde ChestObject loot · 0.2% · Arathi Highlands
Dying KodoNPC drop · <0.1% · Desolace
Iron LockboxContainer loot · <0.1%
Withered SpearhideNPC drop · <0.1% · Razorfen Downs
Magram ScoutNPC drop · <0.1% · Desolace
Hammerfall GruntNPC drop · <0.1% · Arathi Highlands
Withered WarriorNPC drop · <0.1% · Razorfen Downs
Razorfen BattleguardNPC drop · <0.1%
All 49 sources
3 in this filtered list
Legionnaire's Sword Sword · iLvl 33 · Req. 28 · Vendor · Horde only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 21.3 Weapon melee DPS7 Strength3 Stamina
47.06
Kelm HargunthVendor · 3g 22s 4c · The Barrens

Score breakdown

  • Weapon damage per swing: 57.5 × 0.3933 = 22.61 pts
  • Weapon melee DPS: 21.3 × 1.1113 = 21.92 pts
  • Strength: 7 × 0.2672 = 1.87 pts
  • Stamina: 3 × 0.2172 = 0.65 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Kelm HargunthVendor · 3g 22s 4c · The Barrens
4 in this filtered list
Protector's Sword Sword · iLvl 33 · Req. 28 · Vendor · Alliance only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 21.3 Weapon melee DPS7 Strength3 Stamina
47.06
Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 2g 91s 42c · Ashenvale

Score breakdown

  • Weapon damage per swing: 57.5 × 0.3933 = 22.61 pts
  • Weapon melee DPS: 21.3 × 1.1113 = 21.92 pts
  • Strength: 7 × 0.2672 = 1.87 pts
  • Stamina: 3 × 0.2172 = 0.65 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 2g 91s 42c · Ashenvale
5 in this filtered list
Pronged Reaver Axe · iLvl 35 · Req. 30 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 22.92 Weapon melee DPS5 Strength5 Spirit
46.65

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 22.92 × 1.1113 = 23.59 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 55 × 0.3933 = 21.63 pts
  • Strength: 5 × 0.2672 = 1.34 pts
  • Spirit: 5 × 0.0188 = 0.09 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

6 in this filtered list
City Guard's Tarnished Blade Sword · iLvl 34 · Req. 29 · Other drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 22.4 Weapon melee DPS6 Stamina
46.38
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 22.4 × 1.1113 = 23.05 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 56 × 0.3933 = 22.02 pts
  • Stamina: 6 × 0.2172 = 1.30 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

7 in this filtered list
Jade Serpentblade Sword · iLvl 35 · Req. 30 · Crafted · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 18.21 Weapon melee DPS4 Agility4 Attack power
44.83
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Weapon damage per swing: 51 × 0.3933 = 20.06 pts
  • Weapon melee DPS: 18.21 × 1.1113 = 18.74 pts
  • Agility: 4 × 1 = 4.00 pts
  • Attack power: 4 × 0.5084 = 2.03 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

8 in this filtered list
Scout's Blade Dagger · iLvl 33 · Req. 28 · Vendor · Horde only Key stats: 21.18 Weapon melee DPS7 Agility3 Stamina
43.61
Kelm HargunthVendor · 3g 27s 95c · The Barrens

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 21.18 × 1.1113 = 21.80 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 36 × 0.3933 = 14.16 pts
  • Agility: 7 × 1 = 7.00 pts
  • Stamina: 3 × 0.2172 = 0.65 pts

Rare

Source

Kelm HargunthVendor · 3g 27s 95c · The Barrens
9 in this filtered list
Sentinel's Blade Dagger · iLvl 33 · Req. 28 · Vendor · Alliance only Key stats: 21.18 Weapon melee DPS7 Agility3 Stamina
43.61
Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 2g 82s 98c · Ashenvale

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 21.18 × 1.1113 = 21.80 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 36 × 0.3933 = 14.16 pts
  • Agility: 7 × 1 = 7.00 pts
  • Stamina: 3 × 0.2172 = 0.65 pts

Rare

Source

Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 2g 82s 98c · Ashenvale
10 in this filtered list
Subdued Dragon's Fang Dagger · iLvl 32 · Req. 27* · Quest · Alliance only Key stats: 20.59 Weapon melee DPS7 Agility2 Stamina
42.39

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 20.59 × 1.1113 = 21.19 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 35 × 0.3933 = 13.77 pts
  • Agility: 7 × 1 = 7.00 pts
  • Stamina: 2 × 0.2172 = 0.43 pts

Rare

Source

11 in this filtered list
Bloody Brass Knuckles Fist weapon · iLvl 34 · Req. 29 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training Key stats: 21.88 Weapon melee DPS12 Attack power
42.38

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 21.88 × 1.1113 = 22.52 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 35 × 0.3933 = 13.77 pts
  • Attack power: 12 × 0.5084 = 6.10 pts

Rare · Weapon training — check item requirements

Source

12 in this filtered list
Royal Satyr Slicer Axe · iLvl 35 · Req. 30 · Other drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 18.26 Weapon melee DPS9 Attack power3 Spirit
39.94
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 18.26 × 1.1113 = 18.79 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 42 × 0.3933 = 16.52 pts
  • Attack power: 9 × 0.5084 = 4.58 pts
  • Spirit: 3 × 0.0188 = 0.06 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

13 in this filtered list
Alliance Outrunner's Sword Sword · iLvl 27 · Req. 22 · Other drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 17.14 Weapon melee DPS5 Agility6 Attack power
39.85
Thora FeathermoonNPC drop · 5.9% · The Barrens

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.14 × 1.1113 = 17.64 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 36 × 0.3933 = 14.16 pts
  • Agility: 5 × 1 = 5.00 pts
  • Attack power: 6 × 0.5084 = 3.05 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Thora FeathermoonNPC drop · 5.9% · The Barrens
14 in this filtered list
Axe of the Enforcer Axe · iLvl 29 · Req. 24 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 18.27 Weapon melee DPS5 Strength4 Stamina
39.69
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 18.27 × 1.1113 = 18.80 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 47.5 × 0.3933 = 18.68 pts
  • Strength: 5 × 0.2672 = 1.34 pts
  • Stamina: 4 × 0.2172 = 0.87 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

15 in this filtered list
Cruel Barb Sword · iLvl 24 · Req. 19 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 15.54 Weapon melee DPS12 Attack power
39.20
Edwin VanCleefNPC drop · 36% · Deadmines

Score breakdown

  • Weapon damage per swing: 43.5 × 0.3933 = 17.11 pts
  • Weapon melee DPS: 15.54 × 1.1113 = 15.99 pts
  • Attack power: 12 × 0.5084 = 6.10 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Edwin VanCleefNPC drop · 36% · Deadmines
16 in this filtered list
Headsplitter Axe · iLvl 30 · Req. 25 · Other drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 18.91 Weapon melee DPS5 Stamina3 Strength
38.46
Scarlet DiscipleNPC drop · 0.1% · Tirisfal Glades
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 18.91 × 1.1113 = 19.46 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 43.5 × 0.3933 = 17.11 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.2172 = 1.09 pts
  • Strength: 3 × 0.2672 = 0.80 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

28 sources

Scarlet DiscipleNPC drop · 0.1% · Tirisfal Glades
Scarlet MagicianNPC drop · <0.1% · Tirisfal Glades
Scarlet SentryNPC drop · <0.1% · Scarlet Monastery
Scarlet TorturerNPC drop · <0.1% · Scarlet Monastery
Anguished DeadNPC drop · <0.1% · Scarlet Monastery
Scarlet DivinerNPC drop · <0.1% · Scarlet Monastery
Scarlet ScryerNPC drop · <0.1% · Scarlet Monastery
All 28 sources
17 in this filtered list
Talon of Vultros Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Other drop Key stats: 17.5 Weapon melee DPS6 Agility3 Spirit
37.83
VultrosNPC drop · 22% · Westfall
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.5 × 1.1113 = 18.01 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 35 × 0.3933 = 13.77 pts
  • Agility: 6 × 1 = 6.00 pts
  • Spirit: 3 × 0.0188 = 0.06 pts

Rare

Source

VultrosNPC drop · 22% · Westfall
18 in this filtered list
Prison Shank Dagger · iLvl 28 · Req. 23 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 17.78 Weapon melee DPS6 Agility2 Stamina
37.32

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 17.78 × 1.1113 = 18.30 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 32 × 0.3933 = 12.59 pts
  • Agility: 6 × 1 = 6.00 pts
  • Stamina: 2 × 0.2172 = 0.43 pts

Rare

Source

19 in this filtered list
Iron Fists Fist weapon · iLvl 31 · Req. 26 · Crafted · Weapon training Key stats: 16.25 Weapon melee DPS5 Agility
37.06
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 16.25 × 1.1113 = 16.72 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 39 × 0.3933 = 15.34 pts
  • Agility: 5 × 1 = 5.00 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training — check item requirements

Source

20 in this filtered list
Claw of the Shadowmancer Dagger · iLvl 32 · Req. 27 · Other drop Key stats: 20.53 Weapon melee DPS2 Intellect
36.64
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 20.53 × 1.1113 = 21.13 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 39 × 0.3933 = 15.34 pts
  • Intellect: 2 × 0.0855 = 0.17 pts

Rare

42 sources

Large Iron Bound ChestObject loot · 0.2%
Large Solid ChestObject loot · 0.2%
Solid ChestObject loot · <0.1%
Mountain YetiNPC drop · <0.1% · Alterac Mountains
Hatefury ShadowstalkerNPC drop · <0.1% · Desolace
Kolkar Battle LordNPC drop · <0.1% · Desolace
Razorfen ThornweaverNPC drop · <0.1%
Boulderfist OgreNPC drop · <0.1% · Arathi Highlands
Bazil ThreddNPC drop · <0.1% · Stormwind Stockade
All 42 sources

Item stats from the WoW Forever game files; sources from data collected from the live game. Auction prices are the lowest buyout on the Americas · Normal auction houses, read from Blizzard every hour; pick another region or ruleset under Filters. Which house is which ruleset is matched by size and still being confirmed in game.

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