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

Level 55 · Damage in a group

How to play dungeons at level 55

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 7 Every 6 sec

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 6 sec.

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

    Use it whenever it is ready, every 8 sec.

    12% of your damage
  4. Mongoose Bite Rank 3 When it lights up

    Use it when Expose Prey makes it ready.

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

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

    64% 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.

In the gaps
Mongoose Bite
All the time
Auto attack

How MaxDPS works this out

Talents at level 55

46 points at level 55: 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% damage
  2. Savage Strikes 2/2 · levels 15–16 +0.7% damage
  3. Survivalist 5/5 · levels 17–19 and 23–24 not counted here
  4. Surefooted 3/3 · levels 20–22 +3.5% damage
  5. Predator's Edge 5/5 · levels 25–29 +4% damage
  6. Strider Kick 1/1 · level 30 +4.9% damage
  7. Expose Prey 2/2 · levels 31–32 +6.2% damage
  8. Resourcefulness 2/2 · levels 33–34 +0.4% damage
  9. Lightning Reflexes 5/5 · levels 35–39 +3.4% damage
  10. Lacerating Strikes 1/1 · level 40 +1.6% damage
  11. Lethal Attacks 5/5 · levels 41–45 +5.9% damage
  12. Deadly Aspects 5/5 · levels 46–50 +6.1% damage
  13. Improved Stings 3/3 · levels 51–53 +1.8% damage
  14. Careful Aim 2/5 · levels 54–55 +1.4% damage

Every Hunter talent

Preliminary item rankings · Dungeons

Survival Hunter gear rankings

Melee and ranged weaving; two-hand or dual-wield · Level 55 · Calculated defaults

Hunt list
Show gear for

Head 344 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.

Head items with imported stats, weighted scores and acquisition sources.
Rank Item Score (pts) Where to get it Actions
1 in this filtered list
Beastmaster's Cap Mail · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Quest Key stats: 22 Agility1.0% Hit21 Stamina
37.51

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 22 × 0.9642 = 21.21 pts
  • Hit: 10 rating (1.0%) × 1 = 10.00 pts
  • Stamina: 21 × 0.1534 = 3.22 pts
  • Intellect: 12 × 0.1755 = 2.11 pts
  • Armor: 314 × 0.0031 = 0.97 pts

Epic

2 sources

2 in this filtered list
Helm of Narv Mail · iLvl 59 · Req. 54 · Other drop Key stats: 18 Agility22 Attack power32 Stamina
32.88
Blackthorne AdeptNPC drop · 100% · Mount Hyjal · also from 86 other creatures
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 18 × 0.9642 = 17.36 pts
  • Attack power: 22 × 0.4388 = 9.65 pts
  • Stamina: 32 × 0.1534 = 4.91 pts
  • Armor: 309 × 0.0031 = 0.96 pts

Epic

87 sources

Blackthorne AdeptNPC drop · 100% · Mount Hyjal · also from 86 other creatures
Crimson DefenderNPC drop · <0.1% · Stratholme
Risen BonewarderNPC drop · <0.1% · Scholomance
Rotting HighborneNPC drop · <0.1% · Dire Maul
All 87 sources
3 in this filtered list
Mask of the Unforgiven Leather · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 2.0% Hit1.0% Critical strike13 Stamina
32.14
The UnforgivenBoss drop · 38% · Stratholme

Score breakdown

  • Hit: 20 rating (2.0%) × 1 = 20.00 pts
  • Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.6958 = 9.74 pts
  • Stamina: 13 × 0.1534 = 1.99 pts
  • Armor: 132 × 0.0031 = 0.41 pts

Rare

Source

The UnforgivenBoss drop · 38% · Stratholme
4 in this filtered list
Ghostshroud Leather · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 19 Agility18 Stamina10 Strength
23.92

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 19 × 0.9642 = 18.32 pts
  • Stamina: 18 × 0.1534 = 2.76 pts
  • Strength: 10 × 0.2427 = 2.43 pts
  • Armor: 132 × 0.0031 = 0.41 pts

Rare

Source

5 in this filtered list
Ragefury Eyepatch Leather · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 2.0% Critical strike10 Stamina6 Strength
22.88

Score breakdown

  • Critical strike: 28 rating (2.0%) × 0.6958 = 19.48 pts
  • Stamina: 10 × 0.1534 = 1.53 pts
  • Strength: 6 × 0.2427 = 1.46 pts
  • Armor: 132 × 0.0031 = 0.41 pts

Rare

Source

6 in this filtered list
Defias Enforcer's Mask Leather · iLvl 53 · Req. 48 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 30 Attack power1.0% Expertise20 Stamina
22.84
Alcaz JailerNPC drop · 22%
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Attack power: 30 × 0.4388 = 13.16 pts
  • Expertise: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.622 = 6.22 pts
  • Stamina: 20 × 0.1534 = 3.07 pts
  • Armor: 124 × 0.0031 = 0.38 pts

Rare

4 sources

Alcaz JailerNPC drop · 22%
Slavering HoundNPC drop · 3.3%
Strashaz SoldierNPC drop · 2.1%
Alcaz PrisonZone loot
7 in this filtered list
Felhide Cap Leather · iLvl 58 · Req. 53 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 21 Agility14 Stamina134 Armor
22.81
LethtendrisNPC drop · 51% · Dire Maul

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 21 × 0.9642 = 20.25 pts
  • Stamina: 14 × 0.1534 = 2.15 pts
  • Armor: 134 × 0.0031 = 0.42 pts

Rare

Source

LethtendrisNPC drop · 51% · Dire Maul
8 in this filtered list
Shapeshifter's Helm Leather · iLvl 54 · Req. 49* · Quest Key stats: 18 Agility12 Intellect12 Stamina
21.69

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 18 × 0.9642 = 17.36 pts
  • Intellect: 12 × 0.1755 = 2.11 pts
  • Stamina: 12 × 0.1534 = 1.84 pts
  • Armor: 126 × 0.0031 = 0.39 pts

Rare

Source

9 in this filtered list
Guise of Battle Mail · iLvl 45 · Req. 40 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 17 Agility12 Stamina10 Intellect
20.68
Riding WolfNPC drop · 1.2%
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 17 × 0.9642 = 16.39 pts
  • Stamina: 12 × 0.1534 = 1.84 pts
  • Intellect: 10 × 0.1755 = 1.76 pts
  • Armor: 222 × 0.0031 = 0.69 pts

Rare

2 sources

Riding WolfNPC drop · 1.2%
Twilight GruntNPC drop · 0.8%
10 in this filtered list
Dragoneye Coif Mail · iLvl 60 · Req. 55 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 38 Attack power17 Stamina288 Armor
20.18
GythNPC drop · 21% · Blackrock Spire

Score breakdown

  • Attack power: 38 × 0.4388 = 16.67 pts
  • Stamina: 17 × 0.1534 = 2.61 pts
  • Armor: 288 × 0.0031 = 0.89 pts

Rare

Source

GythNPC drop · 21% · Blackrock Spire
11 in this filtered list
Pridelord Halo Leather · iLvl 58 · Req. 53 · Other drop Key stats: 17 Agility14 Stamina122 Armor
18.92
Gordok ReaverNPC drop · 0.2% · Dire Maul
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 17 × 0.9642 = 16.39 pts
  • Stamina: 14 × 0.1534 = 2.15 pts
  • Armor: 122 × 0.0031 = 0.38 pts

Uncommon

89 sources

Gordok ReaverNPC drop · 0.2% · Dire Maul
Ironbark ProtectorNPC drop · 0.2% · Dire Maul
Eldreth SorcererNPC drop · 0.2% · Dire Maul
Cobalt MageweaverNPC drop · 0.2% · Winterspring
Gordok BruteNPC drop · 0.2% · Dire Maul
Warpwood StomperNPC drop · 0.1% · Dire Maul
Eldreth SpiritNPC drop · 0.1% · Dire Maul
Mana RemnantNPC drop · 0.1% · Dire Maul
Eldreth PhantasmNPC drop · 0.1% · Dire Maul
Eldreth SpectreNPC drop · 0.1% · Dire Maul
All 89 sources
12 in this filtered list
Bloomsprout Headpiece Mail · iLvl 51 · Req. 46 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 36 Attack power15 Stamina249 Armor
18.87
Meshlok the HarvesterNPC drop · 59% · Maraudon

Score breakdown

  • Attack power: 36 × 0.4388 = 15.80 pts
  • Stamina: 15 × 0.1534 = 2.30 pts
  • Armor: 249 × 0.0031 = 0.77 pts

Rare

Source

Meshlok the HarvesterNPC drop · 59% · Maraudon
13 in this filtered list
Embrace of the Lycan Leather · iLvl 49 · Req. 44 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 32 Attack power16 Stamina8 Strength
18.80
Chief Ukorz SandscalpBoss drop · 20% · Zul'Farrak

Score breakdown

  • Attack power: 32 × 0.4388 = 14.04 pts
  • Stamina: 16 × 0.1534 = 2.45 pts
  • Strength: 8 × 0.2427 = 1.94 pts
  • Armor: 117 × 0.0031 = 0.36 pts

Rare

Source

Chief Ukorz SandscalpBoss drop · 20% · Zul'Farrak
14 in this filtered list
Impish Chain Hood Mail · iLvl 59 · Req. 54 · Other drop Key stats: 34 Attack power19 Stamina284 Armor
18.71

Score breakdown

  • Attack power: 34 × 0.4388 = 14.92 pts
  • Stamina: 19 × 0.1534 = 2.91 pts
  • Armor: 284 × 0.0031 = 0.88 pts

Rare

Source

15 in this filtered list
Savage Gladiator Helm Mail · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Dungeon drop Key stats: 12 Agility26 Stamina8 Strength
18.35

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 12 × 0.9642 = 11.57 pts
  • Stamina: 26 × 0.1534 = 3.99 pts
  • Strength: 8 × 0.2427 = 1.94 pts
  • Armor: 275 × 0.0031 = 0.85 pts

Rare

Source

16 in this filtered list
Helm of Fire Leather · iLvl 50 · Req. 45 · Crafted Key stats: 17 Agility10 Stamina118 Armor
18.29
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 17 × 0.9642 = 16.39 pts
  • Stamina: 10 × 0.1534 = 1.53 pts
  • Armor: 118 × 0.0031 = 0.37 pts

Rare

Source

17 in this filtered list
Wicked Leather Headband Leather · iLvl 56 · Req. 51 · Crafted Key stats: 16 Agility16 Stamina118 Armor
18.25
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 16 × 0.9642 = 15.43 pts
  • Stamina: 16 × 0.1534 = 2.45 pts
  • Armor: 118 × 0.0031 = 0.37 pts

Uncommon

Source

18 in this filtered list
Lordrec Helmet Leather · iLvl 53 · Req. 48* · Quest · Alliance only Key stats: 16 Agility10 Stamina113 Armor
17.31

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 16 × 0.9642 = 15.43 pts
  • Stamina: 10 × 0.1534 = 1.53 pts
  • Armor: 113 × 0.0031 = 0.35 pts

Uncommon

Source

19 in this filtered list
Tough Scorpid Helm Mail · iLvl 50 · Req. 45 · Crafted Key stats: 14 Agility14 Intellect222 Armor
16.64
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 14 × 0.9642 = 13.50 pts
  • Intellect: 14 × 0.1755 = 2.46 pts
  • Armor: 222 × 0.0031 = 0.69 pts

Uncommon

Source

20 in this filtered list
Scorpashi Skullcap Leather · iLvl 49 · Req. 44 · Other drop Key stats: 14 Agility13 Stamina3 Strength
16.55
Renegade ConjurerNPC drop · 7.7%
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Agility: 14 × 0.9642 = 13.50 pts
  • Stamina: 13 × 0.1534 = 1.99 pts
  • Strength: 3 × 0.2427 = 0.73 pts
  • Armor: 106 × 0.0031 = 0.33 pts

Uncommon

63 sources

Renegade ConjurerNPC drop · 7.7%
Alcaz JailerNPC drop · 1.7%
Edana HatetalonNPC drop · 0.4% · Feralas
Sister of CelebrianNPC drop · 0.3% · Maraudon
Primordial BehemothNPC drop · 0.1% · Maraudon
Noxxious ScionNPC drop · <0.1% · Maraudon
Elder Rage ScarNPC drop · <0.1% · Feralas
Jadefire SatyrNPC drop · <0.1% · Felwood
Northspring WindcallerNPC drop · <0.1% · Feralas
Jaedenar HoundNPC drop · <0.1% · Felwood
All 63 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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