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

Off hand 337 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
Fiendish Machete Sword · iLvl 59 · Req. 54 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 38.75 Weapon melee DPS18 Attack power5 Agility
61.86
Alzzin the WildshaperNPC drop · 100% · Dire Maul

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 38.75 × 1.6382 = 32.93 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 93 × 0.1743 = 16.21 pts
  • Attack power: 18 × 0.4388 = 7.90 pts
  • Agility: 5 × 0.9642 = 4.82 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Alzzin the WildshaperNPC drop · 100% · Dire Maul
2 in this filtered list
Assassination Blade Sword · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Other drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 37.59 Weapon melee DPS1.0% Critical strike3 Strength
60.10
LethonNPC drop · 4%
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 37.59 × 1.6382 = 31.94 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 101.5 × 0.1743 = 17.69 pts
  • Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.6958 = 9.74 pts
  • Strength: 3 × 0.2427 = 0.73 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

93 sources

LethonNPC drop · 4%
Lord KazzakNPC drop · 4% · Blasted Lands
TaerarNPC drop · 3.6%
AzuregosNPC drop · 3.2%
NefarianNPC drop · 2.7% · Blackwing Lair
EmerissNPC drop · 2.7%
OnyxiaNPC drop · 2.5%
Skarr the UnbreakableBoss drop · 2% · Feralas
Colossal Bag of LootContainer loot · 1.7%
RagnarosBoss drop · 1.7% · Molten Core
All 93 sources
3 in this filtered list
Shadowblade Dagger · iLvl 53 · Req. 48 · Other drop Key stats: 38.89 Weapon melee DPS1.0% Hit5 Agility
60.07
Spirestone MysticNPC drop · <0.1% · Blackrock Spire
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 38.89 × 1.6382 = 33.05 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 70 × 0.1743 = 12.20 pts
  • Hit: 10 rating (1.0%) × 1 = 10.00 pts
  • Agility: 5 × 0.9642 = 4.82 pts

Epic

44 sources

Spirestone MysticNPC drop · <0.1% · Blackrock Spire
Thaurissan SpyNPC drop · <0.1% · Burning Steppes
Black DragonspawnNPC drop · <0.1% · Burning Steppes
Cobalt BroodlingNPC drop · <0.1% · Winterspring
Scarshield RaiderNPC drop · <0.1% · Blackrock Spire
Anvilrage OfficerNPC drop · <0.1% · Blackrock Depths
Shadowsworn AdeptNPC drop · <0.1% · Blasted Lands
Dredge WormNPC drop · <0.1% · Blackrock Depths
All 44 sources
4 in this filtered list
Thorium Cestus Fist weapon · iLvl 55 · Req. 50 · Crafted · Weapon training Key stats: 36.46 Weapon melee DPS16 Attack power9 Stamina
54.64
Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 36.46 × 1.6382 = 30.98 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 87.5 × 0.1743 = 15.25 pts
  • Attack power: 16 × 0.4388 = 7.02 pts
  • Stamina: 9 × 0.1534 = 1.38 pts

Rare · Weapon training — check item requirements

Source

5 in this filtered list
Dawn's Edge Axe · iLvl 55 · Req. 50 · Crafted · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 36.43 Weapon melee DPS1.0% Critical strike
54.03
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 36.43 × 1.6382 = 30.96 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 76.5 × 0.1743 = 13.33 pts
  • Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.6958 = 9.74 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

6 in this filtered list
Ogre Pocket Knife Sword · iLvl 60 · Req. 55 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 35.83 Weapon melee DPS16 Attack power5 Stamina
53.23
Guard FengusNPC drop · 22% · Dire Maul

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35.83 × 1.6382 = 30.45 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 86 × 0.1743 = 14.99 pts
  • Attack power: 16 × 0.4388 = 7.02 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.1534 = 0.77 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

3 sources

Guard FengusNPC drop · 22% · Dire Maul
Guard Slip'kikNPC drop · 16% · Dire Maul
Guard Mol'darNPC drop · 15% · Dire Maul
7 in this filtered list
Dragon's Call Sword · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 41.4 Weapon melee DPS
53.22
Shade of EranikusNPC drop · 0.4% · Sunken Temple

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 41.4 × 1.6382 = 35.18 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 103.5 × 0.1743 = 18.04 pts

Epic · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Shade of EranikusNPC drop · 0.4% · Sunken Temple
8 in this filtered list
Blade of Reckoning Sword · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Quest · Alliance only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 35.83 Weapon melee DPS15 Attack power6 Stamina
52.94

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35.83 × 1.6382 = 30.45 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 86 × 0.1743 = 14.99 pts
  • Attack power: 15 × 0.4388 = 6.58 pts
  • Stamina: 6 × 0.1534 = 0.92 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

9 in this filtered list
Kanai's Knife Dagger · iLvl 58 · Req. 53* · Quest Key stats: 34.71 Weapon melee DPS9 Agility10 Attack power
52.85

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 34.71 × 1.6382 = 29.50 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 59 × 0.1743 = 10.28 pts
  • Agility: 9 × 0.9642 = 8.68 pts
  • Attack power: 10 × 0.4388 = 4.39 pts

Uncommon

Source

10 in this filtered list
The Shadowfoot Stabber Dagger · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Other drop Key stats: 37.5 Weapon melee DPS18 Attack power8 Stamina
52.76
Skarr the UnbreakableBoss drop · 1.6% · Feralas
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 37.5 × 1.6382 = 31.87 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 67.5 × 0.1743 = 11.77 pts
  • Attack power: 18 × 0.4388 = 7.90 pts
  • Stamina: 8 × 0.1534 = 1.23 pts

Rare

88 sources

Skarr the UnbreakableBoss drop · 1.6% · Feralas
Red WyrmkinNPC drop · 0.4% · Wetlands
Sack of SpoilsContainer loot · 0.3%
Colossal Bag of LootContainer loot · 0.2%
Ghostly CitizenNPC drop · <0.1% · Stratholme
Petrified TreantNPC drop · <0.1% · Dire Maul
Rotting HighborneNPC drop · <0.1% · Dire Maul
Warpwood GuardianNPC drop · <0.1% · Dire Maul
All 88 sources
11 in this filtered list
Bold Dirk Dagger · iLvl 57 · Req. 52 · Crafted Key stats: 33.89 Weapon melee DPS16 Attack power6 Agility
52.24
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house Materials about

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 33.89 × 1.6382 = 28.80 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 61 × 0.1743 = 10.63 pts
  • Attack power: 16 × 0.4388 = 7.02 pts
  • Agility: 6 × 0.9642 = 5.79 pts

Uncommon

Source

12 in this filtered list
Beaststalker Blade Sword · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Quest · Horde only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 35.91 Weapon melee DPS18 Attack power
52.18
Shy-RotamQuest choice · Winterspring

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35.91 × 1.6382 = 30.52 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 79 × 0.1743 = 13.77 pts
  • Attack power: 18 × 0.4388 = 7.90 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Shy-RotamQuest choice · Winterspring
13 in this filtered list
Greatflank Flayer Sword · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Quest · Horde only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 39.35 Weapon melee DPS11 Stamina5 Strength
52.11
Head ScratcherQuest choice · Mount Hyjal

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 39.35 × 1.6382 = 33.44 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 90.5 × 0.1743 = 15.77 pts
  • Stamina: 11 × 0.1534 = 1.69 pts
  • Strength: 5 × 0.2427 = 1.21 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Head ScratcherQuest choice · Mount Hyjal
14 in this filtered list
Great Bear Claw Fist weapon · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Quest · Weapon training Key stats: 35.83 Weapon melee DPS4 Agility8 Strength
52.00

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35.83 × 1.6382 = 30.45 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 86 × 0.1743 = 14.99 pts
  • Agility: 4 × 0.9642 = 3.86 pts
  • Strength: 8 × 0.2427 = 1.94 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.1534 = 0.77 pts

Uncommon · Weapon training — check item requirements

15 in this filtered list
Rivenspike Axe · iLvl 58 · Req. 53 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 38.1 Weapon melee DPS
51.64

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 38.1 × 1.6382 = 32.38 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 110.5 × 0.1743 = 19.26 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

16 in this filtered list
Scout's Blade Dagger · iLvl 53 · Req. 48 · Vendor · Horde only Key stats: 35 Weapon melee DPS11 Agility5 Stamina
51.49
Kelm HargunthVendor · 16g 46s 21c · The Barrens

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35 × 1.6382 = 29.74 pts
  • Agility: 11 × 0.9642 = 10.61 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 59.5 × 0.1743 = 10.37 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.1534 = 0.77 pts

Rare

Source

Kelm HargunthVendor · 16g 46s 21c · The Barrens
17 in this filtered list
Sentinel's Blade Dagger · iLvl 53 · Req. 48 · Vendor · Alliance only Key stats: 35 Weapon melee DPS11 Agility5 Stamina
51.49
Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 13g 19s 85c · Ashenvale

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35 × 1.6382 = 29.74 pts
  • Agility: 11 × 0.9642 = 10.61 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 59.5 × 0.1743 = 10.37 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.1534 = 0.77 pts

Rare

Source

Illiyana MoonblazeVendor · 13g 19s 85c · Ashenvale
18 in this filtered list
Doomforged Straightedge Sword · iLvl 54 · Req. 49 · Dungeon drop · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 35.79 Weapon melee DPS14 Attack power10 Strength
50.84
Anvilrage CaptainNPC drop · <0.1% · Blackrock Depths
Alliance: Horde: None on the auction house

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35.79 × 1.6382 = 30.41 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 68 × 0.1743 = 11.85 pts
  • Attack power: 14 × 0.4388 = 6.14 pts
  • Strength: 10 × 0.2427 = 2.43 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

19 in this filtered list
The Lobotomizer Dagger · iLvl 60 · Req. 55 · Vendor Key stats: 43.33 Weapon melee DPS
50.42
Gaelden HammersmithVendor · 125g 66s 17c · Alterac Valley

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 43.33 × 1.6382 = 36.82 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 78 × 0.1743 = 13.60 pts

Epic

4 sources

Gaelden HammersmithVendor · 125g 66s 17c · Alterac Valley
Thanthaldis SnowgleamVendor · 125g 66s 17c · Alterac Mountains
Grunnda WolfheartVendor · 125g 66s 17c · Alterac Valley
Jekyll FlandringVendor · 125g 66s 17c · Alterac Mountains
20 in this filtered list
Legionnaire's Sword Sword · iLvl 53 · Req. 48 · Vendor · Horde only · Weapon training for some races Key stats: 35.19 Weapon melee DPS11 Strength5 Stamina
49.90
Kelm HargunthVendor · 15g 13s 24c · The Barrens

Score breakdown

  • Weapon melee DPS: 35.19 × 1.6382 = 29.90 pts
  • Weapon damage per swing: 95 × 0.1743 = 16.56 pts
  • Strength: 11 × 0.2427 = 2.67 pts
  • Stamina: 5 × 0.1534 = 0.77 pts

Rare · Weapon training for some races — check item requirements

Source

Kelm HargunthVendor · 15g 13s 24c · The Barrens

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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