Strydar's 39 Hunter Guide - brought to you by <Pocket Change>

Strydar

OG
39 Hunter Guide

Purpose of this guide



I built this guide to be a useful tool if you are any of the following:



  • New to twinking and want to try a Hunter at 39
  • Want to improve your current 39 - as 3.2 will make this much easier
  • Want to move from a previous bracket to 39

If you're playing a hunter you're going to have to decide on the style of play in which you're interested. Do you want to build a glass cannon or a beefy 1v1 machine? Do you want the all Intellect build from MM or do you want to go with the Stam/Agility/AP build of Survival? The decision is up to you. This guide will list gear options, talent thoughts and even reserve a section for the role of the hunter in BG.



Gear



In the Gear section, I've listed the gear from what I consider best to worst with a combination of rarity or value. However, it should be noted that the gear is listed from best to worst based on the individual piece. This is by considering the number of useful stats on each piece. Though a set of gloves with 12 Agility on it might be the most Agility that you can get off of one piece, I consider a set of gloves with 9 Agility and 9 Stamina much more valuable. You are getting 18 points worth of useful stats off the second piece. That's not to say that a pair of gloves with 9 Stamina and 9 Spirit is more valuable than the set with 12 Agility - as the 9 Spirit doesn't do as much good for a Hunter.



However, if you have a particular build in mind, a piece below may not be the best for you! Think of it this way. If you're going to focus on the Stamina build, the Adventurer's Pith Helmet suddenly becomes the best piece to acquire rather than the third or fourth. In addition, finding the Shadowforge Bushmaster in Uldaman or on the AH is something you should jump all over even if you're thinking of going with the Bow of Searing Arrows due to how rarely you will see it - if ever again. It will always be easier to acquire some of the other guns and bows. Therefore, you should definitely grab it if you see it and can afford it.



Finally, I am not going to include "semi-twink" items in this guide. Again, this guide is intended for those that want to build a twink, improve their twink or level their twink. Finding pieces as "get-me-by" items shouldn't be difficult - especially green uncommon items.



Head|for non-Engineers:




Head|for Engineers:



  • Green Lens - of Intellect, of the Eagle or of Stamina (though Intellect, of the Eagle and Stamina versions are no longer craftable)



Neck:




Shoulders:




Cloak:





Chest:





Wrists:





Weapon|Range:






Ammo:




Weapon|2H:





Weapons|Dual Wield:





Hands:



Waist:




Legs:





Feet:



  • Worn Running Boots||Horde Only Drop - these are dropped by Eric "The Swift" - who is friendly to Alliance
  • Tracker's Boots (of Agility, of Power, of Stamina and of the Monkey and of the Falcon)
  • Wolf Rider's Boots (of Agility, of Power, of Stamina and of the Monkey and of the Falcon)


Finger




Trinket|for non-Engineers:




Trinket|for Engineers:






This completes the gear section of the 39 Hunter Guide, brought to you by Pocket Change. Please feel free to start sharing your feedback. I will continue to add more information - including, racial benefits, professions worth learning, talent builds and strategy - including the three styles/role I feel that a 39 Hunter need play including: The Archer, The Goalie and the Cowboy.
 
Talent Tree Builds



Feel free to copy any of these directly from the builds below. However, these are only here to give you a start. Play around with different talents to see what works best for your style of play.



The Aragorn Build - an all out survivalist



0/0/30



This build is centered around two things: Stamina and Agility. This is also one of the better balance builds. If you get the right gear and enchants, you should be floating around 550 Attack Power, 2600-2700+ Hit Points and 220-240 Agility. This the the build that I have personally played for years. I use it because it allows me to slip into any of the roles outlined in the strategy section (The Archer, The Goalie and The Cowboy). I also like this build because during those times that I do get caught in melee and have difficulty getting out, I have enough Hit Points to survive long enough to drop a trap, disengage or scatter shot my opponent. This build will require you to find gear that is Stamina and Agility heavy. Be careful about over looking Intellect. If there's one down side to this build, it's that I run out of mana a bit too often - but then again, what are Healing Huts for?



Glyphs for this Build:




The Legolas Build - a marksman/Intellect build



0/27/3



Get out your Night Elf or your Blood Elf for this if you'd like to role play the Legolas Build. This build definitely leaves you a bit deficient in the Stamina/Hit Point area. That's why Hawkeye is so important in this guild - and perhaps any Hunter Twink build. The more distance between you and your opponent - the better. However, it does allow you to build your AP very significantly via Intellect. Not only do you have very little problems in running out of mana, but you also have an Attack Power that is approaching 600 if built right. This build works very well for The Goalie and The Archer roles very well. Getting out of melee quickly is a must - either that or have a pocket healer running with you all the time. There's no doubt that you'll be battling with Warlocks and other Hunters for the top spot in DPS. However, if things go south for you - you'll see a very high death count as well.



Glyphs for this Build




The Glass Cannon/ - the hybrid marksman/survial build



0/13/17



This build is focused around ensuring that you pound your enemies with your Arcane shot and that the shot crits as often as possible. Like the Legolas Build, you're trying to boost your Attack Power using your Intellect. Your gear and enchants should focus on Critical Strike Rating and Intellect. This build is about completely boosting your chances of Critically hitting your opponents. Playing the role of the Archer or the Goalie is ideal.



Glyphs for this Build




Professions



Engineering



Though Engineering splits into two styles upon reaching skill level 200, there are many useful items that are neither tied to the Goblin nor Gnomish Schools. The following are some of those items.



  • Green Lens - listed in the previous section to be used on your head - you have to be an Engineer to use it
  • Mechanical Dragonling - an additional pet - rotate this with other trinkets on timers
  • Parachute Cloak - great in Arathi Basin when jumping from the Lumber Mill or down to the Gold Mine



Goblin Engineering:



Goblin Engineering is all about the big boom. When something malfunctions, it usually blows up and causes damage to you. If you're all about missiles, bombs and rockets then Goblin Engineering is for you. The following items are useful:






Gnomish Engineering:



The Gnomes have been known to make some great items. However, from time to time, the just don't work the way they should. It's said that Gnomes have thirteen words in their language for "malfunction." Do you like winning with a little finese? Maybe you'd like to try your hand at priestly duties and heal yourself, toss up a protection bubble or mind control your opponent. Or maybe you'd like to get stealthy like a rogue. If that's you, give Gnomish Engineering a whirl. The following items are useful:




That's a pretty good sample of the value of engineering at level 39. Unlike earlier brackets where you simply drop explosives on your enemies, you have a few more options. Do some research on your own to see what additional items you can craft from a profession in Engineering.



Jewcrafting



Though this is quite expensive to level, there are a couple of useful items.



  • Figurine: Golden Hare - this trinket is helpful if you would prefer to enchant your boots with something that doesn't give you a slight movement speed increase - in addtion it's a must for chasing down Flag Carriers or running the flag yourself
  • Figurine: Black Pearl Panther - the passive ability really only helps the Night Elf - however, everyone could use that Attack Power bonus



In addtion to that, you can also craft the following BoP consumable:




Alchemy



In addition to crafting your own potions that can heal or increase everything from your movement speed to your Agility, there is one item that you can use in one of your Trinket slots:




Mining



Now that you can queue from anywhere, any gathering ability is useful for those times that queues take longer than five minutes. Run around and gather resources to sell on the AH. The profession helps quite a bit if you plan on being an engineer or crafting your own Hi-impact Mithril Shot.



At Rank 4 (300 skill), receive Toughness



Herbalism



Now that you can queue from anywhere, any gathering ability is useful for those times that queues take longer than five minutes. Run around and gather resources to sell on the AH.



At Rank 4 (300 skill), receive a 900 point HoT over 5 seconds



Skinning



Now that you can queue from anywhere, any gathering ability is useful for those times that queues take longer than five minutes. Run around and gather resources to sell on the AH. This will be especially helpful when 3.2 stops leveling. You'll be able to kill beasts around your level and skin them.



At Rank 4 (300 skill), receive a 12 Critical Strike Rating
 
Racial Abilities



I believe that the race you choose is going to heavily determine the style of play that you're going to take on. Do you want to be a plant your feet and shoot Archer or do you want to be a Clint Eastwood Cowboy? Read this to determine what race will fit your style best.



Alliance Faction

  1. Dwarf
  2. Night Elf
  3. Draenei



Dwarf

  • Gun Specialization - most everyone in this bracket is going to use a gun due to the Hi-impact Mithril Slugs - a 1% Crit Chance benefits any style of play
  • Stoneform

    - though this removes all poison effects on you, the 3.2 patch will nerf this so that you're not immune for the following 8 seconds



Night Elf

  • Shadowmeld - this is the ability that makes playing a Night Elf so fun - Play The Goalie with this build
  • Quickness

Draenei


Horde Faction

  1. Blood Elf
  2. Orc
  3. Tauren
  4. Troll

Blood Elf


Orc


Tauren

  • War Stomp - stunning is like another trap dropped - good for putting distance between you and melee classes
  • Endurance - this would be a lot better if it was a 5% increase to total health - but every little bit helps

Troll




Pets



I'll try to flesh this section out a bit more so that you can really look into what pet you want to use, but in the meanwhile, please review Petopia for Pet abilities and talent trees.



Roles and Strategies



The Archer



The Archer is a build that should be monster on the DPS circuit. Try to maximize your Attack Power and your Critical Strike Rating. This style of play usually involves you sticking with your group and trusting completely in your healers. Your health is going to be rather low, but that's the trade off to having never ending mana and DPS that's out of this world. In Warsong Gulch, you're going to be part of the assault team. You're going in to take the flag and protect the flag runner on the way back. Find opposing healers and make it your mission to drop them all by yourself. Dropping a talent point in Aimed Shot won't be for the addtional DPS of the shot, but for the healing debuff you hit your targets with. This style of play is most fun when you have a friend that's a pocket healer (who wouldn't like one of those). You will soon pick up a reputation as being someone that deals damage, and everyone will be targeting you before the healer (unless the healer is healing you). To protect yourself from this, spam Feign Death as often as you can. Also keep a Freezing Trap at your feet at all times. Again, once you prove you can deal damage, rogues will try to stealth in on you and drop you before anyone else, because then your healers will have to focus on healing themselves plus you're dead - as opposed to the healer focusing on healing himself while you light up their attackers. Stay in Aspect of Hawk as much as you can. Do not try to run the flag - unless you're a last hope for your team. You will be one hit by rogues waiting in your tunnel - and that does no one any good. Races that fit this style best are Dwarves (for the Gun Specialization), and Trolls (for the Bow Specialization). You're probably going to use the Legolas or Glass Cannon Build for this - or something close to one of those two.



The Goalie



As the goalie, you're guarding the flag. In both Warsong Gulch and Arathi Basin, you're going to find yourself a nook to hide in, shoot up a Flare, and light up anyone that tries to ninja the flag. The perfect place for this is either on the roof of the base in Warsong Gulch or the Gold Mine roof in Arathi Basin. This role is strictly a defensive role. Using a cat is helpful for this build because you can stealth the pet near the target you're guarding and attack your opponent before s/he even knows you're there. This requires you to do one of two things. You either have to be a Night Elf and stay in Shadowmeld form or you'll need to place yourself in a great hiding place while using Aspect of the Beast. You'll only get away with this a time or two, but sometimes that's the difference between winning an Arathi Basin match and not. Holding that one flag they ninja'd or sent a few lower level toons to take wastes their time. It forces them to give up on your node or send more resources to take it - which weakens one of their nodes. Often, you can get away with guarding one AB node solo the first time, but you'll want to call for help once you see them sending reenforcements. A Hunter is really ideal for defense, because you're often going to see incoming opponents and able to call it out and give enough time for reinforcements to support you.



The other side to think of is guarding the flag in WSG. This is a little more difficult, because the person that grabs the flag runs, and it's up to you to chase him or her down. The other problem is there's usually not only one person that is taking the flag in WSG, so you have to deal with an additional opponent while chasing down the flag - whether that's a healer or someone simply there to slow you down. There are two ways to look at chasing a flag carrier. The first is to try to burn down the opponent prior to them reaching midfield, because often if they reach midfield, too much support is there for one goalie to overcome. This is where the Legolas Build is helpful - in that you burn down the opponent quickly. The other side to think about doing is slowing that FC down enough for reinforcements of your own to gang up on him. Wing Clip, Scattershot, Concussive Shot, Scare Beast and various traps are exceptionally valuable for this. Also, using a boar or a ravenger is helpful, because they can stun your opponent for a small amount of time. I prefer the Aragorn Build to do this, because it keeps me alive long enough to keep annoyingly slowing the FC. A lot of the time, if you run into another twink that thinks s/he can take you, s/he will stick around and fight you while holding the flag - allowing for reinforcements to get into the base. Regardless of which build and style you play, you will often be the last, best defense against your opponents - because no one ever wants to play D. Again, you're probably going to use the Legolas or the Aragorn Build for this - or something close to one of those two.



The Cowboy



I've saved the best for last. The Cowboy is my favorite, but this style of play/role often pisses off team mates. If you feel like sticking around to play D, stick around to play D, and hope for a High Noon-style showdown with your enemies. If you want to cap or run flags, cap or run flags. If you want to run with the group, then do that too. If you want to chase an opponent around the field and grief him or her, do it. But what I want to teach you is how to best work with your team - without playing like a selfish asshole. Aspect of the Beast is your best friend in this style of play. I have found that opponents tend to rely too much on tracking and Hunters or Druids calling out red dots on the map. That's why I am in Aspect of the Beast most of the time. In my experience, I have found that certain Druids, Paladins or Rogues will run the flag. It's my job to sit in a hiding place at midfield and engage them before they cross that midfield line. I can not tell you how much I have typed /target [target player] over and over and over and tagged them with a Hunter's Mark. This stops rogues and druids from sneaking into your base and ganking anyone on defense. It also gives you the opportunity to chase him or her down and slow him or her from getting to your flag - giving your team a head start. I have seen more opponents' teams fall apart when their main FC isn't running the flag than I can count. Night Elves are perfect for this style of play, because it allows you to stealth - rather than finding a hiding place. I prefer the Aragorn Build for this style, because you will often be fighting players 1v1. The Stamina is invaluable when fighting 1v1.



Another valuable task you can complete as the Cowboy with an Aragorn build is a Flag Runner. If you build your twink right, you could be looking at 3200 HP fully buffed. Running in Aspect of the Beast allows you to make it to their base fairly undetected. Again, if you do that one too many times, they'll catch on to it, but in tug-of-war epic battles, one time is all you may need. Disengage also comes in helpful in "jumping" away from your opponent and is very useful for flag running.



Finally, as a Cowboy, it's your job to distract your opposition. Running around the field and picking off others' leftovers will frustrate and anger your opponent. If an opposing rogue just finished an epic battle with one of your teammates, and you ride in and kill him when he has a sliver of life left - he'll be looking for you. You can also be the Calvary that rides in to save your teammate from the clutches of death. This style of play requires you to quickly assess what's needed. If no one is running the flag - for example - perhaps it's time to shake things up and give it a go. You should have the DPS - even in a Aragorn Build to drop one opponent guarding their flag - especially if you get the drop on them. This class also allows you to play the scout if you have no Rogues in your group. Ride in camp on their roof and call out how many and what classes and levels are guarding their node or flag. I honestly believe that the only build for the Cowboy is The Aragorn Build - or something very close to it. If you don't have the Stamina to outlast your opponent, you'll get very frustrated running around the field in solo fashion. Let's face it, when you do get the urge to break out your favorite twink, if there's no one else on, you want a class that can deal but also live. The Cowboy Hunter is your best bet for those times.
 
Thanks and Reserved Rights



Thanks:



Thank you to Drayner for creating, facilitating and maintaining this site.



Thank you to Ishh for inspiring me to write a guide of my own and reviewing your 39 Rogue Guide for formatting ideas (not to mention using the following rights).




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First Draft is Complete - please leave feedback and post any questions or suggestions you have about this guide.



I have corrected some of your mistakes and added material based on feedback. Thank you for those suggestions. I have not incorporated all suggestions, but that doesn't mean they're not viable.



Thanks!



Guide updated on 7/29/2009
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll add those additional pieces. I have a talent spec pretty close to that in my Hybrid/Glass Cannon build. If you notice, I mention that those builds are meant to be adjusted to your style of play.
 
Coupla' points on this well-written guide.



1. Expert Goldminer's helmet is worthless(mostly) for hunters as expertise has no impact on ranged DPS.



2. Nocturnal headpiece of monkey should be included as well for hunters who want more crit than int, also making sure to note that they need Careful Aim for Eagle to even be remotely good.



3. Include [item]Nightscape Headband[/item] as an alternative since it is much easier to find and only has 4 less armor than Nocturnal headpiece.



4. Green Lens of int, stam, AND eagle is no longer craftable. It only comes in various spell-powers and Regeneration.



5. Include [item]Darkmoon Pendant[/item] as an alternative neckpiece since it is just as good as any other for the added crit from the 6 agi.



6. Someone else already pointed out that you linked the leather BoA shoulders instead of the hunter ones.



7. I'd like to see [item]Parachute Cloak[/item] as a cloak alternative for engineers since it has quite a bit of utility in battlegrounds, and having 8 agility to boot is the best you can get for a pure AP build.



8. [item]Green Whelp Armor[/item] Should be an alternative to be considered for every class that can use leather. The utility for it is phenomenal despite its low level and useless stat.



9. [item]Imposing Bracers[/item] and Tracker's Wristguards both come in "Of Power" giving 20 AP (felt it should be included in the guide for pure AP builds)



10. For 2-Hand weapons, you missed Savagery enchant. If you have a 2-handed weapon, it should have 70 AP and no other enchant is nearly as good. Furthermore, if you use PoD on a hunter, I would... kinda' be upset... They should be sold to warrior/shaman/Pally twinks... It should never be used on a hunter for a build that isn't proven to do as well as normal hunter builds.



11. Nordic Longshank is Horde only.



12. [item]Sacrificial Kris[/item] of power is a good dual wield choice for pure AP.



13. [item]Defiler's Chain Girdle[/item] is the best pure AP choice for waists.



14. An ongoing issue I found with your guide, it doesn't recommend for people to go for "Of the Falcon" items, which are some of the best, specifically for boots, revelosh gloves, etc.



15. [item]Wolf Rider's Leggings[/item] of power for pure AP, though I would argue that they're worse than Basilisk legs.



16. (Going back in time to chests) [item]Huntsman's Armor[/item] of Power is the best for pure AP, though it's certainly not a ton better than Robes of Lich for it.



17. I can't agree with having Focused Aim in Legolas Build mainly because I think there's little to no excuse for any hunter to not have Comfortable Leather Hat and Surefooted, which puts them very close to hitcap and are both fantastic aside. These frees up 3 points for 1 point in Go For the Throat, which will increase the damage done by your pet substantially, and the other 2 points in Barrage, increasing Multi-Shot's damage output a large amount.



18. The fact that you don't have Deflection in any build is a little disconcerting. The first effect is quite negligible(though decent for your survival build), but the second effect is great for any ranged hunter. Reducing disarm effects by 50% reduces most of what a warrior/rogue has on you provided they can't down you instantly anyway.



19. You included "Human" in races.... Obviously hunters cannot be human...



20. (Just so I can have an even 20) Well done with this nice guide. Keep up the good work. =P



EDIT: And http://www.wowarmory.com/character-talents.xml?r=Twisting+Nether&n=Catbert&group=1

That's my build for something to consider. It gives the utility of disarms sucking against you, having 3/3 L&L, and the extra crit % at the end of the SV build, though I'll admit that not having Mortal Strikes tends to upset me a little, this is still, not only a viable build, but a very good build that leaves me in good places every battleground. =]
 
I don't know what I was thinking. I thought I had savagery there. It's what's on my 39 Hunter... just accidentally overlooked it. I'll add it tomorrow.



Don't know if you noticed that I had Parachute Cloak listed under my Engineering section - as well as Rocket Boots.
 
Would love it if you guys gave this guide a rating. Be honest, and offer feedback if you do so.
 
Very Nice Guide. A few things that should be Added though. A ginsu sword is a decent weapon for a hunter. Also the level 28 AB hunters belt is a suitable belt if no Orgons Sash can be found.
 
"Would love it if you guys gave this guide a rating"



Honestly, I would have given it a high rating if you had acknowledged more than like three of my points... o_O
 
1. Please include the Falcon versions - i.e. [ITEM]Tracker's belt[/ITEM] of the Falcon, boots of the falcon, [ITEM]aquamarine signet[/ITEM] of the falcon, etc.

2. Please remove the stupid rogue shoulders and chest and put the hunter versions in, as was pointed out already.

3. [ITEM]Assault Band[/ITEM] is better than the WSG rings. In fact, I don't even consider the WSG rings to be a viable option for hunters because of the strength. [ITEM]Ring of the Underwood[/ITEM], [ITEM]Mark of Kern[/ITEM], and [ITEM]Deadman's Hand[/ITEM] are actually viable options. But, I think everyone should be able to get the Aquamarine and assault bands easily enough.

4. You did not include [ITEM]Feathered Arrow[/ITEM]

5. I don't think that [ITEM]Scorpashi Cape[/ITEM] is all that great for hunters since strength is a mediocre stat for them. You should include the green cloaks of the monkey and falcon +7/+6. i.e. [ITEM]Champion's Cape[/ITEM] of the Falcon

6. Mention that [ITEM]Deadly Scope[/ITEM] cannot be put on the BoA gun or bow, only the +2 scope can.

7. +6 stats and +150 health cannot be put on the BoA chest (at least I don't think so)

8. [ITEM]Pendulum of Doom[/ITEM] ? - please, the hunter that actually equips this needs to be shot by his own gun no matter what build they are planning. Hunters need weapons with stats that benefit them. This does not have any stats. Much better off using [ITEM]Bloodied Arcanite Reaper[/ITEM] with +25 AG or +22 Int buff on it. Or maybe even this...[ITEM]Dignified Headmaster's Charge[/ITEM]

9. You should include this as well. [ITEM]Aquamarine Pendant of the Warrior[/ITEM]. It is basically the same AP as [ITEM]Medal of Courage[/ITEM] and it can give you and all party members 15 stamina which is greater than 9 stamina. It has 10 charges, so it would be good to have a few of them.
 
I meant to include this one too.



You cannot attach [ITEM]Rugged Armor Kit[/ITEM] to your pants as they require level 40.
 
Foot, Rugged kit will work for BoE's as long as you have a higher level enchant it and then trade it.



Other than that, you caught a lot of the same issues I did, and some that I missed. =P

Glad someone else agrees about PoD.



The 6 stats and 150 HP cannot be put on the BoA chest unless they changed enchanting-heirloom rules and I missed it.



Everything else there is solid.

And yeah, Sniper needs to be added for its nice, consistent damage over the Shadowforge/Silencer, which have rather erratic low-top end damages.
 
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