Can Hunters Use Two-Handed Weapons in WoW Classic?
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Yes, Hunters in WoW Classic can absolutely use two-handed weapons. While often associated with bows, crossbows, and guns, Hunters are also proficient with a variety of melee weapons, including two-handed axes and two-handed swords, as well as polearms and staves. This versatility makes them a unique class in the Classic environment. However, it’s important to understand the nuances of how these weapons interact with the Hunter class, as using two-handed melee weapons comes with a different playstyle.
Understanding Hunter Weapon Proficiencies
In Classic WoW, Hunters possess a wide range of weapon skills. They are primarily ranged damage dealers, relying on their ranged weapons for the bulk of their combat capabilities. However, they also have access to the following melee weapon types:
- One-Handed Axes
- Two-Handed Axes
- Daggers
- Staves
- Polearms
- One-Handed Swords
- Two-Handed Swords
This breadth of options allows Hunters some flexibility in gear choices. Though their core abilities rely on ranged weapons, melee weapons can still provide stat boosts and be used during close-quarters combat.
Why Hunters Might Consider Two-Handed Weapons
While not typically a Hunter’s primary focus, there are a few reasons why a Hunter might choose to wield a two-handed weapon in Classic WoW.
Stat Sticks
Primarily, Hunters often look at melee weapons as “stat sticks.” In Classic WoW, stats provided by weapons, such as Agility, Stamina, or Attack Power, directly influence a Hunter’s effectiveness in combat. High-stat weapons, particularly two-handed weapons due to their generally higher stat values, can significantly improve a Hunter’s overall damage output, even when they’re primarily using ranged attacks.
Melee Combat
While Hunters ideally maintain distance from their targets, sometimes circumstances force them into melee range. In these situations, a strong two-handed weapon can be useful, offering better single-hit damage compared to a one-handed weapon. This can be a valuable asset, particularly during solo leveling or when dealing with enemies that rush into melee range.
Early Game Options
In the early stages of the game, good ranged weapon options might be scarce. A two-handed weapon with high stats can serve as a valuable alternative, providing a damage increase until better bows or guns become available.
The Drawbacks of Melee
It’s crucial to understand the drawbacks associated with Hunters using melee weapons. While Hunters can use them, their primary abilities are designed around ranged attacks. Abilities like Arcane Shot, Steady Shot, and Multi-Shot can only be used with a ranged weapon equipped. Therefore, if a Hunter relies on a melee weapon, they lose access to their main damage-dealing skills.
Furthermore, most gear for Hunters is designed to enhance their ranged capabilities. Using melee weapons might result in losing valuable stats and damage output that would be available with proper hunter gear. Therefore, melee weapons are mostly used for stat increases, rather than primary combat.
Training in Weapon Skills
To use two-handed weapons, Hunters need to train in the relevant skill. This involves visiting a Weapon Master in a major city and learning the skill. For example, to learn two-handed swords, Hunters can visit Woo Ping in Stormwind, located in Weller’s Arsenal in the Trade District. For two-handed axes, Horde players can visit Weapon Master Hanashi or Weapon Master Sayoc in Orgrimmar, in the Valley of Honor. Alliance players can visit Buliwyf in Ironforge.
Practicality in Combat
Hunters typically will not be using their melee weapon for regular combat in most cases. Their ranged abilities are simply far more potent and should be the focus of damage output. It is rare to see a hunter use a two-handed weapon in combat, as they are primarily used for stat increases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Hunters and two-handed weapons in WoW Classic:
1. Can Hunters Dual Wield Two-Handed Weapons?
No, Hunters cannot dual wield two-handed weapons in Classic WoW. While Warriors can dual wield by putting every talent point into their fury spec tree at level 60, Hunters do not have that ability. They can, however, dual wield one-handed weapons at level 20, but this is generally not optimal for their playstyle.
2. Are There Better 1H Weapons Than 2H for Hunters?
Generally, two-handed weapons are preferred for Hunters due to higher single-hit damage and stat increases. However, if a one-handed weapon has significantly better stats relevant to a Hunter, it could be a viable alternative for stat increases. Most Hunter itemized melee weapons are 2h axes or polearms, with 1h weapons being more useful for other classes such as Rogues or Warriors.
3. What Weapons Can Hunters Not Use?
Hunters can equip all weapons except wands, maces, two-handed maces, and warglaives. They are proficient with swords, axes, polearms, daggers, and staves, as well as ranged weapons.
4. Where Can I Learn Two-Handed Axe Skill for a Horde Hunter?
Horde Hunters can learn two-handed axe skills from Weapon Master Hanashi and Weapon Master Sayoc in Orgrimmar, located in the Valley of Honor.
5. Where Can I Learn Two-Handed Swords for an Alliance Hunter?
Alliance hunters can learn the Two-Handed Swords skill from Woo Ping in Stormwind, who is located in the Weller’s Arsenal in the Trade District.
6. Can Dwarf Hunters Use Bows?
Yes, Dwarf Hunters can learn to use bows by training with a Weapon Master.
7. What Is the Best Hunter Spec for PvE in Classic?
The best Hunter spec for early PvE in Classic is Marksmanship (MM). A MM/SV 2/31/18 Talent Build provides solid DPS and party utility with Trueshot Aura.
8. What Level Can Hunters Dual Wield?
Hunters can learn to dual wield one-handed weapons at level 20. This is not the same as dual wielding 2h weapons.
9. Is Hunter a Good Class in Classic WoW?
Yes, Hunters are a great class in Classic WoW. They are formidable ranged damage dealers with unique pet management mechanics.
10. Can Hunters Use Staves?
Yes, Hunters can learn to use staves from a Weapon Master.
11. What Is the Best Spec for a Hunter for Leveling?
For beginners, Beast Mastery (BM) is often recommended as the best Hunter leveling spec.
12. What Classes Can Use Two-Handed Axes?
Death knights, paladins, shaman, warriors, and hunters can all use two-handed axes.
13. Can Hunters Use One-Handed Axes?
Yes, Hunters can use one-handed axes. They start with the ability to use them, unlike other classes like Shaman, who must train to use them.
14. Do Hunters Use Guns in WoW?
Yes, Hunters use guns as a primary form of ranged combat. They need to be trained by a Weapon Master.
15. Can You Equip Two of the Same Weapon?
No, you cannot equip two of the same “unique” weapon. Only one unique item with the same name can be equipped.
Conclusion
While Hunters are primarily known for their ranged combat abilities, their ability to use two-handed weapons in Classic WoW adds another layer to their gameplay. Although not optimal for main damage dealing, melee weapons, especially those with strong stats, can offer valuable bonuses. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon type is crucial for a Hunter to maximize their effectiveness in the world of Azeroth. Remember to train in the relevant weapon skills, and be strategic in your gear choices. Happy hunting!