Fast vs. Slow Main Hand for Fury Warriors: An In-Depth Guide

As a seasoned veteran of countless raids and PvP battles, I’ve seen the Fury Warrior evolve through various iterations. One question that consistently resurfaces is: Is a fast or slow main hand weapon better for a Fury Warrior? The short answer is, it’s complicated, and highly dependent on the specific expansion and game version you are playing.

The Nuances of Weapon Speed for Fury Warriors

In the classic era, and even extending into parts of Wrath of the Lich King, slower weapons were generally preferred in the main hand. This was primarily due to the way weapon damage was calculated for abilities like Heroic Strike and Whirlwind. These abilities used a normalized weapon speed, meaning a slower weapon resulted in higher immediate damage.

However, as the game evolved, and especially in modern iterations, the mechanics shifted significantly. Weapon speed became less of a determining factor due to ability normalization across various weapon speeds. The key now is to focus on item level and stats rather than strictly adhering to the slow-main-hand rule.

Understanding Ability Scaling

Traditionally, Fury Warrior abilities scaled based on the weapon’s damage range and speed. Slower weapons inherently had a higher damage range, leading to more potent ability hits. While this concept holds some merit in certain situations, modern World of Warcraft has largely homogenized weapon speeds in terms of damage output. Weapon Damage per Second (DPS) is usually the most important factor to consider.

The Importance of Stats

In today’s meta, the stats on your weapons far outweigh the subtle differences in weapon speed. Strength, Haste, Critical Strike, Mastery, and Versatility are the primary drivers of Fury Warrior DPS. Item level also contributes significantly, as higher item levels generally offer superior stat budgets. Don’t sacrifice a significant stat upgrade for a minor speed advantage.

Dual-Wielding Two-Handers: Titan’s Grip

The introduction of Titan’s Grip, a talent that allows Fury Warriors to dual-wield two-handed weapons, completely changed the game. This talent opens up the possibility of using two massive, slow-hitting weapons, maximizing your damage output. However, even with Titan’s Grip, the overall stats on the weapons are more important than the speeds themselves. You want the highest item level weapons with the best stat distribution to maximize your character’s potential.

Practical Application and Considerations

Ultimately, the “best” main hand weapon speed depends on the specific expansion and patch you’re playing. As general guidance, look to:

• Consult class guides: These will provide current, patch-specific recommendations.
• Simulate your gear: Tools like Raidbots can help you determine which gear setup provides the highest DPS.
• Consider your playstyle: Some players prefer the feel of faster weapons for smoother rage generation, while others prefer the heavier hits of slower weapons.
• Weapon damage per second (DPS) is the determining factor, rather than speed.

FAQs: Fury Warrior Weapon Choices

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of weapon selection for Fury Warriors:

1. Is a slow main hand always better in Classic WoW?

Yes, in Classic WoW, slower main-hand weapons are generally favored for the reasons discussed above with damage calculations. Abilities are normalized to the weapon’s damage.

2. How does Titan’s Grip affect weapon choice?

Titan’s Grip allows dual-wielding of two-handed weapons, meaning speed becomes less important than the overall stats and item level of each weapon. Prioritize higher DPS and optimal stat distribution across both weapons.

3. What stats should I prioritize on my weapons?

Strength, Haste, Critical Strike, Mastery, and Versatility are the key stats for Fury Warriors. Prioritize these stats when choosing weapons and reforging or gemming.

4. Does weapon skill still matter?

In modern WoW, weapon skill has been removed. In Classic WoW, weapon skill increases your chance to hit targets of a higher level than you. It’s important to maximize it.

5. How does rage generation factor into weapon speed?

Faster weapons can generate rage more consistently, but slower weapons often provide larger chunks of rage per hit. The impact of this depends on your overall gear and talent build.

6. Is there a “best” weapon type for Fury Warriors?

No, there is no inherently “best” weapon type. The best weapon is the one with the highest item level and the optimal stats for your build, regardless of whether it’s a sword, axe, mace, or polearm.

7. Should I prioritize item level over weapon speed?

Generally, yes. The stat gains from higher item levels usually outweigh any minor benefits from a specific weapon speed.

8. How important is hit rating/expertise in Classic WoW?

Hit rating (and expertise) are critical. For a Level 60 Warrior to never miss their Activated Abilities, such as Bloodthirst or Execute, it requires both 300 Weapon Skill and 5% Hit Rating.

9. Can Fury Warriors use fist weapons?

Yes, Fury Warriors can use fist weapons. However, the same principles apply: prioritize item level and stats over the specific weapon type. The weapon should suit the character’s rotation and speed.

10. Is dual-wielding one-handed weapons viable?

Dual-wielding one-handed weapons can be a valid choice for Fury Warriors, especially if the available one-handed weapons have significantly better stats than the two-handed options.

11. What role does haste play in weapon choice?

Haste affects your attack speed and global cooldown, influencing how quickly you can execute your rotation. Adjust your weapon choice and other gear to achieve a comfortable and effective haste level. Fury Warrior Stat Priority: The more Haste you have, the more globals you can get in, which adds fluidity to your rotation.

12. How does stance affect weapon choice?

Berserker Stance is the main stance for Fury Warriors. Your weapon choice should support your DPS goals within this stance.

13. How often should I upgrade my weapons?

Upgrade your weapons as soon as possible whenever you find an upgrade with a higher item level and better stats.

14. Is it worth using a suboptimal weapon until I find a better one?

Yes, using a slightly suboptimal weapon with better stats is often better than holding onto an old weapon with lower item level.

15. Where can I find more information on optimizing my Fury Warrior?

Consult class guides on websites like Icy Veins or Wowhead for the latest information and recommendations. Be sure to also engage with the community on forums and Discord to learn from other experienced players. The Games Learning Society is also a great resource for understanding the mechanics of game theory. You can also find information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

The optimal weapon speed for a Fury Warrior is no longer as simple as “slow is always better.” It’s a nuanced decision based on the specific game version, item level, stats, and personal preference. The best approach is to understand the underlying mechanics, simulate your gear, and consult reliable sources for the most up-to-date information. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and find a playstyle that works for you!