What is the Best Class to Farm in TBC? A Comprehensive Guide
The Burning Crusade (TBC) Classic offers a wealth of opportunities for players looking to farm gold, materials, and reputation. While many classes excel in various aspects of gameplay, when it comes to the most effective farming class, the answer is multifaceted but leans heavily towards the Hunter. While other classes have their strengths, the Hunter combines efficiency, survivability, and adaptability, making it the go-to choice for many farmers in TBC.
Why Hunter is King of Farming in TBC
The Hunter’s prowess in TBC farming stems from a variety of factors:
Pet Management
Hunters benefit from having a loyal pet that acts as both a tank and an extra damage dealer. This allows them to efficiently tackle multiple mobs simultaneously, a crucial aspect of fast-paced farming. The pet can soak up damage, letting the Hunter DPS from a safe distance, thereby reducing downtime. Beast Mastery Hunters are particularly adept at this due to their enhanced pet abilities.
Efficient Killing Speed
Hunters possess a strong arsenal of ranged abilities. This allows them to engage and kill mobs quickly, minimizing travel time between encounters. The “one-button macro” rotation, often used by Hunters, allows them to maintain a consistent DPS output without requiring constant micromanagement of skills. This simplicity allows the player to focus more on positioning and mob selection, further boosting efficiency. Marksmanship Hunters are strong damage dealers, especially with gear, but the reliance on mana may sometimes hinder efficient farming compared to Beast Mastery.
Soloing Capabilities
The Hunter’s ability to solo content, including elite mobs and even some dungeons, opens up a wider range of farming opportunities. They can venture into areas that would be too risky or time-consuming for other classes. This means a Hunter can often find less contested farming spots, increasing the yield. Survival Hunters can offer a different playstyle, focusing on traps and DoTs, which can prove useful for certain types of farming but might be less consistent for general mob farming.
Versatile Farming Options
Hunters can efficiently farm a variety of resources, including mobs for vendor trash, raw gold, specific crafting materials (like motes or leather), and beasts for skinning. This versatility means a Hunter isn’t limited to a specific type of farming, allowing them to adapt to market demand and maximize their earnings. Furthermore, Hunters can farm herbs and minerals quite easily, though they don’t have the added benefit of stealth as a Rogue or Druid does.
Low Gear Dependence
Hunters can farm effectively even with relatively low-level gear. This is a significant advantage for players just starting out or those looking to quickly gear up a new character. They can quickly access good farming spots without needing a significant time investment to gear up.
Mobility
Hunters can utilize ranged attacks, giving them a significant advantage in both kiting and quickly dispatching enemies. This allows them to keep moving, minimizing downtime while farming and keeping them at a safe distance while engaging enemies.
Honorable Mentions for Farming Classes
While the Hunter may be the most efficient, other classes have their unique advantages:
Druid
Druids, particularly in Feral spec, are exceptional at stealth farming for herbs, veins, and chests. Their travel form is also invaluable for covering vast distances quickly. They can also tackle mobs reasonably well, although it’s not as efficient as a Hunter when it comes to single targets.
Rogue
Similarly, Rogues are skilled at stealth farming, using their abilities to navigate dangerous areas and steal valuable resources from chests and mobs unnoticed. They can also pick pockets for extra gold. However, their reliance on energy and melee combat can make them less efficient than Hunters in open-world farming.
Paladin
Paladins, especially Protection Paladins, can AoE farm effectively in certain areas. They’re excellent at surviving multiple mob encounters and can handle large pulls of enemies. However, their farming speed isn’t as quick as a Hunter’s when it comes to single target kills.
The Verdict: Hunter Reigns Supreme
While other classes offer specific farming advantages, the Hunter’s combination of speed, survivability, versatility, and low gear dependence make it the best all-around farming class in TBC Classic. Whether you’re aiming for gold, materials, or a specific type of resource, the Hunter provides the most efficient means to reach your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most efficient way to farm gold in TBC?
Farming mobs for valuable drops and vendor trash, coupled with professions like herbalism and mining, is the most consistent way to accumulate gold in TBC. However, keep an eye on the Auction House for opportunities to exploit fluctuating prices.
2. Is dual-boxing profitable in TBC?
Yes, dual-boxing, particularly with a Hunter paired with another class like a Shaman or Paladin, can greatly increase farming efficiency. However, it does require a higher level of player skill and a good setup.
3. Which professions are best for making gold in TBC?
Herbalism and Mining are excellent for gathering raw materials. Alchemy, Enchanting, and Jewelcrafting are great for crafting high-demand items. Tailoring is good for selling bags.
4. Can Mages farm efficiently in TBC?
While Mages are powerful, their efficiency is often tied to boosting, which is less profitable at this stage in the game and less relevant to a new player. They are less effective at general mob farming compared to Hunters.
5. How do Rogues farm effectively in TBC?
Rogues excel at stealth farming chests, nodes, and pickpocketing humanoid mobs. They can be good at farming specific materials in certain dungeons, but might be less effective in open world farming due to their dependence on melee and energy.
6. Are Warlocks good for farming in TBC?
Warlocks can farm quite effectively in TBC, especially with their drain tanking ability, but they often perform slightly slower than Hunters for pure farming speed. They also excel in specific dungeon farming.
7. How important is gear for farming efficiency in TBC?
While gear does help, Hunters can still be highly efficient with relatively basic gear. Focus on gear that increases your pet’s survivability and your ranged attack power.
8. What are the best zones for farming in TBC?
Netherstorm, Blade’s Edge Mountains, and Shadowmoon Valley are often good options for mob farming. The specific zone depends on the materials you are after.
9. How does Hunter pet selection impact farming?
Different Hunter pets have different abilities, which can be beneficial for different farming strategies. Pets with extra damage and armor, like Ravagers and Boars, tend to be good for general farming.
10. Is it worth using potions and consumables while farming?
Yes, using consumables like potions and food buffs can increase your farming speed and survivability, making them a valuable investment.
11. What is the ideal Hunter spec for farming in TBC?
Beast Mastery (BM) is generally considered the best spec for general-purpose farming due to its pet buffs and damage.
12. Are there any specific dungeon farming strategies in TBC?
Yes, some classes can solo specific dungeons to farm particular items or vendor trash. Paladins can be especially good at certain AoE pulls for material farming. Rogues are well suited for farming chests and pickpocketing.
13. Is it better to farm mobs or professions in TBC?
A combination of both is often the most effective way to maximize your profits in TBC. Farming mobs provides raw gold and vendor trash, while professions provide valuable crafting materials and items.
14. How do I find good farming spots in TBC?
Exploring the various zones in Outland and testing different locations is crucial for finding the best farming spots. Keep an eye out for areas with dense mob populations and valuable resource nodes. Online forums and guides can also provide helpful suggestions.
15. Are there any specific strategies for skinning in TBC?
Skinning is best done while AoE farming mobs. Make sure to have your pet do most of the damage and focus on looting the kills that it makes. Ensure you have your skinning skill levelled up appropriately for the zone you’re in.
By understanding the strengths of each class, and how to properly utilize these strengths in the farming environment, you can maximize your profits and gain a competitive edge in TBC. With all things considered, the Hunter stands out as the most reliable, efficient, and versatile choice.