The TBC Hunter’s Arsenal: A Comprehensive Guide to Weaponry
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Ah, the Burning Crusade. A time of fel orcs, shattered planets, and for us Hunters, a massive expansion of our arsenal. Forget vanilla’s limited options, TBC opened the floodgates, letting us experiment with a wider variety of weapons. But what exactly could we wield, and what was actually good? Let’s dive in.
In The Burning Crusade (TBC), Hunters can use the following weapon types:
- Bows
- Crossbows
- Guns
- Axes (One-Handed and Two-Handed, with training)
- Daggers (with training)
- Fist Weapons (with training)
- Polearms (with training)
- Staves (with training)
- Swords (One-Handed and Two-Handed, with training)
Notice the recurring phrase “with training.” This is crucial. You’ll need to visit a weapon master in a major city to learn how to properly wield these melee weapons. Otherwise, you won’t be able to equip them.
Understanding Hunter Weapon Choices in TBC
While Hunters could equip a wide range of melee weapons, their primary damage source remained ranged weapons: bows, crossbows, and guns. Melee weapons were mainly stat sticks, providing valuable attributes like Agility, Attack Power, and Hit Rating that directly boosted our ranged capabilities.
Ranged Weapons: The Core of Our Damage
- Bows: The classic Hunter weapon. Many iconic bows dropped throughout TBC raids.
- Crossbows: Often offering slightly different stat distributions than bows, crossbows provided viable alternatives.
- Guns: Guns typically offered a unique visual flair. Some preferred the “bang” of a gun over the twang of a bow.
The best ranged weapon depended on the specific item level, stats, and any unique procs it might offer. Pay attention to Weapon Skill. Maxing out your weapon skill increases your chance to hit and decreases your target’s chance to dodge or parry.
Melee Weapons: Stat Sticks First, Damage Second
Melee weapons in TBC served a different purpose for Hunters than for, say, Warriors or Rogues. We weren’t primarily engaging in melee combat. Instead, we sought melee weapons with optimal stats that boosted our ranged damage.
- Two-Handed Weapons: Generally preferred due to their higher stat budgets. A two-hander could provide a larger chunk of Agility or Attack Power than a one-hander.
- One-Handed Weapons: Still viable if they offered a powerful stat combination or a unique effect.
Stats like Agility, Attack Power, Hit Rating, Critical Strike Chance, and Haste were the most important considerations when choosing a melee weapon. Don’t get caught up in the raw damage output of a melee weapon; focus on how it improves your ranged performance.
Weapon Skills and Training
Remember the “with training” caveat? This is important. Head to a weapon master (found in most major cities) to learn how to use Axes, Daggers, Fist Weapons, Polearms, Staves, Swords, Two-Handed Axes, and Two-Handed Swords. Without this training, you won’t be able to equip these weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best weapon type for a Hunter in TBC?
The “best” weapon type is always dependent on the specific stats provided by the item. However, generally speaking:
- Ranged Weapons: Bows, Crossbows, and Guns.
- Melee Weapons: Two-Handed weapons, whether Axes or Swords, tend to offer the highest stat budgets. Focus on Agility, Attack Power, Hit Rating, Critical Strike Chance, and Haste.
2. Can Hunters dual wield in TBC?
No, Hunters cannot dual wield in The Burning Crusade.
3. Can Hunters use warglaives in TBC?
No. While some classes can wield the Warglaives of Azzinoth, Hunters cannot equip them. Only eligible Demon Hunters can use the appearance to transmogrify other items in later expansions.
4. Can Hunters use maces in TBC?
No, Hunters cannot use maces (one-handed or two-handed).
5. What weapons can’t Hunters use in TBC?
Hunters cannot use wands or maces.
6. Is weapon speed important for Hunters in TBC?
Weapon speed on ranged weapons is crucial. Hunters generally use weapons with 3.0 tooltip speed, except for some exceptions.
7. What are the best stats to look for on weapons for a TBC Hunter?
- Agility: The single most important stat.
- Attack Power: Directly increases ranged damage.
- Hit Rating: Reduces the chance to miss your target.
- Critical Strike Chance: Increases the chance to deal critical damage.
- Haste: Reduces cast times and auto-shot delays.
8. Should I prioritize a weapon’s damage over its stats?
No, prioritize the stats on melee weapons. A weapon with lower damage but higher Agility, Attack Power, and Hit Rating will generally be superior.
9. Can I use a dagger in my main hand and a bow in my off-hand?
No, that is not correct. Ranged weapons, such as Bows, Crossbows, and Guns, are equipped in the main hand slot. Daggers are melee weapons, and are also equipped in the main hand slot.
10. Where do I learn weapon skills?
Visit a weapon master in any major city. Look for the guards; they can direct you.
11. Is it worth using a melee weapon at all as a Hunter in TBC?
Yes, absolutely. Even though melee weapons are used as stat-sticks they provide valuable attributes like Agility, Attack Power, and Hit Rating that directly boost our ranged capabilities, improving damage performance.
12. What is the best spec to level as a hunter in TBC?
Beast Mastery is the most popular leveling spec build for Hunters, as the spec focuses on improving your pet’s damage.
13. Do hunters use aimed shot in TBC?
Aimed Shot is still a core part of the Hunter’s arsenal, though its mechanics changed in TBC. In the Hunter mechanics change for patch 2.0. 1 and TBC, aimed shot was modified to reset the autoshoot timer.
14. Are thrown weapons useful for hunters in TBC?
Hunters can use thrown weapons.
15. What should every prepared hunter carry?
Every prepared hunter should carry essential items for safety, survival, and success. A First Aid Kit, fire makers, and other survival tools.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right weapons for your Hunter in TBC involves understanding the priority of stats, knowing where to train your weapon skills, and recognizing that your ranged weapon remains your primary damage dealer. Experiment, compare stats, and find the weapons that best suit your playstyle and gear. Good hunting!
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