WoW Cataclysm Classic Hunter Guide

In Cataclysm Classic, the Hunter class plays the role of a pure DPS class, specializing in ranged combat. Hunters are known for their ability to deal damage from a distance with the aid of a loyal animal companion. Compared with the former version, the Hunter class underwent significant changes, including a new resource system called Focus, ammunition removal, new abilities and talents, stat changes and pet management change. There are Hunter specializations: Beast Mastery, Marksmanship, and Survival. In this article, we’ll mainly introduce the three specializations in details respectively from best races to how to manage their pet, and recommend an efficiently leveling guide for Hunters.

Firstly, there are things the three specializations share in common. The best races are the same: for Horde, Orcs are the preferred race due to the pet damage bonus and Blood Fury cooldown. Trolls are a close second. For Alliance, Worgen are the best choice for their crit bonus and Darkflight cooldown, with Draenei being a strong option for their passive hit bonus. Buy WoW Cata Classic gold from SSEGold.com if you need it to buy pets or for leveling.

Beast Mastery Hunters are viable in Cataclysm Classic, offering strong burst damage with Bestial Wrath and valuable raid buffs through Ferocious Inspiration. Beast Mastery Hunters can provide a 3% damage buff and choose a missing raid buff through pet selection. They also have utility options like Tranquilizing Shot, Misdirection, and various traps.

Its Rotation should maintain Serpent Sting, use Kill Command as a priority, and manage Focus Fire efficiently. Use Cobra Shot to generate Focus and Arcane Shot when possible. About Talents and Glyphs, you should optimize your build based on the latest simulation data and theorycrafting. Prime glyphs include Kill Command, Arcane Shot, and Kill Shot. Gear and Stat Priority should focus on obtaining the best gear available and prioritize stats according to the latest guides and simulations. As to consumables, use the best flasks, elixirs, and food to enhance your performance. Flask of the Winds and Seafood Magnifique Feast are among the top choices.

Marksmanship Hunters are viable, offering exceptional burst damage with abilities like Readiness and Rapid Fire. They also provide the crucial Trueshot Aura raid buff, which is a 20% attack power increase. Marksmanship Hunters can provide a 20% attack power buff with Trueshot Aura and can choose a missing raid buff through pet selection too. They also have utility options like Tranquilizing Shot, Misdirection, and various traps as Beast Mastery Hunters.

Its Rotation is to maintain Serpent Sting and ensure Improved Steady Shot is active. Use Chimera Shot on cooldown, and Aimed Shot when you have 5 stacks of Master Marksman. Use Kill Shot on targets below 20% health. Choose talents that enhance your critical shots and focus regeneration. Prime glyphs include Steady Shot, Rapid Fire, and Arcane Shot. Aim for gear that boosts your agility and critical strike chance. Stat priorities often include agility, hit rating (until capped), and critical strike. Use Potion of the Tol'vir and Flask of the Winds for increased agility. Seafood Magnifique Feast is recommended for the agility and stamina buff.

Survival Hunters are a top choice for PvE content, excelling in both single-target and AoE damage scenarios. They are considered one of the strongest DPS specializations in raids. Survival Hunters provide a 10% attack speed buff with Hunting Party. They also have a wide range of utility options, including Tranquilizing Shot, Misdirection, and various traps. Plus, they can select pets that offer different raid buffs or debuffs.

Your rotation will include maintaining Serpent Sting, using Steady Shot as a focus generator, and deploying Black Arrow for additional damage. Utilize Explosive Shot for burst damage and Kill Shot when the target is below 20% health. Choose talents that boost your damage and focus management. Recommended glyphs include Explosive Shot, Serpent Sting, and Kill Shot for maximizing DPS. Agility is your primary stat, followed by hit rating until capped, and then critical strike and haste. Gear choices should reflect these priorities. Use Flask of the Winds and Agility Food to boost your agility. Potions like Potion of the Tol'vir can provide a temporary agility increase during combat.

In WoW Cataclysm Classic, pet management is a crucial aspect of playing a Hunter effectively. There are 3 pet specializations too.

Ferocity: Best for DPS. Ideal for leveling and raiding due to damage-enhancing abilities.

Tenacity: Known for tanking capabilities. Great for solo content where the Hunter needs a pet to absorb damage.

Cunning: Offers a balance of damage and utility. Often chosen for PvP due to versatile abilities that can disrupt opponents.

Based on their specialization, you should choose the right pet for different situations.

Leveling: Ferocity pets like wolves (for their crit buff) or cats (for strength and agility buffs) are recommended. Beast Mastery Hunters might prefer a Devilsaur for similar buffs and high damage.

Raiding: The choice depends on group composition and encounter needs. Core Hounds are valuable for Beast Mastery Hunters, offering a casting speed slow and Bloodlust/Heroism effect. Wolves, Cats, Raptors, and Hyenas are also good for their respective buffs and debuffs.

PvP: Cunning pets like Foxes and Birds of Prey are useful for their attack speed reduction and physical damage reduction. Sporebats and Dragonhawks are beneficial against spellcasters due to magical damage buffs and debuffs.

Tanking: Tenacity pets such as Turtles and Gorillas are known for their durability and aggro-holding abilities. Shale Spiders offer a stats buff but are niche due to their specialized role.

Pay attention to keep your pet happy by feeding it regularly to maintain its loyalty level. Different pets require different types of food. Also teach your pet abilities that you have learned and that are compatible with its type. Level up your pet to unlock more abilities and ranks.

Read More: WoW Cataclysm Classic Priest Guide

Addons can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Here are some recommended addons especially for Hunters:

Weapon Swing Timer: Essential for tracking your Auto Shot timing, as well as Aimed Shot and Multi-Shot cast bars.

Recount or Skada: Damage meters to track your performance and improve where necessary.

OmniCC: Adds text to items/spells that are on cooldown to indicate when they will be ready.

Hunter Pets: Helps manage your pets, including feeding and ability training.

Bartender4: Allows you to customize your action bars for better accessibility.

If you want to level efficiently, here are a few tips:

Choosing the Right Spec: Beast Mastery is great for solo play and easier pet management. Marksmanship offers high single-target damage, suitable for dungeons. Survival excels in AoE damage, good for fast-paced leveling and dungeons.

Choose a pet that complements your playstyle. Ferocity pets are generally best for leveling due to their DPS output.

Invest in talents that increase your and your pet's damage output and survivability. For Beast Mastery, focus on talents that enhance your pet's abilities. For