- Author: Nevermore
- Date: October 9, 2023
- Updated: October 9, 2023
- Expansion: WotLK Classic
Equipment will be the main source of your character’s power, contributing the biggest bulk of your stats. It is therefore very important that you choose the correct equipment for each slot — commonly referred to as “best in slot” equipment – in order to maximize your power.
This guide is divided into two sections. The first section is basic lists, providing you full sets for a fresh level 80 pre-raid, a level 80 preparing for their first foray into Trial of the Crusader, and an example of ideal gear to aspire to from Trial of the Crusader. The second section provides more alternatives for each slot, giving an example of gear progression between these three areas of gearing.
Heroic++, otherwise known as Defense Protocol Beta drops gear from 10-man Ulduar and Naxxramas. Heroic+, otherwise known as Defense Protocol Alpha, drops gear from 10-man Naxxramas, as well as regular Heroic gear. Future Phases are likely to add further Heroic difficulties.
Progressive List
Before proceeding to the in-depth part of our guide, we will grant you some very important tips that you will have to keep in mind, especially as you progress through your journey and come across many different items.
As a fresh level 80, you have several choices for each separate slot. You will either be able to directly buy BoE items from the Auction House and other players, or, you will go through a progressive item hunt from Normal Dungeons, Heroic Dungeons, and the brand-new Heroic ++ Dungeons. Depending on your group, you may be able to directly join a Heroic ++ Dungeon, effectively skipping a harsh gearing process.
With the release of Phase 3 of the expansion, the new Heroic Defense Protocol Beta Dungeons will grant you both T7 and T8 items, per Boss Kill, with a guaranteed former Ulduar 10 (225) Ilvl drop.Heroic++, otherwise known as Defense Protocol Beta drops gear from 10-man Ulduar and Naxxramas. Heroic+, otherwise known as Defense Protocol Alpha, drops gear from 10-man Naxxramas, as well as regular Heroic gear. Future Phases are likely to add further Heroic difficulties
However, those dungeons no longer provide any blue gear, meaning that if you seek a particular rare (Blue) item, you will have to venture through the Heroic version of the Dungeon.
Your Pre-ToC options will often be defined by the BiS items from the previous raid tiers, and any other new dungeons or raid BoE items that arrive with the new phase.
Your Best-in-Slot items will often vary depending on the rest of your equipment and the situation you find yourself in. Depending on the class itself, the specialization, the phase you find yourself in, and the PvE encounter you currently face, your BiS items can completely change to better adjust to whichever situation you may find yourself in. In some cases, you will find a single BiS set that can be 100% functional in any situation, while in other cases, you will need to adjust your item sets from one PvE encounter to another.
Enhancement Shaman is a unique specialization that has two viable builds which are completely opposed to one another. The first build is the standard Enhancement Build which focuses on items with Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating/Attack Power and the second build is named “Spellhance” which acts as a hybrid between Spell Power Items and the traditional Enhancement Build items. While typically called the “Standard Enhancement Build” or “Physical Damage Build” by the community, the class itself is still a hybrid class, meaning that it will deal both Physical and Magical Damage.
One of the special attributes of the Spellhance Build is that it allows you to remodel your set depending entirely on the items you discover. This means that you will be able to modify the majority of your gear slots, with the main exceptions being your set items. Every other gear slot can be subjected to experimentation, meaning that there isn’t just a single valid way of creating a Spellhance Build.
One thing to keep in mind is that during the third phase of the expansion, Enhancement Shaman benefits from having a large amount of Hit Rating. This means that you will go far over the Soft Hit Cap of 8%, reaching a number between 17-19%.
Since ToGC is a raid that features primarily AoE encounters, the “Spellhance” build will be superior due to increased Cleave potential.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) | |
Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
The best possible option as a fresh 80 will depend entirely on the rest of your main gear slots. This is due to the new Heroic ++ Dungeons which grant access to the T8 item sets. If you manage to gain multiple T8 items and activate the 4-item set bonus, the Valorous Worldbreaker Faceguard will be the best possible option. If you are not close to activating the T8 4-item set bonus or you simply activated it from your other gear slots, Mimiron’s Flight Goggles will be the better option.
On the same note, the Arc-Scorched Helmet can be used as a slightly weaker alternative that fits the same purpose. Once again, the same rules apply for the T8 item set bonuses.
If you don’t have enough Hit Rating, you may opt for the Circlet of True Sight as a valid alternative until you can manage to gain enough Hit Rating from your other gear slots. You won’t want to keep this item for long though. You may also choose to use the Heroes’ Earthshatter Faceguard as a decent Hit Rating alternative. However, since the T7 item-set bonuses will be hard to maintain due to the overall lower stats, we encourage you to maintain this item temporarily as well until you get enough Hit Rating from your other gear slots.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM | |
Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
For your Helm slot, Boundless Gaze is the clear winner by a significant margin — providing a large amount of hit, high Item level, and strong itemization. Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Faceguard could potentially be used to complete your 4-set Bonus early. However, you would need to account for the lack of hit rating either through gems or elsewhere on your gear.
The Helm of the Furnace Master provides a similar stat spread to the T8 helmet and can be used in case you can’t find it or if you simply can’t acquire the Boundless Gaze. Its stats are better than the normal version of the T8, however, if you can access the T8 4-item set bonus you should use the Valorous Worldbreaker Faceguard instead.
Mimiron’s Flight Goggles fit the same pattern as the Helm of the Furnace Master, however, they don’t offer any Intellect as they are a Leather Item. It follows the same rule as the previous item, where the Valorous Worldbreaker Faceguard is the better option if you can access the T8 4-item set bonus.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM | |
Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
The best possible option for this slot in the third phase of the expansion is Nobundo’s Faceguard of Triumph. This is due to the large amount of stats that we gain by using this item, but more importantly, the access to the T9 item-set bonuses. Since Hit Rating is a big part of an Enhancement’s Shaman build in the third phase of the expansion, this slot is perfect for increasing your overall Hit Rating. While the T9 item-set bonuses are not as strong as the T8 item-set bonuses, we will still want to gain the T9 4-item set bonus. This slot will be specially dedicated to T9 items, meaning that the 245 Ilvl version of the Nobundo’s Faceguard of Triumph, and the 232 Ilvl version of the Nobundo’s Faceguard of Conquest will be the next-best alternatives.
Since ToGC doesn’t offer any other worthwhile option, you will resume yourself to former options from Ulduar and one other option from Onyxia’s Lair.
Boundless Gaze is a viable alternative in case you choose to activate the T9 4-item set bonus from your other gear slots. This item is the previous BiS option from the second phase of the expansion, serving as the Off-set piece. If you can’t find it, you can also use the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Faceguard as a valid alternative. The only issue is that by using any other item than the T9 items or the Boundless Gaze, you will lose a substantial Hit Rating that will need replacement from your other item slots.
The Crown of Ten Storms is a perfect alternative to the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Faceguard, since it offers the exact same types of stats. However, if you can access the T8 4-item set bonus by using the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Faceguard, you will always want to prioritize it over the Crown of Ten Storm, as the T8 4-item set bonus is extremely potent.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress |
There is one main option that you may directly buy with Sidereal Essence which is very strong and may be maintained even during the progression of ToC or ToGC. The item we are talking about is the Pendant of the Shallow Grave, and it’s among the best possible items that you can acquire for the Spellhance Build due to its high Spell Power and Critical Strike Chance & Haste Rating stat combination. However, until you can acquire it, there are other viable Spellhance options that you may find as dungeon dungeons.
The next-best alternative to it that can be acquired by a fresh level 80 will be the Pendant of the Piercing Glare, followed up by the Brilliant Hailstone Amulet. While both items have similar overall stat values, each of them grants Hit Rating, being a better option for the beginning of your gearing journey. Later on, you will acquire Hit Rating from your other gear slots, focusing on Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating for this slot.
As for the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible option you can acquire thanks to the new Heroic ++ Dungeons is the Choker of the Abyss since it grants Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating in addition to great amounts of Agility & Attack Power. The only other worthwhile option that comes close in terms of performance is the Ancient Pendant of Arathor, even if it replaces Haste Rating with Armor Penetration.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – General Vezax (25) | |
Ulduar – Freya (25) HM | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) HM | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
The best options for the Pre-Raid phase of ToC/ToGC will remain the BiS options from the last phase of the expansion. For the Standard Enhancement Build, the most prominent option is the Pendulum of Infinity thanks to its great stat, high raw stat values, and perfect Critical Strike Chance & Haste Rating stat combination.
It is followed up by the Nymph Heart Charm as the next-best alternative, even if it provides Hit Rating instead of Critical Strike Chance. The reason why this item sims close to the Pendulum of Infinity despite its secondary stats is the high Attack Power that it grants. You may also use the Choker of the Abyss as a viable alternative. Depending on whether you care about min-maxing or not, it is worthwhile to keep in mind that the Choker of the Abyss sims lower than the Nymph Heart Charm due to its low Attack Power, despite the fact it grants Critical Strike Chance and Haste Rating as secondary stats.
As for the Spellhance Build, the Pendant of Fiery Havoc will be the best option, even if it doesn’t follow the desired Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stats pattern. This is mostly due to the high Spell Power it grants paired up with a high amount of Intellect which enhances our Attack Power through the Mental Dexterity talent.
It is closely followed up in terms of performance by the Pendant of the Shallow Grave, with the two items having a very low DPS difference between them despite the different secondary stats. Lastly, you may choose to use the Wyrmrest Necklace of Power as a viable alternative in case you can’t acquire the Pendant of the Shallow Grave yet as it grants precisely the same types of stats.
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) HM | |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (10) |
There are multiple options for this slot that can be used for the “Spellhance Build”, however, the most prominent one will remain the Charge of the Eredar which is a Physical Damage item. If you choose to use other Spell Power options and desire to skip the Charge of the Eredar, the most powerful option will be the Cry of the Val’kyr. This is not only due to the Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combination but also due to the item having the highest possible Spell Power granted by a necklace. The only issue with the item is that it is highly contested, meaning that you may never even get to roll for it.
Despite its lack of Critical Strike Chance, the Pendant of Fiery Havoc will actually be the next-best alternative to the Cry of the Val’kyr according to the simulation tools. It is closely followed up in performance by the 245 Ilvl version of the Cry of the Val’kyr. Luckily, if you can’t find any of the previously mentioned items, you may use the Pendant of the Shallow Grave is a great alternative to the Cry of the Val’kyr. The best thing about the Pendant of the Shallow Grave, just as stated previously, is that it can now be acquired with Sidereal Essence.
If you still have issues with your Hit Rating, and you can’t gain the Pendant of Fiery Havoc, you may use the Darkbane Amulet as a viable option. Keep in mind that it is the weakest possible option when compared to the others.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – General Vezax (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) Heroic | |
As for the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible option will be the Charge of the Eredar thanks to the Critical Strike Chance & Haste Rating stat combination and the overall sheer amount of stats granted by the item. The next-best alternative to it is the Pendulum of Infinity as it grants the precise same types of stats with only a slight difference between the two items in terms of raw stats.
Naturally, you will want to use the 245 Ilvl version of the Charge of the Demon Lord as the next-best alternative if you can’t find its upgraded version or the Pendulum of Infinity.
The Collar of Ceaseless Torment is another viable option that you may use, even if it provides Armor Penetration instead of Critical Strike Chance. While Armor Penetration is not the worst stat, it certainly won’t aid us in an AoE scenario where we want to empower our spells as much as possible with Critical Strike Chance.
Lastly, you may choose to use the Sparkling Onyxia Tooth Pendant in case you lack Hit Rating items in your other gear slots. The item itself is rather weak in comparison to any of the other items presented, meaning that you will want to treat it only as a progression item.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Champion –Grand Champions | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
There are multiple options for a fresh level 80 for this slot, depending entirely on the rest of your gear slots. The best possible option that you can opt for is the Valorous Worldbreaker Shoulderguards due to its great secondary stat combination and access to the T8 item-set bonuses. If you can’t find the T8 Shoulders and have Sidereal Essence to spare, the next-best alternative in terms of pure performance will be the Mantle of Fiery Vengeance. Even if the item grants you Armor Penetration, it will still generate a considerable damage output.
If you don’t have enough Sidereal Essence, the Ironaya’s Discarded Mantle will be the perfect replacement for either the T8 Shoulders or the Mantle of Fiery Vengeance. This is thanks to the Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combination. The Pauldrons of Concealed Loathing generate a similar output, being a better fit for builds that still require Hit Rating.
You may use either one of the Treacherous Shoulderpads or the Shoulderpads of the Infamous Knave as viable Hit Rating alternatives in case you can’t find the Pauldrons of Concealed Loathing, with both items being close in terms of damage output if the rest of your build has the best possible fresh 80 items.
As for items that you would normally include in a Spellhance Build in case you can’t gain the T8 shoulders, the best possible option will be the Observer’s Mantle thanks to its great Spell Power and Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combo. You can use the Mantle of Inconsolable Fear as a direct alternative for it since it grants precisely the same types of stats or you can use the Pauldrons of the Deafening Gale as a close option that is a better fit for builds that lack Hit Rating.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Ulduar – Zone Drop (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar –Kologarn (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
For the Pre-Toc gearing phase, the best possible option will remain the previous BiS, namely the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Shoulderguards. This is not only due to its incredibly high stats with a focus on Critical Strike Chance & Expertise Rating but also due to the access to the T8 item-set bonuses. Since we are using the Head Slot as our Off-set piece, we will want to acquire the T8 4-set bonus from our other main gear slots at all costs. Naturally, the next-best alternative will be the Valorous Worldbreaker Shoulderguards since it grants the precise same types of stats and access to the same item-set bonuses.
If you somehow activated the T8 4-item set bonus from your other gear slots or you are simply in the process of building your set, either one of the Shoulders of Misfortune or the Mantle of Fiery Vengeance will be great alternatives. The former option is stronger due to the Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combination since Armor Penetration doesn’t enhance all of our abilities.
The Shoulderpads of the Monolith are yet another viable option, however, they are a Leather item, meaning that you won’t gain any Intellect to enhance your Mental Dexterity talent.
Lastly, if you choose to ignore the Off-Piece item from your Head Slot and opt for a hybrid Spellhance build, the Observer’s Mantle is a great alternative that will provide you with a considerable amount of Spell Power.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
The best possible option for this slot in the third phase of the expansion will be the T9 Shoulders, namely the Nobundo’s Shoulderguards of Triumph. This is due to two main reasons, with the first reason being its overall high stats and focus on vital Hit Rating while the second reason is the access to the T9 item-set bonuses. Since we want to activate the 4-item set bonus at all costs and use the Chest Slot as our Off-Piece, you will most definitely want to prioritize the T9 Shoulders for this slot.
Naturally, the next-best alternatives will be its 245 Ilvl version, Nobundo’s Shoulderguards of Triumph, and its 232 Ilvl version, Nobundo’s Shoulderguards of Conquest, since both items grant the exact same types of stats and access to the item-set bonuses.
However, if you choose to use this slot for your Off-Piece item, the best possible alternative will be the Pauldrons of the Timeless Hunter due to its high baseline stats and Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combination.
You may also choose to maintain the T8 Shoulders if you can activate the T8 4-item set bonus, although this option is better for the beginning of the third phase of the expansion or the middle of your gearing journey. You may also choose to use the T8 set as long as you have the 4-item set bonus active until you manage to gain the 245 Ilvl versions of the T9 items.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
There are two main paths that you can take as a fresh level 80 when it comes to this slot. You can either opt for a Physical Damage Cloak for the Standard Enhancement Build or you can opt for a Spell Power Cloak for the Spellhance Build.
For the Standard Build, the best possible option will be the Drape of the Faceless General due to the very high amounts of both baseline and secondary stats that it grants. While Armor Penetration is not precisely the best stat for Enhancement Shamans, it will still empower our Basic Attacks and Stormstrike Damage. The item also grants 2 gem sockets that can be used to gain more Attack Power and Haste Rating.
The next-best alternative in terms of pure damage output will be the Winter’s Frigid Embrace as it grants a combination of Critical Strike Chance and Haste Rating while also having a decent overall stat spread for a fresh 80 character.
As for builds that still don’t have enough Hit Rating, either one of the Shawl of the Shattered Giant or the Cloak of Mastery will be perfect initial choices. The latter option is great even during the Pre-Toc gearing phase as its stats are high enough to synch with the rest of the available items.
For the Spellhance Build, one of the most potent items that you can acquire which has a similar stat spread to the Spellhance BiS from the previous phase of the expansion is the Drape of the Messenger. This item is also great for builds that lack Hit Rating as it grants a decent amount of Hit Rating besides its high Critical Strike Chance and Spell Power.
You may use the Drape of the Spellweaver as an alternative until you manage to acquire the Drape of the Messenger or its upgrade. The item is better for builds that managed to gain Hit Rating from their other gear slots such as their Trinket Slot.
Lastly, the Kurisu’s Indecision can be viewed as a great initial alternative to the Drape of the Messenger as it grants precisely the same types of stats. It will be an easily obtainable option until you can manage to gain enough Sidereal Essence for Drape of the Messenger.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Hodir (25) HM | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor | |
Naxxramas – Kel’Thuzad (25) | |
Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) HM | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
The Obsidian Sanctum – Sartharion (25) |
For the Pre-ToC gearing phase, the best possible option will remain the previous BiS from the previous phase of the expansion, namely the Drape of Icy Intent. This is mainly due to the high amount of Hit Rating that it grants paired up with vital Haste Rating. While there are other more impressive sources of Hit Rating, we will want to focus on gaining Hit Rating from this slot as we can use the other slots for more powerful effects.
If you already gathered a large amount of Hit Rating from your other gear slots, either one of the Drape of the Faceless General or the Drape of the Deadly Foe will work as perfectly valid alternatives. The former option is stronger not only due to its higher overall stats and stat spread but also due to the phase it was released in as well. This remains valid even if Enhancement Shamans benefit more from Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating rather than Armor Penetration.
The previously mentioned items work in both Spellhance and Standard Enhancement Builds. However, if you wish to directly focus on the Spellhance Build, the best possible option will be the Drape of Mortal Downfall thanks to its very high stats and its Hit Rating. Since this item grants the best possible Spell Power out of all the options you can gain besides ToC, you will want to prioritize this option.
Luckily for us, since the item may take a while and a certain amount of grind to acquire, we can use the Drape of the Messenger as a perfectly valid alternative to avoid constantly raiding Ulduar. The item grants precisely the same types of stats as the Drape of Mortal Downfall, albeit in lower amounts, with the added benefit of being available for purchase from the new Animated Constellation vendor.
You may also use the Pennant Cloak as a valid alternative if you opted for items with a high amount of Hit Rating and you require more Critical Strike Chance and Haste Rating instead.
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) HM | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) |
For the Spellhance Build, by far the most powerful option will be Jaina’s Radiance! This is not only due to the high amount of stats granted by the Ilvl itself, but also due to the perfect combination of Critical Strike Chance and Haste Rating as secondary stats. The next-best alternative will be the Drape of Bitter Incantation since it provides exactly the same types of stats, only in slightly lower amounts due to the Ilvl difference. Realistically, it will be far easier to acquire the latter option than the former since Jaina’s Radiance is an extremely contested item by the majority of the caster specializations.
If you can’t acquire any of those items, you may choose to use the Cloak of Displacement as a valid alternative. The choice is entirely yours if you wish to modify one of your other gear slots as you may find yourself in a situation where you are stacking too much Hit Rating by using this item.
On a similar note, the Drape of Mortal Downfall may be used as a valid alternative as long as you consistently raid Ulduar in order to acquire it. It fits a similar stats pattern, offering Hit Rating and Critical Strike Chance. Since it provides a high amount of Spell Power, you may consider prioritizing this option over the others as the others will be more contested.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) |
For the Standard Enhancement Build, the most powerful option that you can use is the Drape of the Untamed Predator due to its Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stats. While its overall item level is lower than Vereesa’s Dexterity, its performance will be better since Armor Penetration doesn’t enhance all of our abilities as Haste Rating does.
Still, the Vereesa’s Dexterity will be an extremely powerful option if you manage to gain it, as the item is highly contested by a large number of specializations.
If you can’t manage to find any of those options, the Cloak of the Silver Covenant will prove itself to be the next-best alternative due to the item having similar stats to Vereesa’s Dexterity. It will also be a stronger option than the Drape of the Untamed Predator due to the Gem Socket it grants. Even if the item doesn’t grant any Haste Rating, according to multiple simulations, it will always have a higher damage output than the Drape of the Untamed Predator.
Nevertheless, the Drape of the Untamed Predator is a great item with one major benefit, the fact that it is a BoE item. This means that you will be able to easily buy it off the Auction House if you manage to gather plenty of gold. This, of course, depends entirely on the economy of your realm as the prices can be very steep in the first month of the third phase.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions (Heroic) | |
Heroic + Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10) |
The best possible option for this slot will depend entirely on the rest of your gear slots. The best possible option that you will want to acquire, especially if you already have the other T8 items, is the Valorous Worldbreaker Chestguard. This is mainly due to the access to the T8 item-set bonuses, especially the 4-item set bonus, but also due to the high amount of Hit Rating that it grants. Luckily for us, if we can’t find this item, the majority of the available options will also grant Hit Rating, having a variety of different stats ranging between Haste Rating, Critical Strike Chance, and Armor Penetration.
As a viable alternative for increasing your Hit Rating, you can use the Chestguard of the Lasher as a potent and viable alternative. The Tunic of the Limber Stalker will serve a similar purpose, however, it will be weaker due to the lack of Intellect. However, both items have quite a similar damage output, with only a minor difference between the two items.
You may also use either one of the Chestguard of the Ravenous Fiend or the Chestguard of Flagrant Prowess as viable initial alternatives. However, the previous options with Haste Rating are superior since Enhancement Shaman benefits the most from Haste Rating through the perspective of proccing as many Maelstrom procs as possible.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Hodir (25) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM | |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
For the Pre-Toc gearing phase, the best possible option will remain the BiS option from the previous phase of the expansion, namely the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Chestguard. This is mainly due to the access to the T8 item-set bonuses but also due to its overall high stats and focus on Hit Rating. Since Hit Rating is vital to us to increase our overall Basic Attack Damage and proc more Maelstrom procs, you will most definitely want to go over the 8% Soft Hit Cap.
Naturally, the next-best alternative will be the Valorous Worldbreaker Chestguard as it grants access to the exact same types of bonuses, with its stats granted in lesser amounts than its upgraded version.
If you choose to use the T9 Head instead of the Off-set Piece in your Head Slot, the next-best alternative will be the Embrace of the Gladiator, taking priority as the next most powerful Off-set Piece that you can acquire. This is mainly due to its extraordinarily high baseline and secondary stats with a focus on Critical Strike Chance and Haste Rating.
In case you haven’t managed to optimize the rest of your gear slots and still find yourself at a loss of Hit Rating, you may use either one of the Chestguard of Insidious Intent or the Chestguard of the Lasher as viable and potent options. The former option is overall stronger than the latter due to its Gem Sockets, even if it grants Armor Penetration instead of Haste Rating.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) |
This slot will be entirely dedicated to your Off-set Piece, meaning that you will want to activate your T9 4-item set bonus from your other main gear slots. Therefore, the best possible option for this slot will be the Breastplate of Cruel Intent due to the very high baseline stats it grants combined with very high amounts of Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating.
While we mostly want to dedicate this slot for our Off-set Piece, the T9 Chest actually grants us the exact same types of stats as our BiS option, meaning that you will want to use the 258 version or the 245 version if you really can’t find any other alternative. The 232 Ilvl version is weaker by comparison to other available options, however, it will rank higher than them if you manage to activate your T9 4-item set bonus through it.
If you wish to stay clear entirely from the T9 Chest and focus on the other pieces, the next-best alternative will be the Cuirass of Calamitous Fate. It provides almost the same benefits as all the other previously mentioned items, having only one clear distinction when compared to the other items. The item itself is a “Leather Item”, meaning that we won’t gain any Intellect to empower our Attack Power through the Mental Dexterity talent. It is closely followed up by the Embrace of the Gladiator as it grants exactly the same types of stats, in slightly lesser amounts.
Other than those options, the normal versions of items such as the Breastplate of Cruel Intent and the Cuirass of Calamitous Fate follow up as potential alternatives, albeit, weaker due to lower overall stats.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) | |
Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress |
Compared to the rest of your gear slots, the Bracers Slot will be a bit limited for Enhancement Shamans at the beginning of their gearing journey. Among the most notable options, we will find items that emphasize Hit Rating while also providing Armor Penetration. While Armor Penetration is not the most favorable stat for Enhancement Shamans, it will still empower us through our Basic Attacks and Stormstrike, which will result in decent damage output.
Both the Fluxing Energy Coils and the Bracers of the Smothering Inferno fit this precise pattern, with the former option being stronger due to the sheer number of stats it has paired up with a Gem Socket. The Armbands of the Wary Lookout is another viable option that fits into the same category, being a weaker option than the Bracers of the Smothering Inferno due to lower overall stats and the lack of Intellect. While in the previous comparison, the Bracers of the Smothering Inferno were weaker due to the lack of a Gem Socket, this time both items have no gem sockets at all.
The Wristguards of Ceaseless Regret is yet another viable alternative that breaks out of the pattern of the other viable choices. Instead of Hit Rating, it focuses on Critical Strike Chance while maintaining the rest of the stats in a similar fashion to the other items.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Hodir (25) HM | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Hodir (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
For the Pre-Toc gearing phase, your best option will depend entirely on whether you choose the Spellhance Build or the Standard Enhancement Build. For the Spellhance build, the best possible option is the Bindings of Winter Gale due to its great Haste Rating/Critical Strike Chance secondary stats and a high amount of Spell Power.
For the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible option depends entirely on your current Hit Rating and Expertise Rating. For builds that severely lack Expertise Rating, the best possible option is the Solar Bindings as it grants a decently high Expertise Rating combined with Haste Rating.
As for builds that still require Hit Rating, the best possible option will be the Frost-bound Chain Bracers, followed up by the Fluxing Energy Coils. The former option is vastly superior since it grants Critical Strike Chance and Intellect while the latter option offers only Agility and Armor Penetration which don’t enhance all of your abilities like Critical Strike Chance and Intellect do as stats.
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (25) | |
Ulduar – Hodir (25) HM | |
For the Spellhance options, the best possible choice will be the Bindings of Dark Essence due to their very high Spell Power combined with Hit Rating/Critical Strike Chance. The only issue with this item is that it is highly contested by the majority of the caster specializations, meaning that you will have a hard time acquiring it. Since Enhancement Shamans have lower priority than the caster specializations, it is possible that you will only be able to acquire this item towards the very end of the phase.
The Felspark Bindings are the next-best alternative due to their Haste Rating stat despite having a lower overall Spell Power value than the 245 Ilvl version of the Bindings of Dark Essence. Once again, the item falls into the same category of contested items, meaning that you will have a hard time acquiring it.
On a more positive note, the Bindings of Winter Gale remains one of the strongest Spellhance options that you will have full priority on even during the progression of ToGC. Since it is an Ulduar item, you will have an easier time acquiring it, provided that you consistently farm Ulduar 25 hardmodes.
If you simply don’t wish to grind for any of those items or you are unlucky with the item drops themselves, you may choose to directly buy the Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers as a very strong alternative that grants high amounts of Spell Power, Critical Strike Chance, and Haste Rating. Its stat values are quite similar to the other items, meaning that you can use this item as a fast skip if you so desire. The only issue with this item and its Ulduar superior variant is that you will lose a considerable amount of Hit Rating, meaning that you will have to supplement it from your other gear slots.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic |
For the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible option will be the Armbands of the Northern Stalker. This is mainly due to their very high baseline stats combined with a great amount of Hit Rating/Haste Rating. Since Enhancement Shaman especially benefits from a surplus of Hit Rating in this current phase of the expansion, you will most definitely want to opt for Hit Rating options, with both Spellhance and the Standard Build.
The next-best alternative will be the Crusader’s Dragonscale Bracers due to two main reasons. The first reason is that it has a very similar stat spread to the BiS option, with the main difference being the change from Haste Rating to Critical Strike Chance. The second reason is the accessibility of the item due to its BoE status. Provided you have plenty of gold, you may successfully skip a long grind in order to acquire a very powerful item for this slot.
The Bracers of Dark Determination can be another great alternative, however, you will lose a considerable amount of Attack Power due to the lack of Intellect on the item.
Lastly, there is one item that you may acquire which is normally reserved for Hunters. The item is the Bracers of the Untold Massacre, providing a great amount of stats with a focus on Armor Penetration. While we want to focus on gaining Hit Rating and Spell Power/Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating from this slot, we should not shun away from the opportunity of gaining this item if no other Shaman or Hunter is interested.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
The best possible option as a fresh 80 when it comes to your Gloves Slot will be the Valorous Worldbreaker Grips due to the access to the T8 item-set bonuses. While its stats won’t be that great in a random build, once you manage to gain more of the recommended items, the Haste Rating and Expertise Rating will prove themselves to be very beneficial.
The next-best alternative is the Gloves of Taut Grip due to their similar baseline stats and high amount of Haste Rating. While the item doesn’t grant any Expertise Rating, its Armor Penetration can prove useful for enhancing your Basic Attacks and Stormstrike Damage. The Gloves of the Dark Exile follow a similar pattern, conveying the bonuses granted by Armor Penetration, but replacing Haste Rating with Critical Strike Chance. While this item is not entirely optimal, it will serve its purpose as a progression item.
Lastly, you may use the Rusted-Link Spiked Gauntlets as one of your first choices, especially as you will be struggling with Hit Rating the first days after reaching level 80.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Mimiron (25) | |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) HM | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
For the Pre-Toc gearing phase, the best possible option will remain the previous BiS from the second phase of the expansion, namely the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Grips. The main reason for this is the access to the T8 item-set bonuses, with the item being one of the main choices for activating the 4-item set bonus. Its stats are also great, providing both high baseline stats and high secondary stats with a focus on vital Haste Rating and necessary Expertise Rating.
If you already have all the other T8 items and the BiS Off-set Piece in your Head Slot, the next-best alternative will be the normal version of the T8 Gloves, the Valorous Worldbreaker Grips. The item provides exactly the same types of stats, in slightly lesser amounts, and access to the same T8 item-set bonuses.
If you haven’t got all the other T8 items or you simply chose to use this slot as an Off-Piece Slot, the best possible item will be the Gloves of the Steady Hand due to their sheer stats.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Mimiron (25) | |
Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) HM |
The best possible option for this slot in the third phase of the expansion will be Nobundo’s Grips of Triumph. This is mostly due to two main reasons: The first reason is the high amount of Expertise Rating that you can gain from the T9 Gloves, paired up with a large amount of baseline stats. The second reason is the access to the T9 item-set bonuses! Since we want to acquire the T9 4-item set bonus at all costs, this item will be mandatory in our build!
The next-best alternatives will be its 245 Ilvl version, Nobundo’s Grips of Triumph, and its 232 Ilvl version, Nobundo’s Grips of Conquest, since both provide exactly the same types of stats in slightly lesser amounts and access to the same T9 item-set bonuses.
There is no other viable option from ToC or ToGC, meaning that the only viable alternatives will remain the ones from Ulduar, with the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker Grips being the next-best alternative due to the possibility of having the T8 4-item set bonus active.
You may also use the Gloves of the Steady Hand as a valid alternative from a pure damage output point of view if you already changed the rest of your T8 items or if you simply haven’t gathered enough Emblems of Triumph yet.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight | |
Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions |
There are multiple viable options for this slot as a fresh 80, however, one of them stands out as an affordable BoE that can be used even during ToC/ToGC’s progression! The Belt of Dragons is among the most powerful belts that you can acquire directly with gold, granting you very high overall stats and a perfect combination of Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating.
Depending on your realm’s economy and supply of the item, you may directly buy this item even before reaching level 80 or simply use different alternatives until you can acquire it.
The Soul-Devouring Cinch is a perfect alternative if your build completely lacks Expertise Rating, being close in terms of pure raw stats when compared to the Belt of Dragons. The only visible issue with the item is that it doesn’t grant any Intellect, meaning that you won’t gain any Attack Power from the Mental Dexterity talent.
Until you can acquire any of those two alternatives, you may use either one of the Belt of the Blood Pit or the Nimble Climber’s Belt as mid-progression items since both items grant a decently high amount of Haste Rating and good baseline stats.
As for beginner items, until you can acquire any of the previously mentioned items, the best possible option will be the Belt of Merciless Cruelty since it grants great amounts of Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating. It is followed up by the Belt of Fierce Competition as a viable option, even if it grants Armor Penetration.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Mimiron (25) NM/HM | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
Best-in-Slot
For the Pre-Toc gearing phase, the best possible options will remain the BiS options from the second phase of the expansion. Among the most notable, just as stated previously, is the Belt of Dragons. It follows the same desirable pattern of Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating that we precisely want. It is closely followed up by the Waistguard of the Creator as it grants almost the same type of secondary stats, only in a slightly lesser amount.
You may choose to use the Belt of the Ardent Marksman instead as a viable Hit Rating alternative since we will shift the majority of our old dedicated Hit Rating gear slots towards slots such as the Leg Slot and Waist Slot.
Furthermore, the Soul-Devouring Cinch is one of the other great alternatives, mentioned in the fresh 80 section, that is extremely useful if your build seriously lacks Expertise Rating.
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) |
For the specific Spell Power options designed for the Spellhance Build, the best possible option will be the Cord of Biting Cold. This is mainly due to the large amount of Spell Power granted by the item combined with very high amounts of Hit Rating and Critical Strike Chance. Since this slot will be dedicated for Hit Rating, the best possible options for both Spellhance and Standard Enhancement will grant Hit Rating.
Naturally, the next-best option will be the 245 Ilvl version of the Cord of Biting Cold since it grants exactly the same type of stats, with the only difference being their slightly lesser amounts due to the lower Ilvl.
The only other viable alternative that fits the same pattern will be the Icehowl Cinch as it grants almost exactly the same types of stats as the Cord of Biting Cold. The only main difference between the items is that Icehowl Cinch grants Haste Rating instead of Critical Strike Chance while also having slightly lesser stats.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Fjolla Lightbane (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Fjolla Lightbane (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) | |
As for the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible option will be the Belt of the Merciless Killer due to the massive amounts of stats granted with a focus on Hit Rating. While this item doesn’t grant any Intellect, it is powerful enough to even be used as an alternative in Spellhance build if you can’t come across any of the previously mentioned Spell Power items.
The Belt of Deathly Dominion is the next-best possible alternative to the Standard Enhancement Build, with its only downside being that it grants Armor Penetration instead of Critical Strike Chance or Haste Rating. Even though Armor Penetration is not the best possible stat for an Enhancement Shaman, you should not underestimate it, as it can still massively buff your Basic Attacks and Stormstrike Damage. In terms of pure damage output, both the Belt of Deathly Dominion and the Belt of the Merciless Killer are fairly close, even if Haste Rating is objectively a better stat for Enhancement Shamans.
The 245 Ilvl version of the Belt of the Merciless Killer will be the next viable alternative after those two primary options, closely followed up by the Belt of Dragons in terms of performance. However, by using the Belt of Dragons, you will lose a considerable amount of Hit Rating, meaning that you will most likely have to supplement it from another one of your gear slots until you can manage to find an upgrade. You can also use the 245 Ilvl version of the Belt of Deathly Dominion, although it will be slightly weaker in terms of damage output. Still, it will be a better option than the Belt of Dragons if you can’t supplement your Hit Rating from any other Gear Slot.
Lastly, you may use the Belt of the Ardent Marksman as a viable Hit Rating alternative if you can’t access any of the previously mentioned items and find yourself without sufficient Hit Rating.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
Thanks to the new Heroic ++ Dungeons and the Trial of the Champion dungeon, we will have plenty of options to choose from for the Legs Slot as a fresh level 80. The most notable choice will be the Valorous Worldbreaker War-Kilt as it grants a vital Hit Rating while also serving as the last required piece in order to activate the T8 4-item set bonus.
If you can’t acquire the T8 Legs yet, the Leggings of the Insatiable will act as a perfect alternative since they grant precisely the same types of stats, only in slightly lesser amounts. if you already have plenty of Hit Rating from your other gear slots, yet you can’t gain the T8 Legs, the best possible option will be the Leggings of Swift Reflexes as they grant a high quantity of stats. The only issue that the item has is that it brings no Intellect, meaning that you won’t gain increased Attack Power from Mental Dexterity.
The Heroes’ Earthshatter War-Kilt from the first phase of the expansion can be used as one of the beginning alternatives, being comparable to the Leggings of Brazen Trespass in terms of performance. The latter option provides a higher amount of Hit Rating but a lower damage output than the former option due to the lack of the Intellect stat. The former option also grants access to the T7 item-set bonuses, however, it will be quite unlikely that you will manage to activate them.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
The best possible option for the Pre-Toc gearing phase for this slot will remain the BiS from the previous phase, namely the Conqueror’s Worldbreaker War-Kilt. Not only do they offer a great amount of both baseline and secondary stats but they will also be the last piece required in order to activate the T8 4-item set bonus.
Naturally, the next-best alternative will be the Valorous Worldbreaker War-Kilt, as it grants precisely the same types of stats and access to the T8 item set bonuses. It is worthwhile to mention that the item-set bonuses don’t change, no matter if you use the normal or upgraded version of the item.
If you can’t manage to gain the T8 Legs and somehow manage to get the T8 Head, the next-best alternative serving as an Off-set piece is the Darkcore Leggings. It provides the exact same types of stats as the T8 Legs, meaning that it won’t affect the damage output of your build.
Lastly, you may use the Leggings of the Tireless Sentry if you have spare Emblems of Conquest, however, they are objectively weaker than the Darkcore Leggings since Haste Rating plays a bigger role for Enhancement Shamans.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
The best possible option for this slot will be the Nobundo’s War-Kilt of Triumph as we want to activate the T9 4-item set bonus at all costs! Besides access to the T9 set bonuses, we will also want the T9 Legs due to their high amount of Hit Rating paired up with valuable Critical Strike Chance. Naturally, the next-best alternatives will be its 245 Ilvl version, Nobundo’s War-Kilt of Triumph, and its 232 Ilvl version, Nobundo’s War-Kilt of Conquest, since they both grant exactly the same types of stats and access to the same T9 item-set bonuses.
If you choose to dedicate this slot for your “Off-set” piece, the best possible alternative will be the Leggings of the Broken Beast since it provides a large amount of baseline stats, 3 gem sockets, and even a higher amount of Hit Rating than the T9 Legs. The only issue with the item is that it doesn’t grant any Intellect, meaning that it won’t enhance your Attack Power through the Mental Dexterity talent.
The Legguards of the Lurking Threat is normally an item that is highly desired by any Hunter, however, you may have a claim on it due to the overall high amount of stats that it can grant you. Just as mentioned previously with other Armor Penetration items, you can still benefit from Armor Penetration just like any other Hybrid or Physical Damage Dealer specialization! However, you should only choose this alternative if there is no Hunter in your group that can claim this option.
Lastly, you may also choose to use this slot as an alternative for the Spellhance Build, adding a powerful item such as the Leggings of the Deepening Void into your build. The item also accounts for the lost Hit Rating if you choose to not use the T9 Legs. The only issue with the item is that it is also highly contested by the majority of the caster specializations.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions | |
Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions (Heroic) |
As a fresh level 80, there are two main options that you will want to choose from when considering the best setup for entering any raid. The best possible option for builds that still require Hit Rating will be the Tempered Mercury Greaves. The item itself is overall great, being comparable even to the former BiS from the previous phase of the expansion, as it has precisely the same types of stats.
The Boots of Living Scale is the other available choice which is similar in terms of pure performance to the Tempered Mercury Greaves. The main difference between the two items is the raw stat values themselves and the fact that one item grants Hit Rating while the other grants Haste Rating. The main benefit of the former option is that you will be able to directly buy it from either the Auction House or a Leatherworker for a moderate amount of gold while the latter option requires a bit of grind to gather all the required Sidereal Essence.
Apart from those two main options, you may use either one of the Boots of Unsettled Prey or the Treads of the Invader as great progression items that may even be useful even in the early stages of ToC progression due to their overall high stats. Both items have a similar damage output with only a minor difference between them! Alternatively, the Scale Boots of the Outlander are also another viable option that grants exactly the same types of stats as the Boots of Unsettled Prey, with the main difference between the items being the lesser overall stats due to a lower item level. You can treat this item as the Boots of Unsettled Prey‘s precursor.
Lastly, if you have major issues with your Expertise Rating and don’t wish to change any of your other gear slots or gem sockets, you may use the Treads of Dismal Fortune until you come across more Expertise Rating items. Keep in mind that a lack of Expertise Rating is not as consequential for Enhancement Shamans as it is for the other Melee Damage Dealers due to our hybrid damage!
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) HM | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
For the Pre-Toc gearing phase, the best possible option will remain the BiS from the previous phase of the expansion, namely the Greaves of Swift Vengeance. This is mainly due to the overall high baseline and secondary stats, with a focus on Hit Rating and Critical Strike Chance. It is closely followed up by the Tempered Mercury Greaves in terms of raw performance since it grants exactly the same types of stats, only in lower overall amounts. The best thing about the Tempered Mercury Greaves is that you can now directly acquire it from the new Animated Constellation vendor, meaning that you may skip a considerable amount of grind.
If you already have a large amount of Hit Rating or you simply can’t afford to gain any of the previously mentioned items, you may use the Boots of Living Scale as a potent alternative. This is due to the Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating stat combination offered by the item in high amounts. Just as mentioned previously, since the item itself is a BoE item, you can directly buy it from a Leatherworker or the Auction House.
Lastly, there are two other options that can be treated as progression options until you can acquire any of the previously mentioned items. Either one of the Boots of Unsettled Prey or the Treads of the Invader will serve as a great option during your gearing journey. The former option will produce a higher damage output thanks to its baseline stats, even if it provides Armor Penetration as a secondary stat. However, the damage output difference between the two items is extremely low, with only a 20-30 DPS difference. This means that it doesn’t necessarily matter which item you choose!
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) HM |
Your Boots Slot will usually be one of the favorite slots for Spell Power items! While this statement holds true throughout the majority of the third phase of the expansion, it is your choice that will determine whether or not you will choose a Physical Damage item in this slot or the standard Spell Power items. The best possible item that you can use for the Spellhance Build will be the Boots of Tremoring Earth. This is mainly due to their overall high baseline stats but also due to their perfect Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating stat combination.
The next-best alternative is the Footpads of the Icy Floe strictly due to the overall high baseline stats and the high amount of Spell Power/Haste Rating which are on par with the Boots of Tremoring Earth. The main issue with the item is that it will be highly contested by classes such as Warlocks and Mages, meaning that it will be quite hard to acquire for a Hybrid Class.
Lastly, you may use the Treads of the False Oracle as a viable option that is similar to the Boots of Tremoring Earth in terms of stat types, with the only major difference being the stat values themselves. Once again, this item can be one of the highly contested items among the caster-heavy raid comps, meaning that it might take some time for you to acquire the item.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) HM | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) Heroic |
If you choose to go with the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible option will be the Sentinel Scouting Greaves as they grant the highest amount of baseline stats and secondary stats while also granting our favorite Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combination.
The closest item in terms of damage output based on different simulations will be the Sabatons of Ruthless Judgment. While Enhancement Shaman won’t benefit as much from Armor Penetration as the other Physical Damage Dealers, the large amount of Armor Penetration will still boost our Basic Attacks and Stormstrike Damage. The additional Hit Rating will also be beneficial since Enhancement Shamans also benefit from going over the Soft Hit Cap during this phase of the expansion as they can generate more Maelstrom procs.
If you can’t find any of the two previously mentioned options, the next-best alternative will be the Greaves of Swift Vengeance, followed up closely by the Tempered Mercury Greaves. While both items lack Haste Rating, their overall stat spread is great, providing a decently high damage output. Those two options are better for builds that still lack Hit Rating.
Lastly, there is one other option that may be useful for builds that lack both Hit Rating and Expertise Rating. The Acidmaw Boots can prove themselves to be a useful choice, however, they may be highly contested by other Physical Damage Dealers. This means that they are more of a niche pick in order to increase both your Hit Rating and Expertise Rating when you don’t wish to swap any of your other items or gems.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Harold Winston – Exalted with the Kirin Tor | |
Harold Winston – Exalted with the Kirin Tor | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress (Heroic) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
Luckily for us, there are multiple great options that can now be easily acquired in the third phase of the expansion when it comes to our ring slots! Since the Spellhance build will be superior during this phase, the best possible options will be the Nebula Band and the Loop of the Agile. This is due to each individual ring’s high baseline and secondary stats, with the sheer amount of stats being higher than the majority of the other available rings. Luckily for us, those two rings are strong enough to be used even in the end stages of ToGC progression, meaning that you won’t have to stress about your Ring Slots once you acquire them.
If you still don’t have enough Sidereal Essence to acquire them, there are multiple other viable options to choose from such as the Kirin Tor Rings or the Trial of the Champion rings.
The Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor and the Etched Band of the Kirin Tor are both phenomenal rings that can be acquired for a fairly cheap price once you acquire the Exalted reputation with the Kirin Tor, with each of them serving as a powerful alternative to the Nebula Band and the Loop of the Agile. Since Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating is the best secondary stat combination for us, you will really want to prioritize those items.
During your dungeon crawling journey, you may come across the Band of Draconic Guile which can work as an alright alternative, however, Armor Penetration won’t be as strong as Critical Strike Chance for us during this phase.
Lastly, the Trial of the Champion rings are the weakest that you can acquire besides the 200 Ilvl rings from Phase 1. The Sinner’s Confession is a good early Spell Power/Hit Rating option while Uruka’s Band of Zeal is an item that works for both the Standard and Spellhance build that provides decent baseline stats and a decent amount of Critical Strike Chance & Expertise Rating. You can expect to swap those rings as soon as you find better upgrades or as soon as you manage to upgrade the rest of your gear slots.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Harold Winston – Exalted with the Kirin Tor | |
Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Harold Winston – Exalted with the Kirin Tor | |
Ulduar – General Vezax (25) | |
The majority of your options for the Pre-Raid gearing phase of ToGC will remain the BiS options from Ulduar. The most noteworthy options are the Loop of the Agile, Brann’s Signet Ring, and Etched Band of the Kirin Tor for the Standard Enhancement Build while the most noteworthy options for the Spellhance Build are the Nebula Band and the Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor.
Since ToC and ToGC are AoE-oriented encounters, you will want to prioritize the Spellhance Build! However, you can also use the Standard Enhancement Build efficiently if you chose to do so. Just as stated previously, you will luckily be able to acquire the strongest options with Sidereal Essence, meaning that the Nebula Band and the Loop of the Agile are ripe for the taking.
Both the Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor and the Etched Band of the Kirin Tor can be easily acquired with gold while also providing one of the strongest bonuses. You may consider prioritizing such items in contrast to items such as Brann’s Signet Ring and Brann’s Sealing Ring which are harder to acquire. In the third phase of the expansion, Armor Penetration won’t be as useful as Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating, meaning that it is completely up to you if you desire to hunt those two rings down.
Among all the options, the Pyrelight Circle is the weakest possible alternative for the Spellhance Build while the Metallic Loop of the Sufferer is the weakest Standard Enhancement Build alternative. Nonetheless, both items can be considered great progression items and may even be paired together in the absence of any other item!
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic | |
Harold Winston – Exalted with the Kirin Tor | |
Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) | |
Naxxramas – Kel’Thuzad |
Any Spell Power ring automatically fits into the Spellhance Build category. This means that you won’t choose any of those rings if you choose to follow the Standard Enhancement Build. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the Spellhance Build typically uses one Physical Damage ring and one Spell Power ring. If you choose to use two Spell Power rings, your overall performance will be reduced if you don’t have enough items that grant you Agility.
Whichever one of those rings you choose to use will always be paired with the Ring of Callous Aggression as it’s the best possible Physical Damage ring!
Luckily, the best possible ring that we can acquire in the third phase of the expansion is sold by the Animated Constellation vendor. This means that you will be able to acquire the Nebula Band fairly easily if you gain enough Sidereal Essence. It is by far the best possible choice due to its Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stat combination. It also grants the highest Spell Power amount among all the viable rings that you may use!
If you can’t acquire the Nebula Band yet or your build simply lacks enough Hit Rating, the next-best alternative is the Firestorm Ring. While we want to prioritize Haste Rating as much as possible, this ring will be the best alternative since it grants fairly similar values for both its Spell Power and Critical Strike Chance. if you can’t find the upgraded version of the item, then its normal version, Firestorm Ring, will be its best alternative for builds that lack Hit Rating.
If you already have enough Hit Rating, either one of the Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor or the Pyrelight Circle serve as a great alternative to the Nebula Band if you can’t afford it yet. Since both items grant the precise same types of stats, the only difference is their sheer stat values.
Lastly, if you can’t find any of the previously mentioned items or simply can’t afford to buy either one of the Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor or Nebula Band, you may use the Signet of Manifested Pain as a lesser yet potent alternative since it grants the precise same types of stats.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) | |
Harold Winston – Exalted with the Kirin Tor | |
Ulduar – General Vezax (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
The best possible ring that you can acquire to enhance your overall damage will be the Ring of Callous Aggression. Just as stated previously, you will want this ring in both the Standard Enhancement Build and the Spellhance Build due to its great stats. Naturally, its next-best alternative will be the 245 Ilvl version of the Ring of Callous Aggression. The only downside of this item is that you can no longer pair together both of its Ilvl versions.
If you choose to pursue the Standard Enhancement Build, the best possible Ring you can pair it with is the Loop of the Agile. You may also use it as a replacement for the Ring of Callous Aggression in case you can’t acquire any of its versions.
While not as potent as the first options, Brann’s Signet Ring offers a similar damage output, even if it grants Armor Penetration. However, since it is tied to a Heroic Quest, it might be hard to acquire for some of the players. Alternatively, you may choose to use the Brann’s Sealing Ring, although it has weaker stats than the majority of the other items.
The Etched Band of the Kirin Tor and the Metallic Loop of the Sufferer are other viable alternatives that fit the same pattern of providing Critical Strike Chance paired up with Haste Rating, with the former option being available for purchase directly with gold.
If you still require some more Hit Rating, you may choose to use any of the Planestalker Signet or the Band of Lights as viable options. While Armor Penetration won’t be the best possible stat for us, it will still enhance our Basic Attacks and Stormstrike Damage!
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
There are two powerful trinkets that you can acquire fairly easily as a fresh level 80 due to the Heroic ++ Dungeons and the new Sidereal Essence Vendor. The best combination you can use is Dark Matter & Elemental Focus Stone. This is due to the large amount of Critical Strike Chance gained which empowers all of your abilities, paired up with Haste Rating which reduces your overall GCD while also increasing the frequency of Maelstrom procs. The latter option will also be crucial since Hit Rating will be rather sparse at the beginning of your gearing journey.
Alternatively, you may use the Mjolnir Runestone instead of Dark Matter. However, Armor Penetration will only empower your Basic Attacks and Stormstrike, meaning that it will have no effect on your Magical Damage. Since both items can now be acquired with Sidereal Essence, you should prioritize Dark Matter!
Pyrite Infuser will be a great alternative until you can acquire Dark Matter. While it grants Attack Power instead of Critical Strike Chance, a large majority of your abilities actually scale with Attack Power thanks to Mental Quickness. This item is also best used if you have close to no other Hit Rating items, apart from the Elemental Focus Stone.
If you have issues acquiring any of the previously mentioned trinkets, you can confidently use the Mirror of Truth as a viable alternative to the Pyrite Infuser, Mjolnir Runestone, and Dark Matter. Alternatively, you can also use the Banner of Victory, however, since Armor Penetration won’t enhance all of our abilities, the Mirror of Truth will be a stronger option since it enhances both our Physical and Magical Damage.
Lastly, for Spellhance Builds, you can maintain the Elemental Focus Stone for its great Haste Rating proc and use the Abyssal Rune to gain more Haste Rating and a potent On-Equip Spell Power proc.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – General Vezax (25) HM | |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
By far the best possible trinkets that you can acquire in the Pre-Raid gearing phase before ToGC and Onyxia’s Lair are Comet’s Trail & Dark Matter. While the former option might be hard to acquire, the latter option will now be easily acquirable with the new Sidereal Essence currency. This combination is the best due to a large amount of Critical Strike Chance gained paired up with a large amount of Haste Rating. This combination is better for the standard Enhancement Build, as the Flare of the Heavens is a far better choice for the Spellhance build when combined with Comet’s Trail. Since we can Snapshot our Spell Power for our Fire Elemental, the Spellhance build really takes off with items such as the Flare of the Heavens and the Living Flame. The latter option allows you more control over your burst, even if the overall Spell Power is lower. The latter option is also better for builds that don’t have enough Hit Rating yet!
The majority of Ulduar’s trinkets act as a replacement for one another, with each of them granting similar results. For example, the strongest Haste Rating trinket, Comet’s Trail, can be replaced by the Elemental Focus Stone to achieve a similar result. The only main differences are the overall number of the stats granted by the trinket effects and the static stats that they grant. The former option is overall stronger, especially if you have the best gear in your other gear slots, while the latter option is a better item if your build severely lacks Hit Rating.
In the same fashion, the Blood of the Old God is a perfect Hit Rating replacement to trinkets such as Dark Matter or Mjolnir Runestone. With all trinkets offering a different offensive stat, their overall bonuses will all empower your abilities in different ways. The Attack Power and Critical Strike Chance will scale with the majority of your attacks while the Armor Penetration granted by the Mjolnir Runestone will only empower your Basic Attacks and direct damage abilities such as Stormstrike.
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) | |
Ulduar – General Vezax (25) HM | |
Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
Since Spellhance will be the better build for ToGC, you will have to compete with the majority of the caster specializations in order to gain the Reign of the Unliving! Ideally, this will be the best trinket you can acquire for the Spellhance Build, however, many will argue that it is inefficient on an Enhancement Shaman compared to any other decent caster specialization. Nonetheless, you can still proc its effect efficiently, meaning that all you have to do is wait in line until you can get your hands on it.
Naturally, the next-best alternative will be its 245 Ilvl version, the Reign of the Unliving, since it provides exactly the same type of effect. Keep in mind that it won’t be optimal to combine two different Spell Power trinkets as this will reduce your overall Single-Target potential! This is especially true as one of the most powerful trinkets that you can pair a Spell Power trinket with is Comet’s Trail. Since Haste is vital for an Enhancement Shaman, you will always want to prioritize Comet’s Trail over any other Spell Power trinket.
If you can’t acquire any of those two items, you can use the Flare of the Heavens as the next-best alternative to them. Keep in mind that this is also another one of the highly contested items, which means that you will have to raid Ulduar consistently in order to get it. Since its effect provides a large amount of Spell Power, you will most definitely find it useful for Snapshotting a potent Fire Elemental!
Lastly, you may use the Living Flame as a viable Spell Power option that is especially useful for builds that lack Hit Rating. Since it’s not as contested as the other options. The best part about this trinket is that its effect is part of the “On-Use” category, meaning that you can time it perfectly with your Fire Elemental.
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 24 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
As for the Standard Physical Damage Enhancement Build, there are two possible trinkets that truly shine, with one of them being completely mandatory even in a Spellhance Build. Death’s Verdict and Comet’s Trail are the two most important trinkets you can acquire for the Standard Enhancement Build, with the latter option being completely mandatory in both builds. This is due to how impactful Haste Rating is for an Enhancement Shaman since it reduces our overall GCD while it also increases our attack speed. This means that the more Haste Rating we acquire, the more Maelstrom procs we can gain.
Death’s Verdict is the best replacement to a Spell Power trinket, granting us a huge amount of Agility. You may also choose to use it as a replacement for Comet’s Trail, however, the loss of Haste will be detrimental to any AoE encounter.
If you choose to pursue the pure Standard Enhancement Build, the next-best alternative to the Death’s Verdict & Comet’s Trail combo will be the 245 ilvl version of Death’s Verdict since it provides the exact same effect, in a lower overall amount.
Since there are no other viable ToGC trinkets that you may use, the rest of the alternatives will remain the same from Ulduar. Dark Matter and the Blood of the Old God will still produce a very high damage output as long as you pair them up with Comet’s Trail. You may choose to directly pair them with Death’s Verdict, however, the loss of Haste Rating will directly impact your damage output in both Cleave and Single-Target situations. The Blood of the Old God will also produce a better damage output than Dark Matter if your build lacks a large amount of Hit Rating!
Lastly, Mjolnir Runestone can be a useful trinket considering the large amount of Armor Penetration that it grants. While Armor Penetration is typically avoided by Enhancement Shamans, the large amount of Armor Penetration will still generate a consistent damage output considering that both our Basic Attacks and Stormstrike deal Physical Damage. The difference between this trinket and Death’s Verdict is around 150-200 DPS through multiple different simulations.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 38 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
There are plenty of options available for a fresh level 80 when it comes to your Weapon Slots! One thing to keep in mind is that “weapon synch” won’t be a very important aspect early on during your gearing journey. You may choose to forsake this concept even while preparing for ToGC or Onyxia’s Lair!
Weapons are generally broken down into two categories, with Spell Power Weapons being directly prioritized for the Spellhance Build while Physical Damage Weapons can be used both as primary and secondary weapons, whether you choose the standard Enhancement Build or the Spellhance Build.
The best option you can acquire as a Spell Power weapon is Aesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion due to its Critical Strike Chance/Haste Rating secondary stats. While it may now be available from the Sidereal Essence Vendor, its price is quite hefty, meaning that it is completely up to you whether you buy it or not.
The best possible Physical Damage Weapon combination that you can acquire is The Masticator & Caress of Insanity. This is due to their great stat spread, offering Hit Rating, Haste Rating, Expertise Rating, and Critical Strike Chance. You may also choose to use 2 x Caress of Insanity if you wish to synch your weapon swing timer for an increased damage output. However, you will lose Hit Rating/Critical Strike Chance by doing so.
It is worthwhile mentioning that all of the previously presented items are entirely viable even while raiding the Trial of the Crusader and will be swapped only once you come across ToGC items or Ulduar 25 items.
As for temporary items that you may choose to use during your early gearing process, Stormtip and the Spectral Kris are great initial Spellhance options while Bloodcrush Cudgel can be used as a decent Off Hand Weapon for increasing your overall Expertise Rating. The only issue with Bloodcrush Cudgel is its very low Weapon Swing Timer which will reduce your overall direct damage from Stormstrike, but may increase the frequency of your Maelstrom procs.
Lastly, Aledar’s Battlestar is a decent Main Hand Weapon initial option, even if it provides a large amount of Armor Penetration. While Armor Penetration is not the best stat that we can acquire, it will still produce a decently high damage output since both our Basic Attacks and Stormstrike deal Physical Damage.
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 38 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) HM | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) |
For the Pre-ToC gearing phase, all the previous BiS options from Ulduar will remain the most potent options. Since ToGC and Onyxia’s Lair are AoE-oriented encounters, you will want to have both Spell Power Weapons and Physical Damage Weapons at your disposal.
Constellus and the Starshard Edge remain the most potent Spell Power options for the Spellhance Build, even with their lack of Haste Rating. Meanwhile, Aesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion is a decent alternative if you need to gain a bit more Haste Rating. While both Constellus and the Starshard Edge can be hard to acquire since they drop from Algalon and may be heavily contested, Aesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion became a convenient choice since you can now acquire it with SIdereal Essence.
The Golden Saronite Dragon will remain the best Physical Damage Weapon if you choose to ignore the Spellhance Build. Since Hit Rating will be crucial to us in ToGC due to how Maelstrom procs work. The The Masticator will be the next-best alternative to the Golden Saronite Dragon, however, you should replace the lost Haste Rating by using a Haste Rating item in one of your other gear slots.
If you chose to ignore the Spellhance Build and focus instead on Physical Damage Weapons and “synching” your weapon swing timers, the Caress of Insanity will remain the best possible Off-Hand Weapon that you can acquire. This is especially true as Expertise Rating can be an issue for Enhancement Shaman. You may also use 2 x Caress of Insanity as an entirely viable choice, especially since synching your weapon swing timer can add huge benefits.
Lastly, you may use Vulmir, the Northern Tempest as a viable Off-Hand choice. However, it won’t allow you to synch your weapons unless you use 2 x Vulmir, the Northern Tempest as the Spellhance options are capped at 1.80 and the other Physical Damage options are capped at 2.70.
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) | |
Animated Constellation – 38 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
The most common replacement for the Spellhance Build will be your Main Hand Weapon! Depending on whether you find yourself in a Cleave situation or a Single-Target situation, you can quickly replace your Main Hand Weapon with a macro. Keep in mind that while you can use a Spell Power weapon in your Off Hand Slot, it is generally frowned upon and considered bad practice for optimizing your overall damage output. You will generally want to use a Spell Power Weapon in your Main Hand and a Physical Damage Weapon in your Off Hand.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Spellhance Build doesn’t account for synchronizing your “Weapon Swing Timer”, meaning that you will only be able to achieve weapon synch if you follow the standard Enhancement build. Nonetheless, the Spellhance build will be superior since it fairs far better in AoE situations such as the majority of ToGC’s encounters.
The best possible option in the third phase of the expansion is Misery’s End! This is due to a large amount of Spell Power granted by the item paired up with a perfect combination of Critical Strike Chance and haste Rating. Since we want as much Haste as possible, this item will be your main go-to.
The next-best alternative for it will be the Blade of Tarasque. This is mainly due to the similar Spell Power granted by the item but also due to the Haste Rating it grants. You can also use this item to increase your overall Hit Rating if you choose to swap one of your other Hit Rating items. Since its Weapon Swing Timer is faster, you will trade off direct damage for increased attack speed and faster Maelstrom procs.
You will also be able to use the previous best options from Ulduar as viable alternatives since their stats are so high, with Constellus following the same pattern as Misery’s End and Starshard Edge following the same pattern as the Blade of Tarasque. Even though their stats are fairly different, with a lack of Haste Rating, both weapons achieve similar results to the ToGC options.
The 245 Ilvl versions of Misery’s End and Blade of Tarasque will also be viable alternatives, albeit weaker options than the Ulduar items due to lower overall Spell Power. Still, they are great options and even better options than the Ulduar items if you find yourself in a complete Haste Rating deficit.
Lastly, Aesuga, Hand of the Ardent Champion can be used as a viable option that fits the same stat spread as Misery’s End. It is a convenient and potent option that can be easily acquired now that we have access to the Sidereal Essence Vendor.
Viable Weapon Combinations
- Misery’s End & Stormpike Cleaver
- Misery’s End & Remorseless
- Misery’s End & The Lion’s Maw
- Misery’s End & Caress of Insanity
- Blade of Tarasque & Stormpike Cleaver
- Blade of Tarasque & Remorseless
- Constellus & Stormpike Cleaver
- Constellus & Remorseless
- Starshard Edge & The Lion’s Maw
- Starshard Edge & The Grinder
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) HM | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) Heroic | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) |
For the Standard Enhancement, you will find yourself Dual-Wielding two Physical Damage Weapons. The best possible option for your Main Hand Weapon will be Remorseless as it grants the highest possible damage output with its Critical Strike & Haste Rating secondary stat combination. While the weapon is a better fit for your Main Hand Slot, you may also use it as an alternative for your Off Hand Slot if you choose to use a Spell Power Weapon in your Main Hand.
The best possible option for your Off Hand Weapon will be the Stormpike Cleaver. The Stormpike Cleaver is the best option even when considering the Spellhance build as well, as it grants the best possible secondary stat combination, with Hit Rating playing a vital role in generating Maelstrom procs.
The Golden Saronite Dragon will still remain one of the strongest Main Hand Physical Damage options, especially since Hit Rating will be so crucial during this phase of the expansion.
As for other viable ToGC options, you will be able to use both The Lion’s Maw and The Grinder as viable options in both your Main Hand Slot and your Off Hand Slot. Since both items follow the exact same stat spread as Remorseless, you may choose to use them in any weapons combination that you desire, having high applicability even for Spellhance builds.
Lastly, Caress of Insanity and Vulmir, the Northern Tempest still retain a powerful position as viable Off Hand weapons, especially for builds that lack Expertise Rating. While lacking Expertise Rating is not as impactful as lacking Hit Rating, those two options may still prove themselves potent if you have a severe Expertise Rating deficit.
Viable Weapon Combinations
- Remorseless & Remorseless
- Remorseless & Stormpike Cleaver
- Remorseless & Caress of Insanity
- Remorseless & Vulmir, the Northern Tempest
- Golden Saronite Dragon & Remorseless
- Golden Saronite Dragon & Stormpike Cleaver
- Golden Saronite Dragon & The Lion’s Maw
- The Lion’s Maw & The Grinder
- The Grinder & Caress of Insanity
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
12000 Honor Points | |
There are only two viable options as a fresh 80 when it comes to your totem! The best possible option that you will be able to easily acquire until you can do any proper raiding will remain the previous BiS, namely the Furious Gladiator’s Totem of Indomitability. The best part about this item is that you can now acquire it with Honor Points, meaning that you will be able to gain it after a few Wintergrasp Battlegrounds.
You will still be able to use the Totem of Dueling efficiently as the 60 Haste Rating bonus will aid you in producing more Maelstrom procs.
Both items will be viable during your early gearing stages and even in ToC, as they will only be replaced once you manage to gather enough Emblems of Triumph!
Pre-ToC/Onyxia’s Lair
Item | Source |
12000 Honor Points | |
19 Emblem of Conquest/Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
Just as stated previously, the Furious Gladiator’s Totem of Indomitability will remain the best possible option that you can acquire before raiding ToGC or gathering enough Emblems of Triumph. Furthermore, you will now be able to attain it with Honor Points, meaning that you can easily farm it by completing a few Wintergrasp Battlegrounds.
The next-best alternative will also remain the Totem of Dueling since the guaranteed 60 Haste Rating will increase the chance for Maelstrom procs!
The Totem of the Dancing Flame is a bit of an odd yet viable choice. While we will use Stormstrike consistently, the simple base damage increase granted by this totem will be considerably weaker than the rest of the options as it only benefits Stormstrike. By comparison, the other totems will directly impact all of your abilities!
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
12000 Honor Points |
There are two viable options during the third phase of the expansion with one of them providing the better outcome due to the AoE nature of ToGC. The Totem of Electrifying Wind is the better option overall since it allows you to trigger more Maelstrom procs by increasing your Haste Rating. By doing so, it allows you to perform better Cleave Damage through the use of Chain Lightning.
The other viable option is the Totem of Quaking Earth which grants a large amount of Attack Power. While the bonus itself is quite strong, the 200 Haste Rating granted by the Totem of Electrifying Wind is simply better since the majority of ToGC’s encounters are AoE-based.
The Furious Gladiator’s Totem of Indomitability is the last available option, albeit, the weakest one compared to the others. It grants the same type of bonus as the Totem of Quaking Earth, albeit, by a considerably lower amount. The main good thing about this totem is that you can now acquire it with Honor Points, meaning that you may gain it fairly easily by completing one or two Wintergrasp Battlegrounds.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic The Forge of Souls – Bronjahm | |
Heroic The Forge of Souls – Devourer of Souls | |
Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) | |
Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM | |
Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Protector’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Protector’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece | |
Heroic Snowserpent Mail Helm | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
Heroic Geistlord’s Punishment Sack | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lord Marrowgar | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Heroic Taldron’s Short-Sighted Helm | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Rotface |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Rotface |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic The Forge of Souls – Devourer of Souls | |
Heroic Pit of Saron – Forgemaster Garfrost | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) | |
Pre-ICC
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (25) Heroic | |
Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone | |
Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone | |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (10) |
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic | |
Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone | |
Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) Heroic | |
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Heroic Amulet of the Silent Eulogy | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship | |
Heroic Pendant of Split Veins | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
Heroic Blood Queen’s Crimson Choker | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
Heroic Soulcleave Pendant | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
Trial of the Crusader – Eydis Darkbane (25) Heroic | |
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Heroic Precious’s Putrid Collar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Festergut |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Festergut | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Zone Drop | |
Heroic Sindragosa’s Cruel Claw | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Sindragosa | |
Heroic Rimetooth Pendant | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Sindragosa |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic Pit of Saron – Forgemaster Garfrost | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) Heroic | |
Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Protector’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Protector’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece | |
Heroic Dual-Bladed Pauldrons | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Professor Putricide | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Rotface | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper | |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) | |
Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
Pre-ICC
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone | |
Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic | |
Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
Best-in-Slot
Spellhance
Item | Source |
Heroic Frostbinder’s Shredded Cape | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic | |
Heroic Lich Wrappings | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) Heroic | |
Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) HM |
Standard Enhancement
Item | Source |
Heroic Shadowvault Slayer’s Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship | |
Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic | |
Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |