- Author: Oxykitten
- Date: January 8, 2024
- Updated: January 8, 2024
- Expansion: WotLK Classic
Gearing is fairly important when it comes to playing a tank; finding a good balance of threat and mitigation to suit your group will affect every player in your raid. In this guide I will list the best pre-raid and raid items expected to be available in Phase 4 (ICC) of Wrath of the Lich King.
The items listed here lean strongly, but not completely, towards survival. There are two lists included below; the standard list simply shows the best item in each slot for Pre-raid (a newly levelled character), Phase 1 (Pre-Ulduar content), Phase 2 (Pre-ToGC content), Phase 3 (ToGC), and Phase 4 (ICC). The “Progressive” list explains the rationale behind these choices while giving multiple alternatives for each slot. I highly recommend reading on, as there are many strong options for each slot in WotLK, and tunnel-visioning on the best available item is not an efficient way to gear your character!
Heroic++, otherwise known as Defense Protocol Beta drops gear from 10-man Ulduar and Naxxramas. Heroic ++ dungeons also drop 1 “Sidereal Essence” per final boss for each player. These can be used to buy items previously earned from hard mode 10-man Ulduar bosses. 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.
These lists are made with the help of information, simulation tools and spreadsheets from Nerdegghead and others on the Druid Classic Discord.
Feral Tank Best in Slot List
This tab shows the best gear options available for a player who has just reached level 80 in Phase 1. It only includes gear that can be earned outside of weekly lockouts — that means no raid gear and no gear bought with arena points. It does, however, include gear earned with honor and through heroic dungeons.
This tab shows the best gear options available outside of Ulduar. It includes gear from Naxxramas, Obsidian Sanctum, and Eye of Eternity. It does not include current season arena gear. It does not include Bind on Equip gear that requires materials from Ulduar to craft. The purpose of this tab is to show you how to best prepare your character for Ulduar, which will bring new challenges to the game. Effectively, it shows the best in slot items from Phase 1.
This tab shows the best gear options available outside of ToGC. The purpose of this tab is to show you how to best prepare your character for ToGC – it effectively shows the best in slot items from Phase 2.
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- Heroic Cultist’s Bloodsoaked Spaulders
- Heroic Skinned Whelp Shoulders
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- Heroic Royal Crimson Cloak
- Heroic Shadowvault Slayer’s Cloak
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- Heroic Chestguard of the Frigid Noose
- Heroic Ikfirus’ Sack of Wonder
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- Heroic Frostbrood Sapphire Ring
- Heroic Saurfang’s Cold-Forged Band
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- Heroic Cultist’s Bloodsoaked Spaulders
- Heroic Skinned Whelp Shoulders
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- Heroic Royal Crimson Cloak
Vereesas/
Sylvanas- Heroic Shadowvault Slayer’s Cloak
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- Heroic Frostbrood Sapphire Ring
- Heroic Saurfang’s Cold-Forged Band
- Ashen Band of Endless Vengeance (If you play Feral DPS as well)
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Feral Tank Progressive Best in Slot list
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
25 Sidereal essences (from Heroic ++ dungeons) | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
The Black Knight – Trial of the Champion (Heroic) | |
Engineering (440) – Binds on pickup |
Mimironflightgogs, previously from Ulduar (10), can now also be bought with Sidereal Essences from Heroic ++ dungeons . These are very strong and well ahead of all other pre-raid options, but may be hard to get your hands on. The other heroic options are all very good as well.
Weaknessspecs are a decent and easily-attainable option, but require Engineering to craft and use — I personally recommend getting these first, as I consider Engineering a “must-have” profession anyway, and they are fairly cheap to craft.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10/25) – Thorim | |
Ulduar (10) – Mimiron Hard Mode, or 25 Sidereal Essences | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Yogg-Saron |
conqnightsonghead is the best available helm option for Feral Tanks prior to Phase 3 content. It drops from Thorim in Ulduar, so shouldn’t be too difficult to get. The other two options are very close in value, so aim for whichever you get your hands on first.
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 2250 points, 1950 rating | |
ToGC – 75 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade | |
Malfurions is the best available helm for Feral tanks in Phase 3. The heroic version is bought with a Regalia, which drops from the Tribute chest at the end of ToGC. Note that only 2-4 Regalia drop in each chest (2 as standard, 4 if completed with fewer than 5 wipes), and that they are highly sought after.
Relentlessglad is also a great option for survival. However, it requires 1950 arena rating which, in WotLK, is no small feat. If you aren’t great at PvP, this is unfortunately not an easily attainable option. Luckily, the other alternatives listed are still very good and easier to get.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
Markoftheunyielding is the best non-raid option for a fresh 80 Feral. It drops from a Heroic ++ dungeon, though we do not yet know which. These dungeons would be quite challenging without any gear, so I would recommend starting with Titaniumearthguardchain. It is bind on equip and can be crafted or bought on the auction house for a reasonable price, and is the second best available non-raid necklace.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Freya Hard Mode | |
Ulduar (25) – General Vezax Hard Mode | |
Heroic ++ | |
Naxxramas (10/25) – Kel’thuzad | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
Bronzependant is the best available neck for Feral tanks before Phase 3 content. It drops from Freya hard mode, which is one of the easiest hard modes in the raid. It should also not be too contested, as it is specifically a tank item. Pendulumofinfinity is listed for completion, however it is less good for survival and significantly harder to get. The other listed options are still strong.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
ToGC (25N) – Fjola Lightbane | |
ToGC (10H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Freya Hard Mode |
Arbiters is the best neckpiece available for Feral tanks in Phase 3. It drops from Fjola Lightbane in ToGC (25H) and should be reasonably easy to get. If you are not clearing heroic difficulty, then the normal version is the next best alternative. The other listed pieces are decent but significantly less good.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Any dungeon (Heroic ++) – Final boss | |
Halls of Lightnight (Heroic ++) – Ionar | |
Any dungeon (Heroic Plus) – Final boss | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Valorousnightsongshoulderpads are the best available non-raid shoulders for a Feral tank. However, they drop from Heroic ++ dungeons which can be difficult to clear if undergeared. We also do not know which bosses these will drop off, although based on the previous phase we can guess that tier pieces will drop off any final dungeon boss.
The alternatives listed are strong, and I would recommend starting with Trollwovenshoulders, which are solid and cheap to craft or buy on the auction house.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Steelbreaker (Iron Council Hard Mode) | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Yogg-Saron |
shoulderpadsoftheintruder are the best available shoulder option for Feral Tanks in Phase 3. They drop from Assembly of Iron in Ulduar if you kill Steelbreaker last, which is the “hard mode” version of this boss. They are rare and sought after by other classes so may be hard to get your hands on. Otherwise, conqnightsongshoulderpads are good and should be reasonably easy to get.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Steelbreaker | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (10H) – Anub’arak | |
ToGC – 45 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade |
As mentioned above, shoulderpadsoftheintruder from Ulduar are the best available shoulder option for Feral Tanks in Phase 3. Still, they may prove harder to get your hands on than some strong ToGC alternatives. Malfurions will be highly contested as well, as they are bought with REGALIA which drop from the Tribute chest in ToGC (25H). The other alternatives listed are all similar in value to each other and easier to attain.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
The Culling of Stratholme (Heroic Plus) – Meathook | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip |
Drapeofthefacelessgeneral is the best non-raid cloak for Feral tanks in Phase 3. It can be bought with 15 Sidereal Essences from Heroic ++ dungeons. However, Heroic ++ dungeons may be difficult to run without already having some gear on board. Galeproofcloak is slightly easier to get your hands on from Heroic Plus Culling of Stratholme.
While quite a bit worse than the other options, icestrikerscloak is a cheap and easy pick from the auction house to get you started.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Mimiron Hard Mode | |
Ulduar (10) – General Vezax Hard Mode, 15 Sidereal Essences | |
Ulduar (25) – Hodir Hard Mode | |
Ulduar (25) – Algalon the Observer | |
Naxxramas (10/25) – Zone drop |
Titanskincloak is the best available pre-ToGC cloak for Feral Tanks in Phase 3. Drapeofthefacelessgeneral from Ulduar (10) or from Sidereal Essences is close in value. The other Ulduar options listed are also strong, but none are very easily attainable considering they drop from hard modes and Algalon. Shadowedsun is easier to access with a bit of luck from Naxxramas, but is a bit worse than the other options listed.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
ToGC (10H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (10H) – Tribute Chest |
Magnis is the best available cloak for a Feral tank in Phase 3. It can drop from the Tribute chest in ToGC (25H) if you have 50 attempts remaining (i.e. 0 wipes) on completion. Vereesas is very close in survival value and has a lot more offensive stats for threat and/or DPS. However, it is also likely to be far more contested by other players than the tanking cloak. The equivalent 10-man cloaks and prideoferedar are all good options as well.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Valorousnightsongraiments is the best available non-raid option for a Feral tank in Phase 3. However, it drops from Heroic ++ dungeons (likely off any final boss) which can be difficult to clear when undergeared. Polarvest is an excellent option, providing great survivability, and is cheap to craft or buy off the auction house. I recommend getting this as soon as you hit level 80.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Thorim Hard Mode | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Hodir | |
Arena – 1125 points |
Embraceofthegladiator is the best available chestpiece outside of ToGC for Feral Tanks in Phase 3. It is a very powerful item which drops from Thorim Hard Mode in Ulduar, and is likely to be quite contested by other players in the raid. If this proves difficult to obtain, the alternatives listed should be easier and are still solid choices.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
Ulduar (25) – Thorim Hard Mode | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 2250 points, 1600 rating | |
Leatherworking – Bind on Equip |
Cuirasscalamitous is the best available chest for Feral tanks in Phase 3. It drops from Lord Jaraxxus in ToGC (25H) and is a direct upgrade from Embraceofthegladiator. If you are unlucky with loot and aren’t keen on PvP, Knightbanecarapace can be crafted or bought on the auction house, but does require Crusaderorbs from ToGC to craft.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
27580 Honor | |
Trial of the Champion (Heroic) – Eadric the Pure | |
Utgarde Keep (Heroic) – Dalronn the Controller / Skarvald the Constructor |
Fluxingenergycoils are the best available pre-raid bracers for a Feral tank in Phase 3. They can be bought with Sidereal Essences from Heroic ++ dungeons. Before then, farming some honor for Deadlygladiatorsarmwrapsoftriumph is a solid option. If PvP isn’t your thing, the other alternatives are decent as well.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Algalon the Observer | |
Ulduar (10) – XT-002 Deconstructor Hard Mode, or 15 Sidereal Essences | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Flame Leviathan |
Solarbindings are the best bracer option outside of ToGC for Feral tanks in Phase 3. They drop from Algalon in Ulduar so could be tricky to get. The alternatives listed may be more accessible and are still strong options.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak | |
Ulduar (25) – Algalon the Observer | |
Leatherworking – BoE |
bracersdetermination are the best available bracers for a Feral tank in Phase 3. They drop from Anub’arak in ToGC (25H). SolarBindings are still great in Phase 3, but may not be any easier to get your hands on. Alternatively, Bracersofswiftdeath can be crafted or bought on the auction house, but do require Crusaderorbs from ToGC to make.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
24 Sidereal Essences | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
glovesoftheendlessdark are the best non-raid gloves for a Feral tank in Phase 3. They can be bought with Sidereal Essences from Heroic ++ dungeons which will be difficult to clear early on if undergeared. Glovesoftheargentfanatic from normal Trial of the Champion are an excellent starting piece.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10/25) – Mimiron | |
Ulduar (10) – Algalon the Observer, or 24 Sidereal Essences |
Conqnightsonghandgrips are the best pre-ToGC glove option for Feral tanks. They drop from Mimiron in Ulduar so should be reasonably easy to get. Otherwise, the pre-raid options listed above are still quite close in value, so don’t worry if you haven’t had any luck in Ulduar.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 1350 points, 1400 rating | |
ToGC – 45 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade | |
ToGC (10H) – Faction Champions |
malfurions are the best gloves available for Feral tanks in Phase 3. They are bought with Regalia from the heroic tribute chest, making them quite contested early on. Relentlessglad are a very solid option only requiring 1400 rating, but PvP is not everyone’s cup of tea. Otherwise, the other two listed options are from 25-man normal and 10-man heroic versions, so might be easier to get.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
19 Sidereal Essences | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Souldevouringcinch is the best available pre-ToGC belt for a Feral tank. Previously from Ulduar (10), it will now also be available through Sidereal Essences from Heroic ++ dungeons. The two alternatives listed are very strong and easily attainable from the auction house. Polarcord in particular is very cheap and immediately a must-have if you can’t afford the more well-rounded Deathwarmedbelt.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light), or 19 Sidereal Essences | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Mimiron |
As above, Souldevouringcinch is the best available pre-ToGC belt for a Feral tank. The only extra belt that pre-ToGC raid content will give access to is waistguardofthecreator, which is solid but not as strong as the other listed options. Generally, I’d recommend going for a Deathwarmedbelt with materials from the auction house.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
PvP – 62000 honor, 1250 arena rating | |
Ulduar (10) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light), or 19 Sidereal Essences |
mercilesskiller is the best available belt for Feral tanks in Phase 3. It drops from Fjola Lightbane in heroic, 25-man ToGC. The alternatives listed are very solid and can be earned outside of raids, with the PvP option only requiring 1250 arena rating. There is also a normal mode variant ( mercilesskiller), which is decent but less good than the listed options here.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Any Dungeon (Heroic ++) – Final boss | |
Any Dungeon (Heroic Plus) – Final boss | |
Heroic ++ | |
Violet Hold (Heroic) – Trash (Binds on equip) |
valorousnightsonglegguards are the best available option for a fresh 80 Feral tank. They can likely drop from any final boss of a Heroic ++ dungeon. Heroesdreamwalkerlegguards are the next best, from Heroic plus dungeons.
chaingangleggings are quite a bit worse than the other options, but are Bind on Equip and can therefore be bought cheaply on the auction house as a starting point.
Pre-Ulduar
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Freya |
legguardsofcunningdeception are the best pre-ToGC leg option for Feral tanks. They drop from Yogg-Saron in Ulduar when killed in hard mode – i.e. with only 1 Light. leggingsofwaveringshadow and conqnightsonglegguards are somewhat close in value and generally easier to obtain.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Icehowl | |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute chest |
leggingsbeast are the best available leg option for Feral tanks in Phase 3. They drop from Icehowl in the heroic 25-man version of ToGC. legguardsofcunningdeception are still very strong in this phase. While malfurionslegstriumph are quite good, it may be unwise to use a tribute token on these early on given that other tier pieces are better for their slots.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Heroic ++ |
Footpadsofsilence are the best available boots for a fresh 80 Feral tank. They are very strong and available to buy directly or craft relatively cheaply with materials from the auction house. If you can’t quite afford them, then Polarboots are still excellent and very cheap to craft. These are both considerably better than any other pre-raid options, but I have included a Heroic ++ option for completeness.
Pre-Ulduar
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10/25) – Iron Assembly | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Runedironhideboots are the best pre-ToGC boot option for Feral tanks. They drop from the Iron assembly in Ulduar. However, as mentioned above, Footpadsofsilence are very easy to get and are almost as good, so I’d recommend sticking to these.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction champions | |
PvP – 62000 honor, 1300 arena rating | |
ToGC (10H) – Icehowl |
treadsice are by far the best available boots for Feral tanks in Phase 3. They drop from heroic 25-man ToGC. If you can bear to PvP, relentlessgladboots are an excellent guaranteed option requiring only 1300 arena rating. Otherwise, acidmawboots are a decent option.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
Azjol’Nerub (Heroic ++) – Krik’thir the Gatewatcher | |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
Drak’tharon Keep (Heroic) – The Prophet Tharon’ja | |
Trial of the Crusader (Heroic) – Grand Champions | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
There are many ring options available for a fresh 80 Feral, the best two being Sealofulduar and Signetofwinter. While these are very strong options, getting into and clearing Heroic ++ dungeons while undergeared could be a challenge. Keystonegreatring and markoftherelentless from regular heroic dungeons are still very good and may be easier content to clear. As a starting point, Titaniumfrostguardring and Titaniumearthguardring are both good rings that can be crafted or bought from the auction house quite cheaply.
Pre-Ulduar
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10/25) – Thorim Hard Mode | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Flame Leviathan | |
Ulduar (10) – XT-002 Deconstructor Hard Mode, or 15 Sidereal Essences | |
Azjol’Nerub (Heroic ++) – Krik’thir the Gatewatcher | |
Naxxramas (10/25) – Sapphiron |
Fatesclutch and theleviathanscoil are the two best pre-ToGC rings for Feral tanks. They both drop from Ulduar and shouldn’t be too difficult to get your hands on, with Thorim being one of the easier hard modes to beat and Flame Leviathan being the easiest boss in the raid. Otherwise, the Heroic ++ rings or even going back to Naxxramas for Gatekeeper can help get you ToGC-ready.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (10H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Onyxia’s Lair (25) – Onyxia | |
Onyxia’s Lair (10) – Onyxia | |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak |
loopvalkyr and signifiedringofbining from Heroic 10-man ToGC and 25-man Onyxia respectively are the best available rings for a Feral tank in Phase 3. Clutchoffortification is a solid option, but you may find better places to spend your EmblemofTriumph. Signetofthetraitorking is a powerful ring, but its stats are better optimised for other tanks making it weaker than the other rings listed for Ferals.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight | |
Trial of the Champion (Heroic ++) – The Black Knight | |
Darkmoon Faire – Nobles Deck | |
Jewelcrafting (400) – Binds on pickup | |
Azjol-Nerub (Heroic) – Hadronox | |
Jewelcrafting (400) – Binds on pickup | |
Engineering (390 to equip, 420 to craft) – Binds on equip |
Royalsealofkinglane and Theblackheart are the best recommended options for new Feral tanks. They drop from Heroic ++ dungeons and Trial of the Champion, respectively. While Bitterbalebrewcharm and Bubblightbrightbrewcharm are indeed stronger, they will only be available during the Brewfest event later in the phase (late September).
DMCG can be bought on the auction house and is close in value, but as it is a much more powerful item for other classes, its price remains quite high. It is a good starting trinket if you have a lot of gold, but I cannot widely recommend getting it. monarchcrab is a very solid option, but can only be crafted and used by Jewelcrafters; the same applies for Rubyhare. Otherwise EssenceofGossamer from Azjol-Nerub (Heroic) is solid. SonicBooster (requires engineering) is quite a bit weaker than all the other options but is extremely cheap and a good starting point.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10/25) – Ignis the Furnace Master | |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
HeartofIron and Theblackheart are the best available pre-ToGC trinkets for a Feral tank. Heartofiron drops from Ignis the Furnace Master in Ulduar, and shouldn’t be too difficult to get your hands on. As mentioned above, Theblackheart is easily accessible from normal Trial of the Champion; in fact, it is better than Royalsealofkinglane for survivability thanks to its helpful proc effect. Again, the Brewfest trinkets are easy to get and incredibly strong, but will only be available late in the phase.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction Champions | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Ignis the Furnace Master | |
ToGC (25N) – Faction Champions | |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
impedingscarab and HeartofIron are the best trinket options for Feral tanks in Phase 3. The stamina on impedingscarab makes it incredibly strong on its own, with the on-use as a defensive cooldown making it even more powerful. The normal version ( impedingscarab) is still very good, but cannot be equipped at the same time as the heroic version of the same trinket.
Deathsverdict is an excellent, well-rounded trinket that is worth looking at. While less survival focused, it is still great for tanking and provides a lot of value when DPSing as well. In addition, it is particularly good if main-tanking Anub’arak, where having too much stamina can be problematic; having more maximum health increases Anub’arak’s self-healing through LeechingSwarm. Because of this, I also include glyphofindomitability here, which is best in slot only for tanking Anub’arak.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
38 Sidereal Essences | |
Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom (Heroic Plus) – Elder Nadox | |
Argent Tournament – 25 Championsseal |
TorturedEarth is the best available pre-raid option for a Feral tank in Phase 3. It can be bought with Sidereal Essences from Heroic ++ dungeons, which may be difficult to clear or get a group for if undergeared. Staffoftheplaguebeast or Silversylvanstave may be easier to aim for first.
Pre-ToGC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) | |
Ulduar (10) – General Vezax Hard Mode, or 38 Sidereal Essences | |
Ulduar (25) – Freya (Hard Mode), Algalon the Observer | |
Naxxramas (10/25) – Grobbulus |
Darkedgeofdepravity is the best available pre-ToGC weapon for Feral tanks in Phase 3. It drops from Yogg-Saron in Ulduar if killed in hard mode (1 light). It is not too contested by others, so as long as your group can manage the fight, it isn’t very difficult to get your hands on. TorturedEarth from Heroic ++ is still excellent. Otherwise, dreambinder from Freya in hard mode (which is one of the easiest hard modes in Ulduar) is an great option, also being very strong for Feral DPS.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Arena – 4250 points, 2200 rating | |
Arena – 2125 points, 2000 rating | |
Arena – 1400 points, 50000 honor, 1800 rating | |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak | |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) |
Unfortunately for a lot of PvE-focused players, the best weapons for Feral tanks in Phase 3 come from PvP. Relentlessgladgreatstaff, furiousgladgreatstaff, and relentlessgladstaff are all better than any PvE options for survival, but require arena ratings of 2200, 2000, and 1800, respectively; if you are not particularly good at arena, any of these will be a challenge to attain.
Still, the PvE options will do you just fine; either Archonglaive or Lupinelongstaff from Heroic 25-man ToGC are good options. Even Darkedgeofdepravity from last phase is only slightly worse.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Grizzly Hills – 30 Venturecoin |
There is only one relevant pre-raid tanking idol. It is easy to earn with just a couple of quests in southwest Grizzly Hills.
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Ulduar (10/25) – General Vezax | |
Idolofthecorruptor from Ulduar remains the best available idol for Feral tanks in Phase 3. The new Idolofmutilation is considerably worse, but also the only other decent option if you are unlucky with your Ulduar loot.
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
25 Sidereal essences (from Heroic ++ dungeons) | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
The Black Knight – Trial of the Champion (Heroic) | |
Engineering (440) – Binds on pickup |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 2250 points, 1950 rating | |
ToGC – 75 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade | |
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
ToGC (25N) – Fjola Lightbane | |
ToGC (10H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Freya Hard Mode |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Bile-Encrusted Medallion | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
Heroic Precious’s Putrid Collar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Festergut |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Any dungeon (Heroic ++) – Final boss | |
Halls of Lightnight (Heroic ++) – Ionar | |
Any dungeon (Heroic Plus) – Final boss | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Steelbreaker | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (10H) – Anub’arak | |
ToGC – 45 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper | |
Heroic Skinned Whelp Shoulders | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
The Culling of Stratholme (Heroic Plus) – Meathook | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
ToGC (10H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (10H) – Tribute Chest |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
50x Emblem of Frost | |
Heroic Royal Crimson Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
Heroic Shadowvault Slayer’s Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship – BoE | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship – BoE | |
Ulduar (25) – Thorim Hard Mode | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 2250 points, 1600 rating | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper | |
Heroic Ikfirus’ Sack of Wonder | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
27580 Honor | |
Trial of the Champion (Heroic) – Eadric the Pure | |
Utgarde Keep (Heroic) – Dalronn the Controller / Skarvald the Constructor |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak | |
Ulduar (25) – Algalon the Observer | |
Leatherworking – BoE |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Deathbringer Saurfang | |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
24 Sidereal Essences | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 1350 points, 1400 rating | |
ToGC – 45 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade | |
ToGC (10H) – Faction Champions |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface | |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Heroic Scourge Stranglers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
19 Sidereal Essences | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
PvP – 62000 honor, 1250 arena rating | |
Ulduar (10) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light), or 19 Sidereal Essences |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Astrylian’s Sutured Cinch | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
60x Emblem of Frost | |
Heroic Soulthief’s Braided Belt | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Any Dungeon (Heroic ++) – Final boss | |
Any Dungeon (Heroic Plus) – Final boss | |
Heroic ++ | |
Violet Hold (Heroic) – Trash (Binds on equip) |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
ToGC (25H) – Icehowl | |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute chest |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Heroic Gangrenous Leggings | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Festergut |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Heroic ++ |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction champions | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
PvP – 62000 honor, 1300 arena rating | |
ToGC (10H) – Icehowl |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Frostbitten Fur Boots | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
Heroic Taldaram’s Soft Slippers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
ToGC (25H) – Faction champions |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – BoE | |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
Azjol’Nerub (Heroic ++) – Krik’thir the Gatewatcher | |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
Drak’tharon Keep (Heroic) – The Prophet Tharon’ja | |
Trial of the Crusader (Heroic) – Grand Champions | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (10H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Onyxia’s Lair (25) – Onyxia | |
Onyxia’s Lair (10) – Onyxia | |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
The Ashen Verdict – Exalted | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker | |
Heroic Frostbrood Sapphire Ring | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight | |
Trial of the Champion (Heroic ++) – The Black Knight | |
Darkmoon Faire – Nobles Deck | |
Jewelcrafting (400) – Binds on pickup | |
Azjol-Nerub (Heroic) – Hadronox | |
Jewelcrafting (400) – Binds on pickup | |
Engineering (390 to equip, 420 to craft) – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction Champions | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Ignis the Furnace Master | |
ToGC (25N) – Faction Champions | |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction Champions | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa | |
Heroic Unidentifiable Organ | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
60x Emblem of Frost |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
38 Sidereal Essences | |
Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom (Heroic Plus) – Elder Nadox | |
Argent Tournament – 25 Championsseal |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Arena – 4250 points, 2200 rating | |
Arena – 2125 points, 2000 rating | |
Arena – 1400 points, 50000 honor, 1800 rating | |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak | |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic The Lich King | |
Arena – 4250 points, 2200 rating | |
Heroic Bloodfall | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
25 Sidereal essences (from Heroic ++ dungeons) | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
The Black Knight – Trial of the Champion (Heroic) | |
Engineering (440) – Binds on pickup |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 2250 points, 1950 rating | |
ToGC – 75 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade | |
Best-in-Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Heroic ++ | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
ToGC (25N) – Fjola Lightbane | |
ToGC (10H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Freya Hard Mode |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Bile-Encrusted Medallion | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Rotface | |
Heroic Sindragosa’s Cruel Claw | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Heroic Precious’s Putrid Collar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Festergut |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Any dungeon (Heroic ++) – Final boss | |
Halls of Lightnight (Heroic ++) – Ionar | |
Any dungeon (Heroic Plus) – Final boss | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Ulduar (25) – Steelbreaker | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (10H) – Anub’arak | |
ToGC – 45 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper | |
Heroic Skinned Whelp Shoulders | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
The Culling of Stratholme (Heroic Plus) – Meathook | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
ToGC (10H) – Tribute Chest | |
ToGC (10H) – Tribute Chest |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
50x Emblem of Frost | |
Heroic Royal Crimson Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Heroic Shadowvault Slayer’s Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship – BoE | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Lord Jaraxxus | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship – BoE | |
Ulduar (25) – Thorim Hard Mode | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 2250 points, 1600 rating | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Ikfirus’ Sack of Wonder | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship | |
Heroic Gloaming Sark | The Ruby Sanctum (10) – Heroic Halion |
The Ruby Sanctum (10) – Halion | |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
27580 Honor | |
Trial of the Champion (Heroic) – Eadric the Pure | |
Utgarde Keep (Heroic) – Dalronn the Controller / Skarvald the Constructor |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak | |
Ulduar (25) – Algalon the Observer | |
Leatherworking – BoE |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Umbrage Armbands | The Ruby Sanctum (25) – Heroic Halion |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang | |
The Ruby Sanctum (25) – Halion | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Deathbringer Saurfang | |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
24 Sidereal Essences | |
Heroic ++ | |
Heroic ++ | |
Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute Chest | |
Arena – 1350 points, 1400 rating | |
ToGC – 45 EmblemofTriumph + 1 TrophyoftheCrusade | |
ToGC (10H) – Faction Champions |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface | |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Heroic Scourge Stranglers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
19 Sidereal Essences | |
Leatherworking – Binds on Equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
PvP – 62000 honor, 1250 arena rating | |
Ulduar (10) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light), or 19 Sidereal Essences |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Astrylian’s Sutured Cinch | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
60x Emblem of Frost | |
Heroic Soulthief’s Braided Belt | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Any Dungeon (Heroic ++) – Final boss | |
Any Dungeon (Heroic Plus) – Final boss | |
Heroic ++ | |
Violet Hold (Heroic) – Trash (Binds on equip) |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
ToGC (25H) – Icehowl | |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) | |
ToGC (25H) – Tribute chest |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Vanquisher’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece | |
Heroic Gangrenous Leggings | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Festergut |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
Heroic ++ |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction champions | |
Leatherworking – Binds on equip | |
PvP – 62000 honor, 1300 arena rating | |
ToGC (10H) – Icehowl |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Heroic Frostbitten Fur Boots | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
Heroic Taldaram’s Soft Slippers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
ToGC (25H) – Faction champions | |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – BoE | |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
Azjol’Nerub (Heroic ++) – Krik’thir the Gatewatcher | |
15 Sidereal Essences | |
Drak’tharon Keep (Heroic) – The Prophet Tharon’ja | |
Trial of the Crusader (Heroic) – Grand Champions | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip | |
Jewelcrafting – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (10H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Onyxia’s Lair (25) – Onyxia | |
Onyxia’s Lair (10) – Onyxia | |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
The Ashen Verdict – Exalted | |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker | |
The Ashen Verdict – Exalted | |
Heroic Frostbrood Sapphire Ring | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Blackrock Depths – Coren Direbrew (during Brewfest event only) | |
Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight | |
Trial of the Champion (Heroic ++) – The Black Knight | |
Darkmoon Faire – Nobles Deck | |
Jewelcrafting (400) – Binds on pickup | |
Azjol-Nerub (Heroic) – Hadronox | |
Jewelcrafting (400) – Binds on pickup | |
Engineering (390 to equip, 420 to craft) – Binds on equip |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction Champions | |
Ulduar (10/25) – Ignis the Furnace Master | |
ToGC (25N) – Faction Champions | |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
ToGC (25H) – Faction Champions | |
Heroic Sindragosa’s Flawless Fang | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa |
Heroic Unidentifiable Organ | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
60x Emblem of Frost | |
Heroic Petrified Twilight Scale | The Ruby Sanctum (25) – Heroic Halion |
The Ruby Sanctum (25) – Halion |
Fresh 80
Item | Source |
38 Sidereal Essences | |
Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom (Heroic Plus) – Elder Nadox | |
Argent Tournament – 25 Championsseal |
Pre-ICC
Item | Source |
Arena – 4250 points, 2200 rating | |
Arena – 2125 points, 2000 rating | |
Arena – 1400 points, 50000 honor, 1800 rating | |
ToGC (25H) – Anub’arak | |
ToGC (25H) – Fjola Lightbane | |
Ulduar (25) – Yogg-Saron (1 Light) |
Best in Slot
Item | Source |
Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic The Lich King | |
Arena – 4250 points, 2200 rating | |
Heroic Bloodfall | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
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About the Author
Thanks, need to fix the link for Journey’s End.
Thanks for your comment! I’ve included several PvE alternatives in the Progressive list section since getting a high arena rating isn’t realistic for most players 🙂
I’d like to ask why you put Journey’s End on the BiS while it has less stamina, less agility and no armor compared to Origin of Nightmares. It does provide a bit more AP, but according to your own stat priority AP (with which I agree :P) it is way down at the bottom of the list.
It seems to me in every way that Origin of Nightmares is a better item than Journey’s End. Can you explain that choice please?
Hey, thanks for your comment! While you’re absolutely right that the stats on Origin of Nightmares are better optimised for feral tanking than those on Journey’s End, I felt when writing the guide that the overall higher stats (due to higher item level) on Journey’s End made it better overall. While AP is the lowest value stat per point, it’s always a balance, and to take it to the extreme, 1,000 AP will be more valuable than 1 stamina.
All that being said, I made this guide before any of the recent theorycrafting showed just how easy it is to maintain threat, and therefore just how survival-focused our gearing should be. Because of that, I agree that Origin of Nightmares is better, and I’ve updated the guide accordingly. Thanks for pointing it out!
I believe you have the wrong cloak for the BiS. I believe it should be Cloak of the Shadowed Sun. You have Drape of the Deadly Foe for the BiS and the Alternate.