PvE Protection Paladin Tank Best in Slot (BiS) & Pre-Raid Gear
In this section of the guide, we will help you choose the best equipment or alternatives that you can utilize for each of the different phases of the expansion. Having the Pre-raid tab contain items that you will want to acquire before you start any serious raiding!
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.
Best-in-Slot
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Those will be your best options for your ring slots.
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Those will be your best options for your Weapon & Shield
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Progressive Best-in Slot
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.
As a Tank, this is especially true! For example, you may find situations where you will want to stack more Dodge Rating or Parry Rating against Bosses that deal Physical Damage while you may want to stack Magical Resistances against bosses that deal heavy Magical Damage.
As a Protection Paladin, you benefit from all the “Avoidance” stats, including Block Value, Block Rating, Dodge Rating, Parry Rating, and Defense Rating. The main issue you will encounter during the third phase will be your Hit Rating. You will find yourself swapping between items often to optimize your Hit Rating as much as possible and get it as close as possible to the 8% Soft Hit Cap.
However, the 8% Soft Hit Cap is not always mandatory, meaning that you can comfortably play while being under the cap. You will manage to perform the same with only around 6%-7% Hit Rating. As your Hit Rating will drop, you will start missing most of your attacks and abilities, with the threshold at which you start completely failing being around 3% Hit Rating.
Phase 3 is also known for being one of the few phases that provides the exact same type of item for both factions, with the major difference of having a different name depending on the faction you belong to. We will emphasize which item belongs to which faction by placing a “Faction Flag” next to the item itself.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Helm of the Crestfallen Challenger | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
| Valorous Aegis Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Ironbark Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Thane’s Tainted Greathelm | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Tempered Titansteel Helm | Blacksmithing |
| Armored Titanium Goggles | Engineering |
With the introduction of the new Heroic ++ Dungeons, you will find that acquiring powerful gear as a Fresh 80 is a lot faster and a far smoother process. Since our main issue with our gear will be Hit Rating, the best possible item you can acquire for this slot early on is the Helm of the Crestfallen Challenger.
If you managed to get enough Hit Rating from other gear slots, the best defense-oriented alternative will be the Valorous Aegis Faceguard. This is not only due to its secondary stats but also due to the access to the T8 item-set bonuses. With our current setup, you won’t be able to activate the 4-item set bonus unless you either give up on one of the other off-piece items which were supposed to be filled with a T8 item or use this slot for the T8 helmet.
If you already have enough Hit Rating and you still can’t find the T8 helmet, there are multiple other viable items that have a focus on Expertise Rating, Defense-Oriented Stats, or a mix between them.
If you require more Expertise Rating, the Ironbark Faceguard grants the highest possible Expertise Rating while also having a decently high amount of defense-oriented stats. In terms of providing Expertise Rating, if you can’t find the Ironbark Faceguard, you may use the Heroes’ Redemption Faceguard as a valid alternative. The only downside is that it provides half the Expertise Rating in comparison to the Ulduar item, however, it will grant you access to the T7 item-set bonuses if you also have other T7 items in your setup.
The Thane’s Tainted Greathelm is a great temporary item that you may find during your dungeon-crawling journey as it provides decent amounts of defense-oriented stats. Nonetheless, you will swap this item as soon as you find any of the previously mentioned items.
Lastly, you can acquire crafted items such as the Tempered Titansteel Helm or the Armored Titanium Goggles which act as a great initial choice before entering the new Heroic ++ Dungeons due to their very high raw stats. While those items only possess a few secondary stats when compared to the other options, they will allow you to tank a Heroic ++ Dungeon without encountering many issues.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Conqueror’s Aegis Faceguard | Ulduar – Thorim (25) |
| Helm of the Faceless | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
| Ironbark Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Valorous Aegis Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
The best possible choice will be the Conqueror’s Aegis Faceguard! This is due to different reasons such as a higher Defense Rating than the Helm of the Faceless, access to the Tier 8 2-item set bonus, and quite high overall stats. While the Shield Block Rating isn’t quite desired due to our Holy Shield, it can still be useful whenever the effect is not active.
Helm of the Faceless is the next-best alternative available in the current expansion tier that can grant you quite high overall stats, however, it has quite a low Defense Rating when compared to the Tier 8 Helm. You also don’t have access to the Tier 8 set bonus, which means you will have an overall reduced Threat Generation.
The Ironbark Faceguard is another great alternative, however, you will lose some of your damage mitigation in favor of an increased Expertise Rating. The item itself is a better choice than the Helm of the Faceless if you don’t have enough Defense Rating.
Lastly, you can keep using the Valorous Aegis Faceguard until you manage to find any of the other presented items. Depending on the rest of your items, you may want to maintain the Valorous Aegis Faceguard until you manage to find any of the previously mentioned items.
Best-in-Slot
The best possible choice for the third phase of the expansion will be Turalyon’s Faceguard of Triumph/Liadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph. This is mainly due to the very high overall stats and access to the T9 item-set bonuses that the item grants, with an emphasis on increasing your Block Value. Since we benefit the most from Block Value, this item will be the perfect fit for our set.
Naturally, the next-best alternatives will be its 245 Ilvl version, Turalyon’s Faceguard of Triumph/Liadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph, followed up closely by the 232 Ilvl version, Turalyon’s Faceguard of Conquest/Liadrin’s Faceguard of Conquest. Each version of the T9 Helmet grants progressively lower stats with each lower Ilvl version, however, the T9 item-set bonuses remain the same.
If you still struggle with Hit Rating or managed to activate the 4-item set bonus from your other gear slots, you have the option to use the Onyxia helmets as viable alternatives. Both the Judgement Heaume and the Judgement Helmet are excellent options for increasing your Hit Rating, with the former option granting stats comparable to the 258 Ilvl version of the T9.
You may even want to maintain the Judgement Heaume as your main item and postpone using the T9 helmet until you can manage to gather enough Hit Rating from your other gear slots!
Lastly, the Faceplate of the Honorbound/Headplate of the Honorbound is yet another alternative available for you in the third phase of the expansion with a focus on increasing your Expertise Rating. The main issue with this item is that it is quite underwhelming when compared to the rest of your gear slots and the amount of Expertise Rating you can gain from them. As you will want to gain the T9 Helmet as your BiS, you may use this item as a last resort if you optimized the rest of your gear entirely, with Expertise Rating being the only missing piece.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Mark of the Unyielding | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the Protectorate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| The Warlord’s Depravity | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) |
| Medallion of the Disgraced | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Chained Military Gorget | 25 Emblem of Heroism |
| Amulet of Autopsy | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
The best possible option as a Fresh 80 with the release of the new Heroic ++ Dungeons will be the Mark of the Unyielding. This is thanks to the high baseline stats that the item grants combined with a fairly high amount of secondary stats. Even if the item has only two secondary stats, the item still grants you a high damage mitigation through the Armor Value that it offers.
The Fervor of the Protectorate is the next-best alternative both in terms of damage mitigation and Expertise Rating. While it may not offer Defense Rating or Block Value, it offers a high amount of raw Armor Value which mitigates a considerable amount of Physical Damage.
If you can’t find any of the previously mentioned items, you will be able to use any of The Warlord’s Depravity or the Medallion of the Disgraced as a defense-oriented alternative. Both items are extremely close in terms of performance, granting almost the same degree of survivability, even if their stats are not the same.
Since our build has overall issues with our Hit Rating, you may choose the Chained Military Gorget as a valid alternative to get as close as possible to the 8% Soft Hit Cap. By doing so, you will reduce your overall survivability, however, the penalties won’t be massive.
Lastly, the Amulet of Autopsy is another defense-oriented alternative that can be used in case you can’t find any of the previously mentioned items. This item is better if you already have plenty of Expertise Rating and Hit Rating from your other gear slots.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Bronze Pendant of the Vanir | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Necklace of Unerring Mettle | Ulduar – Kologarn (25) |
| Titanstone Pendant | Ulduar – Zone Drop (25) Multiple Bosses |
| Shard of the Crystal Forest | 19 Emblem of Conquest |
| Mark of the Unyielding | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the Protectorate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
The best possible choice for this slot depends on the encounter you find yourself in! Your main two contenders for the BiS spot will be the Bronze Pendant of the Vanir and the Necklace of Unerring Mettle. In most situations, the Bronze Pendant of the Vanir will be the better choice as it grants a gem socket paired up with high values of Dodge Rating and Parry Rating, however, in some situations where bosses hit hard on every attack, you will want to use the Necklace of Unerring Mettle for the increased Block Value.
Both the Titanstone Pendant and the Shard of the Crystal Forest are great alternatives, each fulfilling a very similar role. While both items grant extremely similar stats, they are differentiated by the Hit Rating and Expertise Rating that they offer. Depending on your current needs, you may choose to opt for the Shard of the Crystal Forest if you lack Hit Rating, and opt for the Titanstone Pendant if you lack Expertise Rating.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
 The Arbiter’s Muse Legionnaire’s Gorget | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic |
| Bronze Pendant of the Vanir | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) |
| Necklace of Unerring Mettle | Ulduar – Kologarn (25) |
| Endurance of the InfernalFortitude of the Infernal | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic |
| Endurance of the InfernalFortitude of the Infernal | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) |
| Eskhandar’s Links | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
For this specific gear slot, we section the items into two different categories: items that provide you with Expertise Rating and items that provide you with Avoidance-increasing stats such as Dodge Rating and Parry Rating.
Since we benefit from the Glyph of Seal of Vengeance paired up with Expertise Rating from our other slots, you will generally want to prioritize defense-oriented items for this slot. The Arbiter’s Muse/Legionnaire’s Gorget is the best possible option for this slot due to having the highest possible baseline stats paired up with very high defense-oriented stats. Instead of the typical Parry Rating, you would get from such an item, this item replaces Parry Rating with a large amount of raw Armor Value, providing a solid Physical Damage Reduction.
The next-best alternative will actually be the Bronze Pendant of the Vanir from the previous phase of the expansion instead of the 245 Ilvl version of the BiS. This is due to the Gem Socket that it grants paired up with high amounts of Defense Rating, Dodge Rating, and Parry Rating. In terms of increasing our overall survivability, the difference between the previous BiS (Bronze Pendant of the Vanir) and The Arbiter’s Muse/Legionnaire’s Gorget is quite minor, with the main distinction being the Gem Socket mentioned earlier. This means that you can effectively use The Arbiter’s Muse/Legionnaire’s Gorget if you don’t wish to try and gain the Bronze Pendant of the Vanir.
The Necklace of Unerring Mettle receives an honorable mention if you plan on creating a build specifically designated for “Block Tanking”. Such a build would be particularly useful in encounters such as Anub’arak.
If you still have issues with your Expertise Rating after using the Glyph of Seal of Vengeance and other Expertise Items, your best alternative for the Necklace Slot will be the Endurance of the Infernal/Fortitude of the Infernal followed up by its 232 Ilvl alternative, the Endurance of the Infernal/Fortitude of the Infernal.
The Eskhandar’s Links comes very close to the Endurance of the Infernal/Fortitude of the Infernal since it has a higher baseline and higher defense-oriented stats. However, since it provides a lower amount of Expertise Rating, it will be the worse choice.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Valorous Aegis Shoulderguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Regal Aurous Shoulderplates | Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress (Heroic) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Shoulderguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Abomination Shoulderblades | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Pauldrons of the Colossus | Gundrak – Drakkari Colossus (Heroic) |
| Iron Dwarf Smith Pauldrons | Halls of Lightning – General Bjarngrim (Heroic) |
With the new Heroic ++ Dungeons, the best possible option as a Fresh level 80 will be the Valorous Aegis Shoulderguards. This is due to the access to the T8 4-set item bonuses, along with a great set of baseline stats and secondary stats. While you might struggle with Hit Rating, as long as you manage to gain Hit Rating from your other gear slots, you should prioritize the T8 shoulders as they grant a large increase of Block Value and Block Rating.
Similarly, the Heroes’ Redemption Shoulderguards are another excellent option for increasing your overall defense-oriented stats. While not as strong as the T8 shoulders, you may use the T7 shoulders as long as you already have plenty of Hit Rating from your other gear slots.
However, if you have issues with your Hit Rating and can’t gain it from your other gear slots, you may use either one of the Regal Aurous Shoulderplates or the Abomination Shoulderblades as a valid alternative. The former option is stronger than the latter due to the sheer amount of stats it grants, with both options granting their user the precise same types of stats.
Lastly, if you can’t access any of the previously mentioned items, you may use either one of the Pauldrons of the Colossus or the Iron Dwarf Smith Pauldrons as your beginning options. Both items focus on improving your overall survivability, granting rudimentary defense-oriented stats. You will want to keep those items until you can successfully enter the new Heroic ++ Dungeons.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Shoulderplates of the Deconstructor | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) |
| Conqueror’s Aegis Shoulderplates | Ulduar – Yogg-Saron (25) |
| Valorous Aegis Shoulderguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
For this slot, you have two possible choices that can be used as the best option for the Pre-Toc gearing phase! You can choose between the Shoulderplates of the Deconstructor and the Conqueror’s Aegis Shoulderplates. The Conqueror’s Aegis Shoulderplates are a better overall defensive choice due to the very high Shield Block Value that it offers along with the Threat Generation from the 2-set item bonus. The Shoulderplates of the Deconstructor is a better overall choice if your build doesn’t have enough Hit Rating, however, it offers lower damage mitigation than the Tier 8 item.
Other than those two items, the Valorous Aegis Shoulderguards is the next-best alternative that you can use. It offers you the exact same type of stats and benefits as its upgraded version, only in an overall smaller amount.
Best-in-Slot
The best possible choice for this slot in the third phase of the expansion will be Turalyon’s Shoulderguards of Triumph/Liadrin’s Shoulderguards of Triumph.
This is mostly due to two different factors, its highly required Expertise Rating and the access to the T9 item-set bonuses. In terms of damage mitigation, the item itself is not the best possible option, however, in our set, the item plays a pivotal role due to how powerful the item-set bonuses are.
Naturally, the 245 Ilvl versions and the 232 Ilvl versions of the item will be the next-best alternatives, due to the item-set bonuses, even if the overall stats will be lower.
If you already accessed the 4-item set bonus, the next-best alternative will be the Pauldrons of the Silver Defender/Sunreaver Defender’s Pauldrons. This is due to the overall high baseline and secondary stats with an emphasis on increased Block Value. Since we specialize in “Block Tanking” this item will actually be extremely powerful for encounters such as Anub’arak.
Another viable, yet underwhelming alternative when compared to the other options is the Shoulderplates of Enduring Order/Shoulderguards of Enduring Order. The main issue with this item is its steep price and the fact that the cost itself is shared with the T9 item, making it a less favorable choice. In terms of pure damage mitigation, the item has great stats, however, it is weaker than the Pauldrons of the Silver Defender/Sunreaver Defender’s Pauldrons due to the Block Value itself being stronger on a Protection Paladin.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Saronite Animus Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Cloak of Armed Strife | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Cloak of the Iron Council | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Gale-Proof Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10 Drop) |
| Durable Nerubhide Cape | Leatherworking |
| Tattered Castle Drape | Utgarde Keep – Zone Drop (Heroic) (BoE) |
For this slot, you have many new possible options with the arrival of the new Heroic ++ Dungeons that can enhance your character in many different ways. The best possible option will be the Saronite Animus Cloak which grants a great mix of defense-oriented stats combined with a much-needed Hit Rating. This item is extremely important as you will have a hard time acquiring Hit Rating early on before actually gaining access to any raid.
If you can’t find the Saronite Animus Cloak, the next-best alternative for increasing your overall Hit Rating will be the Cloak of Armed Strife. While its overall stats are not as high as the Ulduar cloak, the Hit Rating granted is very similar, with only a 9 Hit Rating difference between the two items.
If you already have plenty of Hit Rating from your other item slots and still lack enough Expertise Rating, the next-best alternative will be the Cloak of the Iron Council. As a valid alternative for increasing your Expertise Rating, you may use the Gale-Proof Cloak as a close alternative to the Ulduar cloak, granting almost the same amount of survivability and Expertise Rating.
If you can’t find any of the previously mentioned items, you may choose between two BoE items that can grant great initial bonuses. The first one, the Durable Nerubhide Cape, is a great BoE choice if you can’t find any of the items specialized in granting Expertise Rating.
The second BoE is the Tattered Castle Drape, which is a great beginner choice for your dungeon-crawling journey as it grants a high amount of Block Value and Defense Rating for a fresh character. However, you will find yourself changing this item as soon as you can find either one of the Expertise Rating or Hit Rating options from the new Heroic ++ Dungeons.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Titanskin Cloak | Ulduar – Mimiron (25) HM |
| Cloak of the Makers | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
| Saronite Animus Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Cloak of the Iron Council | Ulduar – The Iron Council (10) |
The best possible choice will be the Titanskin Cloak. This is due to the very high baseline stats it offers, especially Stamina, paired up with Hit Rating and Expertise Rating which will aid you in reaching your soft caps. The cloak also grants you a very high Defense Rating of 80, being especially potent!
The next-best alternative will be the Cloak of the Makers. This is due to the high baseline stats it offers, almost the same as the Titanskin Cloak, paired up with overall high secondary stats. The item itself grants you more mitigation through its Dodge Rating, however, you will lose quite a considerable amount of Expertise Rating.
Both the Saronite Animus Cloak and the Cloak of the Iron Council are great initial choices, however, the choice really depends on the rest of your build. The Cloak of the Iron Council is the better choice if you lack Expertise Rating while the Saronite Animus Cloak is a better choice if you lack Hit Rating.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Magni’s ResolutionCairne’s Endurance | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Cloak of the Unmoving GuardianCloak of the Unflinching Guardian | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) |
| Titanskin Cloak | Ulduar – Mimiron (25) HM |
| Cloak of the Makers | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
The best possible option for this slot in the third phase of the expansion will be Magni’s Resolution/Cairne’s Endurance. This is due not only thanks to its very high Ilvl but also because of its extremely high stats, displaying both potent baseline and secondary stats. The item itself is far better suited for builds that already have enough Hit Rating and Expertise Rating, as its focus is solely on providing defensive stats.
The Cloak of the Unmoving Guardian/Cloak of the Unflinching Guardian is the next best alternative, offering precisely the same type of stats as the Magni’s Resolution/Cairne’s Endurance, only in lower overall amounts.
For builds that still require Expertise Rating, the best alternative will be the Pride of the Eredar/Pride of the Demon Lord, as it grants a large amount of Expertise Rating. Naturally, the next-best alternative for increasing your Expertise Rating is its 245 Ilvl version, the Pride of the Eredar/Pride of the Demon Lord.
However, the Titanskin Cloak is an item from the previous phase of the expansion that remains extremely strong and it’s even better than the Pride of the Eredar/Pride of the Demon Lord in situations in which you still need both Expertise Rating and Hit Rating. If you didn’t manage to find the Titanskin Cloak, the Cloak of the Makers remains one strong option for increasing your Hit Rating if you can’t gain more Hit Rating from your other gear slots.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Breastplate of the Timeless | Animated Constellation – 32 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Valorous Aegis Breastplate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Breastplate | 80 Emblem of Heroism Vault of Archavon (Archavon the Stone Watcher) |
| Massive Skeletal Ribcage | Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Breastplate of the Solemn Council | The Wyrmrest Accord – Revered |
| Sun-Emblazoned Chestplate | Halls of Stone – Sjonnir the Ironshapper (Heroic) |
| Ziggurat Imprinted Chestguard | Drak’Tharon Keep – The Prophet Tharon’ja (Heroic) |
Depending on your current Expertise Rating, the best possible options for a fresh 80 will be either the Breastplate of the Timeless for builds that lack Expertise Rating or the Valorous Aegis Breastplate for builds that have plenty of Expertise Rating and require more “Avoidance”. With both items having great baseline stats, the choice is entirely dependent on whether you can activate the T8 4-item set bonus or if you lack enough Expertise Rating.
If you can’t gain any of the Ulduar items from the new Heroic ++ Dungeons, you can use the Massive Skeletal Ribcage as a way of increasing both your Hit Rating and Expertise Rating while tweaking the rest of your gear towards defense-oriented stats. The only issue with the T7 chest piece, the Heroes’ Redemption Breastplate, is that it requires a long grind until it can be acquired, meaning that you will probably want to avoid it altogether. The only viable option is to receive the T7 chest piece from a VoA raid, that is if you can enter one as a fresh level 80.
Lastly, if you can’t find a group for the new Heroic ++ Dungeons due to your current gear, you can easily acquire Breastplate of the Solemn Council from The Wyrmrest Accord quartermaster. You also have the option to stroll through two different Heroic Dungeons to acquire either one of the Sun-Emblazoned Chestplate/Ziggurat Imprinted Chestguard as your initial items. All of those three choices are quite potent on their own and should be more than enough to get you into a Heroic ++ Dungeon!
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Unbreakable Chestguard | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
| Breastplate of the Timeless | Animated Constellation – 32 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Conqueror’s Aegis Breastplate | Ulduar – Hodir (25) |
| Valorous Aegis Breastplate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
For this particular slot, you have multiple different choices that can actively be used as a BiS for the Pre-Toc gearing phase! As mentioned in the beginning of the progressive list, you will find that the majority of your items can be swapped resulting in an altered build based on the rest of your current items and the encounter you find yourself in.
Among the most notable choices, we will have the Unbreakable Chestguard and the Breastplate of the Timeless. The Unbreakable Chestguard is a great item if you already have other sources of Block Value as they will grant you a high amount of mitigation once you stack a high value. The item has great baseline stats, however, it has quite a mediocre Defense Rating when compared to the rest of the items.
The Breastplate of the Timeless offers similar baseline stats with an emphasis on Parry Rating and Expertise Rating as secondary stats. This item is a better alternative if you don’t have enough Defense Rating, as it offers quite a huge amount.
As an alternative to those two items, you can use the Tier 8 Chest, the Conqueror’s Aegis Breastplate. However, this option is only viable if you somehow manage to activate the 4-item set bonus resulting in a considerate boost of Block Value. The item itself is powerful enough on its own, however, the other options are simply better if look at it from a perspective where you remove the T8 set bonus.
Lastly, you can use the Valorous Aegis Breastplate until you gain its upgraded version or any of the previously mentioned items. The item itself grants quite decent stats, however, it pales in comparison to the rest of the items.
Best-in-Slot
In our current setup, there are two possible BiS variants for this slot, with the BiS depending on what item you are using in your Leg Slot. If you are using the T9 legs to activate your T9 4-item set bonus, your BiS will be the Chestplate of the Towering Monstrosity/Hauberk of the Towering Monstrosity due to the Expertise Rating that it grants. Naturally, the next-best alternative for it will be its 245 version, the (Chestplate of the Towering Monstrosity/Hauberk of the Towering Monstrosity).
If you use the Expertise Rating legs(Legguards of Feverish Dedication/Legplates of Feverish Dedication), you will want to use Turalyon’s Breastplate of Triumph/Liadrin’s Breastplate of Triumph as your actual BiS for both the defense-oriented stats and access to the T9 4-item set bonus.
Naturally, for the situation in which you are using Legguards of Feverish Dedication/Legplates of Feverish Dedication for your Legs Slot, you will want to use the 245 Ilvl version of the T9 Chest as you next-best alternative, (Turalyon’s Breastplate of Triumph/Liadrin’s Breastplate of Triumph). However, you will not want to use the 232 Ilvl as a follow-up alternative since it grants considerably lower stats.
Instead, you will want to use either one of the Breastplate of the White Knight/Breastplate of the White Knight or the Chestguard of the Warden/Stoneskin Chestplate as your next best options since they are closer in terms of raw stats to the 245 Ilvl version of the T9 Chest. Preferably, you will want to use the Breastplate of the White Knight/Breastplate of the White Knight since it’s a BoE-crafted item that can be much more easily acquired than the Chestguard of the Warden/Stoneskin Chestplate.
Lastly, you may want to hold onto your Emblems of Triumph and postpone purchasing Turalyon’s Breastplate of Conquest/Liadrin’s Breastplate of Conquest in favor of obtaining any of the 245 Ilvl items. The reason for this is its poor stats, with the T9 item-set bonus not being enough to compensate for the weak overall stats granted by the item.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Flamewatch Armguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Bracers of Dalaran’s Parapets | 60 Emblem of Valor (BoE) |
| Bracers of Lost Sentiments | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Minion Bracers | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Since there are not many great options for this slot, the best possible choice will be the Flamewatch Armguards. The item is especially good as it provides us with Hit Rating, a stat that we will struggle to optimize. Depending on whether you can find it on the Auction House or not, the Bracers of Dalaran’s Parapets provide a similar set of stats, only for a lower overall amount. The main difference is the Avoidance form granted, with one item offering Dodge Rating while the other offers Parry Rating.
Since we really require Hit Rating early on, another viable option will be represented by the Bracers of Lost Sentiments. This option will also grant you a decent amount of Expertise Rating in case you are not close to the Expertise Soft Cap.
Lastly, if you can’t find any of the Hit Rating options which were previously mentioned, you may find that the Minion Bracers can be a suitable alternative for increasing your overall survivability. This is thanks to the decently high defense-oriented secondary stats that the item grants.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
| Flamewatch Armguards | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (10) |
| Bracers of Dalaran’s Parapets | 60 Emblem of Valor |
The best possible item for this slot during the Pre-Toc gearing phase will be Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings. This item grants the best overall stats compared to any other Bracer available in Ulduar. While it does not grant any Block Value, it grants plenty of damage mitigation through its Dodge Rating while also offering you a good amount of Defense Rating.
Besides its defense-oriented stats, we truly want to acquire the Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings as it grants the highest possible amount of Hit Rating before accessing any of the ToC or Onyxia’s Lair items.
The Flamewatch Armguards are the predecessors of Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings, granting you precisely the same type of stats, only in a lower overall amount. They can be used as a great alternative until you manage to find the BiS.
The Bracers of Dalaran’s Parapets are the last available alternative that works very similarly to the two previously presented items. The only difference is the overall stats which are lower and the difference in the damage mitigation provided in the form of Parry Rating instead of Dodge Rating.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader -Icehowl (10) HC |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) |
| Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Hc |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) |
Depending on your current Hit Rating and how performant you are under the 8% Soft Hit Cap, you will have two main options for this slot in the third phase of the expansion. If you already have enough Hit Rating and your performance is great while being under 8% Soft Cap, the best option will be the Bracers of the Shieldmaiden/Armguards of the Shieldmaiden. This item also grants you a considerable amount of Expertise Rating besides its great baseline stats and high defense-oriented secondary stats. Naturally, the best alternative for it will be the 245 Ilvl version of it (Bracers of the Shieldmaiden/Armguards of the Shieldmaiden).
If you struggle to perform under the 8% Soft Hit Cap, the best possible option will be the Dreadscale Armguards/Dreadscale Bracers as it has similar overall stats with a focus on Hit Rating. While it provides overall lower damage mitigation, it will allow you to successfully land your attacks and taunts.
Saronite Swordbreakers/Saronite Swordbreakers can be considered the next-best alternative for the Dreadscale Armguards/Dreadscale Bracers, offering almost identical stats with the added benefit of being a BoE-crafted item. This item is more defense-oriented, offering higher overall defensive stats over Hit Rating, however, it will still provide a considerable amount of Hit Rating, fulfilling its purpose.
Lastly, the 232 Ilvl of Dreadscale Armguards/Dreadscale Bracers is extremely similar to the previous BiS, Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings, in terms of pure stat values. You may use whichever one of them as there is barely any visible difference.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Valorous Aegis Handguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Adamant Handguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Mercy’s Hold | Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress |
| Heroes’ Redemption Handguards | 60 Emblem of Heroism/Vault of Archavon ( Archavon the Stone Watcher) |
| Gauntlets of the Master | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
For this slot, you will have three main options as a fresh level 80 viable that depends entirely on the rest of your items. You will be able to pick between items that increase your overall Avoidance, items that grant a mix of defense-oriented stats and Expertise Rating, or items that grant a mix of defense-oriented stats and Hit Rating.
For increasing your overall survivability, you will want to use either one of the Valorous Aegis Handguards or the Adamant Handguards as both items grant very similar stats. The main distinction between the two items is the access to the T8 item-set bonuses which will make the Valorous Aegis Handguards the stronger option once the 4-item set bonus is activated.
For increasing your overall Expertise Rating, the only viable option will be Mercy’s Hold. Since there are no other close alternatives, you will either have to specifically farm this item or simply gain Expertise Rating from your other slots in case you are unlucky with the item drop.
As for Hit Rating options, you may choose between two items from the first phase of the expansion, namely the Heroes’ Redemption Handguards and the Gauntlets of the Master. Since the T7 gloves can be hard to acquire, we suggest that you use the Gauntlets of the Master since it doesn’t require a long grind to attain.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Handguards of Revitalization | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Conqueror’s Aegis Handguards | Ulduar – Mimiron (25) |
| Handguards of the Enclave | Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) |
The best possible choice for this slot will be the Handguards of Revitalization! This is due to the large amount of stats that it can grant you, considering both the baseline stats and the secondary stats. While it doesn’t grant you any Block Value, the Dodge Rating combined with Parry Rating that it grants you will still provide massive amounts of damage mitigation.
The next-best alternative is the Conqueror’s Aegis Handguards. This is due to the similar amount of baseline stats that it offers, however, it provides damage mitigation in a different form by granting you a large amount of Block Value. This item is better than the Handguards of Revitalization if you already have a lot of other items that provide Block Value.
The Tier 8 piece is also better if you already have 3 other Tier 8 pieces as you can activate the 4-set item bonus which can grant you a significant amount of Block Value. However, for this build, we recommend that you don’t opt for the 4-item set bonus, and use pieces that don’t belong to the set instead.
As a last alternative, you can use the Handguards of the Enclave as it grants a similar amount of Block Value, however, it doesn’t grant any gem sockets making the item rather weak by comparison.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | 45 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of ConquestLiadrin’s Handguards of Conquest | 30 Emblem of Triumph |
| Handguards of Revitalization | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Handguards of the Enclave | Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) |
The best possible option for this slot in the third phase of the expansion will be Turalyon’s Handguards of Triumph/Liadrin’s Handguards of Triumph. This is due to the overall great stats that the item grants, with both baseline and secondary stats being very high. Not only that the item has great stats, it also provides you access to the T9 item-set bonuses.
Considering that you will want to gain the 4-item set bonus, the next best alternatives to this item will be the 245 Ilvl version of it (Turalyon’s Handguards of Triumph/Liadrin’s Handguards of Triumph) and the 232 Ilvl version (Turalyon’s Handguards of Conquest/Liadrin’s Handguards of Conquest).
Since there are no other viable options from ToC, you will want to use the Handguards of Revitalization from Ulduar as it grants precisely the exact types of stats as the T9 item, only in lower amounts and with no access to the T9 item-set bonuses.
Lastly, you can continue using the Handguards of the Enclave from the previous phase of the expansion, especially in encounters such as Anub’arak due to the increase in Block Value that it offers. Compared to the T9 item, the Handguards of the Enclave are overall weaker with the exception of the Anub’arak encounter where Block Value is extremely beneficial.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Stormtempered Girdle | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Girdle of the Pallid Knight | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Waistguard of the Tutor | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Skadi’s Iron Belt | Utgarde Pinnacle – Skadi the Ruthless (Heroic) |
While there are plenty of defense-oriented items for this slot that can benefit a fresh level 80, you will want to prioritize Hit Rating items as your best option since we will initially struggle with reaching the Soft Hit Cap. Considering this, the Stormtempered Girdle is the best possible option for this slot!
The next-best alternative will be the Girdle of the Pallid Knight as it grants a decent amount of Hit Rating. Considering there are no other Hit Rating options, you should really attempt to gain either one of the previously mentioned items to optimize your build. If you really can’t find any of those two items, you will have to resort to different methods of gaining Hit Rating, either through Gems or other gear slots.
If you manage to gain Hit Rating from your other gear slots, the next viable alternatives will focus on improving your general survivability. The best possible option for increasing your overall “Avoidance” will be the Indestructible Plate Girdle. This is due to the massive amounts of stats that you gain by using the item, paired up with the fact that you can easily acquire it since it is a BoE-crafted item.
While you should strive to buy the Indestructible Plate Girdle, there are other viable options that you can use to increase your overall survivability if you can’t afford to do so. The next viable alternative will be the the Waistguard of the Tutor followed up closely by Skadi’s Iron Belt, with both of the alternatives having a focus on improving your overall Block Value and Defense Rating.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Shieldwarder Girdle | 28 Emblem of Conquest |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Dragonslayer’s Brace | Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
For this slot, the best option depends entirely on the rest of your build. For our current setup, the best option will be the Shieldwarder Girdle as it grants us a considerable amount of Hit Rating. The next-best alternative if you managed to gain Hit Rating from other sources will be the Indestructible Plate Girdle. This will be due to the two available gem sockets paired up with very high baseline stats and high secondary stats.
The Dragonslayer’s Brace is another viable alternative, however, it is considerably weaker than the other two options. The only benefit of this item is the high Block Value that it grants, meaning that you will want to swap it swiftly.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) |
| Girdle of the Nether ChampionBelt of the Nether Champion | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) HC |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Dragonslayer’s Brace | Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
| Girdle of the Nether ChampionBelt of the Nether Champion | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) |
The best possible choice for this slot will be the Girdle of Bloodied Scars/Belt of Bloodied Scars. Since ToC offers multiple waists that all have the precise exact same types of stats (Defense Rating, Dodge Rating, Parry Rating), you will want to use Girdle of Bloodied Scars/Belt of Bloodied Scars as it has the highest amount of sheer stats.
Naturally, the next-best alternative will be its 245 Ilvl version (Girdle of Bloodied Scars/Belt of Bloodied Scars), followed up closely by the Girdle of the Nether Champion/Belt of the Nether Champion which provides precisely the same type of bonuses, only in lower amounts.
Among the ToC options, the Indestructible Plate Girdle from the previous phase of the expansion will still represent one of the stronger options, being stronger even than the 232 Ilvl version of the Girdle of the Nether Champion/Belt of the Nether Champion. The reason for this is mainly due to the fact that the BoE-crafted item from Ulduar has higher overall Stamina if you add two Stamina Gems while also granting slightly lesser yet similar stats to the Girdle of the Nether Champion/Belt of the Nether Champion.
Since we mentioned earlier that you will want to alternate between Block Value items and Parry Rating/Dodge Rating items depending on the encounter, there is only one viable exception for this slot that applies to that specific rule.
The Dragonslayer’s Brace is an exception that should be used only in the Anub’arak encounter as that fight requires a (Block Tank) to mitigate the vast amounts of damage that the boss and its adds deal.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Valorous Aegis Legguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Gilded Steel Legplates | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Archaedas’ Lost Legplates | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Legguards of Abandoned Fealty | Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions |
| Legplates of Inescapable Death | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Legguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
For this slot, you will often have to choose between items that grant you sheer avoidance through increased Parry Rating, Dodge Rating, and Block Value or items that grant you two main defense-oriented stats and focus more on providing Expertise Rating. This slot can be customized depending on the rest of your gear as there are many viable choices that you can pick, depending entirely on the rest of your gear.
For increasing your overall Avoidance, the best possible option will be the Valorous Aegis Legguards while for increasing your Expertise Rating, the best possible option will be the Gilded Steel Legplates. Both items display extremely high stats, with one of them granting you access to the T8 item-set bonuses and a large amount of Dodge Rating/Parry Rating while the other one simply brings an incredible amount of Expertise Rating alongside high defense-oriented stats. The Valorous Aegis Legguards is also overwhelmingly stronger than the other defense-oriented options on the list, which means that you should prioritize gaining it as fast as possible.
If you can’t find either of the previously mentioned items, and you still need Expertise Rating, the Archaedas’ Lost Legplates will be the best possible alternative followed up closely by the Legguards of Abandoned Fealty. Both items grant precisely the same types of stats, with the former option being stronger simply because it provides more overall stats.
As for other possible alternatives for increasing your overall survivability, you may use either one of the Legplates of Inescapable Death or the Heroes’ Redemption Legguards, depending entirely on which one you find first. As we mentioned previously, the T8 Legs will be the superior option, meaning that you will only want to use either of those two items until you can find them.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Legplates of the Endless Void | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) |
| Conqueror’s Aegis Legguards | Ulduar – Freya (25) |
| Gilded Steel Legplates | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Saronite Plated Legguards | Ulduar – Kologarn (25) |
| Wyrmguard Legplates | 39 Emblem of Conquest |
For this slot in the Pre-Toc gearing phase, you have several available choices, with two options that can be considered BiS depending on the rest of your current build. The best option from a raw stats perspective is the Legplates of the Endless Void. It grants phenomenal baseline stats, paired up with 3 gem sockets, and a large amount of defensive secondary stats.
The Conqueror’s Aegis Legguards is the other viable alternative to the Legplates of the Endless Void, granting precisely the same type of stats, only in a lower amount, with only two gem sockets instead of three. The item is slightly better only if you take into consideration the 4-item set bonus that it can grant you.
The Gilded Steel Legplates are a viable alternative, however, a considerably weaker one. The item is great if you have a high deficiency of Expertise Rating, however, it has lower overall baseline stats and secondary stats than the other two items, with only one gem socket available.
The Saronite Plated Legguards are another viable alternative based on the high baseline stats that the item offers. However, it only grants two secondary stats, even if it has two gem sockets. This item can be used until you manage to gain an upgrade, as the lack of secondary stats can hurt your overall performance, even if the baseline stats are quite high.
Lastly, the Wyrmguard Legplates is a great alternative if your entire build consists of items that have Block Value. The overall baseline stats that the item offers are very good, however, it comes at a steep price of 39 Emblems of Conquest, making it quite a hefty purchase.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | 75 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of ConquestLiadrin’s Legguards of Conquest | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
| Legplates of the Endless Void | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) |
For this slot, the BiS depends entirely on your preference, the drop chance itself, and whether or not you are currently using the T9 Chest Piece or an Off-Set item.
If you choose to use the Off-Set chest, the (Chestplate of the Towering Monstrosity/Hauberk of the Towering Monstrosity), the BiS choice for your Legs Slot will be Turalyon’s Legguards of Triumph/Liadrin’s Legguards of Triumph. You can think of it as a trade-off since the T9 Legs offer a large amount of defense-oriented stats while also making sure that you will activate the 4-item set bonus.
Naturally, if you choose to pursue this itemization path, you will want to use the 245 Ilvl version of Turalyon’s Legguards of Triumph/Liadrin’s Legguards of Triumph, closely followed up by the 232 Ilvl version, Turalyon’s Legguards of Conquest/Liadrin’s Legguards of Conquest. The only major difference between is the sheer amount of stats granted by the different Ilvl versions of the item.
If you choose to pursue the T9 path, you may use the Legplates of the Endless Void as a better alternative than the 232 Ilvl of the T9 Legs as it grants higher overall sheer stats. The only downside of doing so is that you will renounce the T9 item-set bonus in favor of the sheer amount of stats. You should not use this item if you have access to the 245 Ilvl version of the T9 Legs!
One of the main reasons why you may want to prioritize the T9 legs instead of the T9 chest is the large amount of Block Value that you can gain by using the T9 legs. Since Protection Warriors benefit the most from Block Value, this stat will be extremely impressive, especially in encounters against Anub’arak where (Block Tanks) really shine.
If you choose to use the T9 Chest piece, the actual BiS you will want to use is the Legguards of Feverish Dedication/Legplates of Feverish Dedication. Once again, you can think of it as a trade-off, gaining Expertise Rating and a plethora of useful defense-oriented stats alongside Gem Sockets from this item while gaining the T9 4-item set bonus from your Chest Piece.
If you choose to use the Expertise Rating legs, the next-best alternative for them will be their 245 Ilvl version, the Legguards of Feverish Dedication/Legplates of Feverish Dedication, as it’s basically the same item, only with lower overall stats.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Spiked Deathdealers | Blacksmithing |
| Inexorable Sabatons | Naxxramas – Anub’Rekhan, Gluth (25) (BoE) |
| Greaves of the Iron Army | Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Boots of Heartfelt Repentance | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
| Plague-Impervious Boots | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Tempered Titansteel Treads | Blacksmithing |
In our current setup, the best possible option as a fresh level 80 for this slot will be the Spiked Deathdealers. The main reason for this choice is due to how you will want to acquire Expertise Rating from your other gear slots. Besides wanting to gain Expertise Rating from your other gear slots, this option is the strongest due to its very potent stat spread. The Spiked Deathdealers is also a BoE-crafted item, meaning that if you have plenty of gold you should be able to acquire it extremely easily.
The next-best alternative for this slot will be the Inexorable Sabatons as it grants access to a Gem Socket while also providing a large quantity of defense-oriented stats.
If you can’t gain Expertise Rating from your other slots, the Greaves of the Iron Army will be your best possible option, providing even better overall survivability than other more defense-oriented stats. This is due to the sheer amount of stats and Gem Sockets that the item grants. In a similar fashion, the Boots of Heartfelt Repentance provide better overall survivability thanks to the Gem Socket that they grant.
Lastly, the Plague-Impervious Boots and the Tempered Titansteel Treads will be good initial choices, albeit considerably weaker than any of the previously mentioned items. You will want to use them until you can manage to find any of the above-mentioned items. If you can, you should generate as much gold as possible to acquire the Spiked Deathdealers.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Greaves of the Iron Army | Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Greaves of the Stonewarder | Ulduar – Zone Drop (25) Multiple Bosses |
| Spiked Deathdealers | Blacksmithing |
| Charred Saronite Greaves | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
The best possible option for this slot in our current setup for the Pre-Toc gearing phase will be the Greaves of the Iron Army. This is due to the very high baseline stats, the two available gem sockets, and the overall high secondary stats that it grants. The item is great since it boosts your overall Expertise Rating by quite a large amount while also granting you a very large amount of Defense Rating. While it is not the best item when it comes to damage mitigation, you will most definitely need the Expertise Rating.
Either one of the Greaves of the Stonewarder or the Spiked Deathdealers can act as a great alternative, especially since both items are very similar. The Greaves of the Stonewarder is a better choice for builds that stack Block Value and Block Rating while the Spiked Deathdealers are a universally great choice due to the Parry Rating/Dodge Rating stats.
Lastly, the Charred Saronite Greaves is a great choice for builds that severely lack Hit Rating, as the item grants a considerable amount of Hit Rating.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) |
| Greaves of the Stonewarder | Ulduar – Zone Drop (25) Multiple Bosses |
| Sabatons of the Lingering VortexGreaves of the Lingering Vortex | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) HC |
| Sabatons of the Lingering VortexGreaves of the Lingering Vortex | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) |
The choice for this slot is extremely similar to the Bracers Slot, as it depends on how comfortable you are operating under the 8% Soft Hit Cap. While performing under the 8% Soft Hit Cap is entirely possible and even viable, it will also force you to depend on RNG, especially for successfully landing your Taunts.
If you choose to operate under the 8% Soft Hit Cap, the BiS option for this slot will be the Dawnbreaker Greaves/Dawnbreaker Sabatons as it grants the highest amount of raw baseline stats combined with a very large amount of defense-oriented secondary stats. However, if you choose to ignore Hit Rating items for your other slots as well and only focus on defense-oriented items, you may find major issues in both maintaining aggro and actually hitting your target.
The next-best alternative for choosing this path will naturally be the 245 Ilvl version of this item, the Dawnbreaker Greaves/Dawnbreaker Sabatons, which grants the exact same type of stats in lower overall amounts.
If you also choose to pursue more defense-oriented items for this slot, the Greaves of the Stonewarder is yet another viable option that increases your overall avoidance through increased Block Value. This item is also extremely strong in the Anub’arak encounter as (Block Tanks) are highly sought after for that encounter.
The Sabatons of the Lingering Vortex/Greaves of the Lingering Vortex will be your BiS if you choose to optimize your Hit Rating to get as close as possible to the 8% Soft Hit Cap. By doing so, you will renounce a small portion of your overall Avoidance Rating in favor of getting as close as possible to the Soft Hit Cap.
As for the next-best alternative when it comes to the Hit Rating path, the 232 Ilvl Sabatons of the Lingering Vortex/Greaves of the Lingering Vortex will be the only viable option.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signet of Winter | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Mark of the Relentless | Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions (Heroic) |
| Signet of the Accord | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10 Drop) |
| Deflection Band | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Titanium Earthguard Ring | Jewelcrafting |
With the release of the new Heroic ++ Dungeons and the new Sidereal Essence Vendor, you will have multiple available options as a fresh level 80 when it comes to your ring slots.
The most potent ring combination will be the Seal of Ulduar & Signet of Winter. This is mainly due to the incredible stat spread that you can gain by using both of the rings, gaining access to a large amount of Armor, Parry Rating, Dodge Rating, and Expertise Rating. From a sheer stats point of view, there isn’t any other option that grants you as many stats as this combination.
If you don’t have enough essence to gain the Seal of Ulduar, you may use the Mark of the Relentless as the next-best alternative, as it offers the same types of stats in lower overall amounts. If you can’t gain access to either of them, although you should be able to gain the Seal of Ulduar through the new vendor, you can use the Signet of the Accord as a valid alternative for increasing your Expertise Rating.
If you already have plenty of Expertise Rating from your other gear slots yet you lack Hit Rating, you will want to use the Deflection Band as a potent alternative for increasing your overall Hit Rating.
Lastly, if you have spare gold, you can choose to buy the Titanium Earthguard Ring as a starting option to help you clear the new Heroic ++ Dungeons for better items!
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Fate’s Clutch | Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signet of the Earthshaker | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) |
| Platinum Band of the Aesir | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
| The Leviathan’s Coil | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
The best possible ring combination for the ring slots in the Pre-Toc gearing phase will be Fate’s Clutch/Signet of the Earthshaker with various variations depending on your current build. The other two possible combinations are either Fate’s Clutch/Platinum Band of the Aesir and Fate’s Clutch/Seal of Ulduar.
Fate’s Clutch is generally regarded as the most powerful ring that you can acquire as a Protection Paladin in the second phase! This is due not only to the item level upgrade it received but also due to the overall impressive stats that it boosts.
Depending on the rest of your build, you will want to pair it with the Signet of the Earthshaker for a build that emphasizes Block Value, the Platinum Band of the Aesir for builds that lack Defense Rating/Expertise Rating, and the Seal of Ulduar for increased Stamina at the cost of reduced Defense Rating and Expertise Rating.
As a last resort, you can also use The Leviathan’s Coil, however, you should aim to find any of the previously mentioned items, as The Leviathan’s Coil is quite underwhelming.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Fate’s Clutch | Ulduar – Thorim (25) HM |
| Loop of the Twin Val’kyrBand of the Twin Val’kyr | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) Heroic |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) |
| Clutch of Fortification | 35 Emblem of Triumph |
| Signet of the Earthshaker | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) |
| Platinum Band of the Aesir | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signified Ring of Binding | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
| Runed Ring of Binding | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (10) |
| Loop of the Twin Val’kyrBand of the Twin Val’kyr | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) |
The best possible choices for your ring slot in the third phase of the expansion will be a combination of Signet of the Traitor King/Band of the Traitor King and Fate’s Clutch. While the Signet of the Traitor King/Band of the Traitor King is the best possible choice in terms of pure damage mitigation that you can acquire in ToC, Fate’s Clutch will be our second choice due to the Expertise Rating that it grants which is vital in our current setup.
In terms of damage mitigation, you can use Loop of the Twin Val’kyr/Band of the Twin Val’kyr as the next-best alternative to the Signet of the Traitor King/Band of the Traitor King, followed up closely by its 245 Ilvl version as an alternative, the Signet of the Traitor King/Band of the Traitor King.
If you can’t gain access to any of those damage mitigation options, you may use either one of the Clutch of Fortification or the Loop of the Twin Val’kyr/Band of the Twin Val’kyr as a potent alternative, with the former being stronger than the latter due to higher overall stats.
As valid alternatives for the Fate’s Clutch, you will want to use the Platinum Band of the Aesir as the next-best alternative for increasing your Expertise Rating, followed up by the Seal of Ulduar as a decent alternative.
The 232 Ilvl Loop of the Twin Val’kyr/Band of the Twin Val’kyr is the weakest option presented among the available choices, however, it will still serve you well at the beginning of your gearing journey until you can attain more powerful options. If presented with the choice of using this ring versus using a ring from Ulduar such as the Signet of the Earthshaker, you should maintain the Ulduar Rings, as they are stronger.
The Signet of the Earthshaker is especially useful for encounters such as Anub’arak where Block Value is mandatory!
Lastly, a special mention for the Signified Ring of Binding and the Runed Ring of Binding which are special rings used for encounters where you will suffer heavy Magical Damage. Those two rings are used for boosting your overall resistances and can be stacked with other resistance-increasing buffs such as Gift of the Wild, Prayer of Shadow Protection, ETC.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Essence of Gossamer | Azjol-Nerub – Hadronox (Heroic) |
| Figurine – Monarch Crab | Jewelcrafting |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Repelling Charge | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
With the arrival of the new Heroic ++ Dungeons and the Trial of the Champion Dungeon, we now have access to many powerful trinkets that can be acquired fairly easily.
The best possible trinket that you can use in this phase and can also be acquired very early on is The Black Heart. This is due to both the static Stamina buff that it grants and its On-Equip effect which grants an extraordinary amount of raw Armor Value on a very short internal cooldown. The best possible trinket you can combine it with as a fresh level 80 is the Royal Seal of King Llane which also offers a more powerful static Stamina buff, however, it grants a weaker On-Use effect than The Black Heart.
As for viable alternatives that you can gain fairly easily, the Essence of Gossamer and the Figurine – Monarch Crab will be the next-best alternatives, as they will both grant you the best amount of Stamina available. However, you can only gain the Figurine – Monarch Crab if you have Jewelcrafting as one of your professions.
The Furnace Stone is another viable alternative that will grant a different form of damage mitigation through Dodge Rating and Armor Value. The only reason this trinket is not higher on the list is due to its long cooldown.
If you can’t find any of the previously mentioned items, you can also use the Repelling Charge as a viable defense-oriented trinket with a fairly decent On-Use effect.
While there may be stronger trinkets that you can realistically use from Naxxramas, it will be hard to attain them as a fresh level 80 unless you form a guild run or manage to find a group that will carry you and pass the loot over.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Heart of Iron | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Essence of Gossamer | Azjol-Nerub – Hadronox (Heroic) |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
The best possible trinket combination for the Pre-Toc gearing phase will be the Heart of Iron/The Black Heart. This is due to the massive Stamina boost that those two trinkets can grant you when paired up. Besides the massive Stamina boost for more Effective Health Points, you will also gain one On-Use effect and one On-Equip effect which are extremely powerful. You can macro the Heart of Iron and create a “Panic Button” along with other spells such as Holy Shield or Divine Protection or you can keep its effect until you gain the increased Armor Value from The Black Heart and stack the two effects together with Divine Protection to create an extremely powerful damage mitigation chain-effect.
The next-best alternative will be the Royal Seal of King Llane, which was one of the BiS trinkets from the second phase of the expansion. It fits the same role as the Heart of Iron and can be used together with it just like in the previous phase of the expansion.
Your next alternative would either be the Jewelcrafter’s only trinket (Figurine – Monarch Crab) or the Essence of Gossamer. Since that trinket is tied to a profession, we will emphasize the Essence of Gossamer as a better alternative. This is due to the high amount of Stamina that it grants combined with an effect that is similar to the Block Value stat, basically an absorption effect.
As a last alternative, you can use the Furnace Stone for the very powerful On-Use Armor effect that can save you from bosses that deal very high physical damage. You also gain a considerable amount of Dodge Rating. The only downfall of this item is that it reduces your overall Stamina by a considerable amount when compared to the other possible trinkets.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Heart of Iron | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the FrostbornEitrigg’s Oath | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (10) HC |
| Fervor of the FrostbornEitrigg’s Oath | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (10) |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Glyph of Indomitability | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
The best combination for phase 3 depends entirely on the encounter that you find yourself in. Some players may prefer to use both of the 258 and 245 Ilvl (Satrina’s Impeding Scarab/Satrina’s Impeding Scarab for Alliance)/(Juggernaut’s Vitality/Juggernaut’s Vitality for Horde) while others prefer to use Satrina’s Impeding Scarab/Juggernaut’s Vitality paired up with The Black Heart.
The double Satrina’s Impeding Scarab/Juggernaut’s Vitality & Satrina’s Impeding Scarab/Juggernaut’s Vitality will be less useful in overall fights as it only provides a flat increase in health besides its static health buff while the Satrina’s Impeding Scarab/Juggernaut’s Vitality & The Black Heart offers both a huge raw Armor Value buff while also providing the flat increase in health which provides higher overall Avoidance.
While you generally want to keep Satrina’s Impeding Scarab/Juggernaut’s Vitality as your main trinket, you will most definitely want to acquire The Black Heart as your secondary trinket. It performs extraordinarily well, even overshadowing trinkets such as the Heart of Iron or the Royal Seal of King Llane which provide more static Stamina. The reason for this is its On-Equip effect which grants an absurd amount of raw Armor Value on a very low 50-second internal cooldown.
You will be able to replace The Black Heart with Heart of Iron or the Royal Seal of King Llane. Both the Royal Seal of King Llane and the Heart of Iron grant static Stamina buffs, the main difference between them is the form of Avoidance that they grant, with one item granting Dodge Rating while the other Parry Rating. In terms of raw damage mitigation, they are very close to each other.
The Fervor of the Frostborn/Eitrigg’s Oath will be another viable alternative that you can use, however, it is considerably weaker than the previous options. It will provide you with a stacking Armor Buff and a static Dodge Rating buff which will increase your overall avoidance, however, it will be considerably weaker than The Black Heart which will be a lot easier to attain in comparison.
Lastly, the Glyph of Indomitability is a viable option if you can’t obtain any of the previously mentioned items. It is by far the weakest compared to the rest of the trinkets as it grants a very low amount of Armor when compared to trinkets such as The Black Heart or Fervor of the Frostborn/Eitrigg’s Oath. However, its On-Use effect can be quite powerful, with the only downside of having a 2-minute cooldown.
The main issue with the Glyph of Indomitability is that it reduces your overall Effective Health Pool, meaning that if you don’t have enough Stamina from the rest of your gear, the low Armor Value granted won’t protect you from magical attacks.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Stoneguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Legacy of Thunder | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Peacekeeper Blade | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
| The Boreal Guard | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Shieldwall of the Breaker | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| The Skull of Ruin | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
As a fresh level 80, there are multiple viable alternatives when it comes to your Weapon & Shield Slots, especially since Phase 3 comes with a new item vendor and the Heroic ++ Dungeons. Your weapon choices will be split between options that grant Hit Rating and defensive stats or weapons that grant Expertise Rating and defensive stats. The available shields that you may use have a much more linear path, with almost all of them providing varied defense-oriented stats.
The best weapon option for increasing your overall Hit Rating is Shiver, followed up by Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm. The latter option is a mix between Hit Rating and Expertise Rating, with the only disadvantage being that it doesn’t grant any defense-oriented stat. The main issue with the two items is that you can now acquire them for the same price, as in the previous expansion they were specific raid drops. This means that the incentive to acquire Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm will be greatly diminished, as Shiver is simply the better option.
The next viable alternative for increasing your overall Hit Rating is Stoneguard. While it grants defense-oriented stats such as Dodge Rating and Parry Rating besides Hit Rating, the main issue when compared to Shiver is that it grants no Defense Rating at all.
As for alternatives that increase your Expertise Rating, either one of the Legacy of Thunder or the Peacekeeper Blade will be the best possible option, with the former being the stronger choice. Both items grant a great mix of defense-oriented items and Expertise Rating, meaning that you should use whichever you find first.
The best option you can acquire for your Shield Slot will be The Boreal Guard. This is because the item has the highest overall available stats that can be acquired before actually entering any raid, with a sole focus on defense-oriented stats. The next-best alternative will be the Shieldwall of the Breaker, followed up closely by The Skull of Ruin.
The reason why the Shieldwall of the Breaker performs better than The Skull of Ruin in our current setup despite the fact that it grants Expertise Rating is due to the higher Defense Rating paired up with a higher Stamina value granted through the Gem Socket it provides.
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) HM |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Titanguard | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
| Bulwark of Algalon | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) |
| The Boreal Guard | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Northern Barrier | Ulduar – Hodir (25) |
For your Weapon & Shield slots, you will have many interesting choices in Ulduar that can fit the BiS spot. The best possible Weapons are Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers & Shiver while the best possible Shields are the Bulwark of Algalon and The Boreal Guard.
Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers would normally be the actual BiS due to its very high baseline stats combined with a great amount of Defense Rating, Parry Rating, and Expertise to help you reach your soft Cap. However, depending on your current Hit Rating, you will find situations in which you will want to use either Shiver or Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm instead. The only downside of using Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm is that the item has no Defense Rating, meaning that you need to gain it from your other items.
Titanguard is another viable option that grants a good amount of Hit Rating, Defense Rating, and Stamina, being close in power to Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm.
Both the Bulwark of Algalon and The Boreal Guard have very similar types of stats with the main difference being that one grants you Parry Rating while the other one grants you Dodge Rating. From a raw stats point of view, the Bulwark of Algalon will always be considered BiS.
The Northern Barrier can be considered the last viable alternative to the other Shields, however, you will want to find an upgrade to this item as fast as possible since its stats are not great when compared to the previous options.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Silverwing DefenderOrgrim’s Deflector | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Honor of the FallenBlood and Glory | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) HM |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC |
| Bulwark of Algalon | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) HM |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) HC |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) |
There are many options available for your Weapon & Shield slots, with a great deal of variety in the stats they offer. Your BiS for this phase will depend entirely on the rest of your gear slots, as it is bound by your current Hit Rating.
For your Main-Hand Slot, you will have to choose, depending on your current Hit Rating, between the Silverwing Defender/Orgrim’s Deflector which is a defense-oriented option, and the Stormpike Cleaver/Hellscream Slicer which is the Hit Rating-focused alternative.
For our current setup, we will focus on Hit Rating options before any defense-oriented option or any Expertise Rating option. Since we mentioned that the Stormpike Cleaver/Hellscream Slicer is the BiS option for increasing your Hit Rating, the next-best alternative will be its 245 Ilvl version, the Stormpike Cleaver/Hellscream Slicer as it grants the same types of stats in overall lower amounts.
The only other high-end Hit Rating alternative that will be available for you is Shiver. While not granting as many stats as the ToC options, Shiver will still prove itself to be a great option solely due to its Hit Rating. The disadvantage created by the lower stats is balanced out by the fact that you can now easily acquire it with the new Sidereal Essence currency instead of having to grind for the weapon.
If you already have plenty of Hit Rating and Expertise Rating, just as stated above, the Silverwing Defender/Orgrim’s Deflecto will be your actual BiS. This is due to the great secondary stat combination of Defense Rating, Dodge Rating, and Parry Rating, with each stat granted in almost equal amounts. The next-best defense-oriented alternative will be the Honor of the Fallen/Blood and Glory as it grants precisely the same types of stats and the same weapon swing speed. The main difference between the items is the stat spread itself and the amount of stats granted.
If you somehow still have issues with your Expertise Rating, the only viable option that you can use is Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers. This item is the previous BiS from the second phase of the expansion, which grants an incredible amount of stats. You may also use other less effective options, however, you will truly want to acquire Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers if you plan on increasing your Expertise Rating from your weapon slot.
For your Shield Slot, the BiS will be the Crystal Plated Vanguard/Forlorn Barrier. This is due to the item having the highest overall stats, with both baseline stats and secondary stats reaching extraordinary amounts. The main feature of this item is its Block Value, which is especially useful for Protection Paladins.
While you will especially want to prioritize Block Value for certain encounters such as Anub’Arak, the next-best alternative will actually be the Bulwark of Algalon, even if it doesn’t grant any Block Value.
The rest of the items are extremely close in terms of performance, with each version having a slight improvement over the previous in terms of granting survivability. As mentioned previously, Block Value and Parry Rating/Dodge Rating can be extremely similar in terms of raw performance, however, some encounters will demand a specific set based entirely on increasing your overall Block Value.
As viable alternatives that specialize in increasing overall Block Value, you will be able to use the Bulwark of the Royal Guard/Aegis of the Coliseum and its 232 Ilvl version. Naturally, the Crystal Plated Vanguard will be stronger than the 232 Ilvl Bulwark of the Royal Guard/Aegis of the Coliseum, however, since it lacks a Gem Socket, it will be weaker than the 245 Ilvl Bulwark of the Royal Guard/Aegis of the Coliseum.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
With the release of the new phase of the expansion, we can now gain easy access to two of the strongest available options for our Libram Slot. The Libram of Defiance will be the strongest damage-mitigation tool for this slot while the Libram of Valiance will be the best threat-generation tool for this slot.
If you have no issues with generating threat and maintaining aggro, then the Libram of Defiance will be the best Libram you can acquire which you will also end up using later down the line in the third phase of the expansion. You can maintain its effect indefinitely as long as you continuously cast Hammer of the Righteous within the 18-second timeframe of the effect. This means that for a single-target encounter, you will want to use the Hammer of the Righteous at least once every 18 seconds!
If you struggle with threat generation, the Libram of Valiance will be the best option which will be especially useful in raids where DPS generate a large amount of threat in a brief time period. You will find yourself using this item even in the Heroic version of the new Trial of the Crusader raid.
Lastly, the Libram of Obstruction works in a very similar way to the Libram of the Sacred Shield which can be acquired from Ulduar 25 once you acquire the proper gear to breach Ulduar. It grants a large amount of Block Value whenever you cast one of the three variants of the “Judgement” spell. The effect can be maintained indefinitely as long as you maintain your rotation properly!
Pre-Toc/Onyxia’s Lair
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of the Sacred Shield | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
| Libram of Resurgence | Naxxramas -Gothik the Harverster (25) |
Just as mentioned previously, we can now instantly purchase the Libram of Defiance which is very close in performance to the previous BiS Libram, the Libram of the Sacred Shield. You can either use the Libram of the Sacred Shield if you manage to gain it from Ulduar or simply farm Emblems of Triumph and acquire the Libram of Defiance.
The Libram of the Sacred Shield is the previous BiS from Phase 2 which will prove itself to be extremely close in performance to the Phase 3 BiS. This is due to the massive amount of Block Value that it grants. However, the true power of this Libram is emphasized by the fact that you can indefinitely maintain the effect active, as it triggers whenever you use Holy Shield. This means that you will always benefit from an increase in your Block Value by 450.
The next-best alternative to this Libram is the Libram of Obstruction, however, it grants a lower amount of Block Value. You can theoretically maintain the effect indefinitely just as you would do it with the Libram of the Sacred Shield, however, you will still experience some downtime depending on how you perform your rotation and how well you keep track of the buff.
Just as mentioned previously, the Libram of Valiance will be the best alternative for threat generation, especially for Single-Target encounters. This Libram is especially strong if your raid group rooster has a large number of skilled and geared DPS which generate a large amount of threat in a brief amount of time.
Lastly, you can use the Libram of Resurgence for encounters that emphasize AoE combat as it enhances the overall potency of your Consecration. However, the item is best used for thrash pulls, especially early on, as it will result in a huge Block Value deficit if you use it for Boss encounters.
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of the Sacred Shield | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
The best possible option for this slot depends entirely on the encounter you find yourself in with both Dodge Rating and Block Value granted by the Librams being extremely close in terms of overall performance. In this current phase of the expansion, there are no debuffs that impact your Dodge Rating, however, in the next phase of the expansion, your Dodge Rating will become weaker compared to the other defensive stats.
Among the most powerful choices, you will be able to use either one of the Libram of Defiance or the Libram of the Sacred Shield as your main defense-oriented Libram with the Libram of Valiance being the most powerful for Threat Generation.
The Libram of Defiance is going to be easier to acquire in comparison to the Libram of the Sacred Shield, with its bonus being stronger if you don’t stack Block Value from your other items as well. You can effectively use the Libram of Defiance‘s effect indefinitely just like with the Libram of the Sacred Shield as long as you cast Hammer of the Righteous within the 18 seconds timeframe.
The Libram of the Sacred Shield is better for sets that focus on Block Value and is especially strong in fights where blocking attacks is mandatory such as the Anub’arak encounter.
The Libram of Valiance is a special item that will be required as soon as your raid group gains more powerful DPS. The reason for this is that some classes generate a large quantity of threat that can outperform our Righteous Fury. The added Strength will increase our overall damage resulting in a higher generated threat which is added on top of the Righteous Fury effect.
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Second Helm of the Executioner | Heroic Halls of Reflection – The Lich King |
| Helm of the Crestfallen Challenger | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
| Valorous Aegis Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Ironbark Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Thane’s Tainted Greathelm | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Tempered Titansteel Helm | Blacksmithing |
| Armored Titanium Goggles | Engineering |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of TriumphLiadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of TriumphLiadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph | 75 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of ConquestLiadrin’s Faceguard of Conquest | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
| Judgement Heaume | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
| Judgement Helmet | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Broken Ram Skull Helm | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
| Broken Ram Skull Helm | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lady Deathwhisper |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Faceguard | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Faceguard | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of TriumphLiadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| 251 Lightsworn Faceguard | 95 Emblem of Frost |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Fossilized Ammonite Choker | Heroic Halls of Reflection – The Lich King |
| Mark of the Unyielding | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the Protectorate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| The Warlord’s Depravity | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) |
| Medallion of the Disgraced | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic |
| Bronze Pendant of the Vanir | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Necklace of Unerring Mettle | Ulduar – Kologarn (25) |
| Endurance of the InfernalFortitude of the Infernal | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic |
| Endurance of the InfernalFortitude of the Infernal | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) |
| Eskhandar’s Links | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Noose of Malachite | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Noose of Malachite | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Heroic Bile-Encrusted Medallion | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
| Bile-Encrusted Medallion | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Rotface |
| Heroic Marrowgar’s Scratching Choker | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic |
| Bronze Pendant of the Vanir | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Marrowgar’s Scratching Choker | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Lord Marrowgar |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Shoulderplates of Frozen Blood | Heroic Pit of Saron – Forgemaster Garfrost |
| Valorous Aegis Shoulderguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Regal Aurous Shoulderplates | Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress (Heroic) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Shoulderguards | Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Abomination Shoulderblades | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Shoulderguards | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Shoulderguards | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| 251 Lightsworn Shoulderguards | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Heroic Boneguard Commander’s Pauldrons | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
| Boneguard Commander’s Pauldrons | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship |
| Heroic Spaulders of the Blood Princes | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
| Turalyon’s Shoulderguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Shoulderguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Spaulders of the Blood Princes | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Blood Prince Council |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Saronite Animus Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Cloak of the Iron Council | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Eerie Runeblade Polisher | Halls of Reflection – Falric |
| Cloak of Armed Strife | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Gale-Proof Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Magni’s ResolutionCairne’s Endurance | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Cloak of the Unmoving GuardianCloak of the Unflinching Guardian | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Titanskin Cloak | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Cloak of the Makers | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Royal Crimson Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
| Royal Crimson Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Blood Prince Council |
| Magni’s ResolutionCairne’s Endurance | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Heroic Cloak of Many Skins | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Festergut |
| Sentinel’s Winter Cloak | 50 Emblem of Frost |
| Cloak of the Unmoving GuardianCloak of the Unflinching Guardian | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Titanskin Cloak | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Cloak of Many Skins | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Festergut |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Breastplate of the White KnightBreastplate of the White Knight | Blacksmithing |
| Breastplate of the Timeless | Animated Constellation – 32 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Icebound Bronze Cuirass | Heroic Pit of Saron – Scourgelord Tyrannus |
| Valorous Aegis Breastplate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Scourgelord’s Frigid Chestplate | Pit of Saron – Scourgelord Tyrannus |
| Heroes’ Redemption Breastplate | 80 Emblem of Heroism Vault of Archavon (Archavon the Stone Watcher) |
| Massive Skeletal Ribcage | Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Chestguard | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Chestguard | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| Heroic Ghoul Commander’s Cuirass | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
| Turalyon’s Breastplate of TriumphLiadrin’s Breastplate of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| 251 Lightsworn Chestguard | 95 Emblem of Frost |
| Ghoul Commander’s Cuirass | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Lady Deathwhisper |
| Heroic Blightborne Warplate | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
| Blightborne Warplate | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Rotface |
| Cataclysmic Chestguard | 95 Emblem of Frost |
| Chestplate of the Towering MonstrosityHauberk of the Towering Monstrosity | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) Heroic |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Flamewatch Armguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Bracers of Dalaran’s Parapets | 60 Emblem of Valor (BoE) |
| Minion Bracers | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader -Icehowl (10) HC |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) |
| Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Hc |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Bracers of Dark Reckoning | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| Bracers of Dark Reckoning | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lord Marrowgar |
| Heroic Gargoyle Spit Bracers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Gargoyle Spit Bracers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Hc |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader -Icehowl (10) HC |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Valorous Aegis Handguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Adamant Handguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Crystalline Citadel Gauntlets | Halls of Reflection – The Lich King |
| Mercy’s Hold | Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress |
| Heroes’ Redemption Handguards | 60 Emblem of Heroism/Vault of Archavon ( Archavon the Stone Watcher) |
| Gauntlets of the Master | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | 45 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of ConquestLiadrin’s Handguards of Conquest | 30 Emblem of Triumph |
| Handguards of Revitalization | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Handguards of the Enclave | Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Handguards | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Handguards | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| 251 Lightsworn Gauntlets | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Heroic Taldaram’s Plated Fists | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
| Taldaram’s Plated Fists | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Blood Prince Council |
| Gauntlets of the Kraken | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Heroic Veincrusher Gauntlets | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
| Veincrusher Gauntlets | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Stormtempered Girdle | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Titanium Links of Lore | The Forge of Souls – Zone Drop |
| Girdle of the Pallid Knight | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Girdle of the Nether ChampionBelt of the Nether Champion | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) HC |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Dragonslayer’s Brace | Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
| Girdle of the Nether ChampionBelt of the Nether Champion | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Belt of Broken Bones | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Festergut |
| Verdigris Chain Belt | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Belt of Broken Bones | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Festergut |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Heroic Ironrope Belt of Ymirjar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Ironrope Belt of Ymirjar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Pillars of Might | Blacksmithing – Plans: Pillars of Might |
| Gilded Steel Legplates | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Valorous Aegis Legguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Archaedas’ Lost Legplates | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Legplates of Frozen Granite | The Forge of Souls – Devourer of Souls |
| Legguards of Abandoned Fealty | Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | 75 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of ConquestLiadrin’s Legguards of Conquest | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
| Legplates of the Endless Void | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Legguards | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Legguards | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| Heroic Deathforged Legplates | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
| 251 Lightsworn Legguards | 95 Emblem of Frost |
| Deathforged Legplates | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic |
| Heroic Legguards of Lost Hope | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| Legguards of Lost Hope | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lord Marrowgar |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Pillars of Might | Blacksmithing – Plans: Pillars of Might |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Boots of Kingly Upheaval | Blacksmithing – Plans: Boots of Kingly Upheaval |
| Spiked Deathdealers | Blacksmithing |
| Greaves of the Iron Army | Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Inexorable Sabatons | Naxxramas – Anub’Rekhan, Gluth (25) (BoE) |
| Sollerets of Suffering | The Forge of Souls – Devourer of Souls |
| Boots of Heartfelt Repentance | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Greaves of the Stonewarder | Ulduar – Zone Drop (25) Multiple Bosses |
| Sabatons of the Lingering VortexGreaves of the Lingering Vortex | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) HC |
| Sabatons of the Lingering VortexGreaves of the Lingering Vortex | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Grinning Skull Greatboots | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Grinning Skull Greatboots | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Heroic Scourge Fanged Stompers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Sindragosa |
| Boots of Kingly Upheaval | Blacksmithing – Plans: Boots of Kingly Upheaval |
| Scourge Fanged Stompers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Sindragosa |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signet of Winter | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Mark of the Relentless | Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions (Heroic) |
| Signet of the Accord | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10 Drop) |
| Deflection Band | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Titanium Earthguard Ring | Jewelcrafting |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Fate’s Clutch | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Loop of the Twin Val’kyrBand of the Twin Val’kyr | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) Heroic |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Clutch of Fortification | 35 Emblem of Triumph |
| Signet of the Earthshaker | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) |
| Platinum Band of the Aesir | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signified Ring of Binding | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
| Runed Ring of Binding | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (10) |
| Loop of the Twin Val’kyrBand of the Twin Val’kyr | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Devium’s Eternally Cold Ring | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Heroic Juggernaut Band | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
| Ashen Band of Endless Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Exalted |
| Ashen Band of Unmatched Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Revered |
| Devium’s Eternally Cold Ring | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Juggernaut Band | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lady Deathwhisper |
| Heroic Abomination’s Bloody Ring | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Gunship |
| Ashen Band of Greater Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Honored |
| Ashen Band of Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Friendly |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Abomination’s Bloody Ring | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Gunship |
| Fate’s Clutch | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Ick’s Rotting Thumb | Heroic Pit of Saron – Ick & Krick |
| Essence of Gossamer | Azjol-Nerub – Hadronox (Heroic) |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Repelling Charge | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Heart of Iron | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the FrostbornEitrigg’s Oath | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (10) HC |
| Fervor of the FrostbornEitrigg’s Oath | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (10) |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Glyph of Indomitability | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Sindragosa’s Flawless Fang | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa |
| Heroic Corpse Tongue Coin | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
| Corpse Tongue Coin | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship |
| Corroded Skeleton Key | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Heart of Iron | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
Fresh 80
| Main-Hand Weapon | Source |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Falric’s Wrist-Chopper | Heroic Halls of Reflection – Falric |
| Rimefang’s Claw | Heroic Pit of Saron – Scourgelord Tyrannus |
| Stoneguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Legacy of Thunder | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Lucky Old Sun | The Forge of Souls – Bronjahm |
| Peacekeeper Blade | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
| Shield | Source |
| The Boreal Guard | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Shieldwall of the Breaker | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Splintered Door of the Citadel | Halls of Reflection – Marwyn |
| The Skull of Ruin | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Main-Hand Weapon | Source |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Korralin Hoperender – 50 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Silverwing DefenderOrgrim’s Deflector | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Honor of the FallenBlood and Glory | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) HM |
| Shield | Source |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC |
| Bulwark of Algalon | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) HM |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) HC |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Korralin Hoperender – 50 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Main-Hand Weapon | Source |
| Heroic Mithrios, Bronzebeard’s Legacy | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic The Lich King |
| Mithrios, Bronzebeard’s Legacy | Icecrown Citadel (25) – The Lich King |
| Heroic Troggbane, Axe of the Frostborne King | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic The Lich King |
| Heroic Bloodvenom Blade | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Heroic Scourgeborne Waraxe | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
| Heroic The Facelifter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
| Heroic Bonebreaker Scepter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| Bloodvenom Blade | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Scourgeborne Waraxe | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Silverwing DefenderOrgrim’s Deflector | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Troggbane, Axe of the Frostborne King | Icecrown Citadel (10) – The Lich King |
| Shield | Source |
| Heroic Icecrown Glacial Wall | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
| Icecrown Glacial Wall | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
| Heroic Neverending Winter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Gunship |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC |
| Bulwark of Algalon | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) HM |
| Neverending Winter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Gunship |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) HC |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of the Sacred Shield | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Libram of the Eternal Tower | 30 Emblem of Frost |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of the Sacred Shield | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Second Helm of the Executioner | Heroic Halls of Reflection – The Lich King |
| Helm of the Crestfallen Challenger | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
| Valorous Aegis Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Ironbark Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Faceguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Thane’s Tainted Greathelm | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Tempered Titansteel Helm | Blacksmithing |
| Armored Titanium Goggles | Engineering |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of TriumphLiadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of TriumphLiadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph | 75 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of ConquestLiadrin’s Faceguard of Conquest | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
| Judgement Heaume | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
| Judgement Helmet | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Broken Ram Skull Helm | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
| Broken Ram Skull Helm | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lady Deathwhisper |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Faceguard | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Faceguard | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| Turalyon’s Faceguard of TriumphLiadrin’s Faceguard of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| 251 Lightsworn Faceguard | 95 Emblem of Frost |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Fossilized Ammonite Choker | Heroic Halls of Reflection – The Lich King |
| Mark of the Unyielding | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the Protectorate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| The Warlord’s Depravity | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight (Heroic) |
| Medallion of the Disgraced | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic |
| Bronze Pendant of the Vanir | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Necklace of Unerring Mettle | Ulduar – Kologarn (25) |
| Endurance of the InfernalFortitude of the Infernal | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) Heroic |
| Endurance of the InfernalFortitude of the Infernal | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) |
| Eskhandar’s Links | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Noose of Malachite | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Noose of Malachite | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Heroic Bile-Encrusted Medallion | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
| Bile-Encrusted Medallion | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Rotface |
| Heroic Marrowgar’s Scratching Choker | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| The Arbiter’s MuseLegionnaire’s Gorget | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Heroic |
| Bronze Pendant of the Vanir | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Marrowgar’s Scratching Choker | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Lord Marrowgar |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Shoulderplates of Frozen Blood | Heroic Pit of Saron – Forgemaster Garfrost |
| Valorous Aegis Shoulderguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Regal Aurous Shoulderplates | Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress (Heroic) |
| Heroes’ Redemption Shoulderguards | Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
| Abomination Shoulderblades | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Shoulderguards | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Shoulderguards | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| 251 Lightsworn Shoulderguards | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Heroic Boneguard Commander’s Pauldrons | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
| Boneguard Commander’s Pauldrons | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship |
| Heroic Spaulders of the Blood Princes | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
| Turalyon’s Shoulderguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Shoulderguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Spaulders of the Blood Princes | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Blood Prince Council |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Saronite Animus Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Cloak of the Iron Council | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Eerie Runeblade Polisher | Halls of Reflection – Falric |
| Cloak of Armed Strife | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Gale-Proof Cloak | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Magni’s ResolutionCairne’s Endurance | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Cloak of the Unmoving GuardianCloak of the Unflinching Guardian | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Titanskin Cloak | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Cloak of the Makers | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Royal Crimson Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
| Royal Crimson Cloak | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Blood Prince Council |
| Magni’s ResolutionCairne’s Endurance | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Heroic Cloak of Many Skins | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Festergut |
| Sentinel’s Winter Cloak | 50 Emblem of Frost |
| Cloak of the Unmoving GuardianCloak of the Unflinching Guardian | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Pride of the EredarPride of the Demon Lord | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Titanskin Cloak | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Cloak of Many Skins | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Festergut |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Breastplate of the White KnightBreastplate of the White Knight | Blacksmithing |
| Breastplate of the Timeless | Animated Constellation – 32 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Icebound Bronze Cuirass | Heroic Pit of Saron – Scourgelord Tyrannus |
| Valorous Aegis Breastplate | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Scourgelord’s Frigid Chestplate | Pit of Saron – Scourgelord Tyrannus |
| Heroes’ Redemption Breastplate | 80 Emblem of Heroism Vault of Archavon (Archavon the Stone Watcher) |
| Massive Skeletal Ribcage | Heroic + Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Chestguard | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Chestguard | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| Heroic Ghoul Commander’s Cuirass | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
| Turalyon’s Breastplate of TriumphLiadrin’s Breastplate of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| 251 Lightsworn Chestguard | 95 Emblem of Frost |
| Ghoul Commander’s Cuirass | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Lady Deathwhisper |
| Heroic Blightborne Warplate | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Rotface |
| Blightborne Warplate | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Rotface |
| Cataclysmic Chestguard | 95 Emblem of Frost |
| Chestplate of the Towering MonstrosityHauberk of the Towering Monstrosity | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) Heroic |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Flamewatch Armguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Bracers of Dalaran’s Parapets | 60 Emblem of Valor (BoE) |
| Minion Bracers | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader -Icehowl (10) HC |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (10) |
| Mimiron’s Inferno Couplings | Ulduar – Flame Leviathan (25) |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Hc |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Bracers of Dark Reckoning | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| Bracers of Dark Reckoning | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lord Marrowgar |
| Heroic Gargoyle Spit Bracers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Gargoyle Spit Bracers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Bracers of the ShieldmaidenArmguards of the Shieldmaiden | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (25) Hc |
| Dreadscale ArmguardsDreadscale Bracers | Trial of the Crusader -Icehowl (10) HC |
| Saronite SwordbreakersSaronite Swordbreakers | Blacksmithing |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Valorous Aegis Handguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Adamant Handguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Crystalline Citadel Gauntlets | Halls of Reflection – The Lich King |
| Mercy’s Hold | Trial of the Champion – Argent Confessor Palatress |
| Heroes’ Redemption Handguards | 60 Emblem of Heroism/Vault of Archavon ( Archavon the Stone Watcher) |
| Gauntlets of the Master | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | 45 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of ConquestLiadrin’s Handguards of Conquest | 30 Emblem of Triumph |
| Handguards of Revitalization | Ulduar – Freya (25) HM |
| Handguards of the Enclave | Ulduar – The Iron Council (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Handguards | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Handguards | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| 251 Lightsworn Gauntlets | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Heroic Taldaram’s Plated Fists | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood Prince Council |
| Taldaram’s Plated Fists | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Blood Prince Council |
| Gauntlets of the Kraken | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Turalyon’s Handguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Handguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Heroic Veincrusher Gauntlets | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
| Veincrusher Gauntlets | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Stormtempered Girdle | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Titanium Links of Lore | The Forge of Souls – Zone Drop |
| Girdle of the Pallid Knight | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Girdle of the Nether ChampionBelt of the Nether Champion | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) HC |
| Indestructible Plate Girdle | Blacksmithing |
| Dragonslayer’s Brace | Ulduar – Razorscale (25) |
| Girdle of the Nether ChampionBelt of the Nether Champion | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Belt of Broken Bones | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Festergut |
| Verdigris Chain Belt | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Belt of Broken Bones | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Festergut |
| Girdle of Bloodied ScarsBelt of Bloodied Scars | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Heroic Ironrope Belt of Ymirjar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Ironrope Belt of Ymirjar | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Pillars of Might | Blacksmithing – Plans: Pillars of Might |
| Gilded Steel Legplates | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Valorous Aegis Legguards | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Archaedas’ Lost Legplates | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Legplates of Frozen Granite | The Forge of Souls – Devourer of Souls |
| Legguards of Abandoned Fealty | Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | 75 Emblem of Triumph + 1 Trophy of the Crusade |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of ConquestLiadrin’s Legguards of Conquest | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
| Legplates of the Endless Void | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| 277 Sanctified Lightsworn Legguards | Heroic Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 264 Piece |
| 264 Sanctified Lightsworn Legguards | Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification & 251 Piece |
| Heroic Deathforged Legplates | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
| 251 Lightsworn Legguards | 95 Emblem of Frost |
| Deathforged Legplates | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Legguards of Feverish DedicationLegplates of Feverish Dedication | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) Heroic |
| Heroic Legguards of Lost Hope | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| Legguards of Lost Hope | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lord Marrowgar |
| Turalyon’s Legguards of TriumphLiadrin’s Legguards of Triumph | Trial of the Crusader – Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Pillars of Might | Blacksmithing – Plans: Pillars of Might |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Boots of Kingly Upheaval | Blacksmithing – Plans: Boots of Kingly Upheaval |
| Spiked Deathdealers | Blacksmithing |
| Greaves of the Iron Army | Animated Constellation – 19 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Inexorable Sabatons | Naxxramas – Anub’Rekhan, Gluth (25) (BoE) |
| Sollerets of Suffering | The Forge of Souls – Devourer of Souls |
| Boots of Heartfelt Repentance | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Greaves of the Stonewarder | Ulduar – Zone Drop (25) Multiple Bosses |
| Sabatons of the Lingering VortexGreaves of the Lingering Vortex | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) HC |
| Sabatons of the Lingering VortexGreaves of the Lingering Vortex | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Treads of Impending Resurrection | The Ruby Sanctum (25) – Heroic Halion |
| Treads of Impending Resurrection | The Ruby Sanctum (25) – Halion |
| Heroic Scion’s Treads | The Ruby Sanctum (10) – Heroic Halion |
| Heroic Grinning Skull Greatboots | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Treads of Impending Resurrection | The Ruby Sanctum – Halion |
| Grinning Skull Greatboots | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Heroic Scourge Fanged Stompers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Sindragosa |
| Boots of Kingly Upheaval | Blacksmithing – Plans: Boots of Kingly Upheaval |
| Scourge Fanged Stompers | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Sindragosa |
| Dawnbreaker GreavesDawnbreaker Sabatons | Trial of the Crusader – Lord Jaraxxus (25) HC |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signet of Winter | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Mark of the Relentless | Trial of the Champion – Grand Champions (Heroic) |
| Signet of the Accord | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former The Obsidian Sanctum 10 Drop) |
| Deflection Band | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
| Titanium Earthguard Ring | Jewelcrafting |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Fate’s Clutch | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Loop of the Twin Val’kyrBand of the Twin Val’kyr | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) Heroic |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Korralin Hoperender – 30 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Clutch of Fortification | 35 Emblem of Triumph |
| Signet of the Earthshaker | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) |
| Platinum Band of the Aesir | Ulduar – Auriaya (25) |
| Seal of Ulduar | Animated Constellation – 15 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Signified Ring of Binding | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (25) |
| Runed Ring of Binding | Onyxia’s Lair – Onyxia (10) |
| Loop of the Twin Val’kyrBand of the Twin Val’kyr | Trial of the Crusader – Fjola Lightbane (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Devium’s Eternally Cold Ring | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Heroic Juggernaut Band | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Lady Deathwhisper |
| Ashen Band of Endless Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Exalted |
| Ashen Band of Unmatched Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Revered |
| Devium’s Eternally Cold Ring | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Valithria Dreamwalker |
| Juggernaut Band | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Lady Deathwhisper |
| Heroic Abomination’s Bloody Ring | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Gunship |
| Ashen Band of Greater Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Honored |
| Ashen Band of Courage | The Ashen Verdict – Friendly |
| Signet of the Traitor KingBand of the Traitor King | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Abomination’s Bloody Ring | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Gunship |
| Fate’s Clutch | Korralin Hoperender – 60 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Ick’s Rotting Thumb | Heroic Pit of Saron – Ick & Krick |
| Essence of Gossamer | Azjol-Nerub – Hadronox (Heroic) |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Repelling Charge | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10) |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Heart of Iron | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
| Royal Seal of King Llane | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Fervor of the FrostbornEitrigg’s Oath | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (10) HC |
| Fervor of the FrostbornEitrigg’s Oath | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (10) |
| Furnace Stone | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Glyph of Indomitability | 50 Emblem of Triumph |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Heroic Petrified Twilight Scale | The Ruby Sanctum – Heroic Halion |
| Heroic Sindragosa’s Flawless Fang | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Sindragosa |
| Sindragosa’s Flawless Fang | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Sindragosa |
| Petrified Twilight Scale | The Ruby Sanctum – Halion |
| Corroded Skeleton Key | 60 Emblem of Frost |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Trial of the Crusader – Faction Champions (25) HC |
| Satrina’s Impeding ScarabJuggernaut’s Vitality | Korralin Hoperender – 38 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| The Black Heart | Trial of the Champion – The Black Knight |
| Heart of Iron | Ulduar – Ignis the Furnace Master (25) |
Fresh 80
| Main-Hand Weapon | Source |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Serilas, Blood Blade of Invar One-Arm | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Falric’s Wrist-Chopper | Heroic Halls of Reflection – Falric |
| Rimefang’s Claw | Heroic Pit of Saron – Scourgelord Tyrannus |
| Stoneguard | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Legacy of Thunder | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Lucky Old Sun | The Forge of Souls – Bronjahm |
| Peacekeeper Blade | Trial of the Champion – Eadric the Pure (Heroic) |
| Shield | Source |
| The Boreal Guard | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Shieldwall of the Breaker | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Ulduar 10) |
| Splintered Door of the Citadel | Halls of Reflection – Marwyn |
| The Skull of Ruin | Heroic ++ Dungeons (Former Naxxramas 10 Drop) |
Pre-ICC
| Main-Hand Weapon | Source |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Korralin Hoperender – 50 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Shiver | Animated Constellation – 25 Sidereal Essence ( Sidereal Essence Vendor) |
| Silverwing DefenderOrgrim’s Deflector | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Honor of the FallenBlood and Glory | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (10) Heroic |
| Sorthalis, Hammer of the Watchers | Ulduar – XT-002 Deconstructor (25) HM |
| Shield | Source |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC |
| Bulwark of Algalon | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) HM |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) HC |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Korralin Hoperender – 50 Defiler’s Scourgestone |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) |
Best-in-Slot
| Main-Hand Weapon | Source |
| Heroic Mithrios, Bronzebeard’s Legacy | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic The Lich King |
| Mithrios, Bronzebeard’s Legacy | Icecrown Citadel (25) – The Lich King |
| Heroic Havoc’s Call, Blade of Lordaeron Kings | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic The Lich King |
| Heroic Troggbane, Axe of the Frostborne King | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic The Lich King |
| Heroic Bloodvenom Blade | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Heroic Scourgeborne Waraxe | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Gunship |
| Heroic The Facelifter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Professor Putricide |
| Heroic Bonebreaker Scepter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Lord Marrowgar |
| Bloodvenom Blade | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Deathbringer Saurfang |
| Scourgeborne Waraxe | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Gunship |
| Stormpike CleaverHellscream Slicer | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (25) Heroic |
| Silverwing DefenderOrgrim’s Deflector | Trial of the Crusader -Argent Crusade Tribute Chest (25) Heroic |
| Troggbane, Axe of the Frostborne King | Icecrown Citadel (10) – The Lich King |
| Shield | Source |
| Heroic Icecrown Glacial Wall | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Heroic Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
| Icecrown Glacial Wall | Icecrown Citadel (25) – Blood-Queen Lana’thel |
| Heroic Neverending Winter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Heroic Gunship |
| Crystal Plated VanguardForlorn Barrier | Trial of the Crusader – Icehowl (25) HC |
| Bulwark of Algalon | Ulduar – Algalon the Observer (25) HM |
| Neverending Winter | Icecrown Citadel (10) – Gunship |
| Bulwark of the Royal GuardAegis of the Coliseum | Trial of the Crusader – Anub’arak (10) HC |
Fresh 80
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
Pre-ICC
| Item | Source |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of the Sacred Shield | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
| Libram of Obstruction | 15 Emblem of Heroism |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
Best-in-Slot
| Item | Source |
| Libram of the Eternal Tower | 30 Emblem of Frost |
| Libram of Valiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of Defiance | 25 Emblem of Triumph |
| Libram of the Sacred Shield | Ulduar – General Vezax (25) |
Author
Hey there folks, I am Nevermore and have been deeply passionate about WoW for more than a decade. Whether we talk about the hidden mysteries of Azeroth or the otherworldly Outland, my journey brought me here to share the things that I have experienced with you all.
Consider Seal of Pantheon as an alternative to that awful dodge trinket, as this build will not make you defense cap you can use the extra defense to add more valuable stats to your gear
Good point! Added to the guide, thanks a lot for the feedback!
If you are going for BiS and defense, Repelling Charge (Thaddius 10m) is better than Seal.
For your Pre-Raid set, you are far from reaching Defence Cap (According to Eightyupgrades.com, you’re at 491)
https://eightyupgrades.com/set/6dtj45DJCXVPnkXgHswvw4
Your Hit Chance is also quite low, sitting at 2.68% (Hit Chance is the first priority on the Stat Priority page)
Defence is second on that page, but you’re pretty far off in terms of cap.
My recommendation: https://eightyupgrades.com/set/opJNQSxLgmSpyEeHbNjKN7 (You can switch around the Cloak enchant)
wouldn’t really use that shoulder enchant and go for the 70 pvp one instead. the ressi unironically helps with crit immunity.
https://eightyupgrades.com/set/rUmHSvtSNus2d2VkbYpB7d is prob one of the best options you can go for – and beats at all of your stats offensive and defensive. apart from parry (due to the excess in defense) – you could ofc easily modify it and get actual hit and expertise cap to become a threat machine, but this does both.
It also appears both you and Nevermore forget about the free expertise you get from your glyph, and in this particular case your human racial. though I would agree yours is a lot better of a step in the right direction and would not instantly get crushed by patchwerk it’s not exactly optimal.
Resilience DOES help gain crit immunity, absolutely. However, it doesn’t add to any defensive stats, while the shoulder enchant I used does (through both Dodge and Defence Rating)
Your choice of helmet requires you to be in Engineering, so it’s not as universal.
Because of the way it has currently been, I have no guarantee that we will have access to Tier 7 pieces without stepping foot into a raid, so, my set does not include anything like that.
I never ‘missed’ the Expertise boost from the glyph – continuing to expand on your Expertise is useful until you reach the hard cap, after which it becomes less useful.
You DO beat me in some stats, absolutely. However, I beat you in some, too. I don’t see your point here.
Additionally, your gearset isn’t “Pre-BiS” – it’s a mixture of Pre-Raid items, and potentially two raid items (T7 – we have no confirmation as to how these will be obtained outside of raids, so until we have that, I consider them raid items)
You can buy them from badges mate
Given the changes to EMBLEMS, do you have a source that says that you buy Tier 7 pieces with them in Lich King Classic?
Yep, the chest and gloves you can
You’ve failed to provide an actual source. For example, a Blizzard post.
Retail, Private servers, the beta right now and since the start.
Retail/Private Servers don’t hold weight here. Neither of those replicate what we’ll be receiving with this release.
Any database website would also work
Hey man, thanks a lot for your feedback!
BiS lists for tanks are complicated since what gear you need really depends on the situation, as you’re no doubt aware since you seem very knowledgeable. Thus our BiS list for Prot Paladins here is less “you should use these exact 17 items”, and more “these are the best items for each individual slot, but not necessarily the best combination”.
We plan to have something like an eightyupgrades list, like the ones you provided, which list some sample sets that get you crit capped, with different lists that focus on mitigation, threat, etc.
Again thank you for your feedback 🙂
For the Phase 1 set, isn’t the trinket Bubbling Brightbrew Charm added in next years Brewfest? It was added in 3.2.0.
That is actually right! That was a small error on my part. Since then, we have continuously updated our guides and started providing in-depth progressive lists for each class!