PvE Shadow Priest Best in Slot (BiS) & Pre-Raid Gear

Author: Passion
Date: June 20, 2023
Expansion: WotLK Classic

Talents, Builds & Glyphs

Gems, Enchants & Consumables

Rotation & Cooldowns

Best Professions

Best in Slot (BiS) & Pre-Raid Gear

Addons & Macros

Equipment will be the main source of your character’s power, contributing the biggest bulk of your stats. It is therefore very important that you choose the correct equipment for each slot — commonly referred to as “best in slot” equipment – in order to maximize your power.

It is important to remember that Best in Slot lists are not one size fits all, that just isn’t how the game works. The best set for a guild that kills a boss in 70 seconds will be different from the list for a guild that kills a boss in 120 seconds. An Alliance player and a Horde player will have different priorities and buffs. Your mileage will vary always.

This guide is divided into two sections. The first section is three 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.

Note: This list may change over time with patches or new information. This list is an educated guess based on information available at the time of writing.

Best-in-Slot

Fresh 80
Pre-Ulduar
Phase 2
Phase 3

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

If you don’t want to spend your Emblems here, you can instead opt for the Heroes’ Mantle from Heroic+

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

If you don’t want to spend your Emblems here, you can instead opt for the Heroes’ Mantle from Heroic+

This will be your best option for this slot.

This combination of rings will be your best option.

If you are lacking hit or don’t want to spend your Emblems, Mark of the War Prisoner is a very solid alternative piece.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

As these are Bind on Equip you may struggle to actually get them from a raid and will instead have to purchase them. If this sounds unappealing, Naxxramas has a few alternatives.

This combination of rings will be your best option.

Both of these are highly contested, but they are also both absolutely amazing. If you are only able to get one of the two, you would want it to be Dying Curse for the Hit.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be your best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

Depending on your other gear and if you are Alliance with the extra 1% hit buff, you may want to swap between Sapphire Amulet or Pendant of Fiery Havoc.

This will be the best option for this slot.

Depending on your other gear and if you are Alliance with the extra 1% hit buff, you may want to swap between Drape or Sunglimmer.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

Valanyr is actually your Best in Slot weapon, but it is very unlikely that most Shadow Priests will be able to get their hands on it, so Starshard is the next best thing.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

Horde players will want to use dark-essence-bindings to make sure they reach hit cap. Alliance players will not need this with the extra hit from Draeneis.

I hope you managed to pick this up in Phase 2, because it’ll definitely be getting some mileage!

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

This will be the best option for this slot.

Any of the three choices here will be fine in the long run. If all you have is Nebula Band, don’t fret!

Another holdover from Ulduar, flare-of-the-heavens will definitely do some heavy lifting for Phase 3. If you didn’t get your hands on one yet, pay Vezax a visit.

In an odd turn, Alliance players want to use the Hit option, while Horde will want to opt for Spirit instead. Either one is very solid for both factions, but grabbing Hit here allows Alliance to skip it on their wand also.

Horde players continue to generate value from petrified-ivy-sprig, and now in Phase 3 you can even grab it from Heroic++ dungeons! Alliance players don’t need the Hit and can instead opt for the slightly stronger rod-of-imprisoned-souls.

Progressive Best-in Slot

Phase 3
Phase 2

Fresh 80

Item	Source
valorous-circlet-of-sanctification	Heroic++
enamored-cowl	Heroic+
heroes-circlet-of-faith	Heroic+
cowl-of-winged-fear	Heroic+

While regular Heroic dungeons do provide plenty of decent Head items, the ones from Heroic+ will knock them out of the water, especially if they allow you to have a Meta gem where you wouldn’t otherwise. Once you’re comfortable enough to do Heroic++, you can grab yourself even more upgrades.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
valorous-circlet-of-sanctification	Heroic++
hood-of-rationality	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
gothiks-cowl	naxxramas – gothik-the-harvester & gluth
valorous-crown-of-faith	naxxramas – kelthuzad

Heroic++ will give us most of our best options, so if you can squeeze some runs in, you absolutely should. Unfortunately, Heroic++ is limited when it comes to Head items, so Tier 8 will be your best bet.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-circlet-of-sanctification	ulduar – hodir
crown-of-luminescence	ulduar – mimiron
collar-of-the-wyrmhunter	ulduar – razorscale

In contrast to Tier 7, our Tier 8 gives us fantastic set bonuses that are very much worth aiming towards. The helmet is one of the key components to reaching the 4-piece bonus.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Ideally you want to aim for your Tier bonuses here, but if you can’t get your hands on one of the Tier options here, Onyxia helmets are very solid pieces.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
pendant-of-the-shallow-grave	Heroic++
chain-of-the-ancient-wyrm	Heroic+
necklace-of-the-glittering-chamber	Heroic+
circle-of-arcane-streams	Heroic+
chain-of-latent-energies	naxxramas – Trash BoE

Players wanting a quick start can grab chain-of-latent-energies off the Auction House, but it generally won’t be worth the money for most. Instead I recommend just doing Heroic+ and Heroic++ and grabbing one of the many potential neck items.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
pendant-of-the-shallow-grave	Heroic++
wyrmrest-necklace-of-power	heroic-judgment-at-the-eye-of-eternity
cosmic-lights	naxxramas – sapphiron
thunderstorm-amulet	naxxramas – Shared Drop

None of the Heroic+ options last through this far, but Heroic++ definitely does. wyrmrest-necklace-of-power is a guaranteed drop each run of Naxxramas, allowing you to potentially scoop one up early, especially if you are doing Soft Reserve runs.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
sapphire-amulet-of-renewal	ulduar – The Iron Assembly
pendant-of-the-shallow-grave	Heroic++
pendant-of-fiery-havoc	ulduar – flame-leviathan

While both sapphire-amulet-of-renewal and pendant-of-fiery-havoc are fantastic items, they are also item level 252 gear from Hard Modes, making them highly contested between all casters. pendant-of-the-shallow-grave is a much easier item to grab, without ever even entering a raid.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

The obvious choice here is going to be cry-of-the-valkyr, but that also goes for every other caster in the game. Any of the Ulduar options can easily last you through Phase 3.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
amice-of-inconceivable-horror	Heroic++
valorous-mantle-of-faith	Sold for 60 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – loatheb & gluth
miasma-mantle	Heroic+
heroes-mantle-of-faith	Heroic+

Before ever stepping foot in a raid, you may be able to buy valorous-mantle-of-faith for emblem-of-valor, but 60 Valor is a pretty steep ask, so you’ll be better off taking a Heroic+(+) option.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
amice-of-inconceivable-horror	Heroic++
mantle-of-dissemination	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
valorous-mantle-of-faith	Sold for 60 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – loatheb & gluth
mantle-of-the-corrupted	naxxramas – The Four Horsemen

amice-of-inconceivable-horror absolutely stomps the competition, try your best to get your hands on it.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-mantle-of-sanctification	ulduar – yogg-saron
amice-of-inconceivable-horror	Heroic++

Another slot occupied very simply with a Tier piece for us. Seeing as we want the 4-piece bonus, it’ll be hard to skip this slot. Going into Phase 3 and Tier 9, you will likely be better off swapping Tier 8 for amice-of-inconceivable-horror early.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

This should be another Tier slot, but while you wait for your turn, amice-of-inconceivable-horror is an easy get from Heroic++.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
drape-of-the-messenger	Heroic++
disguise-of-the-kumiho	Sold for 25 emblem-of-valor
deathchill-cloak	Tailoring BoE
shroud-of-the-citadel	Heroic+
dark-shroud-of-the-scourge	Heroic+

The Tailoring cloaks such as deathchill-cloak are very easy grabs for most players, and if you’re lucky you may be able to get your hands on one fairly cheap at this point. Outside of spending money, disguise-of-the-kumiho only costs 25 Valor, making it an easy, guaranteed item if you don’t get anything out of Heroic++.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
drape-of-the-messenger	Heroic++
pennant-cloak	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
cape-of-the-unworthy-wizard	naxxramas – kelthuzad
shroud-of-luminosity	naxxramas – Shared Drop

drape-of-the-messenger reigns supreme.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
drape-of-mortal-downfall	ulduar – Assembly of Iron
drape-of-the-messenger	Heroic++
sunglimmer-cloak	ulduar – algalon-the-observer

All of these are solid, use what you can get your hands on.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Any of these options are going to be fantastic choices, so grab what you can.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
valorous-raiments-of-sanctification	Heroic++
gown-of-the-spell-weaver	Heroic+
heroes-raiments-of-faith	Heroic+

Grabbing a Heroic++ Tier chest is a solid choice, especially if it means you reach a set bonus.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
valorous-raiments-of-sanctification	Heroic++
heigans-putrid-vestments	naxxramas – heigan-the-unclean & gluth
valorous-raiments-of-faith	naxxramas – The Four Horsemen
robes-of-mutation	naxxramas – noth-the-plaguebringer & gluth

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-raiments-of-sanctification	ulduar – hodir
robes-of-the-umbral-brute	ulduar – kologarn

Surely surprising no one by now, you’ll want to grab the Tier Chest to make sure you can get your 4-piece bonus.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Just like Phase 2, you’re going to want a Tier piece in your chest slot.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
combustion-bracers	Heroic++
wraps-of-the-astral-traveler	Sold for 60 emblem-of-valor
preceptors-bindings	Heroic+
resurgent-phantom-bindings	Heroic+

If you have been unlucky doing Heroic++ you can buy wraps-of-the-astral-traveler for 60 Valor, but if you do manage to get another option I would recommend not spending your Valor here. Alternatively, wraps-of-the-astral-traveler are also Bind on Equip, so you can buy them on the Auction House, or even buy them on another character and send them over if you have Valor to spare.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
combustion-bracers	Heroic++
unsullied-cuffs	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
bands-of-impurity	naxxramas – noth-the-plaguebringer & gluth
bindings-of-the-expansive-mind	naxxramas – instructor-razuvious & gluth

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
grasps-of-reason	ulduar – xt-002-deconstructor
unsullied-cuffs	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
shackles-of-the-odalisque	ulduar – razorscale
bracers-of-unleashed-magic	ulduar – kologarn

grasps-of-reason might end up shackling you until Phase 4, so try to grab them if you can.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

You can keep using grasps-of-reason for Phase 3, but if you can get your hands on 25-man bracers, take them.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
pulsar-gloves	Heroic++
heroes-handwraps-of-faith	Heroic+
gloves-of-dark-gestures	Heroic+
gloves-of-glistening-runes	Heroic The Nexus – Keristrasza

pulsar-gloves will carry you all the way through to Phase 3 if you need it to, making them a very solid piece to grab.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
pulsar-gloves	Heroic++
valorous-handwraps-of-faith	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
gloves-of-grandeur	naxxramas – sapphiron
gloves-of-the-fallen-wizard	naxxramas – noth-the-plaguebringer

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
pharos-gloves	ulduar – algalon-the-observer
pulsar-gloves	Heroic++

pulsar-gloves are a great option, but you will really want to get your hands on pharos-gloves.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Your best option here might just be your easiest as well. If you got pharos-gloves in Phase 2, you’re already set here. It could potentially be worth grabbing Tier gloves here, if it’ll get you a set bonus.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
binding-of-the-dragon-matriarch	Heroic++
plush-sash-of-guzbah	Sold for 40 emblem-of-heroism
agonal-sash	Heroic+
sash-of-mortal-desire	Heroic+

Any Heroic+(+) belt will likely be just fine, but if you want to guarantee getting one you can spend Emblems on plush-sash-of-guzbah.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
binding-of-the-dragon-matriarch	Heroic++
leash-of-heedless-magic	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
cincture-of-polarity	naxxramas – thaddius & gluth
belt-of-false-dignity	naxxramas – grand-widow-faerlina & gluth

If you can get your hands on binding-of-the-dragon-matriarch or leash-of-heedless-magic you’lll absolutely be set. If not, Naxxramas has plenty of great belts.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
starwatchers-binding	ulduar – algalon-the-observer
cord-of-the-white-dawn	Tailoring BoE
sash-of-ancient-power	Tailoring BoE
sash-of-potent-incantations	Sold for 28 emblem-of-conquest

Hard Mode, Auction House, or Emblems. Pick your poison, no matter what there is a way to get a solid belt.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

icehowl has the goods, so try to grab one of his many belts.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
valorous-pants-of-sanctification	Heroic++
valorous-pants-of-faith	Sold for 75 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – thaddius & gluth
leggings-of-sapphiron	Heroic+
heroes-pants-of-faith	Heroic+

Getting Tier from Heroic++ will definitely keep you going, even more if you can reach some of the Tier 8 set bonuses.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
valorous-pants-of-sanctification	Heroic++
leggings-of-the-wanton-spellcaster	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
leggings-of-mortal-arrogance	naxxramas – kelthuzad
valorous-pants-of-faith	Sold for 75 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – thaddius & gluth
leggings-of-atrophy	naxxramas – anubrekhan & gluth

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-pants-of-sanctification	ulduar – freya
leggings-of-the-enslaved-idol	ulduar – freya

We love our Tier 8 and these fashionable pants are a solid piece of the 4-set puzzle.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Another Tier slot, but in the meantime there are a lot of solid pieces to grab here too.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
starlight-treads	Heroic++
xintors-expeditionary-boots	Sold for 40 emblem-of-valor
sandals-of-crimson-fury	Wyrmrest Accord Exalted
saltarello-shoes	Heroic+

starlight-treads are definitely the best choice, but if you happen to have extra emblem-of-valor you can also look elsewhere. xintors-expeditionary-boots is one of my preferred pieces to spend Valor on, having a solid amount of Hit and avoiding a potentially pricey alternative from Phase 1 raids. If you have other plans for your Emblems, sandals-of-crimson-fury are a great, guaranteed item from reputation.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
starlight-treads	Heroic++
arcanic-tramplers	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
boots-of-impetuous-ideals	naxxramas – loatheb & gluth
boots-of-forlorn-wishes	naxxramas – instructor-razuvious & gluth

If you can get your hands on them, starlight-treads are a great pair of boots. Both arcanic-tramplers and boots-of-impetuous-ideals are Bind on Equip, making them purchasable options but also potentially very expensive options, and if you are looking to drop some gold, I would look towards spellslingers-slippers that were added in Phase 2.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
boots-of-fiery-resolution	ulduar – flame-leviathan
treads-of-the-false-oracle	ulduar – yogg-saron
starlight-treads	Heroic++
spellslingers-slippers	Tailoring BoE

Phase 2 boots could easily carry you through Phase 3, so grab a pair if you can get your hands on them.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Phase 2 boots can easily get you through Phase 3, but there are some upgrades available if you’re able to get your hands on them.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
nebula-band	Heroic++
signet-of-soft-lament	Heroic++
band-of-channeled-magic	Sold for 25 emblem-of-valor
signet-of-the-malevolent	Heroic+
ring-of-the-fated	Heroic+
titanium-spellshock-ring	Jewelcrafting BoE

nebula-band could last you all the way through Phase 3 if you’re unlucky, so it is definitely a worthwhile pickup. Paired with signet-of-soft-lament or any of the other listed options makes a solid pairing that can easily get you through Trial of the Crusader.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
nebula-band	Heroic++
signet-of-soft-lament	Heroic++
signet-of-manifested-pain	naxxramas – kelthuzad
lost-jewel	naxxramas – Shared Drop

Heroic++ options here will be your best bet.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
nebula-band	Heroic++
conductive-seal	ulduar – mimiron
pyrelight-circle	ulduar – ignis-the-furnace-master
etched-signet-of-the-kirin-tor	Sold by Harold Winston for 1250 Requires inscribed-kirin-tor-signet
inscribed-signet-of-the-kirin-tor	Sold by Harold Winston for 1250 Requires kirin-tor-signet
signet-of-soft-lament	Heroic++

nebula-band could last you all the way through Phase 3 if you’re unlucky, so it is definitely a worthwhile pickup. Players with an abundance of Gold might want to consider paying Harold Winston a visit and picking up an upgraded Kirin Tor ring.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

lurid-manifestation is a fantastic grab. Outside of it, there aren’t many fantastic options coming from Phase 3.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
eye-of-the-broodmother	Heroic++
embrace-of-the-spider	Heroic+
sundial-of-the-exiled	Sold for 40 emblem-of-heroism
mark-of-the-war-prisoner	Heroic The Violet Hold – Cyanigosa
pendulum-of-telluric-currents	Heroic The Oculus – Mage-Lord Urom

mark-of-the-war-prisoner is an outstanding way to get Hit rating, alongside a rare on-use effect. If you can grab eye-of-the-broodmother from Heroic++ or embrace-of-the-spider from Heroic+ they are great temporary options, but you’ll want to replace it as you progress.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
eye-of-the-broodmother	Heroic++
dying-curse	naxxramas – Shared Drop
illustration-of-the-dragon-soul	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion

All of these Trinkets are absolutely outstanding, and if you can grab a pair of them you should. They will definitely last you through Ulduar and into Trial of the Crusader.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
flare-of-the-heavens	ulduar – general-vezax
scale-of-fates	ulduar – thorim
eye-of-the-broodmother	Heroic++
living-flame	ulduar – razorscale

Trinkets in Ulduar are highly contested, as well as being limited. eye-of-the-broodmother is effectively an upgraded illustration-of-the-dragon-soul, living-flame is an upgraded mark-of-the-war-prisoner. flare-of-the-heavens is obviously your best option, even going into Trial of the Crusader.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

You want reign-of-the-dead. Above almost anything else, get this trinket. Even the 10-man option should beat whatever you had before.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
aesuga-hand-of-the-ardent-champion	Heroic++
icecore-staff	Heroic++
hammer-of-the-astral-plane	Heroic+
the-soulblade	Heroic+
blade-of-dormant-memories	Heroic+
greatstaff-of-the-nexus	Heroic+

Any of these are going to be a great upgrade for a Fresh 80, and you can easily bring any of them into Trial of the Crusader.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
aesuga-hand-of-the-ardent-champion	Heroic++
icecore-staff	Heroic++
torch-of-holy-fire	naxxramas – kelthuzad
haunting-call	naxxramas – Trash Drop
damnation	naxxramas – Four Horsemen

Getting your hands on torch-of-holy-fire will be a solid upgrade, but there are a handful of weapons available in Heroic++, so I wouldn’t lose sleep over it.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
valanyr-hammer-of-ancient-kings	ulduar
starshard-edge	ulduar – algalon-the-observer
staff-of-endless-winter	ulduar – hodir
aesuga-hand-of-the-ardent-champion	Heroic++
soulscribe	ulduar – yogg-saron
icecore-staff	Heroic++

Here it is. The worst possible slot in Phase 2. The absolute best option is valanyr-hammer-of-ancient-kings and it isn’t even close. Unfortunately, this is very unlikely to go to a Shadow Priest. The obvious next choice is starshard-edge, but this is the clear winner caster weapon for every caster DPS, so getting it is going to be rough.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

Phase 3 brings with it a lot of weapon choices for us, which is fantastic. This means you should be able to get your hands on something for this slot at least.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
igniter-rod	Heroic++
ward-of-the-violet-citadel	Sold for 25 emblem-of-heroism
watchful-eye	Heroic+

igniter-rod will be a great compliment to your one-hander. Players looking for Hit might want to consider ward-of-the-violet-citadel as a placeholder until they can get that Hit elsewhere.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
igniter-rod	Heroic++
surplus-limb	naxxramas – patchwerk & gluth

There aren’t many off-hand upgrades available in Naxxramas, but surplus-limb may be a direct upgrade if you are using ward-of-the-violet-citadel.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
cosmos	ulduar – algalon-the-observer
igniter-rod	Heroic++
ironmender	ulduar – kologarn

Any of these are solid, but cosmos absolutely outclasses the competition.

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

We all love options, and off-hands have plenty in Trial of the Crusader.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
petrified-ivy-sprig	Heroic++
wand-of-the-archlich	Heroic+
rod-of-the-fallen-monarch	Heroic Azjol-Nerub – anubarak

wand-of-the-archlich is a solid item, but as soon as you can get your hands on petrified-ivy-sprig, you should. This item will last you all the way from Heroic++ into Phase 4.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
petrified-ivy-sprig	Heroic++
gemmed-wand-of-the-nerubians	naxxramas – anubrekhan & gluth
plague-igniter	naxxramas – grobbulus & gluth

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
petrified-ivy-sprig	Heroic++
scepter-of-creation	ulduar – ignis-the-furnace-master
scepter-of-lost-souls	ulduar – general-vezax
quartz-crystal-wand	ulduar – xt-002-deconstructor

Phase 3 Best-in-Slot

Wow Alliance Crest

petrified-ivy-sprig remains the best choice, now easier than ever to get your hands on.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
enamored-cowl	Heroic+
heroes-circlet-of-faith	Heroic+
cowl-of-winged-fear	Heroic+

While regular Heroic dungeons do provide plenty of decent Head items, the ones from Heroic+ will typically knock them out of the water, especially if they allow you to have a Meta gem where you wouldn’t otherwise.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
hood-of-rationality	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
gothiks-cowl	naxxramas – gothik-the-harvester & gluth
valorous-crown-of-faith	naxxramas – kelthuzad

As our Tier 7 just doesn’t give any valuable set bonuses, we generally want to steer clear of it, instead opting for the higher item level hood-of-rationality if possible. If you do get your hands on a Tier token for this slot, I recommend grabbing the Healer helmet instead of the DPS one, it has better stats for us.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-circlet-of-sanctification	ulduar – hodir (25)
collar-of-the-wyrmhunter	ulduar – razorscale (25)

In different contrast to Tier 7, our Tier 8 gives us fantastic set bonuses that are very much worth aiming towards. The helmet is one of the key components to reaching the 4-piece bonus, so make sure you grab it as early as you can.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
chain-of-the-ancient-wyrm	Heroic+
necklace-of-the-glittering-chamber	Heroic+
circle-of-arcane-streams	Heroic+
chain-of-latent-energies	naxxramas – Trash BoE

Players wanting a quick start can grab chain-of-latent-energies off the Auction House, but it generally won’t be worth the money for most. Instead I recommend just doing Heroic+ and grabbing one of the many potential neck items.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
wyrmrest-necklace-of-power	heroic-judgment-at-the-eye-of-eternity
cosmic-lights	naxxramas – sapphiron
thunderstorm-amulet	naxxramas – Shared Drop

None of the Heroic+ options last through this far, but wyrmrest-necklace-of-power is a guaranteed drop each run of Naxxramas, allowing you to potentially scoop one up early, especially if you are doing Soft Reserve runs.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
sapphire-amulet-of-renewal	ulduar – The Iron Assembly (25)
pendant-of-the-shallow-grave	ulduar – thorim (10)
pendant-of-fiery-havoc	ulduar – flame-leviathan (25)

While both sapphire-amulet-of-renewal and pendant-of-fiery-havoc are fantastic items, they are also item level 252 gear from Hard Modes, making them highly contested between all casters. You’re going to have to pick and choose which 252 gear is your priority from Ulduar because you are very unlikely to end the Phase with all the options you’re after.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
valorous-mantle-of-faith	Sold for 60 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – loatheb & gluth
miasma-mantle	Heroic+
heroes-mantle-of-faith	Heroic+

Before ever stepping foot in a raid, you may be able to buy valorous-mantle-of-faith for emblem-of-valor, but 60 Valor is a pretty steep ask, so you’ll be better off settling for a Heroic+ option and grabbing an upgrade in Naxxramas later.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
mantle-of-dissemination	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
valorous-mantle-of-faith	Sold for 60 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – loatheb & gluth
mantle-of-the-corrupted	naxxramas – The Four Horsemen

mantle-of-dissemination being item level 226 lands it clearly above the other options, but any of these three will be sufficient for getting into Ulduar.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-mantle-of-sanctification	ulduar – yogg-saron (25)
amice-of-inconceivable-horror	ulduar – yogg-saron (10)

Another slot occupied very simply with a Tier piece for us. Seeing as we want the 4-piece bonus, it’ll be hard to skip this slot.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
disguise-of-the-kumiho	Sold for 25 emblem-of-valor
deathchill-cloak	Tailoring BoE
shroud-of-the-citadel	Heroic+
dark-shroud-of-the-scourge	Heroic+

The Tailoring cloaks such as deathchill-cloak are very easy grabs for most players, and if you’re lucky you may be able to get your hands on one fairly cheap at this point. Outside of spending money, disguise-of-the-kumiho only costs 25 Valor, making it an easy, guaranteed item if you don’t get anything out of Heroic+.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
pennant-cloak	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
cape-of-the-unworthy-wizard	naxxramas – kelthuzad
shroud-of-luminosity	naxxramas – Shared Drop

Item level 226 remains at the top here, with either of the two choices being very solid options.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
drape-of-mortal-downfall	ulduar – Assembly of Iron (25)
drape-of-the-messenger	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (25)
sunglimmer-cloak	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (25)

Another slot absolutely crowded by Hard Mode exclusive options, but given the amount of good Hard Mode options available for this slot, you should have less competition to worry about.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
gown-of-the-spell-weaver	Heroic+
heroes-raiments-of-faith	Heroic+

Heroic+ offers quite a few different options here, but the two options listed above are both solid pickups, offering a large chunk of Hit that you likely will be missing in early gearing.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
heigans-putrid-vestments	naxxramas – heigan-the-unclean & gluth
valorous-raiments-of-faith	naxxramas – The Four Horsemen
robes-of-mutation	naxxramas – noth-the-plaguebringer & gluth

If you got gown-of-the-spell-weaver from Heroic+ you could easily keep wearing that into Ulduar, especially if you are struggling with Hit in other slots.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-raiments-of-sanctification	ulduar – hodir (25)
robes-of-the-umbral-brute	ulduar – kologarn (25)

Surely surprising no one by now, you’ll want to grab the Tier Chest to make sure you can get your 4-piece bonus.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
wraps-of-the-astral-traveler	Sold for 60 emblem-of-valor
preceptors-bindings	Heroic+
resurgent-phantom-bindings	Heroic+

If you have been unlucky doing Heroic+ you can buy wraps-of-the-astral-traveler for 60 Valor, but if you do manage to get another option I would recommend not spending your Valor here. Alternatively, wraps-of-the-astral-traveler are also Bind on Equip, so you can buy them on the Auction House, or even buy them on another character and send them over if you have Valor to spare.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
unsullied-cuffs	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
bands-of-impurity	naxxramas – noth-the-plaguebringer & gluth
bindings-of-the-expansive-mind	naxxramas – instructor-razuvious & gluth

In almost every slot if an item level 226 option exists, it’ll be your best bet before Ulduar. If you can’t get your hands on unsullied-cuffs, there are plenty of solid options from Naxxramas.

Your Pre-Raid options will often be defined by the BiS items from the previous raid tiers, and any other new dungeons that arrive with the new phase. The best possible choice is to buy itemName for 60 emblems as it grants the highest possible offensive stats, however, you may find itemName almost as equally strong.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
grasps-of-reason	ulduar – xt-002-deconstructor (25)
unsullied-cuffs	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
shackles-of-the-odalisque	ulduar – razorscale (25)
bracers-of-unleashed-magic	ulduar – kologarn (25)

The Hard Mode option is of course the best choice, but there are so many other solid pairs of bracers in Ulduar that I wouldn’t fuss over them.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
heroes-handwraps-of-faith	Heroic+
gloves-of-dark-gestures	Heroic+
gloves-of-glistening-runes	Heroic The Nexus – Keristrasza

There aren’t any stand out gloves pre-raid, so just grab what you can get from Heroic+.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
valorous-handwraps-of-faith	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion
gloves-of-grandeur	naxxramas – sapphiron
gloves-of-the-fallen-wizard	naxxramas – noth-the-plaguebringer

Tier 7 Gloves are solid, but if you want to grab some extra Hit you will want to look towards the Naxxramas options.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
pharos-gloves	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (25)
pulsar-gloves	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (10)

Oh look, more Hard Mode. pulsar-gloves will be the easier option for most, with 10-man Algalon being significantly more accessible for the average player, as well as having a lot less competition than 25-man.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
plush-sash-of-guzbah	Sold for 40 emblem-of-heroism
agonal-sash	Heroic+
sash-of-mortal-desire	Heroic+

Any Heroic+ belt will likely be just fine, but if you want to guarantee getting one you can spend 25 Emblems on plush-sash-of-guzbah.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
leash-of-heedless-magic	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
cincture-of-polarity	naxxramas – thaddius & gluth
belt-of-false-dignity	naxxramas – grand-widow-faerlina & gluth

If you can get your hands on leash-of-heedless-magic you’lll absolutely be set. If not, Naxxramas has plenty of great belts.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
starwatchers-binding	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (25)
cord-of-the-white-dawn	Tailoring BoE
sash-of-ancient-power	Tailoring BoE
sash-of-potent-incantations	Sold for 28 emblem-of-conquest

Hard Mode, Auction House, or Emblems. Pick your poison, no matter what there is a way to get a solid belt.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
valorous-pants-of-faith	Sold for 75 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – thaddius & gluth
leggings-of-sapphiron	Heroic+
heroes-pants-of-faith	Heroic+

valorous-pants-of-faith can be grabbed before ever stepping foot into Naxxramas, making them a very solid option. Unfortunately, 75 Emblems is a steep ask, and they can be replaced once you get into raiding, so I would opt for a Heroic+ option instead.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
leggings-of-the-wanton-spellcaster	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
leggings-of-mortal-arrogance	naxxramas – kelthuzad
valorous-pants-of-faith	Sold for 75 emblem-of-valor naxxramas – thaddius & gluth
leggings-of-atrophy	naxxramas – anubrekhan & gluth

Item level 226 reigns supreme, but you’ll be fine entering Ulduar without it.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
conquerors-pants-of-sanctification	ulduar – freya (25)
leggings-of-the-enslaved-idol	ulduar – freya (25)

We love our Tier 8 and these fashionable pants are a solid piece of the 4-set puzzle.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
xintors-expeditionary-boots	Sold for 40 emblem-of-valor
sandals-of-crimson-fury	Wyrmrest Accord Exalted
saltarello-shoes	Heroic+

xintors-expeditionary-boots is one of my preferred pieces to spend Valor on, having a solid amount of Hit and avoiding a potentially pricey alternative from Phase 1 raids. If you have other plans for your Emblems, sandals-of-crimson-fury are a great, guaranteed item from reputation.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
arcanic-tramplers	the-eye-of-eternity – Malygos
boots-of-impetuous-ideals	naxxramas – loatheb & gluth
boots-of-forlorn-wishes	naxxramas – instructor-razuvious & gluth

Both arcanic-tramplers and boots-of-impetuous-ideals are Bind on Equip, making them purchasable options but also potentially very expensive options, and if you are looking to drop some gold, I would look towards spellslingers-slippers that were added in Phase 2.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
boots-of-fiery-resolution	ulduar – flame-leviathan (25)
treads-of-the-false-oracle	ulduar – yogg-saron (25)
starlight-treads	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (10)
spellslingers-slippers	Tailoring BoE

Plenty of solid Hard Mode options available here. If you aren’t interested in picking any of those up, spellslingers-slippers can be crafted or bought for a not-so-small sum.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
band-of-channeled-magic	Sold for 25 emblem-of-valor
signet-of-the-malevolent	Heroic+
ring-of-the-fated	Heroic+
titanium-spellshock-ring	Jewelcrafting BoE

Grabbing band-of-channeled-magic for your Emblems is a very solid choice. Alongside that, signet-of-the-malevolent can be found in Heroic+ and is a very strong option.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
signet-of-manifested-pain	naxxramas – kelthuzad
lost-jewel	naxxramas – Shared Drop

Any of the options available from Phase 1 raids are solid, but you can easily get away with the same rings as the Fresh 80 list.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
nebula-band	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (10)
conductive-seal	ulduar – mimiron (25)
pyrelight-circle	ulduar – ignis-the-furnace-master (25)
inscribed-signet-of-the-kirin-tor	Sold by Harold Winston for 1250 Requires kirin-tor-signet
signet-of-soft-lament	ulduar – yogg-saron (10)

Surely you didn’t think we were done with the Hard Mode options. Outside of them, there are a few alright options, and if you have the gold you can get the upgraded kirin-tor-signet.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
embrace-of-the-spider	Heroic+
sundial-of-the-exiled	Sold for 40 emblem-of-heroism
mark-of-the-war-prisoner	Heroic The Violet Hold – Cyanigosa
pendulum-of-telluric-currents	Heroic The Oculus – Mage-Lord Urom

mark-of-the-war-prisoner is an outstanding way to get Hit rating, alongside a rare on-use effect. If you can grab embrace-of-the-spider from Heroic+ it is a great temporary option, but you’ll want to replace it as you progress.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
dying-curse	naxxramas – Shared Drop
illustration-of-the-dragon-soul	the-obsidian-sanctum – sartharion

Both of these Trinkets are absolutely outstanding, and if you can grab either of them you should. They will definitely last you through a lot of Ulduar.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
flare-of-the-heavens	ulduar – general-vezax (25)
scale-of-fates	ulduar – thorim (25)
eye-of-the-broodmother	ulduar – razorscale (10)
living-flame	ulduar – razorscale (25)

Trinkets in Ulduar are highly contested, as well as being limited. eye-of-the-broodmother is effectively an upgraded illustration-of-the-dragon-soul, living-flame is an upgraded mark-of-the-war-prisoner. flare-of-the-heavens is obviously your best option, but it is contested to match.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
hammer-of-the-astral-plane	Heroic+
the-soulblade	Heroic+
blade-of-dormant-memories	Heroic+
greatstaff-of-the-nexus	Heroic+

Any of these are going to be a great upgrade for a Fresh 80, and you can easily bring any of them into Ulduar.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
torch-of-holy-fire	naxxramas – kelthuzad
haunting-call	naxxramas – Trash Drop
damnation	naxxramas – Four Horsemen

Getting your hands on torch-of-holy-fire will be a solid upgrade, but there are plenty of weapons available in Ulduar so I wouldn’t lose sleep over it.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
valanyr-hammer-of-ancient-kings	ulduar (25)
starshard-edge	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (25)
staff-of-endless-winter	ulduar – hodir (25)
aesuga-hand-of-the-ardent-champion	ulduar – general-vezax (10)
soulscribe	ulduar – yogg-saron (25)
icecore-staff	ulduar – hodir (10)

Here it is. The worst possible slot in Phase 2. The absolute best option is valanyr-hammer-of-ancient-kings and it isn’t even close. Unfortunately, this is very unlikely to go to a Shadow Priest. The obvious next choice is starshard-edge, but this is the clear winner caster weapon for every caster DPS, so getting it is going to be rough.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
ward-of-the-violet-citadel	Sold for 25 emblem-of-heroism
watchful-eye	Heroic+

Either of these will be a great compliment to your one-hander, especially with the hit available on them.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
surplus-limb	naxxramas – patchwerk & gluth

There aren’t many off-hand upgrades available in Naxxramas, but surplus-limb will likely be a direct upgrade from what you came in with.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
cosmos	ulduar – algalon-the-observer (25)
igniter-rod	ulduar – ignis-the-furnace-master (10)
ironmender	ulduar – kologarn (25)

Any of these are solid, but cosmos absolutely outclasses the competition.

Fresh 80

Item	Source
wand-of-the-archlich	Heroic+
rod-of-the-fallen-monarch	Heroic Azjol-Nerub – anub’arak

wand-of-the-archlich from Heroic+ is arguably equal to Plague Igniter from Naxxramas, so if you do manage to get your hands on it I wouldn’t stress about finding a replacement.

Pre-Ulduar

Item	Source
gemmed-wand-of-the-nerubians	naxxramas – anubrekhan & gluth
plague-igniter	naxxramas – grobbulus & gluth

If you are missing Hit gemmed-wand-of-the-nerubians can be a solid grab, otherwise either plague-igniter or wand-of-the-archlich will be great items to get you into Ulduar.

Phase 2 Best-in-Slot

Item	Source
petrified-ivy-sprig	ulduar – freya (10)
scepter-of-creation	ulduar – ignis-the-furnace-master (25)
scepter-of-lost-souls	ulduar – general-vezax (25)
quartz-crystal-wand	ulduar – xt-002-deconstructor (25)

Somehow the best option is from 10-man Ulduar, making it a lot more obtainable for most players. Of course there are quite a few 25-man options available as well, but the hit from petrified-ivy-sprig is invaluable.

About the Author

Passion

I love MMOs of all shades, especially the nitty gritty numbers parts of them. You might recognize me from the Shadow Priest discord, otherwise I play a little bit of everything, especially games with support roles available.

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Xyu

#8664

8 months ago

Hey if any chance to add bis for Phase 2 ? thank you

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Jamie(@jamielolx)

#5594

1 year ago

The epic staff from Oculus is a better choice for staff – for glove you can opt into spellweave and wyrmrest temple rep boots are the same as listed, just with higher stats, Guile ssme story the same as listed but with better stats same with the exalted ring from Argent Crusade and that ring from Utgarde Keep Guzbar’s is far better from Bane, it even has an extra socket plus haste instead of spirit

Last edited 1 year ago by Jamielolx

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SomeGuy

#7945

9 months ago

Why did you change everything of gnarlyguides?

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SomeGuy

#7946

Reply to SomeGuy

9 months ago

Where are the tier gear suggestions?

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d347h

#6803

11 months ago

why is darkmoon card death there and not egg of mortal essence ?

-4

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Jamielolx(@jamielolx)

#7021

Reply to d347h

11 months ago

Neither are the play

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