Survival Hunter leveling guide
Survival is the Hunter with the most damage in WotLK Classic. Explosive Shot burns an enemy with fire, Black Arrow deals shadow damage over time, and Lock and Load gives you two free Explosive Shots in a row. Hunter vs. Wild and Lightning Reflexes add Attack Power and Agility, so enemies in Northrend drop quickly while your pet keeps them busy.
Strengths and weaknesses
- The highest damage of the Hunter specs, both on one enemy and on groups.
- Lock and Load and Explosive Trap work very well against groups.
- Scatter Shot and traps give plenty of control.
- A busier rotation than Beast Mastery, and your pet is weaker.
Talents by level
At level 70
- In Survival: Improved Tracking 5/5, Survival Instincts 2/2, Trap Mastery 3/3, Survivalist 5/5, Scatter Shot, T.N.T. 3/3, Lock and Load 3/3, Hunter vs. Wild 3/3 and Killer Instinct 3/3.
- Lightning Reflexes 5/5, Expose Weakness 3/3, Thrill of the Hunt 3/3, Master Tactician 5/5 and Black Arrow.
- Hunting Party 5/5 and Explosive Shot, for 51 points. In Marksmanship: Lethal Shots 5/5 and Mortal Shots 5/5.
Level 71 to 80
- Careful Aim 3/3 and Go for the Throat 2/2.
- Efficiency 5/5, for 20 points in Marksmanship.
Rotation
One enemy
- Send your pet in, then Hunter’s Mark, Serpent Sting and Black Arrow.
- Explosive Shot on cooldown, twice in a row when Lock and Load lights up.
- Steady Shot in between, and Kill Shot from level 71 below 20% health.
Groups of enemies
- Explosive Trap on the group, and Multi-Shot and Volley.
- Black Arrow on a second enemy, since each tick can trigger Lock and Load.
Staying alive
- Scatter Shot or Frost Trap on an enemy that reaches you, then Disengage.
- Feign Death to drop threat, and Deterrence as a last resort.
- Aspect of the Viper when mana runs low, and Aspect of the Dragonhawk from level 74.
Leveling route
| Level | Alliance | Horde |
|---|---|---|
| 70-72 | Borean Tundra (Valiance Keep), Howling Fjord (Valgarde) | Borean Tundra (Warsong Hold), Howling Fjord (Vengeance Landing) |
| 72-74 | Dragonblight (Wintergarde Keep) | Dragonblight (Agmar’s Hammer) |
| 74-75 | Grizzly Hills (Amberpine Lodge) | Grizzly Hills (Conquest Hold) |
| 75-76 | Zul’Drak (Zim’Torga) | Zul’Drak (Zim’Torga) |
| 76-78 | Sholazar Basin (Nesingwary Base Camp) | Sholazar Basin (Nesingwary Base Camp) |
| 78-80 | The Storm Peaks (K3), Icecrown (Argent Vanguard) | The Storm Peaks (K3), Icecrown (Argent Vanguard) |
Dungeons worth the detour: Utgarde Keep and The Nexus from level 70, Azjol-Nerub and Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom around 72, and Drak’Tharon Keep and The Violet Hold from 74.
Stats, weapons and tradeskills
- Agility first, then Hit, Attack Power, Crit and Haste.
- The slowest bow, gun or crossbow with the highest damage, and a pet that holds enemies well, such as a wolf or a bear.
- Enchants: Heartseeker Scope on the ranged weapon, Crusher on the gloves and Greater Assault on the bracers.
- Tradeskills: Skinning with Leatherworking for mail gear and Fur Lining on the bracers.