PvE Destruction Warlock Best in Slot (BiS) & Pre-Raid Gear

Author: Zephan
Date: August 30, 2022
Updated: January 3, 2024
Expansion: WotLK Classic

Destruction Warlock Overview

Talents, Builds & Glyphs

Stat Priority

Best Races

Gems, Enchants & Consumables

Rotation & Cooldowns

Best Professions

Best in Slot (BiS) & Pre-Raid Gear

Addons & Macros

Pre-Raid
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5

Item	Source
Visage Liquification Goggles	Engineering
Forgotten Shadow Hood	Culling of Stratholme – Heroic
Helm of Arcane Purity	Sunwell
Titan Forged Hood of Dominance	40 Wintergrasp Mark
Crown of Unbridled Magic	The Oculus – Heroic

Visage Liquification Goggles are technically the best available pre bis hel, however seeing as how quickly you will replace them it doesn’t seem worth the cost.

There are also plenty of helms that dropped in The Sunwell (including converted healer ones) that are still worthwhile options, namely Cowl of Light’s Purity, Helm of Arcane Purity, and Dark Conjuror’s Collar.

For those looking for cheaper options / dungeon drops there is both Forgotten Shadow Hood and Crown of Unbridled Magic.

Item	Source
Chain of Latent Energies	Naxxramas Trash – BoE
Encircling Burnished Gold Chains	25 Emblem
Titanium Spellshock Necklace	Jewelcrafting – BoE
Hateful Gladiator Pendant of Ascendancy	38000 Honor Points
Necklace of Taldaram	Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom – Heroic

Chain of Latent Energie is a BoE drop inside 10-man Naxxramas, on par with Encircling Burnished Gold Chains.

Titanium Spellshock Necklace is the strongest necklace if we do not require any additional hit rating. It should be noted however that Titanium Spellshock Necklace doesn’t come cheap.

Item	Source
Shoulderpads of Knowledge	Sunwell
Runecasters Mantle	Utgarde Keep
Amice of the Convoker	Sunwell
Shawl of Wonderment	Sunwell
Dark Runic Mantle	Halls of Stone

Shoulderpads of Knowledge from Sunwell are the best available shoulders closely followed by Runecasters Mantle and Amice of the Convoker.

Item	Source
Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring – BoE
Reanimator’s Cloak	Drak’Tharon Keep – BoE
Hateful Glad Ascendancy	38000 Honor Points
Hateful Glad Deli	38000 Honor Points
Tattered Cape of Antonidas	Sunwell

Deathchill Cloak is another bind-on-equipped crafted piece. It is significantly stronger than most other available cloaks. Reanimator’s Cloak is not too far off in value and might potentially be cheaper.

Item	Source
Heroes Plagueheart Robe	80 Emblem
Spellweave Robe	Tailoring – BoE
Titan-forged Raiment of Dom	40 Wintergrasp Mark
Robes of Ghostly Hatred	Sunwell
Sunfire Robe	Tailoring – BoP

Heroes Plagueheart Robe costs us a lot of emblems but moves us already a step closer to our two and four-piece tier bonus.

Item	Source
Cuffs of Winged Levitation	The Oculus – Heroic
Azure Cloth Bindings	Violet Hold – Heroic
Ancestral Sinew Wristguard	Ancestral Sinew Wristguard
Verdisa’s Cuffs of Dreaming	The Oculus
Hateful Glad Salvation	31600 Honor Points

Cuffs of Winged Levitation and Azure Cloth Bindings are two really good and close wrists options.

Black Duskweave is slightly worse on its own than any of the above-listed braces, but combined with Black Duskweave for the two-piece bonus of +18 spell power is another solid option.

Item	Source
Spellweave Gloves	Tailoring – BoE
Plagueheart Gloves	60 Emblem
Handguards of Defiled Worlds	Sunwell
Ebonweave Gloves	Tailoring – BoE
Overlook Handguard	Drak’Tharon Keep – Heroic

Plagueheart Gloves should be considered a must have, in combination with Heroes Plagueheart Robe for the two-piece bonus and eventual four-piece bonus.

Item	Source
Girdle of Bane	Utgarde Pinnacle – Heroic
Plush Sash of Guzbah	40 Emblem
Flowing Sash of Order	Halls of Lightning – Heroic
Elegant Temple Gardens	40 Emblem
Sash of the Servant	Azjol-Nerub – Heroic

Plush Sash of Guzbah and Girdle of Bane is for all intents and purposes nearly equal in value, assuming you can fully make use of the hit rating. All other belts are significantly further behind in value, especially if you need a belt without hit rating.

Item	Source
Pantaloons of Calming Strife	Sunwell
Pantaloons of Growing Strife	Sunwell
Leggings of Calamity	Sunwell
Woven Bracae Leggings	Halls of Lightning – Heroic
Breeches of the Caller	Utgarde Keep – Heroic

All three of the Burning Crusade pants listed above are really close to each other in value. The first Wrath of the Lich King pants that comes close in value is Woven Bracae Leggings.

Black Duskweave is also worth mentioning, this can be combined with Black Duskweave bracers for the two-piece bonus.

Item	Source
Arcanic Tramplers	The Eye of Eternity – BoE
Boots of Impetuous Ideals	Naxxramas – BoE
Sandals of Crimson Fury	Wyrmrest – Exalted
Titan-Forged Slippers of Dom	15 Wintergrasp Marks
Boots of the Malefic	Sunwell

There is a wide margin between boots gotten from 25 man raid bind on equipped drops and other available boots, but they will come at a significant cost and not be available all the time / early on. The next best option which will be a lot easier to obtain is Sandals of Crimson Fury.

Item	Source
Titanium Spellshock Ring	Jewelcrafting – BoE
Ring of Northern Tears	Jewelcrafting – BoE
Signet of the Kirin Tor	8500 Gold
Loop of the Kirin Tor	8500 Gold
Spectral Seal of the Prophet	Drak’Tharon Keep – Heroic

There are a lot of options when it comes to our rings. Most of them can be bought, but one might already be more expansive than the other, looking at you Signet of the Kirin Tor. Ring of Northern Tears, Lost Ring of the Necromancer, and Titanium Spellshock Ring can also be bought for gold.

Band of Guile and Annhylde’s Ring are for all intents and purposes the same ring that drops from another Heroic.

Item	Source
Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem
Mark of the War Prisoner	Violet Hold – Heroic
Mithril Pocketwatch	Brewfest
Forge Ember	Halls of Stone – Heroic
Je’Tze Bell	World Drop – BoE

The Egg of Mortal Essence is not listed above, at the moment of this writing, it seems we can only proc this with Health Funnel, limiting its use as we do not want to be wasting cast time using this in combat.

Sundial of the Exiled and Mithril Pocketwatch are the same trinket for all intents and purposes, one easier to get than the other.

Item	Source
Titansteel Spellblade	Blacksmithing – BoE
Cursed Lich Blade	Drak’Tharon Keep – Heroic
Flamehaert Spell Scalpel	Kirin Tor – Revered
Netherbreath Spellblade	Utgarde Pinnacle – Heroic
Jeweled Coronations Sword	Utgarde Pinnacle

If Titansteel Spellblade is out from release one-hand plus offhand will be the play. If it is not Cursed Lich Blade or any of the other listed one hands will work as well but Staff of Draconic Combat will be a closer option.

Item	Source
Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblem
Faces of Doom	Inscription – BoE
Handbook of Obscure Remedies	25 Emblem
Iron-bound Tome	Inscription – BoE
Telestra’s Journal	The Nexus – Heroic

Ward of the Violet Citadel really is the best option and at only a cost of 25 Emblem not too hard to get your hands on. That being said any of the others listed will last you until you get it.

Item	Source
Staff of Draconic Combat	The Oculus – Heroic
Staff of Wayward Principles	Utgarde Pinnacle – Heroic
Staff of Sinister Claws	Ahn’kahet: The old Kingdom – Heroic
Golden Staff of the Sin’Dorei	Sunwell
Sempiternal Staff	Stratholme

Staff of Draconic Combat drops from the last boss in The Oculus Heroic. If Titansteel Spellblade is out from release, that combined with Ward of the Violet Citadel will be a tad bit better.

Item	Source
Wand of Cleansing Light	Sunwell
Wand of Ahn’kahet	Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom – Heroic
Rod of the Fallen Monarch	Azjol-Nerub – Heroic
Wand of Demonsoul	Sunwell
Wand of the San’layn	Utgarde Keep – Heroic

Wand of Cleansing Light used to be a healer wand, due to the stat changes it makes it the best available wand in both pre patch and in Wrath of the Lich King before we enter any raids.

Item	Source
Hood of Rationality	Eye of Eternity
Enamored Cowl	Obsidian Sanctum
Cowl of Vanity	Naxxramas
Valorous Plagueheart Circle	Naxxramas
Cowl of Winged Fear	Naxxramas

There are a plethora of helms thats are technically better than Valorous Plagueheart Circle, especially Hood of Rationality. However the benefit from both the two-piec and four-piece bonus make (and more than a little) up for this difference. This in turn makes Valorous Plagueheart Circle the best in slot helm, even if it doesn’t have the highest stat points.

Item	Source
Wyrmrest Necklace of Power	Eye of Eternity
Chain of the Ancient Wyrm	Eye of Eternity
Necklace of the Glittering Chamber	Eye of Eternity
Cosmic Lights	Naxxramas
Thunderstorm Amulet	Naxxramas

It is noticable that both of the best necks are rewareded for the quest chain in Eye of Eternity, the 25 man and 10 man version respectively. Both also have a blue socket bonus providing 5 spell power, making it an excelent choice to meet our CSD requirements.

Item	Source
Mantle of Dissemination	Eye of Eternity
Mantle of the Fatigued Sage	Naxxramas
Mantle of the Locusts	Naxxramas
Valorous Plagueheart Shoulderpads	Naxxramas
Mantle of the Corrupted	Naxxramas

We want to use Valorous Plagueheart Shoulderpads in order to activate our two and four-piece set bonus. That being said looking purely at the stats the items provide Mantle of the Fatigued Sage, Mantle of the Locusts and Mantle of the Corrupted are roughly equal in value, with Mantle of Dissemination being a tiny bit better.

Item	Source
Cape of the Unworthy Wizard	Naxxramas
Pennant Cloak	Obsidian Sanctum
Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring – BoE
Shawl of the Old Maid	Naxxramas
Disguise of the Kumiho	25 Emblem

Cape of the Unworthy Wizard is a tiny bit better compared to Pennant Cloak for Destruction Warlocks, lucky for us it should also be somewhat easier to obtain as most casters prioritise Pennant Cloak.

Item	Source
Gown of the Spell-Weaver	Eye of Eternity
Valorous Plagueheart Robe	Naxxramas
Digested Silken Robes	Naxxramas
Robes of Mutation	Naxxramas
Heigan’s Putrid Vestments	Naxxramas

Just as when we went over previous sections we want to utilize the tier 7 piece for our set bonusses, namely Valorous Plagueheart Robe. However unlike previous item slots the difference between the tier piece and the best piece (purely statwise) is small.

Item	Source
Unsullied Cuffs	Obsidian Sanctum
Bands of Impurity	Naxxramas
Bindings of the Expansive Mind	Naxxramas
Wraps of the Astral Traveler	60 Emblem
Punctilious Bindings	Naxxramas

As for all casters is the case Unsullied Cuffs is our best in slot. The alternatives listed are close too and shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you require the hit rating.

Item	Source
Gloves of the Fallen Wizard	Naxxramas
Gloves of Grandeur	Naxxramas
Valorous Plagueheart Gloves	Obisidian Sanctum
Gloves of Token Respect	Naxxramas
Gloves of Dark Gestures	Naxxramas

Another slot where we want to get our hands on a tier 7 piece, Valorous Plagueheart Gloves. Also here the alternatives are only slightly better compared to tier 7.

Item	Source
Leash of Heedless Magic	Eye of Eternity
Cincture of Polarity	Naxxramas
Belt of False Dignity	Naxxramas
Girdle of Bane	Utgarde Pinnacle – Heroic
Plush Sash of Guzbah	40 Emblem

Leash of Heedless Magic whilst best in slot, is another caster favorite so it might be hard to lay claim to it. Cincture of Polarity is a relative close alternative if you can utilize the amount of hit on it.

Item	Source
Leggings of the Wanton Spellcaster	Eye of Eternity
Leggings of Mortal Arrogance	Naxxramas
Legwraps of the Defeated Dragon	Naxxramas
Leggings of Atrophy	Naxxramas
Valorous Plagueheart Leggings	Naxxramas

The o so popular Leggings of the Wanton Spellcaster is also best in slot for us, just as for most casters. Alternatively you could swap your pants for Valorous Plagueheart Leggings instead and use Hood of Rationality as your helm instead. This setups is slightly behind but offers up less loot compitition.

Item	Source
Arcanic Tramplers	Eye of Eternity – BoE
Xintor’s Expeditionary Boots	40 Emblem of Valor
Boots of Forlorn Wishes	Naxxramas
Boots of Persuasion	Naxxramas
Boots of Impetuous Ideals	Naxxramas

Arcanic Tramplers are the boots of choice for our best in slot setup, however Xintor’s Expeditionary Boots are equally as good if we can utilize the hit rating to its fullest extend.

Item	Source
Signet of Manifested Pain	Naxxramas
Lost Jewel	Naxxramas
Band of Channeled Magic	25 Emblem of Valor
Signet of the Malevolent	Naxxramas
Ring of Northern Tears	Jewelcrafting – BoE

Thanks to the fact that crit rating is really valuable for Destruction Warlocks becomes our second BIS ring, which should have less loot compitition compared to most other casters. Our best ring in turn is Signet of Manifested Pain.

Item	Source
Dying Curse	Naxxramas
Illustration of the Dragon Soul	Obsidian Sanctum
Mithril Pocketwatch	Brewfest
Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem of Heroism
Mark of the War Prisoner	Violet Hold

Most casters will be after Illustration of the Dragon Soul & Dying Curse, they are hands down some of the best available trinkets this phase.

Item	Source
The Turning Tide	Naxxramas
Haunting Call	Naxxramas
The Soulblade	Naxxramas
Life and Death	Naxxramas
Titansteel Spellblade	Jewelcrafting – BoE

When it comes to weapon combinations main hand + off hand most often beats out staff alternatives, this phase isn’t any different. The Turning Tide in itself is ahead a lot compared to the other weapon alternatives.

Item	Source
Surplus Limb	Naxxramas
Accursed Spine	Naxxramas
Matriarch’s Spawn	Naxxramas
Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblem of Heroism
Watchful Eye	Naxxramas

When it comes to offhands we have some more choices of items all relatively close in value to eachother. Namely Surplus Limb if you need hit rating or Accursed Spine and Matriarch’s Spawn if you don’t. It should also be stated that Ward of the Violet Citadel really isn’t all that far behind and relative easy to get in comparison.

Item	Source
Greatstaff of the Nexus	Eye of Eternity
Damnation	Naxxramas
Staff of Restraint	Obsidian Sanctum
Spire of Sunset	Naxxramas
Sulfur Stave	Naxxramas

As stated before staffs are slightly less DPS overall compared to onehand and mainhaind combinations, that being said Greatstaff of the Nexus is our best available option.

Item	Source
Plague Igniter	Naxxramas
Gemmed Wand of the Nerubians	Naxxramas
Wand of the Archlich	Naxxramas
Wand of Cleansing Light	Sunwell
Wand of the San’layn	Utgarde Keep – Heroic

Wands just as our offhands, offer us a lot of options depending on our needs. Plague Igniter offers us the most pure DPS ignoring hit rating, whilst Gemmed Wand of the Nerubians does give us that valuable hit. Alternatively you can also make use of Wand of the Archlich if you require no hit rating.

T4 4P Information

The bonus from our four pieces of tier four provides an extra 300 Spirit whenever we use life tap for 10 seconds. This translates to an extra 150 amount of spell power through Fel Armor and glyph of life tap. This raises the question if you should be using Life Tap more often to increase our total amount of Spell Power. The answer to this is relatively simple, Life Tap incurs a global cooldown, this means we lose roughly 1.5s of cast time every 10 seconds or approximately 15% (depending on our cast speed) of our DPS, there is no way that the additional 150 spell power results in an overall DPS increase that is bigger than this. Using life tap earlier can be worthwhile if you can make the buff align with other cooldowns, this doesn’t increase the total amount of global cooldowns spent on Life Tap, but instead shifts when we use it.

In short whilst the four-piece bonus of Plagueheart Garb provides us with extra spell power we should not be seeking 100% uptime on the buff, rather we should keep on using life tap as we normally would during our rotation for mana and upkeeping glyph of life tap.

It should be noted that contrary to the other specializations, the technically best-in-slot setup does not make use of the four-piece bonus, but rather opt for other non-tier set pieces. T4 4P is still a strong contender as it is immensely close to the theoretical best gear combination for the phase.

Pre-Raid

Before ever setting foot inside a raid we can already start collecting a bunch of great items to get us going. This includes raid drops from the previous 10-man raids in the form of Heroic+ Dungeons, Items brought through Heroism Emblems (quests and normal heroics), Valor Badges (Heroic+), and even a couple of items through Emblems of Conquest thanks to the daily Heroic Dungeon quest (provides 2 emblems every day). Those with heavy purses can even buy their way up the meters by getting the various raid drop Bind on Equipe items and the latest crafted pieces. On top of that those who do not shun player-versus-player interaction can get a bunch of great items for honor too. As you can see the list of sources for catch-up gear is incredibly long, here we will go in-depth about each and every worthwhile piece and who/ why you should consider it.

Best in Slot

When it comes to our best in slot gear, most of the items will be coming from 25-man Hard Mode bosses. The issue with this is that according to the following blue post, most Hard Mode bosses will only drop 1 additional top item. In other words, it will take a good while until all items drop, and 252 item-level items are highly sought after. As such it is important to keep this in mind when considering gearing options and loot distribution, do not hold out for an item that might take months to even see drop (if you can clear the Hard Modes to begin with). Each slot has a detailed description of the best items to consider and the reasons behind them. For more personal details you will have to simulate your gear setups using wowsims.

Information

Ideally, we want to make use of 2-pieces of Tier 8 for the set bonus that it provides. We can also make use of four pieces until we get our hands on the 25-man Hard Mode items. The best slot to use Tier 8 and loss out the least amount of stats is the chest slot. It is nearly as strong as the best possible alternatives. The next item(s) will depend on the Hard-Mode items you can get. You will be wanting to trade the following items:

Conqueror’s Deathbringer Hood	Crown of Luminescence
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Shoulderpads	Amice of Inconceivable Horror
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Leggings	Leggings of the Enslaved Idol

So you will likely use 1 or more of these items to get your set bonus or use the tier item until you get the Hard-Mode pieces. The easiest Hard Mode item to get from this list likely is Amice of Inconceivable Horror, as this drops in 10-man content while the rest drops in 25-man content.

Pre-Raid

Enamored Cowl as a whole is the best helm we can use. Alternatively, Heroes’ Plagueheart Circlet isn’t far behind and can help us achieve our tier 7 four-piece bonus. Additionally, we can swap in Heroes’ Plagueheart Circlet if, for example we get upgrades for other slots that are better compared to the tier 7 alternative, the same holds true for all tier 7 pieces (Do not throw them away until you got enough upgrades above tier 7 that you do not need the tier bonus). Note that non of the helms listed have any hit rating on them, making it something you do not need to actively manage when upgrading items.

Enamored Cowl	The Prophet Tharon’ja – Drak’Tharon Keep (H+)
Heroes’ Plagueheart Circlet	Various Bosses (H+)
Cowl of Winged Fear	Varos Cloudstrider (H+) – The Oculus
Cowl of Sheet Lightning	Gortok Palehoof (H+) – Utgarde Pinnacle
Visage Liquification Goggles	Engineering

Best-In-Slot

It is clear that as far as helmets go, Crown of Luminescence is the best there is, but it will also be highly sought after and rare to get your hands on. This is due to the fact that it only drops from 25-man Hard Mode Mimiron. So what are the most likely alternatives? If we can get other Hard-Mode loot for our Shoulders or Legs we can use Conqueror’s Deathbringer Hood here to complete our two-piece set bonus. If we don’t use our helm slot to complete our two-set bonus we can instead make use of Collar of the Wyrmhunter if we need additional hit rating, and Cowl of Dark Whispers if we do not. All of these drops are from 25-man Ulduar, from 10-mans we can get our hands on Lifespark Visage.

Crown of Luminescence	Mimiron (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Cowl of Dark Whispers	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (25)
Collar of the Wyrmhunter	Razorscale – Ulduar (25)
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Hood	Thorim – Ulduar (25)
Hood of Rationality	Alexstrasza’s Gift – The Eye of Eternity (25)
Lifespark Visage	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (10)
Cowl of Icy Breaths	Hodir– Ulduar (10)
Cowl of Vanity	Grobbulus, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)
Enamored Cowl	Sartharion – The Obsidian Sanctum
Valorous Deathbringer Hood	Mimiron – Ulduar (10)

Pre-Raid

Evokers Charm is a highly recommended option for the neck slot. This item can be obtained for 19 Emblems of Conques (rewarded for the daily heroic dungeon quest). If hit rating is not a priority, players may also consider the Veiled Amulet of Life, which can be obtained through Heroic+ Utgarde Keep (Prince Keleseth) or Naxxramas (Gluth and Gothik).

For those who are looking to increase hit rating, the Chain of Latent Energies is a valuable option that can be obtained through the auction house. Alternatively, the Encircling Burnished Gold Chains, which can be obtained through 25 Emblems of Heroism, and Circle of Arcana Streams, which drops from Heroic+ Stratholme (Epoch) are also viable options.

Evokers Charm	19 Emblems of Conques
Chain of Latent Energies	BOE World Drop
Veiled Amulat of Life	Prince Keleseth (H+) – Utgarde Keep
Circle of Arcana Streams	Chrono-Lord Epoch (H+) – The Culling of Stratholme
Encircling Burnished Gold Chains	25 Emblems of Heroism

Best-In-Slot

Wyrmrest Necklace of Power stands its ground, it does get trumped but only by Hard Mode specific items. When it comes to upgrading away from Wyrmrest Necklace of Power, the Pendant of Fiery Havoc on paper is the strongest however, be aware that you will need to work around the additional hit rating and shuffle gear. Sapphire Amulet of Renewal, Watchful Eye of Fate, and Pendant of the Shallow Grave are direct upgrades over Wyrmrest Necklace of Power that doesn’t require additional item switching when it comes to hit rating. Note that all of these upgrades drop from Hard Modes, so don’t hold out till you get either, it might take a while to see one drop.

Sapphire Amulet of Renewal	Steelbreaker (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Pendant of Fiery Havoc	Flame Leviathan (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Watchful Eye of Fate	Steelbreaker (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Pendant of the Shallow Grave	Thorim (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Charm of Meticulous Timing	XT-002 Deconstructor (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Evoker’s Charm	19 Emblems of Conques
Unblinking Eye	Assembly of Iron – Ulduar (25)
Wyrmrest Necklace of Power	Malygos – Eye of Eternity (25)
Pendant of Focused Energies	Trash – Ulduar (25)
Pendant of the Piercing Glare	Kologarn – Ulduar (10)

Pre-Raid

The Heroes Plaguehear Shoulderpads are an excellent choice for the shoulder slot, as they provide a solid amount of hit rating and contribute to achieving the Tier 7 set-bonus for us. Other options, such as the Miasma Mantle and Mantle of the Extensive Mind, which can be obtained from Heroic+ or Naxxramas, do not offer hit rating, but are still worth considering. The Mantle of the Tribunal from Halls of Stone or the Dark Runic Mantle also from Halls of Stone, which is a BOE item, are likewise feasible options.

Heroes Plaguehear Shoulderpads	Various Bosses (H+)
Miasma Mantle	Gortok Palehoof (H+) – Utgarde Pinnacle
Mantle of the Extensive Mind	Heroic+ ?
Mantle of the Tribunal	Halls of Stone
Dark Runic Mantle	BOE Halls of Stone

Best-In-Slot

The two most apparent choices regarding our shoulder slot are Amice of Inconceivable Horror and Conqueror’s Deathbringer Shoulderpads. On the other hand, Mantle of Wavering Calm and Underworld Mantle are both excellent alternatives to consider depending on your needs around tier 8 and what content you clear with your raider buddies.

Amice of Inconceivable Horror	Yogg-Saron (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Shoulderpads	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (25)
Mantle of Wavering Calm	XT-002 Deconstructor – Ulduar (25)
Mantle of the Unknowing	General Vezax – Ulduar (25)
Underworld Mantle	General Vezax – Ulduar (10)
Soot-Covered Mantle	Ignis the Furnace Master – Ulduar (25)
Valorous Deathbringer Shoulderpads	Thorim – Ulduar (10)
Mantle of Dissemination	Malygos – The Eye of Eternity (25)
Mantle of the Locusts	Anub’Rekhan, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)
Mantle of the Preserver	Auriaya – Ulduar (10)

Pre-Raid

For the back slot, the Deathchill Cloak is a highly recommended option for players with spare gold. This item can be purchased from the auction house or crafted by a tailor using the required materials. The Disguise of the Kuminho, which can be obtained through 25 Emblems of Valor, is also a great option to consider. Additionally, the Dark Shroud of the Scourge, if available, is a great option for players in need of hit rating.

Deathchill Cloak	BOE Tailoring
Disguise of the Kuminho	25 Emblems of Valor
Dark Shroud of the Scourge	Trollgore (H+) – Drak’Tharon Keep
Shroud of the Citadel	Mage-Lord Urom (H+) – The Oculus
Cloak of Kea Feather	25 Emblems of Valor

Best-In-Slot

All upgrades over Pennant Cloak from Sartharion in the previous phase are related to Hard Modes in one form or another. In plain words, it might take you a good while until you can wrap yourself in a new cloak blanket. Sunglimmer Cloak and Sunglimmer Drape are rewarded for defeating Algalon (the extra boss unlocked by completing various Hard Mode encounters) through a quest item called Reply-Code Alpha. Algalon also drops Drape of the Messenger in its 10-man version. Drape of Mortal Downfall drops from 25-man Hard Mode Steelbreaker.

As you can see Pennant Cloak will last us a long while, for those who do not have it yet you can consider picking up an item such as Asimov’s Drape or Shawl of Haunted Memories.

Sunglimmer Cloak	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (25)
Drape of Mortal Downfall	Steelbreaker (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Drape of the Messenger	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (10)
Sunglimmer Drape	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (10)
Asimov’s Drape	Mimiron – Ulduar (25)
Pennant Cloak	Sartharion – The Obsidian Sanctum (25)
Shawl of Haunted Memories	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (25)
Cape of the Unworthy Wizard	Kel’Thuzad – Naxxramas (25)
Drape of the Spellweaver	Ulduar Trash
Disguise of the Kumiho	25 Emblem of Valor

Pre-Raid

To continue expanding the warlock’s set bonus, Heroes’ Plagueheart Robe is a great option for the chest slot. This item can be obtained through 80 Emblems of Heroism, or from Heroic+ or Naxxramas drops. For players with a heavier purse, the Spellweave Robe or Ebonweave Robe are also great options to consider, depending on what is available at the auction house.

Other options include the Gown of the Spell-weaver and the Gown of Blaumeux from Heroic+ dungeons, both gowns provide a solid amount of hit rating.

Spellweave Robe	BOE Tailoring
Gown of the Spell-weaver	Loken (H+) – Halls of Lightning
Gown of Blaumeux	Heroic+ ?
Ebonweave Robe	BOE Tailoring
Heroes’ Plagueheart Robe	80 Emblems of Heroism

Best-In-Slot

This is one of the few slots where there are no 251-item-level Hard Mode items that blow normal 25-man mode gear out of the water. Most notable is our tier 8 chest Conqueror’s Deathbringer Robe, it is one of the must-have slot for completing our two or four-piece set bonus. On top of that we can buy our chest for 58 Emblems of Conquest making it one of the more sure items we can get.

On the other hand, say you already got your tier 8 set bonus, and not yet your tier chest. In this case you could consider getting either Robes of the Umbral Brute or Raiments of the Iron Council, both are minor upgrades over Conqueror’s Deathbringer Robe if you only look at attributes (and ignore your two (or four) piece set bonus of tier 8.

Raiments of the Iron Council (Heroic)	Stormcaller Brundir – Ulduar (25)
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Robe	Hodir – Ulduar (25)
Robes of the Umbral Brute	Kologarn – Ulduar (25)
Valorous Deathbringer Robe	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (10)
Vestments of the Piercing Light	General Vezax – Ulduar (10)
The Sanctum’s Flowing Vestments	Sartharion – The Obsidian Sanctum (25)
Raiments of the Corrupted	Auriaya – Ulduar (10)
Robes of Mutation	Noth the Plaguebringer, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)
Valorous Plagueheart Robe	Four Horseman, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)
Digested Silken Robes	Maexxna, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)

Pre-Raid

For the wrist slot, the Wraps of the Astral Traveler and Preceptor’s Bindig are good options that provide hit rating. Wraps of the Astral Traveler are bought for 60 emblems of valor whilst the other drops from Heroic+. Other options include Resurgent Phantom Bindings from Heroic+ and Cuffs of Winged Levitation from Heroic Oculus.

Wraps of the Astral Traveler	60 emblems of valor
Preceptor’s Bindig	Hadronox – Azjol-Nerub (H+)
Resurgent Phantom Bindings	Commander Kolurg, Commander Stoutbeard – The Nexus (H+)
Cuffs of Winged Levitation	The Oculus Heroic
Cuffs of the Shadow Ascendant	60 emblems of valor

Best-In-Slot

Unsullied Cuffs remains one of the best bracers out there, only Grasps of Reason beats it. Note that these bracers will be an upgrade for every caster in the raid.

Those missing Unsullied Cuffs can also opt for Shackles of the Odalisque, Bracers of Unleashed Magic, or Grips of Chaos (BoE), note that all of these drop in 25-man Ulduar. The last two of these are also great options for additional hit rating.

Grasps of Reason	XT-002 Deconstructor (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Unsullied Cuffs	Sartharion – The Obsidian Sanctum (25)
Shackles of the Odalisque	Razorscale – Ulduar (25)
Bracers of Unleashed Magic	Kologarn – Ulduar (25)
Grips of Chaos	Trash – Ulduar (25)
Runetouch Wristwraps	Stormcaller Brundir – Ulduar (10)
Combustion Bracers	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (10)
Bands of Impurity	Noth the Plaguebringer – Naxxramas (25)
Punctilious Bindings	Grand Widow Faerlina – Naxxramas (25)
Wraps of the Astral Traveler	60 Emblem of Valor

Pre-Raid

For the “cheap” price of 28 emblems of conquest you can get your hands on (pun intended) Touch of the Occult. Note that it might take a while to get enough emblems since you are limited to 2 to 3 emblems per day. (unless you are heading out into Ulduar). Another great option in the context of Tier 8 is Heroes.

Other options include the Spellweave Gloves or Ebonweave Gloves if you have the spare gold, and Gloves of Dark Gestures from Heroic+ Halls of Lightning (Bjarngrim).

Touch of the Occult	28 emblems of conquest
Spellweave Gloves	BOE Tailoring
Ebonweave Gloves	BOE Tailoring
Heroes	60 Emblems of Heroism
Gloves of Dark Gestures	General Bjarngrim – Halls of Lightning (H+)

Best-In-Slot

Both of the best gloves come from Alagon; Pharos Gloves and Pulsar Gloves. Next runner-ups are Handwraps of the Vigilant from Hard Mode Vezax, note that these are the best option out there for Demonology Warlocks and you should pass on them in favor of them. All of these gloves are hard to get and will be rare.

The best non-Hard Mode gloves are Handwraps of Plentiful Recovery and Touch of the Occult. Considering tier 8 we can also make use of Conqueror’s Deathbringer Gloves especially if it will enable your next set bonus.

Pharos Gloves	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (25)
Handwraps of the Vigilant	General Vezax (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Pulsar Gloves	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (10)
Handwraps of Plentiful Recovery	Kologarn – Ulduar (25)
Touch of the Occult	28 Emblems of Conquest
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Gloves	Mimiron – Ulduar (25)
Constructor’s Handwraps	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (25)
Handwraps of Resonance	Thorim – Ulduar (10)
Valorous Deathbringer Gloves	Sartharion – The Obsidian Sanctum (25)
Static Charge Handwraps	Mimiron – Ulduar (10)

Pre-Raid

Sash of Ancient Power is a particularly desirable item, as it is considered the best option available before setting foot in a raid. This item is particularly expensive, as it is crafted using materials and a recipe that drop in Ulduar. However, for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option, Sash of Potent Incanctations, available for 28 emblems of conquest, might be a more realistic choice. Other options include the Girdle of Bane, which drops in Utgarde Pinnacle on Heroic mode, or the Plush Sash of Guzbah, which also provides hit rating, another option is Agonal Sash from Heroic+.

Sash of Ancient Power	BOE Tailoring
Sash of Potent Incanctations	28 emblems of conquest
Cord of the White Dawn	BOE Tailoring
Girdle of Bane	Utgarde Pinnacle (H)
Plush Sash of Guzbah	40 Emblems of Heroism
Agonal Sash	Ionar – Halls of Lightning (H+)

Best-In-Slot

For those with heavy purses it will be relatively easy (though expensive) to get a good belt. Sash of Ancient Power is crafted with the new crafting ingredient namely runed orb. Starwatcher’s Binding is slightly stronger but will be significantly harder to get due to being an Algalon drop.

For those looking for a normal raid drop you should consider Embrace of the Leviathan from 25-man Flame Leviathan.

Starwatcher’s Binding	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (25)
Cord of the White Dawn	BOE Taloring
Sash of Ancient Power	BOE Taloring
Embrace of the Leviathan	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (25)
Leash of Heedless Magic	Malygos – The Eye of Eternity (25)
Belt of the Darkspeaker	General Vezax – Ulduar (25)
Sash of Potent Incantations	28 Emblem of Conquest
Binding of the Dragon Matriarch	Razorscale – Ulduar (10)
Conductive Cord	XT-002 Deconstructor – Ulduar (10)
Cincture of Polarity	Thaddius, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)

Pre-Raid

Moving on to legs, the best option is likely to be the Heroes Plageuheart Leggings, as it is part of the tier 7 set-bonus. Other options include Leggings of Sapphiron and Leggings of the Instructor, both of which drop in Heroic+ dungeons. For those on a budget, Woven Bracae Leggings, which drop in the “normal” heroic version of the Halls of Lightning, will be a more affordable option.

Legwraps of the Master Conjurer	39 Emblems of Conquest
Heroes Plageuheart Leggings	Various Heroic+
Leggings of Sapphiron	Drakos the Interrogator – The Oculus (H+)
Woven Bracae Leggings	Halls of Lightning Heroic
Leggings of the Instructor	Skarvald the Constructor – Utgarde Keep (H+)

Best-In-Slot

When it comes to our pants, the choice is fairly obvious. You use Conqueror’s Deathbringer Leggings, if your lucky you will eventually replace them with Leggings of the Enslaved Idol from 25-man Hard Mode Freya. You can also make use of Leggings of Profound Darkness, note that this is also a Hard Mode drop, and you lose out on the benefit from tier pants enabling your set-bonuses. Note that there are also plenty of alternatives until you get either of the pants.

Leggings of the Enslaved Idol	Freya (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Leggings of Profound Darkness	General Vezax (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Conqueror’s Deathbringer Leggings	Freya – Ulduar (25)
Leggings of Lost Love	Thorim – Ulduar (25)
Legwraps of the Master Conjurer	39 Emblems of Conquest
Overload Legwraps (Heroic)	Stormcaller Brundir – Ulduar (25)
Valorous Deathbringer Leggings	Hodir – Ulduar (10)
Leggings of Mortal Arrogance	Kel’Thuzad – Naxxramas (25)
Leggings of the Wanton Spellcaster	Malygos – The Eye of Eternity (25)
Valorous Plagueheart Leggings	Thaddius, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)

Pre-Raid

Spellslinger’s Slippers, another item crafted in Ulduar, are a step up compared to the alternatives. However, for those on a budget, Xintor Expeditionary Boots (or Slipper of the Holy Light if you do not need additional hit rating), both available for 40 emblems of valor, can be more feasible options. Additionally, the Saltarello Shoes, which drop in heroic+ dungeons, provide yet another option.

Spellslinger’s Slippers	BOE Tailoring
Xintor Expeditionary Boots	40 Emblems of Valor
Slipper of the Holy Light	40 Emblems of Valor
Savior Slippers	Tailoring BOE
Saltarello Shoes	Heroic+?

Best-In-Slot

The best available boots not locked behind Hard Modes are Boots of the Servant from 25-man Freya. Followed closely by Spellslinger’s Slippers which might be easier to get depending on how willing you are willing to part with your hard-earned gold.

Surprise, surprise both best feet come from 25-man Hard Modes. Namely Boots of Fiery Resolution from the Flame Leviathan and Treads of the False Oracle from Yogg-Saron, best of luck getting either. The added benefit though is that both don’t have any hit rating on them making it easy to gear around once you get them.

Boots of Fiery Resolution	Flame Leviathan (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Treads of the False Oracle	Yogg-Saron (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Starlight Treads	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (10)
Boots of the Servant	Freya – Ulduar (25)
Spellslinger’s Slippers	Ulduar – Tailoring
Savior’s Slippers	Ulduar – Tailoring
Sandals of the Ancient Keeper	Auriaya – Ulduar (25)
Sandals of Rash Temperament	XT-002 Deconstructor – Ulduar (25)
Arcanic Tramplers	Alexstrasza’s Gift – The Eye of Eternity (25)
Treads of the Dragon Council	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (10)

Pre-Raid

Inscribed Signet of the Kirin Tor is an upgraded version of Signet of the Kirin Tor. It will set you back a few thousand gold, but is a great option when it comes to pre-bis, this ring also has been affected by the item level increase.

Signet of the Malevolent drops from Heroic+ and is a great source of hit rating, as well as all-around great stats. Band of Channeled Magic is a great non-hit option for 25 emblems of valor. Other alternatives are The Horseman’s Seal from Halloween, although that event is a long whilst to go at the time of writing this guide. Other options are Ring of Holy Cleansing from Heroic+, Band of Guile from Stratholme Heroic, or Annhyldes Ring from Utgarde Keep Heroic.

Inscribed Signet of the Kirin Tor	Singet of Kirin Tor Upgrade
Signet of the Malevolent	Ormorok the Tree-Shaper – The Nexus (H+)
Band of Channeled Magic	25 Emblem of Valor
The Horseman’s Seal	Halloween – Headless Horseman
Ring of Holy Cleansing	Jedoga Shadowseeker – Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom (H+)
Band of Guile	Dark Runed Chest – The Culling of Stratholme (H)
Annhyldes Ring	Ingvar the Plunderer – Utgarde Keep (H)

Best-In-Slot

Pyrelight Circle and Inscribed Signet of the Kirin Tor upgraded version of Phase 1 Kirin Tor Ring for an extra 1000g on top of the 8000g cost) are very similar compared to the best ring of the previous phase namely Signet of Manifested Pain. Frozen Loop is another great ring if you are in any need of hit rating.

Conductive Seal, Nebula Band, and in case you are in need of hit rating Shimmering Seal all are superb rings. However they all drop from Hard Mode encounters making them rather rare. Fire Orchid Signet also drops from a Hard Mode encounter namely Freya 10-man but doesn’t outperforms Signet of Manifested Pain.

Conductive Seal	Mimiron (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Nebula Band	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (10)
Signet of Soft Lament	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (10)
Shimmering Seal	Flame Leviathan (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Pyrelight Circle	Ignis the Furnace Master – Ulduar (25)
Glowing Ring of Reclamation	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (25)
Frozen Loop	Hodir – Ulduar (25)
Fire Orchid Signet	Freya (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Lady Maye’s Sapphire Ring	Steelbreaker – Ulduar (10)
Ring of the Vacant Eye	General Vezax – Ulduar (25)
Inscribed Signet of the Kirin Tor	Singet of Kirin Tor Upgrade

Pre-Raid

The two best trinket options by a long shot are Embrace of the Spider from Heroic+ and Sundial of the Exiled for 40 emblems of heroism.

Embrace of the Spider	Slad’ran – Gundrak (H+)
Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem of Heroism

Best-In-Slot

Illustration of the Dragon Soul fully stacked up to 200 spell power performs similarly enough to Flare of the Heavens which drops from General Vezax 25-man Hard Mode. It should also be easier to get now that Phase 1 25-man loot drops in the 10-man versions of raids.

Flare of the Heavens has the benefit of being proc based which if it lines up well enough can have tremendous results, plus you don’t have to worry about keeping Illustration of the Dragon Soul stacks up do note that it will be hard to get your hands on due to being locked behind a Hard Mode encounter.

Scale of Fates is the second strongest trinket, but due to the share amount of haste rating it can under certain circumstances make us soft-haste capped in combination with Backdraft and other haste effects.

Flare of the Heavens	General Vezax (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Illustration of the Dragon Soul	Sartharion – The Obsidian Sanctum (25)
Scale of Fates	Thorim – Ulduar (25)
Pandora’s Plea	Mimiron – Ulduar (25)
Eye of the Broodmother	Razorscale – Ulduar (10)
Elemental Focus Stone	Auriaya – Ulduar (10)
Living Flame	Razorscale – Ulduar (25)
Dying Curse	Maexxna, Gothik the Harvester, Grobbulus, Heigan the Unclean – Naxxramas (25)
Embrace of the Spider	Maexxna – Naxxramas (10)

Pre-Raid

Greatstaff of the Nexus is an incredibly strong staff option that drops from Heroic+, do not forget to get the stronger staff-only enchant variant for the additional spell power that it provides.

The Soulblade	Ingvar the Plunderer – Utgarde Keep (H+)
Titansteel Spellblade	BOE Blacksmithing
Blade of Dormand Memories	Lavanthor – The Violet Hold (H+)
Grieving Spellblade	Heroic+ ?
Flameheart Spell Scalpel	Kirin Tor Revered

Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblem of Heroism
Watchful Eye	Krystallus – Halls of Stone (H+)
Handbook of Obscure Remedies	25 Emblem of Heroism
Faces of Doom	BOE Inscription
Telestra Journal	Grand Magus Telestra – The Nexus (H)

Greatstaff of the Nexus	Sjonnir The Ironshaper – Halls of Stone (H+)
Charmed Cierge	Commander Kolurg, Commander Stoutbeard – The Nexus (H+)
Staff of Draconic Combat	Ley-Guardian Eregos – The Oculus (H)
Sulfur Stave	Hadronox – Hadronox (H+)
Staff of Waywayrd Principles	Skadi the Ruthless – Utgarde Pinnacle (H)

Best-In-Slot

It is always a little debate about whether one should use two-handers or mainhand + offhand combinations. This phase staffs can present a lot of opportunities in general, they are still a bit weaker compared to the best MH+ OH combination but it should have less loot competition making it easier to get your weapon upgrades. If you can get your hands on a 252 or 245 item level weapon it shouldn’t matter which slot it fits in (as long as you keep being hit capped).

Starshard Edge (Heroic)	Algalon the Observer (HM), Mimiron (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Fusion Blade	Mimiron (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Soulscribe	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (25)
Runescribed Blade	Auriaya – Ulduar (25)
The Turning Tide	Kel’Thuzad – Naxxramas (25)
Stormtip	Steelbreaker – Ulduar (10)
Firesoul	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (10)
Plasma Foil	XT-002 Deconstructor – Ulduar (10)
Haunting Call	Trash – Naxxramas (10)
The Soulblade	Kel’Thuzad – Naxxramas (10)

Cosmos	Algalon the Observer – Ulduar (25)
Leviathan Fueling Manual	Flame Leviathan – Ulduar (25)
Ironmender	Kologarn – Ulduar (25)
Surplus Limb	Patchwerk, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)
Igniter Rod	Ignis the Furnace Master – Ulduar (10)
Matriarch’s Spawn	Gothik the Harvester – Naxxramas (25)
Accursed Spine	Noth the Plaguebringer, Gluth – Naxxramas (25)
Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblem of Heroism
Watchful Eye	Grand Widow Faerlina, Gluth – Naxxramas (10)
Handbook of Obscure Remedies	25 Emblem of Heroism

Staff of Endless Winter	Hodir (HM) – Ulduar (25)
Icecore Staff	Hodir (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Intensity	Ignis the Furnace Master – Ulduar (25)
The Lifebinder	Freya – Ulduar (25)
Rapture (Heroic)	Stormcaller Brundir – Ulduar (25)
Unraveling Reach	Freya – Ulduar (10)
Frostscythe of Lord Ahune	The Slave Pens Event
Devotion	Yogg-Saron – Ulduar (10)
Greatstaff of the Nexus	Malygos – The Eye of Eternity (10)
Pillar of Fortitude	Trash – Ulduar (10)

Pre-Raid

When it comes to wands, we got a lot of options. If you are in need of hit rating Wand of the San’layn from Utgarde Keep Heroic or even Wand of Blinding Light a simple quest reward are great options. Otherwise, Wand of the Archlich will be the go-to option if you can get it to drop in Heroic+.

Wand of the Archlich	Cyanigosa – The Violet Hold (H+)
Wand of the San’layn	Prince Keleseth – Utgarde Keep (H+)
Wand of Blinding Light	Dragonblight Quest
Rod of the Fallen Monarch	Anub’arak – Azjol-Nerub (H)
Wand of Ahn’kahet	Herald Volazj – Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom (H)

Best-In-Slot

If you are in need of hit rating then Quartz Crystal Wand from 25-man XT-002 Deconstrucor will be a great choice. Otherwise Scepter of Lost Souls will be preferred, closely followed b Scepter of Creation.

Note that if you get lucky, Petrified Ivy Sprig is the best overall wand available. As with all good things it drops in Hard Modes only (though 10-man Freya so there might be less loot competition when it does inevitably drops).

Petrified Ivy Sprig	Freya (HM) – Ulduar (10)
Scepter of Lost Souls	General Vezax – Ulduar (25)
Scepter of Creation	Ignis the Furnace Master – Ulduar (25)
Quartz Crystal Wand	XT-002 Deconstructor – Ulduar (25)
Nurturing Touch	Auriaya – Ulduar (10)
Wand of the Archlich	Kel’Thuzad – Naxxramas (10)
Plague Igniter	Grobbulus – Naxxramas (25)
Gemmed Wand of the Nerubians	Anub’Rekhan – Naxxramas (25)
Wand of Cleansing Light	Trash – Sunwell Plateau
Wand of the Demonsoul	Trash – Sunwell Plateau

In conclusion, when it comes to outfitting your character, there are many options available. It’s important to consider both cost and performance to make the best decision for your character.

Pre-Raid

Before ever setting foot inside a raid we can already start collecting a bunch of great items to get us going. This includes raid drops from the previous 10-man raids in the form of Heroic++ Dungeons, Items brought through Heroism Emblems (quests and normal heroics), Valor Badges (Heroic+), Emblems of Conquest (Heroic++) and even a couple of items through Emblems of Triumph thanks to the daily Heroic Dungeon quest (provides 2 emblems every day). You can also get Ulduar 10-man Hardmode loot from the Animated Constellation. This vendor will exchange items from Ulduar 10-player Hard Mode for the new Sidereal Essence currency. Those with heavy purses can even buy their way up the meters by getting the various raid drop Bind on Equipe items and the latest crafted pieces. On top of that those who do not shun player-versus-player interaction can get a bunch of great items for honor too. As you can see the list of sources for catch-up gear is incredibly long, here we will go in-depth about each and every worthwhile piece and who/ why you should consider it.

Best in Slot

When it comes to our best in slot gear, most of the items will be coming from 25-man Heroic and Hard Mode bosses. Expect most of these high item-level items to be highly sought after. As such it is important to keep this in mind when considering gearing options and loot distribution, do not hold out for an item that might take months to even see drop (if you can clear the Hard Modes and Heroics to begin with). Each slot has a detailed description of the best items to consider and the reasons behind them. For more personal details you will have to simulate your gear setups using Wowsims.

Information

We can also make use of only the two-piece bonus combined with stronger off-pieces until we eventually can get the full bonus of the four-piece set. Ideally we want to make use of the head, the alternatives are the biggest set back compared to tier 9. The best possible alternatives are Pants of the Soothing Touch for the leg slot and Skyweaver Vestments for the chest slot. The following are each slot best alternatives (context dependent on your hit rating, etc). As you can see plenty of the Ulduar Hard mode items keep being top performers for the slots (ignoring set bonus), expect this to be a theme throughout the guide.

Pre-Raid

Lifespark Visage	Ulduar (10) Flame Leviathan (10%)
Gaze of the Unknown	Trial of the Champion (H) The Black Knight (8%)
Cowl of Icy Breaths	Ulduar (10) Hodir
Valorous Deathbringer Hood	Ulduar (10) Mimiron (33%)
Enamored Cowl	The Obsidian Sanctum (10) Sartharion (20%)

Best-In-Slot

This phase we can choose which pieces of tier gear we get first, we can buy them with either of the Grand Conqueror or Trophy of the Crusade combined with Emblem of Triumph. Depending on the gear that you already have coming into Trail of the Crusader and the first drops that you see, we are most likely to first replace your helm or legs for the tier equivalent instead of any other slot. The reason for this being that these on their own benefit from providing the best stats for these slots as well.

Those already heading out with Crown of Luminescence from phase 2 can expect to hold on to them for a little longer. You can first replace other slots and postpone updating this one until you need to meet your four-piece bonus. As always this will highly be dependent on the rest of your gear and the drops that you see in raid, ideally you simulate your situation to come to a more personalized answer.

Pre-Raid

Watchful Eye of Fate	Ulduar (10) The Iron Council (Hard) (20%)
Pendant of the Shallow Grave	Ulduar (10) Thorim (Hard) (20%)
Evoker’s Charm	Emblems of Conquest 19
Heartbreak Charm	Shadowfang Keep (Seasonal) Apothecary Hummel (20%)
Pendant of the Piercing Glare	Ulduar (10) Kologarn (10%)

Best-In-Slot

Most of the Necklaces from Ulduar hold up great, we can easily keep using either Sapphire Amulet of Renewal or Pendant of Fiery Havoc for a long time, until eventually replacing it with Cry of the Val’kyr.

Those looking for catch up gear, we can get our hands on either Watchful Eye of Fate or Pendant of the Shallow Grave with the introduction of Sidereal Essence from the new Heroic++ protocol for dungeons.

Pre-Raid

Amice of Inconceivable Horror	Ulduar (10) Yogg-Saron (Hard) (20%)
Valorous Deathbringer Shoulderpads	Ulduar (10) Thorim (33%)
Underworld Mantle	Ulduar (10) General Vezax (10%)
Mantle of the Preserver	Ulduar (10) Auriaya (10%)
Iceshear Mantle	Ulduar (10) Zone Drop (0.5%)

Best-in-Slot

There are not a lot of exciting choices when it comes to choosing shoulders. Similar too those rocking the best helm in phase 2, those that have Amice of Inconceivable Horror can postpone upgrading their shoulders but will eventually have too in order to achieve the four-piece bonus. Whilst there are also other shoulders available for Emblem of Triumph, they cost well… Emblem of Triumph. Ideally, we want to spend these on our tier gear instead of on non-tier shoulder pieces. Especially considering that we eventually want to upgrade to a version of tier 9.

Pre-Raid

Drape of the Messenger	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Drape of the Spellweaver	Ulduar (10) Zone Drop (0.5%)
Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring Nexus
Disguise of the Kumiho	Emblems of Valor25
Shroud of Alteration	Ulduar (25) Zone Drop (0.5%)
Shawl of the Caretaker	Ulduar (10) Ignis the Furnace Master (10%)
Kurisu’s Indecision	Trial of the Champion (H) Eadric the Pure (17%)

Best-In-Slot

Completing Heroic Trail of the Crusader rewards you with additional items based on the number of attempts that it took you to clear the content. The more attempts left the bigger the number of items and the better. If you complete the challenge with zero wipes (in other words 50 out of 50 attempts left) extra cloaks drop along with other goodies. It should come as no surprise that these cloaks in turn end up being the best available there are for the back slot. These include Aethas’ Intensity and Lady Liadrin’s Conviction and their Alliance equivalents for the 25-man version of Trail of the Crusader. The 10-man versions namely. Drape of the Sunreavers and Shawl of Fervent Crusader closely follow these in terms of overall value.

Pre-Raid

Raiments of the Corrupted	Ulduar (10) Auriaya (10%)
Valorous Deathbringer RobeWarlock	Ulduar (10) Yogg-Saron (33%)
Merlin’s Robe	Tailoring
Royal Moonshroud Robe	Tailoring
Gown of Blaumeux	Naxxramas (10) Gluth (4%)
Ebonweave Robe	Tailoring
Embrace of Madness	Trial of the Champion (H) The Black Knight (8%)

Best-In-Slot

The chest slot is another place where we got to choose between going for tier 9, our set bonus or using an alternative off piece which ideally is high in terms of attributes that it provides. As Destruction Warlocks want ideally to make use of at least the two-piece set bonus, increasing the throughput of our machine gun Imp along with our chance to deal big hits thanks to Empowered Imp. For our personal performance the four-piece bonus is also beneficial though the gain isn’t quite as big. Whilst we can choose any slot to reach our desired amount of set items some slots have better alternatives available that outperform tier 9 when we only look at the stats that it provides (or at least are very close) the chest slot is one of the better options (along with pants where we would opt for Leggings of the Soothing Touch). This thanks to Skyweaver Vestments, this piece is the best alternative we can use out of all the slots (if you can get your hands on it of course). Note that other slots also have good alternative options or you could also make use of Flowing Robes of Ascent as an alternative item. If you make use of an alternative item in another slot it should go without saying that you want to make use of Gul’dan’s Robe of Triumph to reach your four-piece bonus.

Pre-Raid

Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers	Tailoring
Royal Moonshroud Bracers	Tailoring
Grips of Chaos	Ulduar (25) Zone Drop (0.5%)
Combustion Bracers	Ulduar (10) Flame Leviathan (10%)
Wraps of the Astral Traveler	60 Emblems of Valor

Best-In-Slot

As is the case with most 25-man Hard mode items from Ulduar, Grasps of Reason stays being a relative top performer. It is only beaten by the new Bindings of the Ashen Saint which in turn comes from Heroic 25 man Trail of the Crusader. Alternatively if you don’t have Grasps of Reason and aren’t going to be able to your hands on a raid drop anytime soon but have a heavy purse you could consider getting Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers. It performs equal, does not depend on RNG for you too get it (aside from someone seeing the recipe drop on your server) though it will cost a fair penny as it requires Crusader Orb, the new raid related material to craft.

Pre-Raid

Pulsar Gloves	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Static Charge Handwraps	Ulduar (10) Mimiron (20%)
Valorous Deathbringer GlovesWarlock	Ulduar (10) Freya (33%)
Touch of the Occult	28 Emblems of Conquest
Handwraps of Resonance	Ulduar (10) Thorim (20%)

Best-In-Slot

This is one of the slots where we got to choose whether we go for tier 9 or if we favor an off-piece item. The Heroic version of tier 9 will provide us with the most bang for our Trophy of the Crusade buck. This frees up another slot to make use of an alternative item (for example the chest slot to make use of Skyweaver Vestments, or use Leggings of the Soothing Touch for our pants). Alternatively Pharos Gloves also keeps performing well similar to the new Handwraps of the Lifeless Touch. Do note that this is assuming you meet your four-piece tier 9 set bonus.

Pre-Raid

Sash of Ancient Power	Tailoring
Belt of the Churning Blaze	Trial of the Champion Eadric the Pure (14%)
Girdle of Bane	Utgarde Pinnacle (H) King Ymiron (25%)
Sash of Potent Incantations	28 Emblems of Conquest
Binding of the Dragon Matriarch	Ulduar (10) Razorscale (10%)

Best-In-Slot

Starwatcher’s Binding is a little bit of an exception on the list of Hard mode 25-man Ulduar items, whilst it is a great item the new heroic belts introduced this phase tend to be a noticeable step up in performance. Most notable of these belts are Belt of the Tenebrous Mist and Icehowl Binding based on your hit rating requirements.

Pre-Raid

Leggings of Profound Darkness	Ulduar (10) General Vezax (Hard) (20%)
Leggings of Unstable Discharge	Ulduar (10) Thorim (20%)
Valorous Deathbringer LeggingsWarlock	Ulduar (10) Hodir (33%)
Legwraps of the Master Conjurer	39 Emblems of Conquest

Best-In-Slot

We can spend our Trophy of the Crusade to get our Tier 9 pants for our set-bonus. On the other hand if you could opt for either Pants of the Soothing Touch or Pants of the Deepening Void depending on your hit rating requirements

Pre-Raid

Xintor’s Expeditionary Boots	40 Emblems of Valor
Boots of the Crackling Flame	Trial of the Champion The Black Knight (8%)
Starlight Treads	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Spellslinger’s Slippers	Tailoring
Treads of the Dragon Council	Ulduar (10) Yogg-Saron (10%)

Best-In-Slot

I am here once again to talk about how good the previous phase 25-man Hard mode non-tier items are. This time Boots of Fiery Resolution from Flame Leviathan are up for debate. We will be running around in these until we can eventually replace them with either of the Heroic 25-man Trail of the Crusader boots, namely Sandals of the Mourning Widow or Boots of the Icy Floe depending on your hit rating requirements and what you see drop.

Pre-Raid

Shimmering Seal	Ulduar (10) Flame Leviathan (Hard) (20%)
Sinner’s Confession	Trial of the Champion (H) Argent Confessor Paletress (17%)
Emerald Signet Ring	Ulduar (10) Kologarn (10%)
Signet of the Malevolent	Naxxramas (10) Gothik the Harvester (10%)
Nebula Band	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)

Best-In-Slot

Conductive Seal stays the best available ring and should be slightly easier to obtain as it now also drops from 10-man Ulduar instead of only dropping from 10-man. Another phase 2 ring that holds up great and is easier to obtain is Nebula Band, seeing as it now can also be bought for 19 Sidereal Essence rewarded from the new Heroic++ modes.

From all the new rings Lurid Manifestation from Heroic Anub’arak is the best of the bunch. With the second being Circle of the Darkmender though ideally you leave these up for healers, seeing as how the easier to get Ulduar rings listed before perform better.

Pre-Raid

Abyssal Rune	Trial of the Champion Eadric the Pure (14%)
Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem of Heroism

Best-In-Slot

As Destruction Warlocks we tend to cast plenty non-periodic damage spells which can crit, and it so happens that we crit all the time. What are the odds there is a trinket specificly our there that perfectly synergizes with this? Well this phase we are in luck with Reign of the Dead. Other Warlock Specialization on average aren’t out for the trinket (though mages might be) making it a tad bit easier to set higher on your wish list.

Flare of the Heavens from 25-man Hard Mode General Vezax is the second best trinket, loot competition for this will be a tad bigger but you might have already gotten it in the previous phase.

Pre-Raid

Fusion Blade	Ulduar (10) Mimiron (Hard) (20%)
Firesoul	Ulduar (10) Flame Leviathan (10%)
Stormtip	Ulduar (10) The Iron Council (10%)
Plasma Foil	Ulduar (10) XT-002 Deconstructor (10%)
The Soulblade	Naxxramas (10) Kel’Thuzad (10%)
Spectral Kris	Trial of the Champion (H) The Black Knight (8%)

Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblems of Heroism
Watchful Eye	Naxxramas (10) Grand Widow Faerlina (10%)
Igniter Rod	Ulduar (10) Ignis the Furnace Master (10%)
Telestra’s Journal	The Nexus (H) Grand Magus Telestra (25%)

Unraveling Reach	Ulduar (10) Freya (20%)
Icecore Staff	Ulduar (10) Hodir (Hard) (20%)

Best-In-Slot

The staves here are listed for completionism and especially for Kralnor, but sadly overall they underperform in comparison to mainhand and off hand combinations.

Where Hard modes from Ulduar are top performers for a lot of the slots such as for our wand and trinkets, the Starshard Edge does get beaten out. Both Barb of Tarasque and Mortalis are superb choices. If you can get your hands on either you should, you can play around enough in other slots with hit rating to make either work. Both perform equal if you match for the hit rating.

Starshard Edge from Hard mode Algalon in Ulduar will outperform any of the normal 25-man Trail of the Crusader items and the 10-man heroic versions, such as Spellharvest and Barb of Tarasque.

Most of the new off hands perform really well and even outperform Cosmos though it also holds its own. The best two options are Lightbane Focus and Talisman of Heedless Sins. Depending on how much hit rating you already have in other slots Mystifying Charm is also a good option to keep in mind to use.

Pre-Raid

Petrified Ivy Sprig	Ulduar (10) Freya (Hard) (20%)
Brimstone Igniter	25 Emblems of Triumph
Nurturing Touch	Ulduar (10) Auriaya (10%)
Wand of the Archlich	Naxxramas (10) Kel’Thuzad (10%)

Best-In-Slot

Petrified Ivy Sprig from 10-man Hard mode Freya in Ulduar keeps being the top contender when it comes to wands, it is now also available for 15 Sidereal Essence. The closest contender is Scepter of Imprisoned Souls from Heroic 10-man Icehowl in Trail of the Crusader. Based on your hit rating requirements you will want to play around with these two.

Pre-Raid

Before ever setting foot inside a raid we can already start collecting a bunch of great items to get us going. This includes raid drops from the previous raids in the form of Heroic++ Dungeons, Items brought through Heroism Emblems (quests and normal heroics), Valor Badges (Heroic+), Emblems of Conquest (Heroic++), and even a couple of items through Emblems of Triumph thanks to the daily Heroic Dungeon quest. You also receive Sidereal Essence and Scourge Stone from Heroic++ which can be used to buy various strong items. Those with heavy purses can even buy their way up the meters by getting the various raid drop Bind on Equipe items and the latest crafted pieces. On top of that those who do not shun player-versus-player interaction can get a bunch of great items for honor too. As you can see the list of sources for catch-up gear is incredibly long, here we will go in-depth about every worthwhile piece and who/ why you should consider it.

Best in Slot

When it comes to our best in slot gear, most of the items will be coming from 25-man Heroic and Hard Mode bosses. Expect most of these high-item-level items to be highly sought after. As such it is important to keep this in mind when considering gearing options and loot distribution, do not hold out for an item that might take months to even see drop (if you can clear the Hard Modes and Heroics to begin with). Each slot has a detailed description of the best items to consider and the reasons behind them. For more personal details you will have to simulate your gear setups using Wowsims.

Information

Ideally, we want to make use of 4-pieces of Tier 10 for the set bonus that it provides. We can also make use of only the two-piece bonus combined with stronger off-pieces until we eventually can get the full bonus of the four-piece set. Ideally, we want to make use of the head, the alternatives are the biggest setback compared to Tier 10. On the other hand, the best possible alternatives are Sanguine Silk Robes for the chest, Plaguebringer’s Stained Pants for the legs, and Gunship Captain’s Mittens for the gloves. You can get a lot more information about the relative performance of setups compared to the absolute Best in Slot setup over at the Warlock Simulation Competition.

Due to how Tier 10 works you need to buy it first with Emblem of Frost (which is locked behind Heroics, Raid and Weekly quests) after which they are upgraded with Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification (and the Heroic version) which drops in raids you will be limited in how fast you can get the full four-piece.

Pre-Raid

Cowl of the Absolute	Ulduar (25) Auriaya (7%)
Sightless Crown of Ulmaas	Halls of Reflection (H) Marwyn (17%)
Gul’dan’s Hood of Triumph	75 Emblems of Triumph

Best-In-Slot

In an ideal world, you want to get Sanctified Dark Coven Hood for your head, it provides us with some of the best stats of all the helmets plus it contributes towards our Tier set.

Pre-Raid

Pendant of Fiery Havoc	Ulduar (25) Flame Leviathan (Hard)
Cry of the Val’kyr	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Eydis Darkbane (20%)
Sapphire Amulet of Renewal	Ulduar (25) The Iron Council (Hard)
Arcane Loops of Anger	The Forge of Souls (H) Devourer of Souls (8%)

Best-In-Slot

Blood Queen’s Crimson Choker is the best-performing necklace if you do not need hit rating. Amulet of the Silent Eulogy is pretty much its counterpart if you can make full use of all the hit rating that it provides.

Pre-Raid

Very Fashionable Shoulders	The Forge of Souls (H) Bronjahm (17%)
Mantle of Revered Mortality	45 Emblems of Triumph
Pauldrons of Catastrophic Emanation	45 Emblems of Triumph
Gul’dan’s Shoulderpads of Triumph	45 Emblems of Triumph

Best-in-Slot

There are not a lot of exciting choices when it comes to choosing shoulders. Similar to those rocking the best helm in phase 4, you want to eventually get Dark Coven Shoulderpads which can be further upgraded through Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification. All this to acquire your two and four-piece set bonus.

Pre-Raid

Shroud of Displacement	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Faction Champions (7%)
Drape of the Refreshing Winds	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)

Best-In-Slot

There are a lot of great cloak options, all of which are listed below in order of their overall value. Notable the 25-man Heroic Trial of the Crusader cloaks hold up well compared to the 25-man Heroic Icecrown Citadel. This is because they are only 5 item levels behind each other.

Pre-Raid

Skyweaver Vestments	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Fjola Lightbane (10%)
Ancient Polar Bear Hide	Pit of Saron (H) Ick (17%)
Flowing Robes of Ascent	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)
Merlin’s Robe	Tailoring28691760)
Gul’dan’s Robe of Triumph	75 Emblems of Triumph

Best-In-Slot

The chest slot is another place where we got to choose between going for Tier 10, our set bonus, or using an alternative off piece which ideally is high in terms of attributes that it provides. If you opt to use Sanctified Dark Coven Robe you will be able to make use of an off-piece for your pants, namely Plaguebringer’s Stained Pants. The other option is to make use of Sanguine Silk Robes and go for Sanctified Dark Coven Leggings for pants. What you want to do will depend on loot availability in your raid and the overall upgrade path, I recommend using Wowsims to make your decision.

Pre-Raid

Bindings of the Ashen Saint	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers	Tailoring21341230)
Dark Essence Bindings	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Eydis Darkbane (20%)
Bracer of Worn Molars	Halls of Reflection (H) Falric (17%)

Best-In-Slot

There are three great Wrist options in this phase. The Lady’s Brittle Bracers is the best from a pure raw stat perspective if you do not need hit rating, on the other end we have Death Surgeon’s Sleeves and Ether-Soaked Bracers for those that do need hit rating. Ether-Soaked Bracers has a tad bit less hit rating but most likely will be easier to get around your wrist seeing as it drop from 10-man Heroic Rotface instead of the 25-man version.

Pre-Raid

Handwraps of the Lifeless Touch	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Pulsar Gloves	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Gul’dan’s Gloves of Triumph	45 Emblems of Triumph

Best-In-Slot

This is one of the slots where we got to choose whether we go for Tier 10 or if we favor an off-piece item. The Heroic version of tier 10 will provide us with the most bang for our Conqueror’s Mark of Sanctification buck. This frees up another slot to use an alternative item (for example, the chest slot to use Plaguebringer’s Stained Pants or Sanguine Silk Robes). Alternatively, you can use San’layn Ritualist Gloves, but this means you will need to make use of both Tier 10 for your chest and legs.

Pre-Raid

Belt of the Tenebrous Mist	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)
Strip of Remorse	Halls of Reflection The Captain’s Chest (8%)
Braid of Salt and Fire	Pit of Saron (H) Ick (17%)
Belt of Biting Cold	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Faction Champions (7%)

Best-In-Slot

You will be able to get the most value out of the Heroic versions of either Crushing Coldwraith Belt or Lingering Illness. Note that most belts don’t have any hit rating on them, other slots provide more value in terms of overall throughput per hit rating compared to what belts can do in this phase.

Pre-Raid

Leggings of Woven Death	Tailoring25809270)
Lightweave Leggings	Tailoring20285960)
Gul’dan’s Leggings of Triumph	75 Emblems of Triumph)
Pants of the Soothing Touch	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Lord Jaraxxus (7%)
Breeches of the Deepening Void	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)

Best-In-Slot

Our Tier 10 legs are really strong and a good option to achieve our four-piece bonus. Alternatively, if you can get Plaguebringer’s Stained Pants whilst maintaining your four-piece bonus that is an equally good option. You will need to simulate or check out the Warlock Simulation Competition to determine for you specifically and your raid what the best way forward is regarding Tier 10 and off pieces.

Pre-Raid

Deathfrost Boots	Tailoring15485562)
Boots of the Icy Floe	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Sandals of Consecration	Tailoring10142980)
Sandals of the Mourning Widow	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Faction Champions (7%)
Prelate’s Snowshoes	Pit of Saron (H) Scourgelord Tyrannus (8%)

Best-In-Slot

Plague Scientist’s Boots are overall the best feet there are, though other boots can perform well too. Overall this is also similar to the belt section, which isn’t the best place to get your hit rating needs met.

Pre-Raid

Runed Signet of the Kirin Tor	Harold Winston 1250 Gold
Conductive Seal	Ulduar (25) Mimiron (Hard)
Band of the Invoker	35 Emblems of Triumph
Nebula Band	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Lurid Manifestation	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor	Harold Winston 1250 Gold

Best-In-Slot

All the rings perform great, you can almost not go wrong with any of the 25-man heroic Icecrown Citadel rings. The most notable of all the rings is Ashen Band of Endless Destruction which you can get and upgrade through your reputation with The Ashen Verdict, it provides us with one of the best sources of hit rating out of all the items this tier along with no loot competition seeing as it is reputation based instead of a raid drop.

Pre-Raid

Best-In-Slot

All casters will be eyeballing the Heroic versions of Phylactery of the Nameless Lich and Dislodged Foreign Object. As such you might be making use of Scale of Fates, Flare of the Heavens, or Reign of the Dead for a while to come.

Pre-Raid

Barb of Tarasque	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)
Fusion Blade	Ulduar (10) Mimiron (Hard)
Soulscribe	Ulduar (25)

Talisman of Heedless Sins	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Lord Jaraxxus (7%)
Shriveled Heart	Halls of Reflection The Captain’s Chest (8%)
Mystifying Charm	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Eydis Darkbane (20%)

Best-In-Slot

The staves here are listed for completionism and especially for Kralnor, but sadly overall they underperform in comparison to the main-hand and off-hand combinations. Heroic Archus, Greatstaff of Antonidas is an exception to this due to how it is one of the few items with an item level above 277. It performs on par with the best Main-Hand and Off-hand combinations while only taking up a single item instead of two.

Archus, Greatstaff of Antonidas	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Halion, Staff of Forgotten Love	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Dying Light	Blood-Queen Lana’thel Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Archus, Greatstaff of Antonidas	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25)
Wrathful Gladiator’s Skirmish Staff	4670 Arena Points 2200 rating
Wrathful Gladiator’s Combat Staff	4670 Arena Points 2200 rating
Sister Svalna’s Aether Staff	Valithria Dreamwalker Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Abracadaver	Festergut Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Mag’hari Chieftain’s Staff	Deathbringer Saurfang Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)

Similarly, to the staves section Bloodsurge, Kel’Thuzad’s Blade of Agony takes the top spot by a mile. This is because it is a drop from Heroic The Lich King which has a lot more item-levels to it compared to other weapons this phase.

Bloodsurge, Kel’Thuzad’s Blade of Agony	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Rigormortis	Professor Putricide Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Frozen Bonespike	Lord Marrowgar Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Tel’thas, Dagger of the Blood King	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Wrathful Gladiator’s Mageblade	3950 Arena Points 2200 rating
Wrathful Gladiator’s Blade of Celerity	3950 Arena Points 2200 rating
Bloodsurge, Kel’Thuzad’s Blade of Agony	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25)
Frost Needle	Lord Marrowgar Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Bleak Coldarra Carver	Sindragosa Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)

Most of the new off hands perform well. The best two options are Shadow Silk Spindle and Sundial of Eternal Dusk. Depending on how much hit rating you already have in other slots Scourgelord’s Baton is also a good option to keep in mind to use.

Pre-Raid

Petrified Ivy Sprig	Ulduar (10) Freya (Hard)
Brimstone Igniter	25 Emblems of Triumph
Soulsplinter	Halls of Reflection (H) Falric (17%)

Best-In-Slot

We can finally upgrade away from Petrified Ivy Sprig from 10-man Hard mode Freya in Ulduar . Note that the overall upgrade isn’t major and most wands perform relatively close in overall throughput. The choice will mostly be between Corpse-Impaling Spike and Nightmare Ender if you do not need additional hit, whereas Wand of Ruby Claret helps in the hit rating department.

Pre-Raid

Best in Slot

Information

Pre-Raid

Cowl of the Absolute	Ulduar (25) Auriaya (7%)
Sightless Crown of Ulmaas	Halls of Reflection (H) Marwyn (17%)
Gul’dan’s Hood of Triumph	75 Emblems of Triumph

Best-In-Slot

In an ideal world, you want to get Sanctified Dark Coven Hood for your head, it provides us with some of the best stats of all the helmets plus it contributes towards our Tier set.

Pre-Raid

Pendant of Fiery Havoc	Ulduar (25) Flame Leviathan (Hard)
Cry of the Val’kyr	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Eydis Darkbane (20%)
Sapphire Amulet of Renewal	Ulduar (25) The Iron Council (Hard)
Arcane Loops of Anger	The Forge of Souls (H) Devourer of Souls (8%)

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Very Fashionable Shoulders	The Forge of Souls (H) Bronjahm (17%)
Mantle of Revered Mortality	45 Emblems of Triumph
Pauldrons of Catastrophic Emanation	45 Emblems of Triumph
Gul’dan’s Shoulderpads of Triumph	45 Emblems of Triumph

Best-in-Slot

Pre-Raid

Shroud of Displacement	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Faction Champions (7%)
Drape of the Refreshing Winds	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Skyweaver Vestments	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Fjola Lightbane (10%)
Ancient Polar Bear Hide	Pit of Saron (H) Ick (17%)
Flowing Robes of Ascent	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)
Merlin’s Robe	Tailoring28691760)
Gul’dan’s Robe of Triumph	75 Emblems of Triumph

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Bindings of the Ashen Saint	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Bejeweled Wizard’s Bracers	Tailoring21341230)
Dark Essence Bindings	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Eydis Darkbane (20%)
Bracer of Worn Molars	Halls of Reflection (H) Falric (17%)

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Handwraps of the Lifeless Touch	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Pulsar Gloves	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Gul’dan’s Gloves of Triumph	45 Emblems of Triumph

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Belt of the Tenebrous Mist	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)
Strip of Remorse	Halls of Reflection The Captain’s Chest (8%)
Braid of Salt and Fire	Pit of Saron (H) Ick (17%)
Belt of Biting Cold	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Faction Champions (7%)

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Leggings of Woven Death	Tailoring25809270)
Lightweave Leggings	Tailoring20285960)
Gul’dan’s Leggings of Triumph	75 Emblems of Triumph)
Pants of the Soothing Touch	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Lord Jaraxxus (7%)
Breeches of the Deepening Void	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Deathfrost Boots	Tailoring15485562)
Boots of the Icy Floe	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Sandals of Consecration	Tailoring10142980)
Sandals of the Mourning Widow	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Faction Champions (7%)
Prelate’s Snowshoes	Pit of Saron (H) Scourgelord Tyrannus (8%)

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Runed Signet of the Kirin Tor	Harold Winston 1250 Gold
Conductive Seal	Ulduar (25) Mimiron (Hard)
Band of the Invoker	35 Emblems of Triumph
Nebula Band	Ulduar (10) Algalon the Observer (7%)
Lurid Manifestation	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Anub’arak (5%)
Etched Signet of the Kirin Tor	Harold Winston 1250 Gold

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Best-In-Slot

Pre-Raid

Barb of Tarasque	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Icehowl (7%)
Fusion Blade	Ulduar (10) Mimiron (Hard)
Soulscribe	Ulduar (25)

Talisman of Heedless Sins	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Lord Jaraxxus (7%)
Shriveled Heart	Halls of Reflection The Captain’s Chest (8%)
Mystifying Charm	Trial of the Crusader (25N) Eydis Darkbane (20%)

Best-In-Slot

Archus, Greatstaff of Antonidas	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Halion, Staff of Forgotten Love	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Dying Light	Blood-Queen Lana’thel Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Archus, Greatstaff of Antonidas	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25)
Wrathful Gladiator’s Skirmish Staff	4670 Arena Points 2200 rating
Wrathful Gladiator’s Combat Staff	4670 Arena Points 2200 rating
Sister Svalna’s Aether Staff	Valithria Dreamwalker Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Abracadaver	Festergut Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Mag’hari Chieftain’s Staff	Deathbringer Saurfang Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)

Bloodsurge, Kel’Thuzad’s Blade of Agony	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Rigormortis	Professor Putricide Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Frozen Bonespike	Lord Marrowgar Icecrown Citadel (25) (Heroic)
Tel’thas, Dagger of the Blood King	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Wrathful Gladiator’s Mageblade	3950 Arena Points 2200 rating
Wrathful Gladiator’s Blade of Celerity	3950 Arena Points 2200 rating
Bloodsurge, Kel’Thuzad’s Blade of Agony	The Lich King Icecrown Citadel (25)
Frost Needle	Lord Marrowgar Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)
Bleak Coldarra Carver	Sindragosa Icecrown Citadel (10) (Heroic)

Pre-Raid

Petrified Ivy Sprig	Ulduar (10) Freya (Hard)
Brimstone Igniter	25 Emblems of Triumph
Soulsplinter	Halls of Reflection (H) Falric (17%)

Best-In-Slot

About the Author

Zephan

I am a Classic Warlock enthusiast and in general like theorycrafting. I am the owner and admin of the best community in the whole wide world, being the Classic Warlock Discord. This is the home of some of the best Warlocks in this game and the basis for theorycrafting and figuring out the optimal plays for us warlocks. My aim is to make sure this up-to-date information is out there everywhere to be found and to give back to the community.