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Forever Tool

Hunter spec guide

Survival Hunter

Everything for Survival Hunter on one page: role, talent order by level, Survival abilities and recommended gear for each level range. Talent and gear picks are calculated from the tooltip values in official game data plus the assumptions Forever Tool states below.
All Hunter abilitiesOpen the level 60 build in the calculator
Gear focus
Agility melee DPS
Talent calculation
Survival (melee, dual wield)
Level 60 build
7/12/32
Estimated DPS
+40.2%

Survival Hunter at a glance

Summarized from Blizzard's class deep-dive articles. They were published during the beta, so live numbers and talents may differ.

Hunter as the developers describe it

Hunters keep their identity as ranged fighters with a trusted companion, with more flexibility. Pets are more distinct, and talents support pet-focused play, ranged precision, and trap or melee builds.[1]

Damage is a Hunter's only role, but solo and in small groups the pet can tank. Hunters have the longest range of any class, but their ranged abilities don't work in the dead zone within 8 yards of an enemy.

Survival talents in Forever

  • Counterattack moves up a row and becomes the 16-point gold medal.
  • Strider Kick (21-point gold medal): an instant weapon damage attack that also increases your movement speed by 30% for 3 seconds.
  • Lacerating Strikes (31-point gold medal): Mongoose Bite also makes the target Bleed over 21 seconds.
  • Wyvern Sting, Killer Instinct and Improved Feign Death have been combined into the new Resourcefulness talent, which lowers the mana cost of Traps and melee abilities.

Survival talent build

One point per level from level 10, 51 points at level 60. The Survival tree is filled to 31 points first, and the remaining points go where they raise estimated DPS the most in the other trees.

The level 60 build uses the same method as the calculator's "Recommended build" (estimated DPS from tooltip values + judgment weights for talents the math can't capture, such as rage, energy and mana talents), with the extra rule "Survival tree to 31 points first". The order picks, one point at a time, the talent that raises the score the most on the way to that build. Estimated DPS is a rough "compared with no talents" figure and leaves out the damage of newly learned abilities. Talent point rules (starting at level 10) follow classic, since nothing has been announced officially.

Builds by level

LevelPointsTree splitEst. DPSCalculator
Level 2011 points0/0/11+1.8%Open
Level 3021 points0/0/21+13.0%Open
Level 4031 points0/0/31+19.0%Open
Level 5041 points7/2/32+33.2%Open
Level 6051 points7/12/32+40.2%Open

Talent order by level

Consecutive levels spent on the same talent are grouped on one line.

  1. Levels 10–14Deflection1→5/5
  2. Levels 15–16Savage Strikes1→2/2
  3. Levels 17–19Survivalist1→3/5
  4. Levels 20–22Surefooted1→3/3
  5. Level 23Survivalist4/5
  6. Level 24Deterrence1/1
  7. Levels 25–29Predator's Edge1→5/5
  8. Level 30Strider Kick1/1
  9. Level 31Counterattack1/1
  10. Levels 32–33Resourcefulness1→2/2
  11. Level 34Expose Prey1/2
  12. Levels 35–39Lightning Reflexes1→5/5
  13. Level 40Expose Prey2/2
  14. Level 41Lacerating Strikes1/1
  15. Levels 42–46Deadly AspectsBeast Mastery1→5/5
  16. Levels 47–48Focused FireBeast Mastery1→2/2
  17. Levels 49–53Lethal AttacksMarksmanship1→5/5
  18. Levels 54–58Careful AimMarksmanship1→5/5
  19. Levels 59–60EfficiencyMarksmanship1→2/5

Key talents of the level 60 build

Talents with a large share of estimated DPS, plus talents that grant abilities or handle resources. Descriptions are the tooltip at the rank taken.

  • Deadly Aspects5/5 · Beast Mastery

    Est. DPS +4.9%

    While Aspect of the Hawk is active, Auto Shot has a 10% chance of increasing ranged attack speed by 30% for 12 sec. While Aspect of the Beast is active, all melee auto attacks have a 10% chance of increasing melee attack speed by 30% for 12 sec.

  • Focused Fire2/2 · Beast Mastery

    Est. DPS +2.0%

    Increases all damage you and your pet deal by 2% while your pet is active.

  • Lethal Attacks5/5 · Marksmanship

    Est. DPS +3.6%

    Increases your critical strike chance with all attacks by 5%.

  • Careful Aim5/5 · Marksmanship

    Est. DPS +3.1%

    Increases your Attack Power by 100% of your Intellect.

  • Surefooted3/3 · Survival

    Est. DPS +3.0%

    Increases your hit chance by 3% and reduces the duration of movement impairing effects on you by 30%.

  • Deterrence1/1 · Survival

    Ability

    When activated, increases your Dodge and Parry chance by 25% for 10 sec.

  • Predator's Edge5/5 · Survival

    Est. DPS +9.4%

    Increases your melee ability critical strike damage by 30% and your Off Hand weapon damage by 50%.

  • Counterattack1/1 · Survival

    Ability

    A strike that becomes active after parrying an opponent's attack. This attack deals 50% weapon damage plus 13 and immobilizes the target for 5 sec. Counterattack cannot be blocked, dodged, or parried.

  • Resourcefulness2/2 · Survival

    Resource / utility

    Reduces the Mana cost of your Trap and melee abilities by 60%, and grants your melee and ranged ability Critical Strikes a 100% chance to allow 50% of your Mana Regeneration to continue while casting for 30 sec.

  • Strider Kick1/1 · Survival

    Ability

    A powerful kick that deals 100% melee weapon damage and increases movement speed by 30% for 3 sec.

  • Lightning Reflexes5/5 · Survival

    Est. DPS +5.1%

    Increases your Agility by 15%.

  • Lacerating Strikes1/1 · Survival

    Est. DPS +3.1%

    Your Mongoose Bite also causes the target to Bleed for damage equal to 40% of the damage done by Mongoose Bite over 21 sec

Survival abilities

Survival abilities in the order you first learn them. The numbers are the levels at which each rank is learned; the description is rank 1 without gear or stats.

Survival Hunter gear by level

The 3 highest-scoring items for each slot in every level range. Only items whose required level falls inside the range are compared.

How were these picked?
  • The score is the sum of the item's tooltip lines from official game data (Strength, Stamina, Spell Power, damage per second and so on) multiplied by the weights below. There is no official formula, so the weights are Forever Tool's rough estimates (assumptions). Compare scores only within the same slot.
  • Equip, use and chance-on-hit effects, set bonuses and resistances are not scored. Items without fixed stats (only armor in the tooltip) are left out.
  • Only Uncommon and Rare items, plus craftable Epic items, of item level 65 or lower are included (no raid loot). Items that require a profession to use and crafts that need raid materials are left out.
  • Items without a required level count as item level minus 5. Only armor types a Hunter wears are included, with mail and plate counted from level 40 (classic rules, since nothing has been announced).
  • Sources list only crafting (professions) and quest rewards. Dungeon drops are being collected from player reports; check the item page.

Survival weights (assumed)

StatScore per point
Main hand / two-hand damage per second8
Off hand damage per second4
Ranged weapon damage per second3
Agility1
Hit0.9
Critical Strike0.7
Expertise0.6
Strength0.5
Attack Power0.5
Haste0.5
Stamina0.3
Mana Regeneration per 5 sec0.3
Ranged Attack Power0.2
Intellect0.2
Bonus Armor0.02
Armor0.01

Levels 1–20

Hall of Thanes 13–18Ruins of Lordaeron 15–20Level 1–10 quest zonesLevel 11–20 quest zones

Waist

  1. Deviate Scale BeltScore 8.8

    Req. 18 · Agility +5 · Stamina +6 · Strength +3

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  2. Brawler's Leather BeltScore 7.4

    Req. 12 · Agility +4 · Strength +4 · Stamina +3

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Trapper's Leather BeltScore 6.3

    Req. 12 · Agility +4 · Stamina +4 · Intellect +3

    Crafted: Leatherworking

Ranged

  1. Restored BowScore 73.8

    Item level 1 · Damage per second 24.6

  2. Outrider's BowScore 38.0

    Req. 18 · Damage per second 11.7 · Agility +2 · Stamina +3

    Same stats: Outrunner's Bow

  3. Lovingly Crafted BoomstickScore 29.1

    Req. 19 · Damage per second 9.7

    Crafted: Engineering

Levels 21–40

Excavation Site 24–29City of Dalaran 28–33The Drowned City 35–40Krol'dok Stronghold 40–45Level 21–30 quest zonesLevel 31–40 quest zones

Waist

  1. Highlander's Leather GirdleScore 17.7

    Req. 38 · Attack Power +30 · Stamina +4 · Bonus Armor 40

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Leather Girdle

  2. Highlander's Chain GirdleScore 17.1

    Req. 40 · Critical Strike +14 · Attack Power +8 · Stamina +6

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Chain Girdle

  3. Scorpashi SashScore 14.8

    Req. 40 · Agility +10 · Stamina +7 · Strength +4

Feet

  1. Skulker's Leather ShoesScore 17.5

    Req. 40 · Agility +11 · Strength +7 · Stamina +7

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  2. Prowler's Leather ShoesScore 16.5

    Req. 40 · Agility +7 · Strength +11 · Stamina +7 · Intellect +5

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Stalker's Mail BootsScore 16.4

    Req. 40 · Agility +11 · Stamina +7 · Intellect +7

    Crafted: Leatherworking

Levels 41–50

Krol'dok Stronghold 40–45Alcaz Prison 48–53Level 41–50 quest zones

Waist

  1. Highlander's Chain GirdleScore 24.0

    Req. 48 · Attack Power +20 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +8

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Chain Girdle

  2. Skulker's Leather WaistguardScore 23.9

    Req. 50 · Agility +14 · Strength +12 · Stamina +10

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Highlander's Leather GirdleScore 23.5

    Req. 48 · Attack Power +20 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +6 · Bonus Armor 50

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Leather Girdle

Feet

  1. Highlander's Leather BootsScore 22.8

    Req. 48 · Agility +11 · Attack Power +12 · Stamina +13 · Bonus Armor 40

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Leather Boots

  2. Skulker's Leather BootsScore 22.2

    Req. 47 · Agility +13 · Strength +11 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Highlander's Lizardhide BootsScore 21.2

    Req. 48 · Agility +8 · Attack Power +12 · Stamina +13 · Intellect +7 · Bonus Armor 40

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Lizardhide Boots

Main hand

  1. Thorium CestusScore 302.7

    Req. 50 · Damage per second 36.5 · Attack Power +16 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

  2. Dawn's EdgeScore 301.0

    Req. 50 · Damage per second 36.4 · Critical Strike +14

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

  3. Scout's BladeScore 292.5

    Req. 48 · Damage per second 35 · Agility +11 · Stamina +5

    Same stats: Sentinel's Blade

Off hand

  1. Thorium CestusScore 156.7

    Req. 50 · Damage per second 36.5 · Attack Power +16 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

  2. Dawn's EdgeScore 155.4

    Req. 50 · Damage per second 36.4 · Critical Strike +14

    Crafted: Blacksmithing

  3. Scout's BladeScore 152.5

    Req. 48 · Damage per second 35 · Agility +11 · Stamina +5

    Same stats: Sentinel's Blade

Levels 51–60

Alcaz Prison 48–53Blackmaw Hold 55–60Shaper's Terrace 58–60Level 51–60 quest zones

Head

  1. Outlaw's CollarScore 46.6

    Req. 60 · Agility +21 · Critical Strike +21 · Stamina +31

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  2. Black Dragonscale HelmScore 41.6

    Req. 56 · Agility +21 · Critical Strike +14 · Intellect +38

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Warbear HelmScore 34.4

    Req. 56 · Agility +14 · Stamina +33 · Strength +18

    Crafted: Leatherworking

Chest

  1. Dawn ArmorScore 57.7

    Req. 56 · Agility +37 · Critical Strike +14 · Hit +10

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  2. Knight-Captain's Chain HauberkScore 47.9

    Req. 58 · Agility +16 · Attack Power +26 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +18

    Same stats: Legionnaire's Chain Breastplate

  3. Timbermaw TunicScore 46.2

    Req. 56 · Agility +18 · Strength +33 · Critical Strike +14

    Crafted: Leatherworking

Hands

  1. Primal Batskin GlovesScore 31.8

    Req. 60 · Hit +20 · Agility +10 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  2. Mourning HandguardsScore 31.8

    Req. 60 · Agility +21 · Stamina +18 · Intellect +14

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Timbermaw BrawlersScore 28.3

    Req. 56 · Agility +14 · Strength +21 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Leatherworking

Waist

  1. Highlander's Chain GirdleScore 31.9

    Req. 58 · Attack Power +34 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +10

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Chain Girdle

  2. Highlander's Leather GirdleScore 31.1

    Req. 58 · Attack Power +34 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +7 · Bonus Armor 60

    Reputation required

    Same stats: Defiler's Leather Girdle

  3. Might of the TimbermawScore 28.1

    Req. 53 · Agility +14 · Strength +21 · Stamina +9

    Crafted: Leatherworking

Legs

  1. Devilsaur LeggingsScore 37.9

    Req. 55 · Attack Power +46 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +12

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  2. Warbear WooliesScore 37.0

    Req. 52 · Agility +18 · Strength +28 · Stamina +12

    Crafted: Leatherworking

  3. Knight-Captain's Chain LeggingsScore 36.1

    Req. 58 · Agility +18 · Critical Strike +14 · Stamina +17

    Same stats: Legionnaire's Chain Leggings

More

Other Hunter specs

Beast Mastery Hunter GuideMarksmanship Hunter Guide

Other class guides

WarriorPaladinRoguePriestShamanMageWarlockDruid

Sources

  1. [1]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Hunter and DruidBlizzard Entertainment · Sep 30, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  2. [2]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Priest and WarriorBlizzard Entertainment · Sep 30, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  3. [3]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Mage and ShamanBlizzard Entertainment · Oct 7, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  4. [4]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — Rogue and WarlockBlizzard Entertainment · Oct 7, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026
  5. [5]World of Warcraft: Forever Class Deep Dives — PaladinBlizzard Entertainment · Oct 15, 2026 · checked Nov 5, 2026