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This WoW Hunter Guide will give you an introduction to the Hunter as well as point out their capabilities and drawbacks. You’ll also learn how to effectively function in this class.

1.) Understanding the Hunter

Hunter’s can excel in both groups and solo game play in WoW. One thing you should remember when using the Hunter, is that even though they are decked out with heavy chain armor and have a Survival skill tree, they are not indestructible. They have long range weapons and a pet for a reason so use them. Without your pet you won’t generate anywhere near as much damage so make sure you use this to your advantage.

2.) What Race works best for Hunter’s?

There are a number of races that can become a Hunter. On the Alliance side you can choose Night Elf or Dwarf and the Horde may choose Orc, Troll, Tauren, and Blood Elf. Each of these races has their own individual perks in the game and each can be an excellent Hunter.

The first thing that you need to do is pick your faction. Will you be Alliance or Horde? Once you have done that then take a look at each race and learn what their in game perks are and then make your decision. Honestly in the end game race really has no bearing on how good of a Hunter you might be. That is determined by knowledge of your class, knowledge of the game, and knowledge of the zone you are in.

3.) Leveling Up your Hunter

Leveling as a Hunter in WoW is probably easier overall than any other class. Use you pet to its full potential and let it die for you if need to. Keep in mind that you can always heal your pet and even resurrect it if need be. If things get too serious, leave your pet fighting and run in the other direction.

Make the most of your broad range of abilities. Hunters are equipped with a wide range of abilities including being able to resurrect and heal pets, engage numerous targets and use traps. If you take the time to learn what you’re capable of you will do much better in the long run.

4.) Selecting a Pet

As a Hunter you have the ability to tame animals. When choosing your pet you should be aware that they have skill trees just like you do. When they level they acquire points that you can spend to enhance their abilities. You should also pay special attention to what type of food your pet eats and make sure that you have an ample supply on hand. This can be discovered by looking at the pet’s character sheet. Mouse over the happiness symbol and it will tell you exactly what it eats.

You should always monitor your pet’s happiness closely. Keep it green all the time to ensure your pet is at its best potential. When the symbol changes to yellow, feed your pet.

5.) Talents

Hunters have three different talent trees.

Beast Mastery - This talent tree is focused on your pet. Use it to make you pet stronger and harder to kill.

Marksmanship - Focusing on this tree will help with your DPS output. You can significantly increase your DPS output if you work at this tree.

Survival - This tree tends to lend itself more to crowd control and melee damage. Trap timers are decreased and melee abilities are enhanced.

Choose a tree that fits the style of play that you want to use. If you are primarily going to be a solo player then Beast Mastery is a good choice. Should you prefer PvP combat then you might consider Marksmanship. Survival is probably the least important tree. It focuses on melee abilities and if you are getting up close and personal with the mobs you should be playing another class.

The Hunter is a solid all round character to have. They are in my opinion the kings of solo play. They are very good gatherers and if well equipped can work well in almost any situation.