Preparing for your first raid in WoW Classic as a 
- The best pre-raid gear for every slot, tailored for
- Detailed reasoning behind each gear choice, focusing on healing power, threat generation, or damage output.
- Multiple BiS setups based on your role, faction, and preferred balance between survivability and performance.
- Viable alternatives for players with limited time or resources.
WoW Classic Tank Paladin Pre-Raid BIS Logic Explained
When gearing up a
- Stamina for higher health pools to survive burst damage.
- Defense to reduce the chance of critical hits from bosses.
- Spell Damage to increase threat from abilities like Consecration and Holy Shield.
- Mana per 5 seconds (MP5) or Intellect to sustain threat generation in long fights.
Protection Paladin Pre-Raid BIS (WoW Classic Phase 1)
| Slot | Item | Description | How to Get |
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Gyth’s Skull | Gyth’s Skull is a plate helmet in WoW Classic, dropped by Gyth in Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). It’s a strong pre-raid option for 
+20 Stamina, and +9 Defense — making it a powerhouse for tank. This item is especially valuable because of its high Stamina and Defense combination, which is hard to find in other pre-raid helmets. |
Gyth’s Skull drops from Gyth, the final boss of the Rend Blackhand event in UBRS. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop chance: ~20% Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Since UBRS is a 10-man dungeon, organizing a group may take some effort, but the drop is worth it for melee DPS. |
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Medallion of Grand Marshal Morris | Medallion of Grand Marshal Morris is a neckpiece in WoW Classic, prized as one of the best pre-raid tanking amulets for 
+7 Stamina and +10 Defense — a rare combination outside of raids. |
Drops From: Rare spawns in Stratholme (Undead side) and World drops (e.g., Scarlet Spellbinders in WPL, Blackrock mobs, or even lockboxes). Auction House: Often sold for 20–100g (price varies by server). Location: Stratholme (Undead) / World drops Drop chance: Low (~1–3% from Stratholme, lower from world mobs) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Stockade Pauldrons | Stockade Pauldrons are mail shoulders in WoW Classic, dropped by Warden Stillwater in Blackrock Depths (BRD). They are a solid pre-raid option for
+10 Spirit and +20 Stamina — making them excellent for tank. These shoulders are particularly valuable because few pre-raid options offer this much Stamina. |
Drops from Warden Stillwater in BRD’s Prison area. Location: Blackrock Depths (BRD) Drop chance: ~15% Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Warden Stillwater is part of the prison event, so you’ll need to clear that section to reach him. |
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Cloak of Warding | Cloak of Warding is a tank-focused backpiece in WoW Classic, prized as one of the best pre-raid cloaks for
+214 Armor and +5 Defense — a rare combo for the cloak slot. One of the highest armor cloaks available before raids. Helps tanks reach the uncrittable threshold. |
Drops From: Lord Roccor in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Alternative Sources: Rare world drops (e.g., high-level mobs, chests). Location: Blackrock Depths (BRD) Drop Chance: ~15% (from Lord Roccor) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Deathbone Chestplate | Deathbone Chestplate is a plate chestpiece in WoW Classic, part of the Deathbone set from Scholomance. It’s a top-tier pre-raid option for tanks due to its defensive stats: +12 Stamina, and +17 Defense — providing a mix of survivability and threat generation. This chest is highly sought after because it’s part of a strong tanking set that also grants additional bonuses when combined with other Deathbone pieces. |
Drops from various bosses in Scholomance. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: Varies per boss (~10–15%) Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Since Scholomance is farmed heavily for pre-raid gear, this item is relatively easy to obtain. |
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Runed Golem Shackles | Runed Golem Shackles are plate bracers in WoW Classic, dropped by Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths (BRD). They’re a solid pre-raid option for
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Drops From: Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Location: Blackrock Depths (BRD) Drop Chance: ~10-15% Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Stonegrip Gauntlets | Stonegrip Gauntlets are a powerful plate hand armor in WoW Classic, highly sought after by tanks—especially
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Stonegrip Gauntlets are a world drop, meaning they can drop from high-level mobs (typically level 55-60 elites). Drop Chance: Low (~1-3% from DM Arena bosses, even rarer from world mobs) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Deathbone Girdle | Deathbone Girdle is a plate waist armor in WoW Classic, part of the Deathbone Guardian set—a powerful tanking set for
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Deathbone Girdle drops from Scholomance bosses and trash mobs, including: Darkmaster Gandling (final boss), Rattlegore, Jandice Barov, and Scholomance trash mobs (lower drop rate). Drop Chance: ~5–10% (varies by boss) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Legplates of the Eternal Guardian | Legplates of the Eternal Guardian are a plate leg armor in WoW Classic, widely regarded as one of the best pre-raid tanking legs for
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Drops from the Chest of the Seven in Blackrock Depths (BRD), which spawns after defeating the Seven Dwarves ghosts in the Detention Block. Location: Blackrock Depths Drop Chance: ~15-20% (the chest always drops 2 blue items, and these legs are one of the possible drops) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Deathbone Sabatons | Deathbone Sabatons are plate boots in WoW Classic, part of the Deathbone set from Scholomance. They’re a great pre-raid option for tanks due to their defensive stats: +9 Stamina, +10 Defense — offering a mix of durability and threat. These boots complete the Deathbone set, making them highly desirable for Warriors and Paladins. | Drops from various bosses in Scholomance. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: Varies per boss (~10–15%) Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Often paired with other Deathbone pieces for the set bonus. |
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Naglering | Naglering is a unique tanking ring in WoW Classic, prized by
+10 Stamina, +5 Defense, 50 Armor, and 3 Arcane damage when struck. One of the few pre-raid rings with +Defense (crucial for raid tanking). |
Drops from Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Location: Blackrock Depths Drop Chance: ~15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Band of the Steadfast Hero | Band of the Steadfast Hero is a powerful tanking ring in WoW Classic, part of the Tier 0.5 dungeon upgrade questline. This ring is a BiS or near-BiS option for
+7 Strength, +12 Stamina, and +7 Defense. One of the best pre-raid tanking rings. Balanced stats—unlike pure mitigation rings, this also helps with threat generation via Strength. |
Drops from Kormok, a summoned boss in Scholomance as part of the Tier 0.5 quest chain. Location: Scholomance (Ras Frostwhisper’s room) Drop Chance: ~11% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Force of Will | Force of Will is a must-have tanking trinket in WoW Classic, prized by
+7 Defense and 1% chance to reduce all melee damage taken by 25 for 10 sec. One of the few pre-raid trinkets with +Defense (crucial for raid tanking). |
Drops from General Angerforge in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Location: Blackrock Depths (Shadowforge City, near the Ring of Law) Drop Chance: ~10-15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Demon’s Blood | Demon’s Blood is a unique trinket in WoW Classic, obtained through the quest You Are Rakh’likh, Demon in the Blasted Lands. This pre-raid item is particularly valuable for tanks and Warlocks due to its hybrid defensive and sustain stats: +3 Defense, +10 Shadow Resistance, and +3 Health per 5 seconds — offering niche utility against shadow-heavy encounters like Naxxramas. |
Starts at: Nethergarde Keep (Blasted Lands) for Horde players. Quest Chain: You Are Rakh’likh, Demon (final reward after killing Rakh’likh). Location: Blasted Lands (Horde-only quest) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Mirah’s Song | Mirah’s Song is a one-handed sword in WoW Classic, obtained as a quest reward from the Scholomance quest chain Kirtonos the Herald. It’s a premier pre-raid weapon for Sword-spec Tanks. 40 DPS, +9 Strength, and +9 Agility – Strength and Agility benefit both DPS and tanks. |
Start Quest: Kirtonos the Herald from Eva Sarkhoff (ghost outside Scholomance). Complete Chain: Kill the Butcher → Jandice Barov → Kirtonos the Herald (summoned boss). Location: Scholomance (Western Plaguelands) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Draconian Deflector | Draconian Deflector is a shield in WoW Classic, dropped by General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). It’s a pre-raid BiS for Warriors and Paladins due to its stats: +7 Stamina, +10 Fire Defense, and +40 Block Value — making it one of the best tanking shields before raids. This shield is especially strong due to its high Block Value and survivability stats. |
Drops from General Drakkisath in UBRS. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop chance: ~10% Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Highly sought after by tanks, so competition may be fierce. |
Protection Paladin Pre-Raid BIS (WoW Classic Phase 2)
| Slot | Item | Description | How to Get |
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Gyth’s Skull | Gyth’s Skull is a plate helmet in WoW Classic, dropped by Gyth in Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). It’s a strong pre-raid option for
+20 Stamina, and +9 Defense — making it a powerhouse for tank. This item is especially valuable because of its high Stamina and Defense combination, which is hard to find in other pre-raid helmets. |
Gyth’s Skull drops from Gyth, the final boss of the Rend Blackhand event in UBRS. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop chance: ~20% Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Since UBRS is a 10-man dungeon, organizing a group may take some effort, but the drop is worth it for melee DPS. |
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Medallion of Grand Marshal Morris | Medallion of Grand Marshal Morris is a neckpiece in WoW Classic, prized as one of the best pre-raid tanking amulets for
+7 Stamina and +10 Defense — a rare combination outside of raids. |
Drops From: Rare spawns in Stratholme (Undead side) and World drops (e.g., Scarlet Spellbinders in WPL, Blackrock mobs, or even lockboxes). Auction House: Often sold for 20–100g (price varies by server). Location: Stratholme (Undead) / World drops Drop chance: Low (~1–3% from Stratholme, lower from world mobs) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Stockade Pauldrons | Stockade Pauldrons are mail shoulders in WoW Classic, dropped by Warden Stillwater in Blackrock Depths (BRD). They are a solid pre-raid option for
+10 Spirit and +20 Stamina — making them excellent for tank. These shoulders are particularly valuable because few pre-raid options offer this much Stamina. |
Drops from Warden Stillwater in BRD’s Prison area. Location: Blackrock Depths (BRD) Drop chance: ~15% Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Warden Stillwater is part of the prison event, so you’ll need to clear that section to reach him. |
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Cloak of Warding | Cloak of Warding is a tank-focused backpiece in WoW Classic, prized as one of the best pre-raid cloaks for
+214 Armor and +5 Defense — a rare combo for the cloak slot. One of the highest armor cloaks available before raids. Helps tanks reach the uncrittable threshold. |
Drops From: Lord Roccor in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Alternative Sources: Rare world drops (e.g., high-level mobs, chests). Location: Blackrock Depths (BRD) Drop Chance: ~15% (from Lord Roccor) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Deathbone Chestplate | Deathbone Chestplate is a plate chestpiece in WoW Classic, part of the Deathbone set from Scholomance. It’s a top-tier pre-raid option for tanks due to its defensive stats: +12 Stamina, and +17 Defense — providing a mix of survivability and threat generation. This chest is highly sought after because it’s part of a strong tanking set that also grants additional bonuses when combined with other Deathbone pieces. |
Drops from various bosses in Scholomance. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: Varies per boss (~10–15%) Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Since Scholomance is farmed heavily for pre-raid gear, this item is relatively easy to obtain. |
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Runed Golem Shackles | Runed Golem Shackles are plate bracers in WoW Classic, dropped by Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths (BRD). They’re a solid pre-raid option for
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Drops From: Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Location: Blackrock Depths (BRD) Drop Chance: ~10-15% Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Stonegrip Gauntlets | Stonegrip Gauntlets are a powerful plate hand armor in WoW Classic, highly sought after by tanks—especially
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Stonegrip Gauntlets are a world drop, meaning they can drop from high-level mobs (typically level 55-60 elites). Drop Chance: Low (~1-3% from DM Arena bosses, even rarer from world mobs) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Deathbone Girdle | Deathbone Girdle is a plate waist armor in WoW Classic, part of the Deathbone Guardian set—a powerful tanking set for
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Deathbone Girdle drops from Scholomance bosses and trash mobs, including: Darkmaster Gandling (final boss), Rattlegore, Jandice Barov, and Scholomance trash mobs (lower drop rate). Drop Chance: ~5–10% (varies by boss) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Legplates of the Eternal Guardian | Legplates of the Eternal Guardian are a plate leg armor in WoW Classic, widely regarded as one of the best pre-raid tanking legs for
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Drops from the Chest of the Seven in Blackrock Depths (BRD), which spawns after defeating the Seven Dwarves ghosts in the Detention Block. Location: Blackrock Depths Drop Chance: ~15-20% (the chest always drops 2 blue items, and these legs are one of the possible drops) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Deathbone Sabatons | Deathbone Sabatons are plate boots in WoW Classic, part of the Deathbone set from Scholomance. They’re a great pre-raid option for tanks due to their defensive stats: +9 Stamina, +10 Defense — offering a mix of durability and threat. These boots complete the Deathbone set, making them highly desirable for Warriors and Paladins. | Drops from various bosses in Scholomance. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: Varies per boss (~10–15%) Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Often paired with other Deathbone pieces for the set bonus. |
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Naglering | Naglering is a unique tanking ring in WoW Classic, prized by
+10 Stamina, +5 Defense, 50 Armor, and 3 Arcane damage when struck. One of the few pre-raid rings with +Defense (crucial for raid tanking). |
Drops from Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Location: Blackrock Depths Drop Chance: ~15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Band of the Steadfast Hero | Band of the Steadfast Hero is a powerful tanking ring in WoW Classic, part of the Tier 0.5 dungeon upgrade questline. This ring is a BiS or near-BiS option for
+7 Strength, +12 Stamina, and +7 Defense. One of the best pre-raid tanking rings. Balanced stats—unlike pure mitigation rings, this also helps with threat generation via Strength. |
Drops from Kormok, a summoned boss in Scholomance as part of the Tier 0.5 quest chain. Location: Scholomance (Ras Frostwhisper’s room) Drop Chance: ~11% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Force of Will | Force of Will is a must-have tanking trinket in WoW Classic, prized by
+7 Defense and 1% chance to reduce all melee damage taken by 25 for 10 sec. One of the few pre-raid trinkets with +Defense (crucial for raid tanking). |
Drops from General Angerforge in Blackrock Depths (BRD). Location: Blackrock Depths (Shadowforge City, near the Ring of Law) Drop Chance: ~10-15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Demon’s Blood | Demon’s Blood is a unique trinket in WoW Classic, obtained through the quest You Are Rakh’likh, Demon in the Blasted Lands. This pre-raid item is particularly valuable for tanks and Warlocks due to its hybrid defensive and sustain stats: +3 Defense, +10 Shadow Resistance, and +3 Health per 5 seconds — offering niche utility against shadow-heavy encounters like Naxxramas. |
Starts at: Nethergarde Keep (Blasted Lands) for Horde players. Quest Chain: You Are Rakh’likh, Demon (final reward after killing Rakh’likh). Location: Blasted Lands (Horde-only quest) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Mirah’s Song | Mirah’s Song is a one-handed sword in WoW Classic, obtained as a quest reward from the Scholomance quest chain Kirtonos the Herald. It’s a premier pre-raid weapon for Sword-spec Tanks. 40 DPS, +9 Strength, and +9 Agility – Strength and Agility benefit both DPS and tanks. |
Start Quest: Kirtonos the Herald from Eva Sarkhoff (ghost outside Scholomance). Complete Chain: Kill the Butcher → Jandice Barov → Kirtonos the Herald (summoned boss). Location: Scholomance (Western Plaguelands) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Draconian Deflector | Draconian Deflector is a shield in WoW Classic, dropped by General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). It’s a pre-raid BiS for Warriors and Paladins due to its stats: +7 Stamina, +10 Fire Defense, and +40 Block Value — making it one of the best tanking shields before raids. This shield is especially strong due to its high Block Value and survivability stats. |
Drops from General Drakkisath in UBRS. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop chance: ~10% Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Highly sought after by tanks, so competition may be fierce. |
WoW Classic Healer Paladin Pre-Raid BIS Logic Explained
When gearing up a
- Healing Power to increase the effectiveness of all your healing spells.
- Mana per 5 seconds (MP5) to sustain healing over long encounters.
- Intellect for a larger mana pool and more spell criticals.
- Stamina for extra survivability in high-damage situations.
Holy Paladin Pre-Raid BIS (WoW Classic Phase 1)
| Slot | Item | Description | How to Get |
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Whitesoul Helm | The Whitesoul Helm is a plate headpiece in WoW Classic, crafted by Blacksmiths with the Plans: Whitesoul Helm. It’s a standout pre-raid BiS option for
+15 Intellect, +15 Spirit, and +35 healing — making it ideal for maximizing your healing throughput in dungeons and early raids. The combination of Intellect and Spirit boosts both mana pool and regeneration, letting you stay in the fight longer. |
The Whitesoul Helm is crafted by Blacksmiths who have learned the Plans: Whitesoul Helm. The recipe is not rare and can often be found on the Auction House or from other players who can craft it. You’ll need the required materials and a willing Blacksmith to make it for you. Location: Crafted via Blacksmithing (Plans often sold on the Auction House) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Tooth of Gnarr | Tooth of Gnarr is a powerful neck item in WoW Classic, dropped by Overlord Wyrmthalak in Upper Blackrock Spire. It’s a pre-raid Best in Slot choice for many healing classes, including
With +8 Stamina, +14 Intellect, and +3 mana per 5 seconds, it offers extra health for staying alive in high-damage fights, a large mana pool for extended healing, and steady mana regeneration to keep your heals flowing during long encounters. |
Tooth of Gnarr drops from Overlord Wyrmthalak, the final boss of Upper Blackrock Spire. This fight is at the end of a long dungeon run, so coordination and preparation are key. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop Chance: ~15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Shroud of the Nathrezim | Shroud of the Nathrezim is a cloth shoulder piece in WoW Classic, dropped by Balnazzar in Stratholme (Live side). It’s a strong pre-raid choice for caster DPS & Healer classes thanks to its combination of stats: +16 Intellect, +10 Spirit, and +1% spell crit chance — giving you both sustained mana for longer fights and a direct boost to your burst potential. |
Shroud of the Nathrezim drops from Balnazzar, the final boss of Stratholme (Live side). Balnazzar is a high-ranking dreadlord and part of the Scarlet Crusade’s leadership, found in the Scarlet Bastion wing of the dungeon. Location: Stratholme (Live side) Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Archivist Cape | The Archivist Cape is a versatile back slot item from WoW Classic, dropped in Stratholme (Live side) by Archivist Galford. What makes this cape stand out is its guaranteed +4 mana per 5 seconds regeneration — a rare and powerful stat for healers and casters — combined with a random enchantment, giving it a wide range of possible builds. Depending on the roll, you can get boosts to Intellect, Stamina, Spirit, Healing Power, or even specific spell school damage like Frost, Fire, or Shadow. The of Healing variant (+33 healing) is especially coveted by
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The Archivist Cape drops from Archivist Galford, a key NPC in Stratholme (Live side). He’s found in the Scarlet Bastion area, typically guarded by several Scarlet Crusaders. The drop always has +4 MP5 but the enchantment is completely random, making the perfect roll rare and highly sought-after. Location: Stratholme (Live side) Drop chance: ~25% for the cape, then divided among 14 possible enchantments Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Robes of the Exalted | Robes of the Exalted is a cloth chestpiece in WoW Classic, dropped by Balnazzar in Stratholme (Undead side). It’s a top-tier pre-raid healing item for classes like
With +5 Intellect and +11 Spirit, it supports both mana pool and regeneration, making it ideal for sustained healing in dungeons, PvP, and early raids. Its power is so notable that it rivals raid-level gear like Robes of the Guardian Saint from AQ40. |
Robes of the Exalted drops from Balnazzar, the final boss of Stratholme (Undead side). The fight involves clearing multiple waves of enemies and defeating high-level Scarlet Crusade elites before engaging Balnazzar himself. Location: Stratholme (Undead side) Drop chance: ~14–16% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Loomguard Armbraces | Loomguard Armbraces are mail wristpieces in WoW Classic, sought after by healers for their strong healing boost. They provide +6 Stamina, +7 Intellect, and increase healing done by spells and effects by up to +33 — a big gain for throughput in dungeons, raids, and PvP support roles. This makes them a solid pre-raid Best in Slot (BiS) choice for
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Loomguard Armbraces drop from bosses in Scholomance, a level 58–60 dungeon located in the Western Plaguelands. They’re often farmed as part of healer gearing runs and can appear on loot tables for several boss encounters inside. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: ~10–15% (varies by source) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Hands of the Exalted Herald | Hands of the Exalted Herald are powerful cloth gloves in WoW Classic, dropped by Princess Moira Bronzebeard in Blackrock Depths. They are a highly sought-after pre-raid Best in Slot choice for healing classes like
+13 Intellect, +12 Spirit, and +33 Healing Power — a strong combination for increasing mana efficiency and overall healing output in both dungeons and early raid content. These gloves stand out because pre-raid healing gear with high +healing values is rare, making them an excellent upgrade before entering Molten Core or Zul’Gurub. If you’re a dedicated healer looking to maximize throughput while keeping your mana pool strong, these are a prime pick for the hands slot. |
Hands of the Exalted Herald drop from Princess Moira Bronzebeard in Blackrock Depths. The boss only drops loot if at least one person in the group has completed the Royal Rescue quest. Importantly, only players who have completed this quest can roll on or receive the gloves — otherwise, the loot disappears if won by someone ineligible. Location: Blackrock Depths (Shadowforge City) Drop Chance: ~30% (when requirements are met) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Belt of the Ordained | Belt of the Ordained is a plate waist piece in WoW Classic, prized by Holy Paladins for its powerful +healing bonus. With +9 Stamina, +8 Intellect, and +42 healing, it’s one of the best pre-raid belts for maximizing healing output. The Stamina and Intellect give a healthy mix of survivability and mana pool, while the +42 healing significantly boosts efficiency on core spells like Flash of Light and Holy Light. This belt is especially valuable because strong +healing gear is rare outside of raid epics, making it a go-to pick for healers preparing for endgame content. In many cases, it can outperform lower-tier raid drops in its slot. |
Belt of the Ordained is a Bind on Equip world drop, meaning it can be found randomly from high-level mobs or purchased on the Auction House. Since it’s BoE, it’s accessible without specific dungeon farming—though prices can be high due to demand from healers. Location: World drop (level 55+ zones) Drop chance: Very low (~0.01–0.05%) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Skyshroud Leggings | Skyshroud Leggings are a cloth leg armor in WoW Classic, dropped by Highlord Omokk in Lower Blackrock Spire. They’re a top-tier pre-raid choice for casters and healers thanks to their excellent combination of +8 Stamina, +8 Intellect, and a powerful +34 spell damage and healing bonus. This makes them ideal for maximizing DPS or healing output before stepping into raids like Molten Core or Zul’Gurub. | Skyshroud Leggings drop from Highlord Omokk, the first major boss encounter in Lower Blackrock Spire. Omokk is located in the upper area of the dungeon and is often targeted for his loot by both caster DPS and healers. Location: Lower Blackrock Spire Drop chance: ~10–12% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Verdant Footpads | Verdant Footpads are a high-level leather boot option in WoW Classic, ideal for healing and Nature-based DPS casters. They offer +37 healing and +24 Nature damage, making them especially valuable for
The healing bonus provides a strong boost to sustain in long fights, while the Nature damage increase benefits both offensive spells like Wrath or Lightning Bolt and certain DoTs. Few pre-raid items combine healing power with Nature damage, making these boots stand out as a versatile choice for hybrid players. |
Verdant Footpads are a Bind on Pickup drop from the undead side of Stratholme. While not tied to a specific boss, they have a relatively low drop rate, so multiple runs may be needed. Location: Stratholme (Undead side) Drop chance: ~5–7% (est.) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Fordring’s Seal | Fordring’s Seal is a high-value healing ring in WoW Classic, obtained as a reward from the In Dreams quest chain given by Tirion Fordring in the Eastern Plaguelands. With +4 Stamina, +5 Intellect, and a powerful +37 Healing bonus, it’s an exceptional pre-raid Best in Slot (BiS) choice for healers such as
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Fordring’s Seal is the reward for completing the long In Dreams quest chain in Eastern Plaguelands. This series starts with Tirion Fordring near the river in EPL and takes you through multiple stages involving undead-clearing, item retrieval, and finally escorting Tirion in a cinematic finale at Hearthglen. Location: Eastern Plaguelands (In Dreams questline, ending in Hearthglen) Drop chance: 100% (quest reward) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Band of Rumination | Band of Rumination is a caster ring in WoW Classic, prized for its combination of mana regeneration and spell crit. With +5 mana per 5 seconds and +1% spell crit chance, it’s ideal for healers and mana-dependent DPS casters looking to improve efficiency and output. The extra mana regen helps sustain healing or damage during long encounters, while the spell crit boosts throughput—especially valuable in raid and dungeon content where every extra heal or crit nuke counts. | Band of Rumination drops from General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). You’ll face him at the very end of the dungeon after defeating his guards. Groups often farm UBRS for this ring due to its value across multiple specs. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Second Wind | Second Wind is a powerful healing trinket in WoW Classic, dropped by Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths. It’s a popular pre-raid Best-in-Slot choice for healing classes such as
Use: Restores 30 mana every second for 10 seconds (total 300 mana) with a 15-minute cooldown, providing an emergency mana boost during critical moments. Equip: Increases healing done by spells and effects by up to +22, improving your overall throughput in both PvE and PvP. |
Second Wind drops from Golem Lord Argelmach in the Blackrock Depths (Shadowforge City). With a well-organized group, it’s possible to reach him in under 20 minutes for repeated farming runs until the trinket drops. Location: Blackrock Depths – Shadowforge City Drop Chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Briarwood Reed | Briarwood Reed is a caster trinket in WoW Classic, dropped by the rare spawn Jed Runewatcher in Upper Blackrock Spire. It’s a top-tier pre-raid BiS choice for many spellcasting classes, including 
Its effect — +29 spell damage and healing — provides consistent, passive power without a cooldown, making it perfect for both sustained DPS and healing throughput in dungeons, raids, or PvP. |
Briarwood Reed drops from Jed Runewatcher, a rare elite caster who patrols between Goraluk Anvilcrack’s area and the Rend Blackhand event balcony in Upper Blackrock Spire. He’s not guaranteed to spawn, so you may need to reset the instance multiple times to find him. Many players use a simple “/target Jed” macro upon entering UBRS to quickly check if he’s present before committing to a full clear. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire Drop chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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The Hammer of Grace | The Hammer of Grace is a rare main-hand healing mace in WoW Classic, dropped in the Detention Block of Blackrock Depths. With +31 healing power, it’s a strong pre-raid option for healers like
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The Hammer of Grace drops from the Vault area in Blackrock Depths (Detention Block). It’s often looted while progressing through the dungeon’s main quest chains or farming for other pre-raid gear. Location: Blackrock Depths – Detention Block / Vault Drop chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Thaurissan’s Royal Scepter | Thaurissan’s Royal Scepter is an off-hand item in WoW Classic, dropped in Blackrock Depths. It’s a strong pre-raid BiS choice for healing classes like
+5 Stamina, +5 Intellect, +10 Spirit, and +22 healing power — giving healers a great boost to mana efficiency, regen, and raw healing output. This scepter is especially valuable for players looking to maximize healing without sacrificing survivability. Spirit-heavy gear is rare in the pre-raid phase, making it a highly sought-after option for sustained healing in dungeons, early raids, and even PvP support builds. |
Thaurissan’s Royal Scepter drops from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan, the final boss in Blackrock Depths. You’ll need to clear deep into the Shadowforge City section of the dungeon to reach him. Location: Blackrock Depths – Emperor’s Throne Room Drop chance: ~15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
Holy Paladin Pre-Raid BIS (WoW Classic Phase 2)
| Slot | Item | Description | How to Get |
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Insightful Hood | Insightful Hood is a leather headpiece in WoW Classic, found in Dire Maul North. It’s a notable pre-raid healing item for classes like
+12 Stamina, +15 Intellect, +9 Spirit, +1% spell crit, and +33 healing — making it excellent for sustaining mana, boosting throughput, and adding extra crit-based procs in long encounters. |
Insightful Hood drops from Guard Fengus during a Dire Maul North Tribute run. Fengus is one of the ogre guards you can fight directly or bypass in a tribute run, but killing him guarantees a chance at this hood. Location: Dire Maul North Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Animated Chain Necklace | Animated Chain Necklace is a rare neck item in WoW Classic, prized by healers for its strong +healing bonus. With +7 Stamina, +6 Spirit, and +33 healing power, it provides both survivability and enhanced mana regeneration during downtime, making it a top pre-raid choice for classes like Priest, Druid, Shaman, and Paladin. The healing bonus rivals gear from early raid content, offering a powerful boost for dungeon healing or PvP support. | Animated Chain Necklace drops in Scholomance, a level 58–60 dungeon in the Western Plaguelands. It can be acquired from various bosses, making it more accessible than raid drops. Location: Scholomance Drop Chance: Varies by boss (low to moderate) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Shroud of the Nathrezim | Shroud of the Nathrezim is a cloth shoulder piece in WoW Classic, dropped by Balnazzar in Stratholme (Live side). It’s a strong pre-raid choice for caster DPS & Healer classes thanks to its combination of stats: +16 Intellect, +10 Spirit, and +1% spell crit chance — giving you both sustained mana for longer fights and a direct boost to your burst potential. |
Shroud of the Nathrezim drops from Balnazzar, the final boss of Stratholme (Live side). Balnazzar is a high-ranking dreadlord and part of the Scarlet Crusade’s leadership, found in the Scarlet Bastion wing of the dungeon. Location: Stratholme (Live side) Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Hide of the Wild | Hide of the Wild is a powerful crafted healing cloak in WoW Classic, made through Tribal Leatherworking. It’s widely considered one of the best pre-raid options for healers like Holy Paladin, Restoration Druid, Restoration Shaman, and Holy Priest thanks to its impressive stats: +8 Stamina, +10 Intellect, and +42 healing — giving both extra survivability and a significant healing boost. The +42 healing power is massive for pre-raid gear, allowing you to output stronger heals in dungeons, early raids, and PvP. Because healing power gear is relatively rare before Molten Core, this cloak remains competitive well into early raid tiers. |
Hide of the Wild is crafted by players with Tribal Leatherworking using rare materials such as Living Essence, Essence of Water, Larval Acid, Cured Rugged Hide, and Rune Thread. The Pattern: Hide of the Wild is a BoP recipe from the Thorium Brotherhood at Revered reputation. Many players choose to farm the materials themselves to save gold, though it’s also common to buy a finished cloak from the Auction House. Location: Crafted via Tribal Leatherworking (Pattern from Thorium Brotherhood, Revered). Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Robes of the Exalted | Robes of the Exalted is a cloth chestpiece in WoW Classic, dropped by Balnazzar in Stratholme (Undead side). It’s a top-tier pre-raid healing item for classes like
With +5 Intellect and +11 Spirit, it supports both mana pool and regeneration, making it ideal for sustained healing in dungeons, PvP, and early raids. Its power is so notable that it rivals raid-level gear like Robes of the Guardian Saint from AQ40. |
Robes of the Exalted drops from Balnazzar, the final boss of Stratholme (Undead side). The fight involves clearing multiple waves of enemies and defeating high-level Scarlet Crusade elites before engaging Balnazzar himself. Location: Stratholme (Undead side) Drop chance: ~14–16% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Loomguard Armbraces | Loomguard Armbraces are mail wristpieces in WoW Classic, sought after by healers for their strong healing boost. They provide +6 Stamina, +7 Intellect, and increase healing done by spells and effects by up to +33 — a big gain for throughput in dungeons, raids, and PvP support roles. This makes them a solid pre-raid Best in Slot (BiS) choice for
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Loomguard Armbraces drop from bosses in Scholomance, a level 58–60 dungeon located in the Western Plaguelands. They’re often farmed as part of healer gearing runs and can appear on loot tables for several boss encounters inside. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: ~10–15% (varies by source) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Harmonious Gauntlets | Harmonious Gauntlets are mail gloves in WoW Classic, dropped in Dire Maul North. They’re a sought-after pre-raid BiS choice for
+5 Stamina, +5 Intellect, +5 Spirit, and a powerful +51 Healing — perfect for maximizing healing output in dungeons, raids, or PvP support roles. |
Harmonious Gauntlets drop from Guard Mol’dar in Dire Maul North, commonly obtained during Tribute Runs for optimal loot rewards. Location: Dire Maul North (Feralas) Drop chance: ~20–25% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Belt of the Ordained | Belt of the Ordained is a plate waist piece in WoW Classic, prized by Holy Paladins for its powerful +healing bonus. With +9 Stamina, +8 Intellect, and +42 healing, it’s one of the best pre-raid belts for maximizing healing output. The Stamina and Intellect give a healthy mix of survivability and mana pool, while the +42 healing significantly boosts efficiency on core spells like Flash of Light and Holy Light. This belt is especially valuable because strong +healing gear is rare outside of raid epics, making it a go-to pick for healers preparing for endgame content. In many cases, it can outperform lower-tier raid drops in its slot. |
Belt of the Ordained is a Bind on Equip world drop, meaning it can be found randomly from high-level mobs or purchased on the Auction House. Since it’s BoE, it’s accessible without specific dungeon farming—though prices can be high due to demand from healers. Location: World drop (level 55+ zones) Drop chance: Very low (~0.01–0.05%) Bind: Binds when equipped |
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Padre’s Trousers | Padre’s Trousers are a cloth legpiece in WoW Classic, dropped by Illyanna Ravenoak in Dire Maul West. They are a top-tier pre-raid BiS choice for healers like
+20 Intellect, +6 mana per 5 sec, and +42 healing power — offering both the mana sustainability and raw healing output needed for long dungeon runs and early raid encounters. The combination of high Intellect and mp5 is especially rare before Molten Core, making these trousers a must-have for any healer aiming to maximize uptime and throughput without frequent drinking breaks. |
Padre’s Trousers drop from Illyanna Ravenoak, the hunter boss in Dire Maul West. She can be found in the outdoor courtyard area patrolled by treants and satyrs. Location: Dire Maul (West) Drop chance: ~19% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Boots of the Full Moon | Boots of the Full Moon are cloth healing boots in WoW Classic, dropped in Dire Maul North. They are a top-tier pre-raid choice for healers like
+12 Stamina, +12 Intellect, +9 Spirit, and +26 Healing — giving you a strong mana pool, solid regeneration, and extra durability for staying alive during heavy raid or dungeon damage. |
Boots of the Full Moon drop from a Tribute Run in Dire Maul North. Completing the tribute without killing certain bosses increases your loot table, making these boots one of the desirable rewards from the final chest. Location: Dire Maul North (Tribute Run) Drop chance: ~15–20% from Tribute chest Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Fordring’s Seal | Fordring’s Seal is a high-value healing ring in WoW Classic, obtained as a reward from the In Dreams quest chain given by Tirion Fordring in the Eastern Plaguelands. With +4 Stamina, +5 Intellect, and a powerful +37 Healing bonus, it’s an exceptional pre-raid Best in Slot (BiS) choice for healers such as
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Fordring’s Seal is the reward for completing the long In Dreams quest chain in Eastern Plaguelands. This series starts with Tirion Fordring near the river in EPL and takes you through multiple stages involving undead-clearing, item retrieval, and finally escorting Tirion in a cinematic finale at Hearthglen. Location: Eastern Plaguelands (In Dreams questline, ending in Hearthglen) Drop chance: 100% (quest reward) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Band of Rumination | Band of Rumination is a caster ring in WoW Classic, prized for its combination of mana regeneration and spell crit. With +5 mana per 5 seconds and +1% spell crit chance, it’s ideal for healers and mana-dependent DPS casters looking to improve efficiency and output. The extra mana regen helps sustain healing or damage during long encounters, while the spell crit boosts throughput—especially valuable in raid and dungeon content where every extra heal or crit nuke counts. | Band of Rumination drops from General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). You’ll face him at the very end of the dungeon after defeating his guards. Groups often farm UBRS for this ring due to its value across multiple specs. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Second Wind | Second Wind is a powerful healing trinket in WoW Classic, dropped by Golem Lord Argelmach in Blackrock Depths. It’s a popular pre-raid Best-in-Slot choice for healing classes such as
Use: Restores 30 mana every second for 10 seconds (total 300 mana) with a 15-minute cooldown, providing an emergency mana boost during critical moments. Equip: Increases healing done by spells and effects by up to +22, improving your overall throughput in both PvE and PvP. |
Second Wind drops from Golem Lord Argelmach in the Blackrock Depths (Shadowforge City). With a well-organized group, it’s possible to reach him in under 20 minutes for repeated farming runs until the trinket drops. Location: Blackrock Depths – Shadowforge City Drop Chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Briarwood Reed | Briarwood Reed is a caster trinket in WoW Classic, dropped by the rare spawn Jed Runewatcher in Upper Blackrock Spire. It’s a top-tier pre-raid BiS choice for many spellcasting classes, including
Its effect — +29 spell damage and healing — provides consistent, passive power without a cooldown, making it perfect for both sustained DPS and healing throughput in dungeons, raids, or PvP. |
Briarwood Reed drops from Jed Runewatcher, a rare elite caster who patrols between Goraluk Anvilcrack’s area and the Rend Blackhand event balcony in Upper Blackrock Spire. He’s not guaranteed to spawn, so you may need to reset the instance multiple times to find him. Many players use a simple “/target Jed” macro upon entering UBRS to quickly check if he’s present before committing to a full clear. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire Drop chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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The Hammer of Grace | The Hammer of Grace is a rare main-hand healing mace in WoW Classic, dropped in the Detention Block of Blackrock Depths. With +31 healing power, it’s a strong pre-raid option for healers like
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The Hammer of Grace drops from the Vault area in Blackrock Depths (Detention Block). It’s often looted while progressing through the dungeon’s main quest chains or farming for other pre-raid gear. Location: Blackrock Depths – Detention Block / Vault Drop chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Brightly Glowing Stone | Brightly Glowing Stone is an off-hand item in WoW Classic, obtained from Dire Maul (North Tribute Run). It’s a sought-after pre-raid BiS piece for healing classes such as
The stamina boost offers extra survivability, while the +healing directly amplifies the effectiveness of your healing spells—especially high-rank direct heals like Healing Touch, Holy Light, and Healing Wave. This makes it excellent for both PvE raid preparation and PvP support, where every point of healing counts. |
The Brightly Glowing Stone drops during the Dire Maul North Tribute Run. Completing this run without killing any of the guards maximizes your loot potential, as the King rewards you with powerful non-combat loot, including this item. Location: Dire Maul North (Tribute Run) Drop Chance: ~15–20% (from Tribute chest) Bind: Binds when picked up |
WoW Classic DPS Paladin Pre-Raid BIS Logic Explained
When gearing up a
- Strength for increased attack power and stronger melee hits.
- Hit Chance to reduce missed attacks and improve DPS consistency.
- Critical Strike Chance to boost burst potential and seal procs.
- Agility for extra crit and a small armor increase.
- Intellect to help maintain mana for Judgement and Seal usage.
Retribution Paladin Pre-Raid BIS (WoW Classic Phase 1)
| Slot | Item | Description | How to Get |
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Mask of the Unforgiven | Mask of the Unforgiven is a high-value leather headpiece in WoW Classic, prized for its strong DPS-oriented stats and rarity. Dropped by The Unforgiven in Stratholme (Live side), this head slot item is a pre-raid Best in Slot (BiS) choice for
With +12 Stamina, +2% Hit, and +1% Crit Chance, it’s ideal for reaching hit cap early while increasing overall damage output. The high Stamina also adds survivability, making it versatile for both PvE and PvP. Its biggest draw is the +2% hit rating — one of the hardest stats to find before raiding — which makes it a must-have for players aiming to optimize their DPS rotation and minimize misses. |
The Mask drops from The Unforgiven, a rare elite ghost in Stratholme (Live side). It typically appears near the Spiteful Phantom area, often after triggering a trap. Because it’s a rare spawn, multiple runs may be needed to secure the drop. Location: Stratholme (Live side) Drop Chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Mark of Fordring | Mark of Fordring is a powerful neck piece in WoW Classic, earned through a long and memorable quest chain from Tirion Fordring in Eastern Plaguelands. It’s a top-tier pre-raid choice for melee DPS classes like
+26 Attack Power and +1% Crit Chance. This combination makes it ideal for maximizing damage output, especially for players looking to boost their crit rate without sacrificing raw attack power. Its main strength lies in delivering a perfect balance of sustained DPS and burst potential. The +26 Attack Power directly scales physical damage, while the +1% crit increases the likelihood of big hits—especially valuable in both raid and PvP settings. |
To obtain the Mark of Fordring, you must complete the In Dreams quest, the final step of a lengthy quest chain starting with Tirion Fordring near Terrorweb Path in Eastern Plaguelands. This chain includes multiple outdoor objectives and an instanced run into Stratholme (Scarlet side) to retrieve the painting Of Love and Family from the Archivist’s room. The finale is a scripted escort in Hearthglen where Tirion battles waves of elites. Location: Quest reward from Tirion Fordring, Eastern Plaguelands Quest Chain: Starts with Demon Dogs, ends with In Dreams Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Truestrike Shoulders | Truestrike Shoulders are a leather shoulder piece in WoW Classic, dropped in Upper Blackrock Spire. They’re a highly sought-after pre-raid BiS item for physical DPS classes like
+2% Hit and +24 Attack Power. The +2% hit is especially valuable in pre-raid gearing, as hit chance is one of the hardest stats to acquire before entering raids. Combined with the solid attack power bonus, these shoulders significantly boost overall DPS and help reduce the frustration of missed special attacks. They’re an excellent choice for players pushing to reach the hit cap while maintaining strong raw damage output. |
Truestrike Shoulders drop from Warchief Rend Blackhand in Upper Blackrock Spire. This boss is encountered near the end of the dungeon, following the iconic bridge event. Since UBRS is often run for other key pre-raid gear, you’ll have multiple chances to pick these up during regular farming. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire Drop Chance: ~12–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Cape of the Black Baron | Cape of the Black Baron is a top-tier pre-raid DPS cloak in WoW Classic, dropped by Baron Rivendare in Stratholme (Undead side). With +15 Agility and +20 Attack Power, it’s a standout choice for melee and ranged physical DPS classes like
The +15 Agility not only boosts crit chance and dodge but also contributes to extra attack power for agility-based classes, making it scale especially well with talents like Lightning Reflexes (Hunter) or Survivalist. Combined with the flat +20 Attack Power, it delivers both consistent damage and increased burst potential — perfect for both PvE and PvP. |
Cape of the Black Baron drops from Baron Rivendare, the final boss in Stratholme (Undead side). This boss is located at the end of the gauntlet after defeating all three ziggurat bosses. Due to its strong stats and relatively rare drop rate, expect to farm the dungeon multiple times before securing it. Location: Stratholme (Undead side) Drop Chance: ~12–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Savage Gladiator Chain | Savage Gladiator Chain is an epic mail chestpiece in WoW Classic, dropped by Gorosh the Dervish in the Blackrock Depths Arena event. It’s one of the strongest pre-raid DPS chest options for mail users like
It boasts +13 Strength, +14 Agility, +13 Stamina, and +2% crit chance, giving a huge boost to burst damage potential in both PvE and PvP. The crit bonus is especially valuable, as few pre-raid chestpieces offer more than 1% crit. This makes it a core choice for players stacking crit to maximize white and special attack damage before stepping into raids. |
The Savage Gladiator Chain drops from Gorosh the Dervish, one of six possible random spawns in the Blackrock Depths Arena (Detention Block). You’ll need to clear to the Arena and trigger the event to see which boss you get. Location: Blackrock Depths – Arena (Detention Block) Drop Chance: ~20% from Gorosh (who himself has ~17% chance to spawn) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Battleborn Armbraces | Battleborn Armbraces are epic plate bracers in WoW Classic, dropped in Upper Blackrock Spire. They are one of the most valuable pre-raid wrist options for
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Battleborn Armbraces drop from Warchief Rend Blackhand in Upper Blackrock Spire. You’ll encounter him during the main storyline of the dungeon after completing the Gauntlet and reaching the Hall of Blackhand. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop Chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Gargoyle Slashers | Gargoyle Slashers are a pair of leather gloves in WoW Classic, dropped by Kirtonos the Herald in Scholomance. They’re a solid pre-raid choice for melee DPS classes like
+10 Strength, +5 Agility, +12 Stamina, and +1% crit — giving a nice balance of survivability and burst damage potential. The Strength boosts attack power, Agility adds crit and armor, and Stamina keeps you alive longer in both PvP and PvE. That combination makes them especially attractive for players who want reliable gloves that can serve well until raid gear becomes available. |
Gargoyle Slashers drop from Kirtonos the Herald, a summonable boss in Scholomance. To summon him, you must complete parts of the Butcher questline and the Janice Barov quest to obtain the Blood of Innocents, which is used on “The Porch” area to trigger his appearance. Many players farm him repeatedly, as he tends to drop two blues per kill. Location: Scholomance – The Porch (summon event) Drop chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Omokk’s Girth Restrainer | Omokk’s Girth Restrainer is a rare plate belt in WoW Classic, dropped by War Master Voone in Lower Blackrock Spire. It’s a strong pre-raid DPS choice for
+15 Strength, +9 Stamina, and +1% crit chance. The high Strength directly boosts attack power, while the crit bonus improves burst potential and ability uptime, making it valuable for both PvE boss fights and PvP encounters. This belt is often preferred by DPS plate wearers over hit-based alternatives when already close to hit cap, or when prioritizing crit for talents like Flurry or Vengeance. Its balance of offensive power and survivability also makes it a practical choice for dungeon grinding and early raid content. |
Omokk’s Girth Restrainer drops from War Master Voone in Lower Blackrock Spire. You’ll face Voone midway through the dungeon after clearing through the Hall of the Keepers. Location: Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) Drop Chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Cloudkeeper Legplates | Gargoyle Slashers are leather gloves in WoW Classic, dropped by Kirtonos the Herald in Scholomance. They’re a sought-after pre-raid BiS choice for
+10 Strength, +5 Agility, +12 Stamina, and +1% crit chance. The Strength and Agility boost your Attack Power and critical strike potential, while the Stamina adds a solid health buffer—perfect for both PvE and PvP. |
Gargoyle Slashers drop from Kirtonos the Herald, a summonable boss in Scholomance. To summon him, you must first complete the quests The Butcher and Doctor Theolen Krastinov, the Butcher. Once you have the Blood of Innocents, you can use it on “The Porch” to call him forth. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Bloodmail Boots | Bloodmail Boots are a mail armor piece in WoW Classic, dropped in Scholomance as part of the Bloodmail Regalia set. They’re a strong pre-raid BiS option for classes like
+9 Strength, +9 Agility, +10 Stamina, +10 Intellect, and +1% hit — giving both a boost to damage output and a touch of mana efficiency for hybrid classes. The +1% hit is especially valuable before raids when hit gear is scarce, helping melee classes reach hit cap faster while still benefiting from stamina for survivability. They also synergize with the Bloodmail Regalia set bonuses, adding extra defense, attack power, resistances, and even a parry chance if you can collect the full set. |
Bloodmail Boots drop from mobs in Scholomance that wear Bloodmail armor. They’re part of the Bloodmail Regalia set, which is mail gear themed for melee hybrids. Farming them often means repeated Scholomance runs, since they’re a rare drop from specific trash enemies. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: ~5–10% from Bloodmail-wearing mobs Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Painweaver Band | Painweaver Band is a high-value melee DPS ring in WoW Classic, dropped in Upper Blackrock Spire. With +1% crit chance, +16 Attack Power, and +7 Stamina, it delivers a potent mix of burst potential, sustained damage, and survivability. The crit bonus is especially attractive for classes with abilities or talents that scale heavily with critical strikes — such as
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Painweaver Band drops from General Drakkisath, the final boss of Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). This encounter requires solid coordination, as Drakkisath is heavily guarded and has dangerous abilities like Conflagration. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (General Drakkisath) Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Magni’s Will | Magni’s Will is a powerful melee-focused ring in WoW Classic, awarded from the Blackrock Depths quest The Princess’s Surprise (Alliance) or The Princess Saved? (Horde). It’s a popular pre-raid BiS choice for classes like
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Complete the Blackrock Depths quest The Princess’s Surprise (Alliance) or The Princess Saved? (Horde). Upon completion, you can choose between Magni’s Will and Songstone of Ironforge — melee DPS players almost always take Magni’s Will. Location: Blackrock Depths (via quest chain) Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Since the quest is part of the BRD storyline, you’ll need to progress deep into the dungeon and complete several steps to reach it. |
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Blackhand’s Breadth | Blackhand’s Breadth is a powerful trinket in WoW Classic, obtained through the quest General Drakkisath’s Demise (Alliance) or For the Horde! (Horde), both requiring the defeat of General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire. This trinket is a staple pre-raid and PvP BiS choice for classes that thrive on critical hits — including Hunters,
+2% critical strike chance to all attacks while equipped. For burst-oriented specs, this translates into higher damage output, more consistent crit chains, and stronger kill potential in PvP. |
Alliance: Begin by killing Overlord Wyrmthalak in Lower Blackrock Spire to obtain the quest starter. Complete the follow-up chain leading to General Drakkisath’s Demise. Horde: Pick up For the Horde! from Kargath in the Badlands, which sends you into Upper Blackrock Spire to slay General Drakkisath. Upon turning in the quest, choose Blackhand’s Breadth as your reward. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (final boss: General Drakkisath) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Hand of Justice | Hand of Justice is a highly sought-after melee DPS trinket in WoW Classic, famous for its potent combination of +20 Attack Power and a 2% chance on melee hit to gain an extra attack (with a 2-second internal cooldown). This effect can trigger off any melee hit — including special abilities — and is especially devastating for classes with fast swing speeds or multiple hit mechanics. It’s considered pre-raid BiS for specs like
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Hand of Justice drops from General Angerforge in Blackrock Depths in certain phases (Classic Fresh / pre–Phase 5) and from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan in other phases. Drop locations may change with content updates, so check the current phase for accuracy. Location: Blackrock Depths Drop chance: ~5–10% (varies by phase and source) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Arcanite Reaper | Arcanite Reaper is an iconic two-handed axe in WoW Classic, crafted by master blacksmiths and widely recognized as one of the most powerful pre-raid weapons for
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Arcanite Reaper is crafted by players with 300 Blacksmithing using rare materials, including Arcanite Bars, which require a transmute from Alchemists. The recipe can be learned from the Blacksmithing vendor Grumnus Steelshaper in Ironforge (Alliance) or Okothos Ironrager in Orgrimmar (Horde). Bind: Binds when equipped |
Retribution Paladin Pre-Raid BIS (WoW Classic Phase 2)
| Slot | Item | Description | How to Get |
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Mask of the Unforgiven | Mask of the Unforgiven is a high-value leather headpiece in WoW Classic, prized for its strong DPS-oriented stats and rarity. Dropped by The Unforgiven in Stratholme (Live side), this head slot item is a pre-raid Best in Slot (BiS) choice for
With +12 Stamina, +2% Hit, and +1% Crit Chance, it’s ideal for reaching hit cap early while increasing overall damage output. The high Stamina also adds survivability, making it versatile for both PvE and PvP. Its biggest draw is the +2% hit rating — one of the hardest stats to find before raiding — which makes it a must-have for players aiming to optimize their DPS rotation and minimize misses. |
The Mask drops from The Unforgiven, a rare elite ghost in Stratholme (Live side). It typically appears near the Spiteful Phantom area, often after triggering a trap. Because it’s a rare spawn, multiple runs may be needed to secure the drop. Location: Stratholme (Live side) Drop Chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Mark of Fordring | Mark of Fordring is a powerful neck piece in WoW Classic, earned through a long and memorable quest chain from Tirion Fordring in Eastern Plaguelands. It’s a top-tier pre-raid choice for melee DPS classes like
+26 Attack Power and +1% Crit Chance. This combination makes it ideal for maximizing damage output, especially for players looking to boost their crit rate without sacrificing raw attack power. Its main strength lies in delivering a perfect balance of sustained DPS and burst potential. The +26 Attack Power directly scales physical damage, while the +1% crit increases the likelihood of big hits—especially valuable in both raid and PvP settings. |
To obtain the Mark of Fordring, you must complete the In Dreams quest, the final step of a lengthy quest chain starting with Tirion Fordring near Terrorweb Path in Eastern Plaguelands. This chain includes multiple outdoor objectives and an instanced run into Stratholme (Scarlet side) to retrieve the painting Of Love and Family from the Archivist’s room. The finale is a scripted escort in Hearthglen where Tirion battles waves of elites. Location: Quest reward from Tirion Fordring, Eastern Plaguelands Quest Chain: Starts with Demon Dogs, ends with In Dreams Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Truestrike Shoulders | Truestrike Shoulders are a leather shoulder piece in WoW Classic, dropped in Upper Blackrock Spire. They’re a highly sought-after pre-raid BiS item for physical DPS classes like
+2% Hit and +24 Attack Power. The +2% hit is especially valuable in pre-raid gearing, as hit chance is one of the hardest stats to acquire before entering raids. Combined with the solid attack power bonus, these shoulders significantly boost overall DPS and help reduce the frustration of missed special attacks. They’re an excellent choice for players pushing to reach the hit cap while maintaining strong raw damage output. |
Truestrike Shoulders drop from Warchief Rend Blackhand in Upper Blackrock Spire. This boss is encountered near the end of the dungeon, following the iconic bridge event. Since UBRS is often run for other key pre-raid gear, you’ll have multiple chances to pick these up during regular farming. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire Drop Chance: ~12–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Cape of the Black Baron | Cape of the Black Baron is a top-tier pre-raid DPS cloak in WoW Classic, dropped by Baron Rivendare in Stratholme (Undead side). With +15 Agility and +20 Attack Power, it’s a standout choice for melee and ranged physical DPS classes like
The +15 Agility not only boosts crit chance and dodge but also contributes to extra attack power for agility-based classes, making it scale especially well with talents like Lightning Reflexes (Hunter) or Survivalist. Combined with the flat +20 Attack Power, it delivers both consistent damage and increased burst potential — perfect for both PvE and PvP. |
Cape of the Black Baron drops from Baron Rivendare, the final boss in Stratholme (Undead side). This boss is located at the end of the gauntlet after defeating all three ziggurat bosses. Due to its strong stats and relatively rare drop rate, expect to farm the dungeon multiple times before securing it. Location: Stratholme (Undead side) Drop Chance: ~12–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Savage Gladiator Chain | Savage Gladiator Chain is an epic mail chestpiece in WoW Classic, dropped by Gorosh the Dervish in the Blackrock Depths Arena event. It’s one of the strongest pre-raid DPS chest options for mail users like
It boasts +13 Strength, +14 Agility, +13 Stamina, and +2% crit chance, giving a huge boost to burst damage potential in both PvE and PvP. The crit bonus is especially valuable, as few pre-raid chestpieces offer more than 1% crit. This makes it a core choice for players stacking crit to maximize white and special attack damage before stepping into raids. |
The Savage Gladiator Chain drops from Gorosh the Dervish, one of six possible random spawns in the Blackrock Depths Arena (Detention Block). You’ll need to clear to the Arena and trigger the event to see which boss you get. Location: Blackrock Depths – Arena (Detention Block) Drop Chance: ~20% from Gorosh (who himself has ~17% chance to spawn) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Battleborn Armbraces | Battleborn Armbraces are epic plate bracers in WoW Classic, dropped in Upper Blackrock Spire. They are one of the most valuable pre-raid wrist options for
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Battleborn Armbraces drop from Warchief Rend Blackhand in Upper Blackrock Spire. You’ll encounter him during the main storyline of the dungeon after completing the Gauntlet and reaching the Hall of Blackhand. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) Drop Chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Gargoyle Slashers | Gargoyle Slashers are a pair of leather gloves in WoW Classic, dropped by Kirtonos the Herald in Scholomance. They’re a solid pre-raid choice for melee DPS classes like
+10 Strength, +5 Agility, +12 Stamina, and +1% crit — giving a nice balance of survivability and burst damage potential. The Strength boosts attack power, Agility adds crit and armor, and Stamina keeps you alive longer in both PvP and PvE. That combination makes them especially attractive for players who want reliable gloves that can serve well until raid gear becomes available. |
Gargoyle Slashers drop from Kirtonos the Herald, a summonable boss in Scholomance. To summon him, you must complete parts of the Butcher questline and the Janice Barov quest to obtain the Blood of Innocents, which is used on “The Porch” area to trigger his appearance. Many players farm him repeatedly, as he tends to drop two blues per kill. Location: Scholomance – The Porch (summon event) Drop chance: ~10–15% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Omokk’s Girth Restrainer | Omokk’s Girth Restrainer is a rare plate belt in WoW Classic, dropped by War Master Voone in Lower Blackrock Spire. It’s a strong pre-raid DPS choice for
+15 Strength, +9 Stamina, and +1% crit chance. The high Strength directly boosts attack power, while the crit bonus improves burst potential and ability uptime, making it valuable for both PvE boss fights and PvP encounters. This belt is often preferred by DPS plate wearers over hit-based alternatives when already close to hit cap, or when prioritizing crit for talents like Flurry or Vengeance. Its balance of offensive power and survivability also makes it a practical choice for dungeon grinding and early raid content. |
Omokk’s Girth Restrainer drops from War Master Voone in Lower Blackrock Spire. You’ll face Voone midway through the dungeon after clearing through the Hall of the Keepers. Location: Lower Blackrock Spire (LBRS) Drop Chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Cloudkeeper Legplates | Gargoyle Slashers are leather gloves in WoW Classic, dropped by Kirtonos the Herald in Scholomance. They’re a sought-after pre-raid BiS choice for
+10 Strength, +5 Agility, +12 Stamina, and +1% crit chance. The Strength and Agility boost your Attack Power and critical strike potential, while the Stamina adds a solid health buffer—perfect for both PvE and PvP. |
Gargoyle Slashers drop from Kirtonos the Herald, a summonable boss in Scholomance. To summon him, you must first complete the quests The Butcher and Doctor Theolen Krastinov, the Butcher. Once you have the Blood of Innocents, you can use it on “The Porch” to call him forth. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Bloodmail Boots | Bloodmail Boots are a mail armor piece in WoW Classic, dropped in Scholomance as part of the Bloodmail Regalia set. They’re a strong pre-raid BiS option for classes like
+9 Strength, +9 Agility, +10 Stamina, +10 Intellect, and +1% hit — giving both a boost to damage output and a touch of mana efficiency for hybrid classes. The +1% hit is especially valuable before raids when hit gear is scarce, helping melee classes reach hit cap faster while still benefiting from stamina for survivability. They also synergize with the Bloodmail Regalia set bonuses, adding extra defense, attack power, resistances, and even a parry chance if you can collect the full set. |
Bloodmail Boots drop from mobs in Scholomance that wear Bloodmail armor. They’re part of the Bloodmail Regalia set, which is mail gear themed for melee hybrids. Farming them often means repeated Scholomance runs, since they’re a rare drop from specific trash enemies. Location: Scholomance Drop chance: ~5–10% from Bloodmail-wearing mobs Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Painweaver Band | Painweaver Band is a high-value melee DPS ring in WoW Classic, dropped in Upper Blackrock Spire. With +1% crit chance, +16 Attack Power, and +7 Stamina, it delivers a potent mix of burst potential, sustained damage, and survivability. The crit bonus is especially attractive for classes with abilities or talents that scale heavily with critical strikes — such as
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Painweaver Band drops from General Drakkisath, the final boss of Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS). This encounter requires solid coordination, as Drakkisath is heavily guarded and has dangerous abilities like Conflagration. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (General Drakkisath) Drop chance: ~15–20% Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Magni’s Will | Magni’s Will is a powerful melee-focused ring in WoW Classic, awarded from the Blackrock Depths quest The Princess’s Surprise (Alliance) or The Princess Saved? (Horde). It’s a popular pre-raid BiS choice for classes like
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Complete the Blackrock Depths quest The Princess’s Surprise (Alliance) or The Princess Saved? (Horde). Upon completion, you can choose between Magni’s Will and Songstone of Ironforge — melee DPS players almost always take Magni’s Will. Location: Blackrock Depths (via quest chain) Bind: Binds when picked up Notes: Since the quest is part of the BRD storyline, you’ll need to progress deep into the dungeon and complete several steps to reach it. |
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Blackhand’s Breadth | Blackhand’s Breadth is a powerful trinket in WoW Classic, obtained through the quest General Drakkisath’s Demise (Alliance) or For the Horde! (Horde), both requiring the defeat of General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire. This trinket is a staple pre-raid and PvP BiS choice for classes that thrive on critical hits — including Hunters,
+2% critical strike chance to all attacks while equipped. For burst-oriented specs, this translates into higher damage output, more consistent crit chains, and stronger kill potential in PvP. |
Alliance: Begin by killing Overlord Wyrmthalak in Lower Blackrock Spire to obtain the quest starter. Complete the follow-up chain leading to General Drakkisath’s Demise. Horde: Pick up For the Horde! from Kargath in the Badlands, which sends you into Upper Blackrock Spire to slay General Drakkisath. Upon turning in the quest, choose Blackhand’s Breadth as your reward. Location: Upper Blackrock Spire (final boss: General Drakkisath) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Hand of Justice | Hand of Justice is a highly sought-after melee DPS trinket in WoW Classic, famous for its potent combination of +20 Attack Power and a 2% chance on melee hit to gain an extra attack (with a 2-second internal cooldown). This effect can trigger off any melee hit — including special abilities — and is especially devastating for classes with fast swing speeds or multiple hit mechanics. It’s considered pre-raid BiS for specs like
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Hand of Justice drops from General Angerforge in Blackrock Depths in certain phases (Classic Fresh / pre–Phase 5) and from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan in other phases. Drop locations may change with content updates, so check the current phase for accuracy. Location: Blackrock Depths Drop chance: ~5–10% (varies by phase and source) Bind: Binds when picked up |
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Arcanite Reaper | Arcanite Reaper is an iconic two-handed axe in WoW Classic, crafted by master blacksmiths and widely recognized as one of the most powerful pre-raid weapons for
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Arcanite Reaper is crafted by players with 300 Blacksmithing using rare materials, including Arcanite Bars, which require a transmute from Alchemists. The recipe can be learned from the Blacksmithing vendor Grumnus Steelshaper in Ironforge (Alliance) or Okothos Ironrager in Orgrimmar (Horde). Bind: Binds when equipped |
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