How to Level a Hunter in WoW Forever
A Hunter levels fastest when the pet does the tanking. The recommended Beast Mastery plan makes your pet tougher before it makes it stronger, adds Summon Hawk at 25 as a second damage source, and spends its last points in Marksmanship for critical strike and Attack Power. It never needs a respec.
Hunter Leveling Milestones
- Lv 4
Serpent Sting and Aspect of the Monkey.
- Lv 6
Arcane Shot and Hunter's Mark.
- Lv 8
Concussive Shot: slow a monster and keep your distance.
- Lv 10
Tame Beast, Aspect of the Hawk, and your first talent point.
- Lv 16
Immolation Trap.
- Lv 18
Multi-Shot.
- Lv 20
Aspect of the Cheetah, Aimed Shot, Freezing Trap, and Disengage.
- Lv 25
Summon Hawk, the strongest point in the plan.
- Lv 30
Feign Death.
- Lv 40
Mail armor, Aspect of the Pack, and Volley.
- Lv 44
Bestial Wrath: 50% more pet damage for 18 seconds.
Hunter Beast Mastery Leveling Build
Your pet tanks, you deal damage from range. Beast Mastery first makes the pet tougher, faster, and deadlier, adds Summon Hawk at 25, Intimidation at 35, and Bestial Wrath at 44. From 45 the remaining points go to Marksmanship for critical strike, Attack Power from Intellect, stronger Serpent Sting, and Trueshot Aura.
How the Beast Mastery Leveling Plan Works
Beast Mastery35
5/5
3/3
2/2
2/2
1/1
5/5
1/2
5/5
1/1
2/2
1/1
2/2
4/5
1/1
Marksmanship16
5/5
3/3
5/5
2/2
1/1
Survival0
In this plan the pet is the tank. As long as it holds the monster, you can shoot without taking damage, and every point that keeps the pet alive is a point that keeps you from stopping. That is why the first talent is Endurance Training, not a damage talent.
Summon Hawk at 25 is the strongest single point in the tree. It sends a hawk that dives on your target and keeps attacking for 18 seconds; up to two can be out at once, and it shares its cooldown with Arcane Shot. Against anything that lives long enough, a hawk is worth more than an Arcane Shot.
With 35 points in Beast Mastery the pet has Ferocity, Frenzy, and Bestial Wrath. The last 16 points go to Marksmanship, where Lethal Attacks adds 5% critical strike, Careful Aim turns your Intellect into Attack Power, and Trueshot Aura, which Forever moved up to the fourth row, adds Ranged Attack Power to you and your party.
Beast Mastery Leveling: Point Order by Level
| Level | Spend the point on | Tree points | Show in the calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levels 10–19A pet that holds the monster Endurance Training 5/5 at 10–14 adds 15% to your pet's Health and Armor. Improved Aspect of the Monkey 3/3 at 15–17 raises your dodge and gives the pet half of it, and Improved Revive Pet 2/2 at 18–19 makes a dead pet far less costly. | |||
| 10–14 | Endurance Training 5/5 · Beast Mastery | 5 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 15–17 | Improved Aspect of the Monkey 3/3 · Beast Mastery | 8 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 18–19 | Improved Revive Pet 2/2 · Beast Mastery | 10 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| Levels 20–29Speed and the hawk Bestial Swiftness at 20 for 30% pet speed, Pathfinding 2/2 at 21–22 for faster aspects, Unleashed Fury 2/5 at 23–24, Summon Hawk at 25, the rest of Unleashed Fury at 26–28, and Improved Mend Pet at 29. | |||
| 20 | Bestial Swiftness 1/1 · Beast Mastery | 11 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 21–22 | Pathfinding 2/2 · Beast Mastery | 13 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 23–24 | Unleashed Fury 2/5 · Beast Mastery | 15 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 25 | Summon Hawk 1/1 · Beast Mastery | 16 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 26–28 | Unleashed Fury 5/5 · Beast Mastery | 19 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 29 | Improved Mend Pet 1/2 · Beast Mastery | 20 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| Levels 30–44Ferocity, Intimidation, and Bestial Wrath Ferocity 5/5 at 30–34 adds 10% critical strike for the pet and hawks. Intimidation at 35 is a stun and a taunt in one. Spirit Bond 2/2 at 36–37 heals you and the pet over time, Bestial Discipline 2/2 at 38–39 keeps half your Mana regeneration while casting, Frenzy 4/5 at 40–43, and Bestial Wrath at 44 for 50% more pet damage for 18 seconds. | |||
| 30–34 | Ferocity 5/5 · Beast Mastery | 25 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 35 | Intimidation 1/1 · Beast Mastery | 26 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 36–37 | Spirit Bond 2/2 · Beast Mastery | 28 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 38–39 | Bestial Discipline 2/2 · Beast Mastery | 30 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 40–43 | Frenzy 4/5 · Beast Mastery | 34 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| 44 | Bestial Wrath 1/1 · Beast Mastery | 35 / 0 / 0 | Open |
| Levels 45–60Marksmanship for the finish Lethal Attacks 5/5 at 45–49, Careful Aim 5/5 at 50–54, Rapid Killing 2/2 at 55–56, Improved Stings 3/3 at 57–59, and Trueshot Aura at 60. | |||
| 45–49 | Lethal Attacks 5/5 · Marksmanship | 35 / 5 / 0 | Open |
| 50–54 | Careful Aim 5/5 · Marksmanship | 35 / 10 / 0 | Open |
| 55–56 | Rapid Killing 2/2 · Marksmanship | 35 / 12 / 0 | Open |
| 57–59 | Improved Stings 3/3 · Marksmanship | 35 / 15 / 0 | Open |
| 60 | Trueshot Aura 1/1 · Marksmanship | 35 / 16 / 0 | Open |
Beast Mastery Leveling: Rotation and How to Play
Levels 1–10: learn melee weaving
Your ranged and melee swings run on separate timers, so you can get damage out of both. At 6 Arcane Shot is your first big upgrade, and at 8 Concussive Shot lets you slow a monster and keep your distance. At 10, tame a pet straight away: it is the biggest jump in power you get.
Levels 10–25: pet and Immolation Trap
Send the pet in first, apply Hunter's Mark, then Auto Shot. From 16, combine Raptor Strike and Immolation Trap into a single trip to melee range, then step back out to shoot again.
From 25: three layers of damage
The hawk, Immolation Trap, and Serpent Sting together. Use the hawk before Arcane Shot on anything that lives long enough. Do not spend all three on a monster that is about to die: that is wasted Mana. More damage is not always faster leveling; stealing aggro, drinking, and reviving the pet cost more than they gain.
Hunter Talents, Spells, and Gear by Level
Each range shows the talent points of the recommended plan, the spells to train, and the best gear for your faction. Switch faction in the site header to see the other side's gear.
Hunter Levels 1–10
Your ranged and melee swings run on separate timers, so weave both. Arcane Shot at 6 and Concussive Shot at 8 are your first big upgrades.
- 1 talent point
- 15 new spells
- 2 rank-ups
- 11 gear upgrades
Spells to Train
- 1Auto Shot
1Raptor Strike
1Track Beasts- 4Aspect of the Monkey
- 4Serpent Sting
- 6Arcane Shot
6Hunter's Mark- 8Concussive Shot
- 10Aspect of the Hawk
10Call Pet
10Dismiss Pet
10Feed Pet- 10Revive Pet
- 10Tame Beast
10Track Humanoids
Plus 2 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →- 1 talent point
- 15 new spells
- 2 rank-ups
- 11 gear upgrades
Spells to Train
- 1Auto Shot
- 1Raptor Strike
- 1Track Beasts
- 4Aspect of the Monkey
- 4Serpent Sting
- 6Arcane Shot
- 6Hunter's Mark
- 8Concussive Shot
- 10Aspect of the Hawk
- 10Call Pet
- 10Dismiss Pet
- 10Feed Pet
- 10Revive Pet
- 10Tame Beast
- 10Track Humanoids
Plus 2 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Hunter Levels 10–20
Tame a pet the moment you reach 10: it is the biggest jump in power you get. Endurance Training keeps it alive, and Immolation Trap at 16 adds damage on the pull.
- 10 talent points
- 14 new spells
- 7 rank-ups
- 14 gear upgrades
Talents
- 5/5Endurance TrainingLv 11–14
- 3/3Improved Aspect of the MonkeyLv 15–17
- 2/2Improved Revive PetLv 18–19
- 1/1Bestial SwiftnessLv 20
Spells to Train
- 12Mend Pet
12Distracting Shot- 12Wing Clip
14Eagle Eye
14Eyes of the Beast
14Scare Beast
16Immolation Trap- 16Mongoose Bite
- 18Multi-Shot
18Track Undead- 20Aspect of the Cheetah
20Aimed Shot
20Disengage
20Freezing Trap
Plus 7 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
- Weapon
Ranged
Head
Neck
Shoulder
Back
Chest
Wrist
Hands
Waist
Legs
Feet
Ring
Ring
- 10 talent points
- 14 new spells
- 7 rank-ups
- 14 gear upgrades
Talents
- 5/5Endurance TrainingLv 11–14
- 3/3Improved Aspect of the MonkeyLv 15–17
- 2/2Improved Revive PetLv 18–19
- 1/1Bestial SwiftnessLv 20
Spells to Train
- 12Mend Pet
- 12Distracting Shot
- 12Wing Clip
- 14Eagle Eye
- 14Eyes of the Beast
- 14Scare Beast
- 16Immolation Trap
- 16Mongoose Bite
- 18Multi-Shot
- 18Track Undead
- 20Aspect of the Cheetah
- 20Aimed Shot
- 20Disengage
- 20Freezing Trap
Plus 7 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
Weapon
Ranged- Head
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Back
Chest- Wrist
- Hands
Waist- Legs
Feet- Ring
- Ring
Hunter Levels 20–30
Aspect of the Cheetah at 20 and Pathfinding speed up travel before your mount. Summon Hawk at 25 adds a second attacker; use it before Arcane Shot on anything that lives long enough.
- 10 talent points
- 8 new spells
- 11 rank-ups
- 14 gear upgrades
Talents
- 2/2PathfindingLv 21–22
- 2/5Unleashed FuryLv 23–24
- 1/1Summon HawkLv 25
- 5/5Unleashed FuryLv 26–28
- 1/2Improved Mend PetLv 29
- 1/5FerocityLv 30
Spells to Train
22Scorpid Sting
24Beast Lore
24Track Hidden
26Rapid Fire
26Track Elementals
28Frost Trap
30Aspect of the Beast
30Feign Death
Plus 11 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
Weapon
Ranged
Head
Neck- Shoulder
Back
Chest
Wrist
Hands
Waist
Legs- Feet
Ring- Ring
- 10 talent points
- 8 new spells
- 11 rank-ups
- 14 gear upgrades
Talents
- 2/2PathfindingLv 21–22
- 2/5Unleashed FuryLv 23–24
- 1/1Summon HawkLv 25
- 5/5Unleashed FuryLv 26–28
- 1/2Improved Mend PetLv 29
- 1/5FerocityLv 30
Spells to Train
- 22Scorpid Sting
- 24Beast Lore
- 24Track Hidden
- 26Rapid Fire
- 26Track Elementals
- 28Frost Trap
- 30Aspect of the Beast
- 30Feign Death
Plus 11 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
Weapon- Ranged
- Head
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Back
- Chest
- Wrist
- Hands
- Waist
- Legs
Feet- Ring
- Ring
Hunter Levels 30–40
Feign Death at 30 drops threat and saves bad pulls. Ferocity, Intimidation, and Spirit Bond make the pet deadlier and both of you sturdier.
- 10 talent points
- 8 new spells
- 14 rank-ups
- 14 gear upgrades
Talents
- 5/5FerocityLv 31–34
- 1/1IntimidationLv 35
- 2/2Spirit BondLv 36–37
- 2/2Bestial DisciplineLv 38–39
- 1/5FrenzyLv 40
Spells to Train
32Enchanted Flare
32Flare
32Track Demons
34Explosive Trap
36Viper Sting
40Aspect of the Pack- 40Volley
40Track Giants
Plus 14 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
Weapon
Ranged
Head- Neck
- Shoulder
Back
Chest
Wrist
Hands- Waist
Legs
Feet- Ring
- Ring
- 10 talent points
- 8 new spells
- 14 rank-ups
- 14 gear upgrades
Talents
- 5/5FerocityLv 31–34
- 1/1IntimidationLv 35
- 2/2Spirit BondLv 36–37
- 2/2Bestial DisciplineLv 38–39
- 1/5FrenzyLv 40
Spells to Train
- 32Enchanted Flare
- 32Flare
- 32Track Demons
- 34Explosive Trap
- 36Viper Sting
- 40Aspect of the Pack
- 40Volley
- 40Track Giants
Plus 14 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
- Weapon
- Ranged
- Head
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Back
- Chest
- Wrist
- Hands
- Waist
- Legs
- Feet
- Ring
- Ring
Hunter Levels 40–50
Mail at 40, Frenzy, and Bestial Wrath at 44 for elites. From 45 the plan moves to Marksmanship: Lethal Attacks benefits you and your pet.
- 10 talent points
- 2 new spells
- 16 rank-ups
- 16 gear upgrades
Talents
- 4/5FrenzyLv 41–43
- 1/1Bestial WrathLv 44
- 5/5Lethal AttacksLv 45–49
- 1/5Careful AimLv 50
Spells to Train
46Aspect of the Wild
50Track Dragonkin
Plus 16 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
- Weapon
Ranged
Head- Neck
Shoulder
Back
Chest
Wrist
Hands
Waist
Legs
Feet- Ring
- Ring
Trinket
Trinket
- 10 talent points
- 2 new spells
- 16 rank-ups
- 16 gear upgrades
Talents
- 4/5FrenzyLv 41–43
- 1/1Bestial WrathLv 44
- 5/5Lethal AttacksLv 45–49
- 1/5Careful AimLv 50
Spells to Train
- 46Aspect of the Wild
- 50Track Dragonkin
Plus 16 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
- Weapon
- Ranged
- Head
Neck- Shoulder
- Back
- Chest
- Wrist
- Hands
- Waist
- Legs
- Feet
- Ring
Ring- Trinket
Trinket
Hunter Levels 50–60
Careful Aim turns your Intellect into Attack Power, and Trueshot Aura at 60 finishes the build.
- 10 talent points
- 1 new spells
- 22 rank-ups
- 16 gear upgrades
Talents
- 5/5Careful AimLv 51–54
- 2/2Rapid KillingLv 55–56
- 3/3Improved StingsLv 57–59
- 1/1Trueshot AuraLv 60
Spells to Train
60Tranquilizing Shot
Plus 22 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
Weapon
Ranged
Head
Neck
Shoulder
Back- Chest
Wrist
Hands
Waist
Legs
Feet
Ring
Ring- Trinket
- Trinket
- 10 talent points
- 1 new spells
- 22 rank-ups
- 16 gear upgrades
Talents
- 5/5Careful AimLv 51–54
- 2/2Rapid KillingLv 55–56
- 3/3Improved StingsLv 57–59
- 1/1Trueshot AuraLv 60
Spells to Train
- 60Tranquilizing Shot
Plus 22 higher ranks of spells you already know.
Hunter spellbook by level →Best Gear
- Weapon
- Ranged
- Head
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Back
- Chest
- Wrist
- Hands
- Waist
- Legs
- Feet
- Ring
- Ring
- Trinket
- Trinket
Hunter Leveling Gear and Stats
Ranged weapon first
Your bow, gun, or crossbow is your biggest damage source; upgrade it whenever you can. A two-handed melee weapon with stats helps your weaving and your Raptor Strike.
Stats
Agility first, then Stamina to survive the pulls your pet loses, then Intellect, which Careful Aim turns into Attack Power late on.
Armor
Leather until 40, then mail with Agility.
Hunter Leveling Questions
What is the best Hunter leveling spec in WoW Forever?
Beast Mastery with your pet as the tank. The plan on this page ends at 35 Beast Mastery and 16 Marksmanship, takes Summon Hawk at 25, and never needs a respec.
When do Hunters get a pet?
At level 10, when you learn Tame Beast. Tame one straight away: the pet tanks for you for the rest of the climb.
What does Summon Hawk do?
It sends a hawk that dives on your target and keeps attacking for 18 seconds. Up to two can be out at once, and it shares its cooldown with Arcane Shot.
When can Hunters wear mail in WoW Forever?
At level 40. Until then, wear leather with Agility.
When do Hunters get Feign Death and Aspect of the Cheetah?
Aspect of the Cheetah at level 20 and Feign Death at level 30.
How do I stop my pet losing aggro?
Send the pet in first, wait a moment before your big shots, and keep Endurance Training and Improved Aspect of the Monkey: a pet that survives longer holds threat longer.