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TBC Hunter Arena Mastery

Complete Guide from Beginner to Duelist (2200+)

Bow Hunter Identity

Hunters are the kings of control and kiting in TBC. Your job is to stay at range, keep enemies slowed, and set up devastating Scatter-Trap combos. Master deadzone management and your pet, and you'll dominate arena.

Hunter's Mark

Ranged Dominance

You control the fight from 8-41 yards. Stay in your sweet spot!

Freezing Trap

Scatter-Trap Master

Scatter Shot + Freezing Trap = 14 seconds of CC on demand

Bestial Wrath

Pet Power

Your pet is a second player. Stuns, damage, and CC immunity with BW!

Viper Sting

Mana Destruction

Viper Sting drains healer mana - your slow win condition

Hidden Mechanics

The Deadzone (5-8 Yards)

You CANNOT shoot between 5-8 yards. Too close for ranged, too far for melee. Never be in the deadzone! Use Wing Clip or Disengage to escape.

Scatter-Trap Combo

Scatter Shot (4s disorient) -> drop Freezing Trap -> target walks into trap = 14 seconds total CC. This is your most important combo!

One Sting Per Target

Only ONE sting can be active per target. Viper on healer, Serpent on kill target. Applying a new sting removes the old one!

Auto Shot Weaving

Steady Shot should be timed between Auto Shots for maximum DPS. Don't clip your Auto Shot!

Trap Arm Time

Traps take 2 seconds to arm after placing. Scatter Shot gives you time to drop and arm the trap!

Feign Death + Trap

Feign Death drops combat and lets you drop a new trap mid-fight. Use for re-trapping or emergency CC.

Pro Tips & Tricks

1

Viper Sting First

Against healer teams, Viper Sting on the healer IMMEDIATELY. The mana drain wins long games.

2

Aimed Shot = Mortal Strike

Aimed Shot applies 50% healing reduction. Keep it on the kill target at ALL times!

3

Bestial Wrath Timing

BW makes your pet IMMUNE to CC. Use it when enemy wants to Poly/Fear your pet, not just for damage.

4

Flare vs Rogues

Drop Flare on yourself to reveal stealthed Rogues. It pulses detection every few seconds.

5

Wing Clip Escape

If melee gets on you: Wing Clip (melee slow) -> Jump + Disengage (TBC) or just run. Create distance!

6

Multi-Shot Reveals

Multi-Shot hits 3 targets and can break stealth, CC, and reveal invisible enemies. Spam it when searching.

Pet Knowledge

Ravager

Ravager

BM Arena Meta
  • Gore: High burst damage
  • Best DPS pet for BM
  • Dash for gap closing
  • Found in Hellfire Peninsula
Scorpid

Scorpid

Anti-Melee
  • Scorpid Poison: Stacking DoT
  • Good vs Warriors/Rogues
  • Tanky with Armor
  • Poison can't be cleansed
Cat

Cat

All-Around
  • Prowl: Stealth opener
  • Dash: Speed boost
  • High DPS, fast attacks
  • Good for BGs and Arena

Ability Priorities

Stings (Pick ONE per target)

Viper (healers) > Serpent (damage) > Scorpid (vs melee)

Damage Priority

Aimed Shot -> Serpent Sting -> Steady Shot -> Arcane Shot

CC Chain Order

Scatter -> Trap -> Intimidation -> Wyvern

Common Mistakes

X

Standing in Deadzone

5-8 yards = death. You can't shoot, can't melee. Always be at range or IN melee for Wing Clip.

X

Breaking Your Own Trap

DoTs and pet attacks break Freezing Trap. Call pet back, stop DoTs before trapping!

X

Ignoring Pet Management

Your pet dies = you lose massive damage and Intimidation stun. Keep pet alive!

X

Forgetting Aimed Shot

Aimed Shot = 50% healing reduction. Without it, healers heal through everything.

X

Wrong Sting Usage

Viper on healers, Serpent on kill target. Applying wrong sting wastes DPS or pressure.

X

Panic Feign Death

Feign Death can be resisted. Don't rely on it as your only escape. Use for trapping.

Win Conditions

Drain Healer Mana

Viper Sting + pressure = healer OOM. Once they can't heal, the match is over.

Scatter-Trap Kill Window

14 seconds of CC on healer while you and partner burst the kill target. Time your cooldowns!

Bestial Wrath Burst

BW makes pet immune to CC. Stack with partner burst when enemy trinkets are down.

Kite to Dampening

Keep enemies slowed, stay at range, and outlast them. Your sustained damage wins long games.

Rating Progression Roadmap

What to focus on at each rating bracket to keep climbing. Master each tier before moving on.

BRONZE 1200-1500 Gladiator's Primer

Focus: Range & Basic Damage

  • Stay at range. If you're in melee, you're losing.
  • Keep Aimed Shot debuff on kill target
  • Use Concussive Shot on cooldown vs melee
  • Pet on defensive - let it attack freely
  • Learn to Scatter-Trap (even if you mess it up)
Goal: End games with your pet alive and never in deadzone
SILVER 1500-1700 Rival Path

Focus: CC Chains & Pet Control

  • Master Scatter-Trap combo consistently
  • Viper Sting on healers EVERY game
  • Use Intimidation for CC, not just damage
  • Coordinate with partner for CC chains
  • Start using Focus macros for Scatter/Silence
Goal: Land clean Scatter-Trap on healer every setup
GOLD 1700-1900 Challenger Push

Focus: Cooldown Trading & Burst Windows

  • Track enemy trinkets - Scatter-Trap when down
  • Time Bestial Wrath for CC immunity, not just damage
  • Use Silencing Shot to interrupt key casts
  • Feign Death + Trap for re-CC
  • Call out enemy cooldowns to partner
Goal: Win games during burst windows, not by attrition
DUELIST 1900-2200+ Duelist Mastery

Focus: Matchup Mastery & Prediction

  • Know every matchup's danger windows
  • Pre-position for Scatter-Trap setups
  • Bait out enemy trinkets with fake pressure
  • Use Readiness (Survival) for double CC chains
  • Predict enemy plays 2-3 globals ahead
Goal: Outplay through positioning, not just execution

Positioning & Kiting

The Kiting Pattern

1 Stay at max range
->
2 Concussive Shot
->
3 Damage while slowed
->
4 Create more distance

Never let melee stay on you. Kite in circles around pillars.

Target
vs Melee

Kite in wide circles. Concussive + Wing Clip. Use pillars to LoS their gap closers.

Target
vs Casters

Stay at max range. Use Silencing Shot on key casts. Scatter their long casts.

Target
Pet Position

Pet should be on kill target. Call back before trapping to avoid breaking CC!

Target
Trap Placement

Drop trap where Scattered target will walk. Practice the timing - it takes 2s to arm!

Cooldown Trading Framework

Arena is won by making better trades. Your cooldowns vs their cooldowns. Here's when to use what.

Defensive Cooldowns

Deterrence
Deterrence Use when trained by melee or during big burst. 25% parry/dodge.
Feign Death
Feign Death Drop combat, reset threat, retrap. Can be resisted!
Frost Trap
Frost Trap Drop at your feet vs melee trains. AoE slow zone.
Trinket
PvP Trinket Only use to survive kills. Never trinket early CC.

Offensive Windows

Healer in Scatter-Trap -> ALL damage on kill target + BW/Rapid Fire
Enemy trinket down -> Full Scatter-Trap = guaranteed CC
Pet about to be CCed -> Bestial Wrath for CC immunity
Target at 30% HP -> Save Intimidation + burst for execute

Advanced Hunter Techniques

These techniques separate 1800 Hunters from 2200+ Hunters. Master them to climb.

🎯 Advanced Scatter-Trap Positioning

The Scatter-Trap combo is your bread and butter. Here's how to land it consistently:

Pre-Positioning

  • Position BETWEEN target and their escape route
  • Trap goes where they'll RUN, not where they are
  • Account for 2 second arm time—Scatter gives you 4 seconds
  • Practice: Scatter, run past, drop trap behind them

Trap Placement Patterns

  • Healer on pillar: Trap the pillar exit
  • Target running: Trap AHEAD of them
  • Standing still: Trap at their feet
  • Against walls: They can't go backwards—trap forward path

Scatter Timing

  • Wait for enemy CC to end before Scatter (don't waste DR)
  • Scatter THROUGH casts for interrupt + disorient
  • Don't Scatter targets with trinket up unless killing
  • Call "Scattering healer" so partner is ready

🐾 Advanced Pet Micromanagement

Your pet is 40% of your damage and provides crucial CC. Master pet control:

Essential Pet Macros

/petattack [@focus]

Send pet to focus (healer) for interrupts

/petpassive /petfollow

Emergency recall before trapping

/cast [@pettarget] Intimidation

Stun whatever pet is attacking

Pet Positioning Rules

  • On kill target: Pet should be DPSing main target
  • Before trap: ALWAYS recall pet or it breaks trap
  • Interrupt duty: Send to healer during burst for Spell Lock
  • BW timing: Use when pet is about to be CC'd, not for damage
  • Pet health: Mend Pet during downtime—dead pet = lost game

Pet Threat Management

  • Pet Growl OFF in arena (don't taunt players)
  • Scorpid Poison stacks = constant damage ticks = can't drink
  • Ravager Gore = huge burst windows
  • Cat Prowl = stealth opener for surprise Intimidation

⚔️ BM vs Survival vs MM: When to Play Each

Each spec has situations where it shines:

Beast Mastery (Meta Pick)

Best when:

  • Playing with healer partner (2v2/3v3)
  • Need burst windows with BW
  • Facing heavy CC comps (BW = immunity)
  • Pet survivability matters

Key ability: Bestial Wrath (pet immune + 50% damage)

Weakness: Relies on pet being alive

Survival (CC Specialist)

Best when:

  • Playing double DPS (need more CC)
  • Against comps you need to control
  • Long games where Readiness shines
  • Need Wyvern Sting for extra CC

Key ability: Readiness (reset ALL cooldowns)

Weakness: Less burst, pet dies faster

Marksmanship (Sustained)

Best when:

  • Playing 5v5 or BGs
  • Sustained damage > burst
  • Silencing Shot for interrupt
  • Against teams you can turret

Key ability: Silencing Shot (interrupt + silence)

Weakness: Less CC, weaker pet

🔄 Readiness Chains (Survival)

If playing Survival, Readiness lets you chain abilities for devastating combos:

Double Scatter-Trap

Scatter → Trap Readiness Scatter → Trap (new target)

CC both enemies simultaneously. Devastating in 2v2.

Burst Reset

Rapid Fire + All damage Target survives Readiness → Rapid Fire again

Double burst window if first doesn't kill.

Defensive Reset

Deterrence (survive burst) Readiness Deterrence again OR Scatter-Trap

Double defensive OR turn defense into offense.

🪤 Advanced Trap Strategies

Feign Death Retrapping

Feign Death drops combat and lets you place a new trap mid-fight:

  1. First Freezing Trap about to break
  2. Feign Death (drops combat)
  3. Place new Freezing Trap
  4. Target walks into second trap

Warning: Feign can be resisted. Have a backup plan.

Frost Trap Kiting

Frost Trap creates a slow zone. Use it defensively:

  • Drop at your feet when melee connects
  • Kite in circles through the trap zone
  • Melee is slowed, you're not
  • Combine with Concussive Shot for perma-slow

Explosive Trap Pressure

Use Explosive Trap for AoE situations:

  • Break stealth on multiple enemies
  • Extra damage during burst windows
  • Prevent drinks (DoT ticks)
  • Area denial around pillars

Best 2v2 Comps (Casual Friendly) - Click for Guide

S
Hunter + Druid CC chains, kiting, mana efficiency
V

Win Condition

Outlast opponents with superior CC chains and Druid mana efficiency. Scatter-Trap + Cyclone = forever CC.

Opening Strategy

  1. Open with Aimed Shot + Serpent Sting on kill target
  2. Viper Sting on healer immediately
  3. Scatter-Trap healer when Druid ready to Cyclone
  4. Druid Cyclones after trap ends -> you burst

Kill Setup

  • CC Chain: Scatter -> Trap -> Cyclone -> Cyclone (DR)
  • During CC: BW + Rapid Fire + full damage
  • Intimidation to secure kill when target is low
  • Druid can HoT you while you kite

Tips & Tricks

  • Druid can drink in Travel Form while you kite
  • Coordinate: "Trap in 3..." so Druid is ready
  • Your Viper Sting + Druid mana = they go OOM first
  • Games can go long - that's fine, you win on mana
  • If trained, Druid peels with roots/Cyclone
A
Hunter + Disc Priest Double mana drain, fear + trap chains
V

Win Condition

Drain enemy healer OOM with Viper Sting + Mana Burn. Fear + Scatter-Trap chains provide tons of CC.

Opening Strategy

  1. Priest SW:Pain on kill target
  2. You Viper Sting healer + Aimed Shot on DPS
  3. Priest Fears DPS -> You Scatter-Trap healer
  4. Priest Mana Burns during your CC

CC Chain

  • Double CC: Fear one, Trap other
  • Psychic Scream + Intimidation for emergency peel
  • Silencing Shot when healer trinkets trap
  • Pain Suppression keeps you alive through burst

Tips & Tricks

  • Priest Mana Burn is your secret weapon
  • Mass Dispel removes Paladin Bubble!
  • Priest can dispel your Viper Sting getting dispelled
  • Communicate Fear DRs - don't overlap!
  • Long games favor you - mana drain wins
A
Hunter + Warlock DoT pressure, double pet, CC chains
V

Win Condition

Overwhelming pressure with double pets and DoTs. Fear + Trap chains. Both classes are tanky with pets.

Opening Strategy

  1. Lock DoTs both targets immediately
  2. You Viper Sting healer + damage on DPS
  3. Lock Fears healer -> You follow with Scatter-Trap
  4. Both pets on kill target during CC

Kill Setup

  • CC Chain: Fear -> Scatter -> Trap -> Death Coil
  • Double pet damage is massive during CC
  • BW + Lock burst = fast kills
  • Intimidation + Spell Lock for interrupts

Tips & Tricks

  • Two pets means double the annoyance
  • Both can drain mana (Viper Sting + Drain Mana)
  • Lock's Felhunter can eat your Viper Sting dispel
  • You both have self-sustain - hard to kill
  • Coordinate Fear and Trap DRs
B
Hunter + Rogue Burst kill pressure, stealth openers
V

Win Condition

Burst kills with coordinated openers. Rogue controls healer while you nuke. Fast games - win or lose quickly.

Opening Strategy

  1. Rogue Saps healer from stealth
  2. You pre-Aimed Shot on DPS during Sap
  3. Rogue opens healer: Cheap Shot -> Kidney Shot
  4. You Scatter-Trap healer after Kidney
  5. Rogue swaps to DPS for kill

Kill Setup

  • Healer CC: Sap -> CS -> KS -> Scatter -> Trap
  • BW + Rapid Fire + Rogue burst = dead DPS
  • Intimidation to lock down kill target
  • Blind as backup CC on healer

Tips & Tricks

  • No healer = burst hard or you lose
  • If opener fails, Rogue Vanishes to reset
  • Flare can reveal other Rogues for partner
  • Games are short - play aggressive
  • Blind doesn't DR with your traps

Core Arena Abilities

Scatter Shot 4s disorient - sets up trap
Freezing Trap 10s CC in PvP - primary CC
Intimidation Pet 3s stun (BM) - off-GCD
Silencing Shot 3s silence - interrupt (MM)
Wyvern Sting 12s sleep (Surv) - CC chain
Bestial Wrath Pet CC immune + damage (BM)
Viper Sting Mana drain - kills healers
Aimed Shot 50% heal reduction (MS)

Arena Points Calculator

Weekly Points 261
Base Points (5v5) 297
Weeks for S1 Weapon (3150) -
Weeks for S1 Shoulders (2000) -
Weeks for Full S1 Set (8575) -

Rating Breakpoints

1500~261 pts (3v3)
1700~323 pts (3v3)
1850~369 pts (3v3)
2000~411 pts (3v3)
2200~466 pts + S1 Shoulders

Arena Checklist

  • Pet summoned and full HP
  • Correct Aspect (Hawk for damage)
  • Traps off cooldown
  • Mana at 100%
  • Ammo in bags
  • Viper Sting on healer
  • Aimed Shot debuff on kill target
  • Stay out of deadzone
  • Call pet back before trapping
  • Track Scatter-Trap DR

Quick Win Conditions

vs Double DPS

Scatter-Trap one -> Pet + burst on other -> Kite and repeat. You have more CC than they have damage.

vs Healer/DPS

Scatter-Trap healer -> Full burst on DPS -> Viper Sting healer -> Mana drain + pressure wins

vs Melee Train

Kite with Concussive -> Frost Trap at feet -> Wing Clip if caught -> Never stop moving

Matchup Knowledge

Understanding each class's win conditions and vulnerabilities is what separates Gladiators from the rest. Master these matchups and you'll know exactly what to do in every situation.

Favorable - Hunter Advantage
Even - Skill Dependent
Hard - Requires Outplay
Warrior

vs Warrior

Favorable

Win Condition

Kite them forever. Concussive Shot, Wing Clip when they gap close, and never let them stay in melee. They can't catch you.

Danger Points

  • Intercept: 3-second stun gap closer - Scatter when they're in range
  • Spell Reflect: Reflects Arcane/Concussive - use Serpent Sting instead
  • Hamstring: If they get on you, they won't let go easily
  • Mortal Strike: 50% healing reduction - you have Aimed Shot too

Pro Tips

  • Scatter Shot when they Intercept for distance
  • Wing Clip in melee, then run - create distance
  • Scorpid Sting for 5% miss chance vs their damage
  • Pet can tank them while you kite
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Rogue

vs Rogue

Hard

Win Condition

Survive the opener. Use Flare to reveal stealth, Scatter their opener if you react fast, then kite when they're visible.

Danger Points

  • Opener: Cheap Shot -> Kidney Shot can kill you from 100%
  • Cloak of Shadows: Removes all stings - reapply after
  • Blind: 10s CC that doesn't DR with trap
  • Deadly/Wound Poison: DoT damage and healing reduction

Pro Tips

  • Flare on yourself constantly to reveal stealth
  • If you see them, Scatter immediately
  • Deterrence during their burst window
  • Wing Clip and run - create distance
  • Multi-Shot spam to find them when stealthed
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Mage

vs Mage

Even

Win Condition

Stay at max range, Viper Sting for mana drain, Silencing Shot their key casts. BW makes pet immune to Poly.

Danger Points

  • Polymorph: Long CC on you AND pet - use BW for pet immunity
  • Frost Nova: Roots you in place - pet can break it
  • Counterspell: 10s lockout - don't get CSed on Arcane
  • Ice Block: Full immunity reset - DoTs fall off

Pro Tips

  • Scatter their Polymorph cast
  • Bestial Wrath makes pet immune to Poly
  • Silencing Shot > Scatter vs Mage (shorter CD)
  • Viper Sting after Ice Block ends
  • Stay spread from pet to avoid double Poly
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Priest

vs Priest

Favorable

Win Condition

Viper Sting = OOM priest. Your pet damage is hard to heal through. Scatter-Trap their heals. Shadow Priests die to burst.

Danger Points

  • Psychic Scream: 8s Fear - stay at range
  • Mana Burn: They can drain YOU - interrupt it
  • Shadow Word: Death: Execute at low HP - burst them first
  • Dispel Magic: Removes Viper Sting - reapply constantly

Pro Tips

  • Viper Sting is your main win condition
  • Shadow Priest: burst before they set up VT
  • Disc: long game, mana drain always wins
  • Scatter their Psychic Scream cast
  • Silencing Shot their Mana Burn
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Hunter

vs Hunter (Mirror)

Even

Win Condition

Kill their pet if they're BM. Whoever lands Scatter-Trap first usually wins. Viper Sting wars.

Danger Points

  • Their Scatter-Trap: Same tools as you - react faster
  • Viper Sting: Mutual mana drain war
  • Bestial Wrath: Their pet goes beast mode too
  • Silencing Shot: They can interrupt you too

Pro Tips

  • CC their pet during their BW window
  • First Scatter usually wins the exchange
  • Flare their trap placement
  • Feign Death their Aimed Shot cast
  • Kill pet if BM - they lose half their damage
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Druid

vs Druid

Even

Win Condition

Keep Viper Sting up through shapeshifts. Scatter-Trap when they're in caster form to heal. Feral druids: pet can tank them.

Danger Points

  • Cyclone: 6s CC, no DR with your traps - chains forever
  • Travel Form: Fast kiting - hard to catch
  • Feral Charge: Interrupt + 4s root in caster form
  • Shapeshift: Removes snares and Viper Sting in forms

Pro Tips

  • Viper Sting only drains mana in caster form
  • Trap them when they shift to heal
  • Scatter their Cyclone cast
  • Pet can chase Feral Druid while you kite
  • Long games - patience is key
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Shaman

vs Shaman

Favorable

Win Condition

Kill totems (especially Grounding), Viper Sting for mana drain, interrupt key heals. Elemental shamans are squishy.

Danger Points

  • Grounding Totem: Absorbs your shots - kill it first
  • Earth Shock: Interrupt + 2s lockout - fake cast
  • Windfury: Random burst can global you (Enhancement)
  • Tremor Totem: Breaks fear effects from pets

Pro Tips

  • Serpent Sting or Arcane Shot to kill Grounding
  • Pet can kill totems while you damage Shaman
  • Scatter their Earth Shock range
  • Stay at range vs Enhancement - they hurt close
  • BW pet ignores totem distractions
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Paladin

vs Paladin

Favorable

Win Condition

Viper Sting to OOM. They have NO gap closer - kite forever. Wait out Bubble patiently.

Danger Points

  • Divine Shield (Bubble): 12s full immunity - wait it out
  • Blessing of Freedom: Removes slows - Concussive anyway
  • Hammer of Justice: 6s stun - only 10 yard range
  • Cleanse: Instant dispel removes Viper Sting

Pro Tips

  • Viper Sting is your primary win condition
  • Keep Concussive up even through Freedom
  • Scatter their Bubble heal attempts
  • Games go long - conserve your mana too
  • They can never catch you - patience wins
Skill Floor:
Reward:
Warlock

vs Warlock

Even

Win Condition

Kill their pet to remove Soul Link. Viper Sting for mana drain. Scatter their Fear casts. BW pet can't be Feared.

Danger Points

  • Fear: 1.5s cast chains - Scatter/Silencing Shot it
  • Death Coil: Instant Horror CC + heal for them
  • Soul Link: 20% damage reduction while pet alive
  • DoT Pressure: Constant damage even when you kite

Pro Tips

  • Kill Felhunter first vs SL/SL Lock
  • Bestial Wrath pet can't be Feared or CCed
  • Scatter their Fear cast - huge counter
  • Feign Death can drop DoTs with good timing
  • Viper Sting pressure on them too
Skill Floor:
Reward:

Quick Matchup Reference

Class Lead Sting Key Ability Priority Target
Warrior Scorpid Concussive Shot Kite forever
Rogue Serpent Flare + Scatter Survive opener
Mage Viper BW (pet immune) Mage
Priest Viper Silencing Shot Priest
Hunter Viper First Scatter Their pet (BM)
Druid Viper Trap caster form When healing
Shaman Viper Kill totems Shaman
Paladin Viper Patience OOM them
Warlock Viper Kill pet Felhunter first
Score 0
Combo 0x
Time 0:00
Best 0
Enemy DPS Warrior
100%
Enemy Healer Priest
100%
Casting...
0.0s
You 70 Hunter
HP: 100%
Mana: 100%
Pet
100%
100%
Pet
E

Intimidation

OFF-GCD | 1min CD

Pet stuns target for 3s (BM talent).

Amazing CC - use during burst!

BW

Bestial Wrath

OFF-GCD | 2min CD

Pet IMMUNE to CC + 50% damage!

THE BIG BUTTON - use wisely!

T

Kill Command

OFF-GCD | 5s CD

Increases pet damage.

Use on cooldown!

1
1

Steady Shot

1.5s CAST

Main damage filler.

Weave between Auto Shots!

2

Arcane Shot

Instant | 6s CD

Instant burst + removes 1 buff.

Good burst damage!

3

Aimed Shot

Instant | 6s CD

50% HEALING REDUCTION!

Keep on kill target ALWAYS!

4

Multi-Shot

Instant | 10s CD

Hits 3 targets.

Breaks stealth/CC!

5

Serpent Sting

Instant

Nature DoT damage.

Only one sting per target!

R

Concussive Shot

Instant | 12s CD

50% slow for 4s.

Essential for kiting!

X

Rapid Fire

OFF-GCD | 5min CD

40% attack speed for 15s.

Big burst window!

2
Q

Scatter Shot

Instant | 30s CD

4s disorient - SETS UP TRAP!

Damage breaks it!

F

Freezing Trap

Instant | 30s CD

10s CC in PvP!

Drop after Scatter!

sE

Silencing Shot

OFF-GCD | 20s CD

3s silence (MM talent).

Key interrupt!

6

Wyvern Sting

Instant | 2min CD

12s sleep (Survival).

Shares DR with traps!

C

Viper Sting

Instant

Drains 4% mana/2s.

ALWAYS on healers!

V

Scorpid Sting

Instant

5% miss chance.

Good vs melee!

B

Wing Clip

Instant | MELEE

50% slow for 10s.

Escape the deadzone!

3
G

Feign Death

OFF-GCD | 30s CD

Drop combat, retrap.

Can be resisted!

s1

Deterrence

OFF-GCD | 5min CD

25% parry/dodge.

Survival cooldown!

s2

Health Potion

Instant | 2min CD

1500-2500 HP.

Shares CD with mana pot

Current Goal

Press Start Training to begin!

WASD-Friendly Keybinds

Shots (1-5)

1 Steady Shot
2 Arcane Shot
3 Aimed Shot
4 Multi-Shot
5 Serpent Sting

CC (Q-G)

Q Scatter Shot
E Intimidation
R Concussive
F Freezing Trap
G Feign Death

Focus (Shift+)

sQ Focus Scatter
sE Focus Silence
sF Focus Trap

Stings (C-B)

C Viper Sting
V Scorpid Sting
B Wing Clip
X Rapid Fire

Stay out of the deadzone (5-8 yards)!

Session Stats

Correct Presses 0
Wrong Presses 0
Accuracy 0%
Best Combo 0

Tips

Master the Scatter-Trap combo: Q (Scatter) then immediately F (Trap). This is your bread and butter CC chain!

Arena Gear Priority

Stat Priority (BM)

Agility > Resilience > Crit > Hit (5%) > Attack Power

Target: 250+ Resilience, 25%+ Crit, 5% Hit

Gearing Path

Week 1-2 Buy S1 off-pieces with honor (boots, belt, bracers)
Week 3-4 Arena points -> S1 Gloves (good set bonus)
Week 5+ Save for S1 Weapon (biggest upgrade)

Quick Pre-70 Gear

Weapon Sonic Spear Murmur - Shadow Lab
Ranged Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix Pathaleon - Mechanar
Chest Beast Lord Cuirass Warp Splinter - Botanica
Head Beast Lord Helm Pathaleon - Mechanar
Trinket Bloodlust Brooch 41 Badge of Justice

Rep Gear Worth Getting

Cenarion Expedition - Revered Warden's Arrow (ammo)
Honor Hold/Thrallmar - Revered Marksman's Bow
Keepers of Time - Revered Timewarden's Leggings
Lower City - Exalted Lower City Prayerbook (Trinket)

Quick Gem Guide

Red Delicate Living Ruby +8 Agility
Yellow Smooth Dawnstone +8 Crit Rating
Blue Shifting Nightseye +4 Agi, +6 Stam
Meta Relentless Earthstorm +12 Agi, 3% Crit Dmg

For arena: Balance Agility with some Resilience gems.

TBC Hunter Talent Builds

Click on a build to see the full talent breakdown and explanations

Beast Mastery (BM)

41/20/0 - The Pet Powerhouse

Difficulty: Easy Playstyle: Burst + Pet Pressure Best For: 2v2/3v3 Arena

Why This Build?

BM is the most popular TBC arena spec for hunters. Bestial Wrath makes your pet immune to CC and deal 50% more damage. Combined with Intimidation (pet stun), you have incredible burst and control. Simple to play, deadly to face.

Beast Mastery

41 Points
Improved Aspect of Hawk 5/5
Endurance Training 5/5
Improved Revive Pet 2/2
Thick Hide 3/3
Unleashed Fury 5/5
Intimidation 1/1 KEY
Spirit Bond 2/2
Frenzy 5/5
Bestial Wrath 1/1 KEY
Catlike Reflexes 3/3
Ferocious Inspiration 3/3
Serpent's Swiftness 5/5 KEY
The Beast Within 1/1 KEY

Marksmanship

20 Points
Lethal Shots 5/5
Efficiency 5/5
Go for the Throat 2/2
Improved Arcane Shot 3/3
Aimed Shot 1/1
Mortal Shots 4/5

Survival

0 Points

No points in Survival

BM focuses on pet power

Key Talent Explanations

Bestial Wrath

THE defining BM talent. Pet becomes CC immune and deals 50% more damage for 18s. This is your kill window - use it when healer is CCed!

Intimidation

Pet stuns target for 3 seconds. OFF-GCD! Use for burst setup, interrupt, or peel. One of the best CC abilities in the game.

Serpent's Swiftness

20% attack speed for you AND pet. More attacks = more damage = more Kill Command procs. Passive power increase.

Ferocious Inspiration

When pet crits, you and allies get 3% damage buff. Your pet crits a lot = constant damage boost for your team.

How to Play BM

1
Pet is Life

Your pet is 40%+ of your damage. If it dies, you lose. Keep it alive, call it back when low, manage its position.

2
BW = Kill Window

Bestial Wrath is your kill button. Use it when healer is CCed (Scatter-Trap) for maximum pressure. Pet can't be stopped!

3
Intimidation Timing

Don't waste Intimidation randomly. Use it to interrupt heals, secure kills, or peel for yourself. It's OFF-GCD!

4
Kill Command Spam

Kill Command is OFF-GCD and 5s CD. Press it constantly when pet is attacking. Free damage boost!

Survival

0/20/41 - The CC Master

Difficulty: Medium Playstyle: Control + Setup Best For: 3v3/5v5, Coordinated Teams

Why This Build?

Survival trades pet burst for more CC and utility. Wyvern Sting gives you another 12s sleep, and Readiness resets ALL cooldowns - meaning double Scatter-Trap, double everything. Higher skill cap but more control.

Beast Mastery

0 Points

No points in Beast Mastery

Survival focuses on CC and utility

Marksmanship

20 Points
Lethal Shots 5/5
Efficiency 5/5
Go for the Throat 2/2
Improved Arcane Shot 3/3
Aimed Shot 1/1
Mortal Shots 4/5

Survival

41 Points
Monster Slaying 3/3
Humanoid Slaying 3/3
Deflection 5/5
Entrapment 2/2
Clever Traps 2/2
Survivalist 5/5
Scatter Shot 1/1
Survival Instincts 2/2
Killer Instinct 3/3
Wyvern Sting 1/1 KEY
Thrill of the Hunt 3/3
Expose Weakness 3/3
Master Tactician 5/5
Readiness 1/1 KEY

Key Survival Talents

Wyvern Sting

12 second sleep on target. Shares DR with traps but gives you another CC tool. DoT damage when it breaks.

Readiness

Resets ALL hunter ability cooldowns. Double Scatter-Trap! Double Rapid Fire! Massive burst potential in coordinated play.

Expose Weakness

Your crits apply debuff giving 25% of your Agi as AP to attackers. Great team buff for physical damage comps.

BM vs Survival Comparison

BM Survival
Burst Damage ***** ***
CC Options *** *****
Pet Dependency High Low
Skill Floor Easy Medium
Team Synergy *** *****

Marksmanship (MM)

0/41/20 - The Sharpshooter

Difficulty: Medium Playstyle: Sustained Damage + Interrupt Best For: 5v5, Battlegrounds

Why This Build?

MM gives you Silencing Shot - a 3 second silence on 20s CD. Great interrupt for caster-heavy teams. Trueshot Aura buffs your whole team. Less common in TBC arena but viable in organized play.

Beast Mastery

0 Points

No points in Beast Mastery

MM focuses on ranged damage

Marksmanship

41 Points
Lethal Shots 5/5
Efficiency 5/5
Go for the Throat 2/2
Rapid Killing 2/2
Improved Arcane Shot 5/5
Aimed Shot 1/1
Mortal Shots 5/5
Improved Barrage 3/3
Combat Experience 2/2
Ranged Weapon Spec 5/5
Trueshot Aura 1/1 KEY
Master Marksman 5/5
Silencing Shot 1/1 KEY

Survival

20 Points
Monster Slaying 3/3
Humanoid Slaying 3/3
Survivalist 5/5
Scatter Shot 1/1
Lightning Reflexes 5/5
Killer Instinct 3/3

Key MM Talents

Silencing Shot

3 second silence, 20s CD, OFF-GCD. Excellent interrupt vs casters. Can be used without losing DPS since it's off the GCD.

Trueshot Aura

+125 AP to your entire party. Great for physical damage teams. Passive group buff.

Improved Barrage

Increased crit chance on Multi-Shot and Volley. More AoE pressure in group fights.

MM Hunter Tips

1
Silencing Shot

Use off the GCD to interrupt casters without losing damage.

2
Trueshot Aura

Keep this up for 125 AP to your whole party.

3
Weaker Pet

Your pet is weaker than BM. Protect it less aggressively.

4
Sustained Damage

Focus on consistent damage over burst windows.

Essential Hunter Macros

Scatter Shot (Focus)

#showtooltip Scatter Shot /cast [@focus,harm,nodead][] Scatter Shot

Scatter focus target without switching

Freezing Trap + Pet Passive

#showtooltip Freezing Trap /petpassive /cast Freezing Trap

Stops pet from breaking trap!

Steady Shot + Auto

#showtooltip Steady Shot /cast !Auto Shot /cast Steady Shot

Never clips Auto Shot

Silencing Shot (Focus)

#showtooltip Silencing Shot /stopcasting /cast [@focus,harm,nodead][] Silencing Shot

Interrupt focus without target swap

Intimidation (Target)

#showtooltip Intimidation /cast Intimidation

Pet stuns your current target

Bestial Wrath + Rapid Fire

#showtooltip Bestial Wrath /cast Bestial Wrath /cast Rapid Fire /cast Kill Command

All burst cooldowns at once!

Keybind Suggestions

Damage (1-5)

1 Steady Shot
2 Arcane Shot
3 Aimed Shot
4 Multi-Shot
5 Serpent Sting

CC/Utility (Q,E,R,F)

Q Scatter Shot
E Intimidation
R Concussive Shot
F Freezing Trap

Stings (C,V,B)

C Viper Sting
V Scorpid Sting
B Wing Clip
X Rapid Fire

Focus (Shift+)

Shift+Q Focus Scatter
Shift+E Focus Silence
Shift+F Focus Trap
Shift+G Feign Death

Must-Have Addons

Gladius Arena enemy frames with DR tracking
OmniCC Cooldown numbers on abilities
Quartz Cast bar with latency indicator
TrapTimer Track your trap cooldowns and durations
BigDebuffs Shows CC on nameplates
WeakAuras Custom tracking for everything
DeadZone Shows your deadzone on minimap

Quick Tips Cheatsheet

Deadzone: 5-8 yards = can't shoot, can't melee. NEVER be there!
Scatter-Trap: Q (Scatter) then immediately F (Trap) = 14s CC
Viper Sting: Always on healers - mana drain wins games
Aimed Shot: 50% healing reduction - keep on kill target!
Bestial Wrath: Pet CC immune - use when they want to Poly pet
Wing Clip: MELEE slow - use to escape deadzone
Feign Death: Drops combat for retrap - can be resisted!
One Sting: Only one sting per target - choose wisely

Top Arena Videos

Learn from elite TBC Hunters. These videos showcase high-level arena gameplay, trap timing, kiting mastery, and BM burst windows.

Hästen 6 - TBC Classic Hunter PvP (BM Spec)

BM Hunter world PvP on Gehennas-EU. Bestial Wrath burst windows and insane pet damage showcased.

70 Hunter - WoW TBC Classic PvP

Hunter PvP gameplay at level 70. Watch trap timing, kiting techniques, and hunter/healer coordination in arena.