4.2 Tank Stages and Cataclysm Gear Guide

Tank Stage 3: Geared to Start Raiding

Digren says, "No one likes a fresh 85 who wants to be carried in a raid. Upgrade to this gear set and you'll be able to pull your own weight."

Rules for stage 3 gear:

1. Able to be acquired within a few weeks of unlocking heroic dungeons.
2. No raiding required.
3. No super rare, super expensive BoE raid drops.

A stage three tank has at least 145k health and 78% combat table coverage. An average iLvl of 346 should help ensure the tank is taken for PuGs.

Character Model

Tank Stage Three - Engineer / Enchanter - Survival Gear


Digren says, "This set is typical of a stage three tank looking to move into raiding. Several factions have been pushed to exalted, and heroic drops and targeted purchases fill in the gear set. No Valor gear is included as it's not likely a raiding tank will spend enough time at this stage to gather points."

Stage three survival model for a new raider

A character with this gear set has:

• 148k health
  
• 29.9% dodge+parry+miss
  
• 51.0% block (for a total combat table coverage of 80.8%)
• 2.26% hit and 15 expertise including glyph (18 for a human)
The character is well-equipped to begin normal raids.

Tank Stage Three - Engineer / Enchanter - Heroic Farming Gear


Digren says, "For some tanks, stage three is end game. These tanks can't or won't raid, but can over time build an optimal, best-in-slot non-raiding set for heroics. If this is you, consider the following set. Note that, while two mastery trinkets are included in the formal set, a third, hit-rating trinket is could be useful when you need to guarantee interrupts."

Stage three heroic farming model

A character with this gear set has:

• 142k health (less than the raider model because the heroic farmer doesn't need the padding)
  
• 27.5% dodge+parry+miss
• 60.8% block (for a total combat table coverage of 88.3%)
• 3.25% hit and 20 expertise including glyph (23 for a human)
This character is well-equipped to for heroic farming. Note that, for this set only, some attention has been given to threat; as the content is over-geared it's fine to make threat mindless (and allow for a sloppier rotation).

Gear List

Head

1. [Reinforced Bio-Optic Killshades] : BoP Engineering
2. [Helm of the Proud] : 2200 Justice Points
3. [Helm of Easeful Death] : 2200 Justice Points
4. [Helm of Setesh] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Setesh
4. [Anomuran Helm] : Throne of the Tides (Heroic) Mindbender Ghur'sha
5. [Headcover of Fog] : The Vortex Pinnacle (Heroic) Grand Vizier Ertan
5. [Grinning Fang Helm] / [Crown of Wings] : Dragonmaw Clan / Wildhammer Clan (Revered)

Digren says, "The engineering goggles top this list, and are best-in-slot for non-raiders. Past that, the Helm of the Proud is the hands-down favorite due to its best-in-class stamina and high mastery and avoidance (once properly enhanced)."
Neck

1. [The Lustrous Eye] : 1250 Justice Points
1. [Acorn of the Daughter Tree] : Guardians of Hyjal (Revered)
1. [Carrier Wave Pendant] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Ascendant Lord Obsidius
1. [Pendant of the Lightless Grotto] : The Stonecore (Heroic) Ozruk
2. [Elementium Guardian] : BoE Jewelcrafting
2. [Darkhowl Amulet] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Temple Guardian Anhuur
2. [Mountain's Mouth] : Guardians of Hyjal (Honored)
3. [Baroness Silverlaine's Locket] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Baron Silverlaine
3. [Red Sky Pendant] : The Vortex Pinnacle (Heroic) Grand Vizier Ertan
3. [Pendant of Victorious Fury] : Twilight Highlands (Quest) Battle of Life and Death

Digren says, "As you can see, a Lustrous Eye bought when you reach 85 has a long shelf life. That said, by stage three any tank ought to be able to pick up an Acorn of the Daughter Tree, which shines due to agility's contribution to dodge."
Shoulders

1. [Pauldrons of Edward the Odd] : BoE World Drop
2. [Earthshape Pauldrons] : Grim Batol (Heroic) Drahga Shadowburner
3. [Sunburnt Pauldrons] : 1650 Justice Points
4. [Raz's Pauldrons] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Ascendant Lord Obsidius
5. [Missing Diplomat's Pauldrons : The Deadmines (Heroic) Glubtok
6. [Earthshape Pauldrons] : Grim Batol (Normal) Drahga Shadowburner

Digren says, "There's quite a jump from first to second place on this list, and Edward's pauldrons are nearly best in slot for a non-heroic raider. If you can find them at a price you can afford, they might be worth the investment."
Back

1. [Wrap of the Great Turtle] : Guardians of Hyjal (Exalted)
2. [Ironstar's Impenetrable Cover] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) BoE Raid Drop
2. [Twilight Dragonscale Cloak] : BoE Leatherworking
3. [Gray Hair Cloak] : 1250 Valor Points
4. [Kaleki Cloak] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) General Husam
4. [Floating Web] : 1250 Valor Points
4. [Billowing Cape] : The Vortex Pinnacle (Heroic) Asaad
4. [Cloak of Thredd] : The Deadmines (Heroic) Helix Gearbreaker
5. [Burned Gatherings] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Karsh Steelbender
6. [Razor-Edged Cloak] : BoE Leatherworking

Digren says, "The Wrap of the Great Turtle is best in slot for stage three and four tanks. Buy one."
Chest

1. [Reinforced Sapphirium Chestguard] : T11 : 2200 Valor Points
2. [Icebone Hauberk] : BoE Dungeon Drop
3. [Chestplate of the Steadfast] : 2200 Justice Points
4. [Beauty's Plate] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Beauty
5. [Elementium Deathplate] : BoE Blacksmithing
6. [Hardened Elementium Hauberk] : BoE Blacksmithing
7. [Lord Walden's Breastplate] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Lord Godfrey
7. [Phantom Armor] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Lord Walden
8. [Breastplate of the Risen Land] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Earthrager Ptah

Digren says, "While the tier piece should be an end-goal for raiders and non-raiders alike, the Chestplate of the Steadfast is a worthwhile stepping stone. What's Lord Godfrey doing with Lord Walden's Breastplate?"
Wrists

1. [Sandguard Bracers] : Ramkahen (Exalted)
2. [Alpha Bracers] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Anraphet
2. [Shackles of Undeath] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Lord Godfrey
3. [Terborus's Rotating Bands] : Deepholm (Terborus)
4. [Armguards of Unearthly Light] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Isiset

Digren says, "Sandguard Bracers are poorly itemized for a raid-equivalent item, but if you're low on luck and still wearing quest bracers, they're your only hope."
Hands

1. [Numbing Handguards] : 1650 Justice Points
1. [Fingers of Light] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
2. [Gloves of the Greymane Wall] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Baron Ashbury
3. [Reaping Gauntlets] : 1650 Justice Points
4. [Gear-Marked Gauntlets] : The Deadmines (Heroic) Helix Gearbreaker
5. [Fingers of Light] : Halls of Origination (Normal) Rajh

Digren says, "The Fingers of Light and Numbing Handguards are pretty much even; take whichever you can acquire first."
Waist

1. [Hardened Elementium Girdle] : BoE Blacksmithing
2. [Belt of the Ferocious Wolf] : Guardians of Hyjal (Exalted)
3. [Girdle of the Mountains] : 1650 Justice Points
4. [Beech Green Belt] : 1650 Justice Points
5. [Iron Will Girdle] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Lord Walden
5. [Sand Dune Belt] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) Lockmaw
6. [Garr's Girdle of Memories] : Mount Hyjal (Garr) BoE Rare Elite Drop

Digren says, "The Hyjal exalted rep belt is a good stepping stone for non-raiders, while waiting to acquire funds/orbs for the crafted item."
Legs

1. [Reinforced Sapphirium Legguards] : T11 : 2200 Valor Points
2. [Reinforced Sapphirium Legplates] : T11 Ret : 2200 Valor Points
3. [Greaves of Splendor] : 2200 Justice Points
3. [Triton Legplates] : Throne of the Tides (Heroic) Neptune's Cache
4. [Legguards of Winnowing Wind] : The Vortex Pinnacle (Heroic) Asaad
5. [Stone-Wrapped Greaves] : The Earthen Ring (Honored)

Digren says, "Non-raiders can access certain tier pieces including the greaves. The ret piece is listed due to its favorable itemization, making them usable for a part-time tank with a better ret set (when properly enhanced)."
Feet

1. [Gryphon Rider's Boots] / [Boots of Sullen Rock] : Wildhammer Clan / Dragonmaw Clan (Exalted)
2. [Rock Furrow Boots] : 1650 Valor Points
3. [Treads of Savage Beatings] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) BoE Raid Drop
4. [Baron Silverlaine's Greaves] : Shadowfang Keep (Heroic) Baron Silverlaine

Digren says, "No tank should waste valor points on their feet. Pick up the faction boots and use them into heroic raids."
Fingers

1. [Ring of the Battle Anthem] : 1250 Valor Points
2. [Signet of the Elder Council] : The Earthen Ring (Exalted)
3. [Hornet-Sting Band] : 1250 Valor Points
4. [Elementium Destroyer's Ring] : BoE Jewelcrafting
5. [Elementium Moebius Band] : BoE Jewelcrafting
6. [Ring of Three Lights] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) Siamat
6. [Felsen's Ring of Resolve] : Therazane (Revered)
7. [Ring of Blinding Stars] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Isiset
7. [Skullcracker Ring] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Rom'ogg Bonecrusher
7. [Terrath's Signet of Balance] : Therazane (Revered)
7. [Band of Bees] : 1250 Valor Points
7. [Blauvelt's Family Crest] : BoE Dungeon Drop
8. [Red Rock Band] : Ramkahen (Revered)
8. [Umbriss Band] : Grim Batol (Heroic) General Umbriss
9. [Phosphorescent Ring] : The Stonecore (Heroic) Corborus
9. [Entwined Nereis] : Throne of the Tides (Heroic) Lady Naz'jar

Digren says, "Due to agility's contribution to dodge and the benefit of mastery, many rings not intended for tanks are actually a good fit. Other iLvl 346 choices (Ring of the Darkest Day, Signet of Transformation) rank below many iLvl 333 options and aren't worthy of inclusion on this list."
Weapon
Survivability

[Elementium Fang] : The Stonecore (Heroic) High Priestess Azil
Threat

[Cookie's Tenderizer] : The Deamines (Heroic) "Captain" Cookie
[Smite's Reaver] : The Deadmines (Heroic) Admiral Ripsnarl
[Resonant Kris] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) High Prophet Barim
[Lightning Whelk Axe] : Throne of the Tides (Heroic) Lady Naz'jar
[Heavy Geode Mace] : ??? (Heroic)
[Hammer of Sparks] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) Siamat
[Elementium Bonesplitter] : BoE Blacksmithing
[Cruel Barb] : The Deadmines (Heroic) Helix Gearbreaker
[Resonant Kris] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Normal) High Prophet Barim
[Hammer of Sparks] : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Normal) Siamat
Mixed Survivability / Threat

[Thief's Blade] : The Deadmines (Heroic) "Captain" Cookie
[Sun Strike] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
[Ravening Slicer] / [Ravening Slicer] : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Revered)
[Mace of Transformed Bone] : Grim Batol (Heroic) Erudax
[Elementium Gutslicer] : BoE Blacksmithing
[Cookie's Tenderizer] : The Deamines (Heroic) "Captain" Cookie
[Buzz Saw] : The Deadmines (Heroic) Foe Reaper 5000
[Axe of the Eclipse] : The Vortex Pinnacle (Heroic) Altairus
[Sun Strike] : Halls of Origination (Normal) Rajh
[Mace of Transformed Bone] : Grim Batol (Normal) Erudax
[Mace of the Gullet] : Twilight Highlands (Quest)
[Dragonscorn Mace] : Twilight Highlands (Quest)

Shield

[Shield of the Iron Maiden] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Rom'ogg Bonecrusher
[Shield of the Four Grey Towers] : 950 Justice Points
[Bulwark of the Primordial Mound] : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Earthrager Ptah
[Truthbreaker Shield] / [Twilight Mirrorshield] : Stormwind City / Orgrimmar (Quest)
[Bulwark of the Primordial Mound] : Halls of Origination (Normal) Ammunae or Earthrager Ptah


Relic

[Stalagmite Dragon] : The Stonecore (Heroic) Slabhide
[Notched Jawbone] : BoE Inscription

Trinkets

Digren says, "Trinkets are different. They offer a large amount of a focused stat in an easily-swappable form. Keep several handy and you can swap the feel of your entire gear set. I recommend acquiring two each of mastery, stamina, and threat, and learning when to use them."

Mastery

[Lifebound Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Stamina + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Volatile Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Threat + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Unsolvable Riddle] / [Unsolvable Riddle] : Mastery + Avoidance : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Impatience of Youth] / [Impatience of Youth] : Mastery + Threat : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Mirror of Broken Images] / [Mirror of Broken Images] : Mastery + Resistance : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Tia's Grace] : Mastery + Avoidance : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) Siamat
[Figurine - King of Boars] : Mastery + Threat : BoP Jewelcrafting
[Impetuous Query] : Mastery + Avoidance : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Normal and Heroic) BoE Dungeon Drop
[Elementium Dragonling] : Mastery + Pet : BoE Engineering Only
[Baradin Footman's Tags] / [Baradin Grunt's Talisman] : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Honored)
[Tia's Grace] : Mastery + Avoidance : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Normal) Siamat

Stamina

[Lifebound Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Stamina + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Leaden Despair] : Stamina + Survival : The Stonecore (Heroic) High Priestess Azil
[Figurine - Earthen Guardian] : Stamina + Avoidance : BoP Jewelcrafting
[Za'brox's Lucky Tooth] / [Za'brox's Lucky Tooth] : Stamina + Mastery : Twilight Highlands (Quest) Four Heads Are Better Than None / Four Heads Are Better Than None
[Leaden Despair] : Stamina + Survival : The Stonecore (Normal) High Priestess Azil

Threat (Hit Rating)

[License to Slay] : Hit + Threat : 1650 Valor Points
[Fluid Death] : Hit + Avoidance : 1650 Valor Points
[Might of the Ocean] : Hit + Threat : Throne of the Tides (Heroic) Neptulon's Cache
[Right Eye of Rajh] : Hit + Threat : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
[Key to the Endless Chamber] : Hit + Avoidance : The Stonecore (Heroic) Corborus
[Figurine - Demon Panther] : Hit + Avoidance : BoP Jewelcrafting
[Soul's Anguish] : Hit + Threat : BoE Dungeon Drop
[Right Eye of Rajh] : Hit + Threat : Halls of Origination (Normal) Rajh

Threat (Expertise Rating)

[Left Eye of Rajh] : Expertise + Avoidance : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
[Magnetite Mirror] : Expertise + Threat : The Stonecore (Heroic) High Priestess Azil
[Left Eye of Rajh] : Expertise + Avoidance : Halls of Origination (Normal) Rajh

Tank Stage 4: (Normal) Raider

Digren says, "Whether 10 or 25, whether the end of your game or a stepping stone to heroics, this gear set defines you as a raider."

Rules for stage 4 gear:

1. No heroic raids required.

T11 gear can be bought with Valor Points (for some slots) or Forlorn tokens (for other slots). Don't confuse these tokens with the ones sold by the Valorous quartermaster, which are used to convert T11 gear into T11.5 gear.

A stage four tank has about 155k health and is approaching 85% combined avoidance + block.

Character Model

Tank Stage Four - Engineer / Enchanter - Survival Gear


Digren says, "A stage four tank with this set is ready to tackle heroic raids. Not every piece is best in slot, taking into account the random nature of raid drops."

Stage four survival model

A character with this gear set has:

• 156k health
  
• 30.5% dodge+parry+miss
  
• 55.1% block (for a total combat table coverage of 85.7%)
• 1.28% hit and 13 expertise including glyph (16 for a human)
The character is well-equipped to begin heroic raids.

Gear List

Head

1. [Daybreaker Helm] : Bastion of Twilight (Valonia)
2. [Dragon Bone Warhelm] : Blackwing Descent (Maloriak)
3. [Reinforced Bio-Optic Killshades] : BoP Engineering
4. [Reinforced Sapphirium Faceguard] : T11 : 1x Helm of the Forlorn Conqueror

Digren says, "The T11 helm just isn't that good. It wastes too many iPoints in unneeded hit rating. While it may work fine in a threat set, the two dropped options are better choices for survival, with the engineering goggles close behind. The Daybreak Helm was buffed in 4.0.6 and is now clearly best-in-slot for non-heroic raiders."
Neck

1. [Don Rodrigo's Fabulous Necklace] : BoE Dungeon Drop
2. [Necklace of Strife] : The Bastion of Twilight () Valiona
3. [Ironstar Amulet] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Atramedes

Digren says, "Shell out the funds for a fabulous necklace; you're worth it. The Ironstar Amulet is significantly below the other options; it's just an incremental upgrade from the durable Lustrous Eye."
Shoulders

1. [Heaving Plates of Protection] : The Bastion of Twilight (Normal) BoE Raid Drop
1. [Pauldrons of Edward the Odd] : BoE World Drop
2. [Pauldrons of the Apocalypse] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Nefarian
3. [Reinforced Sapphirium Shoulderguards] : T11 : 1x Mantle of the Forlorn Conqueror
4. [Pauldrons of the Great Ettin] : Bastion of Twilight (Normal) Halfus Wyrmbreaker

Digren says, "I just don't like the tier piece. There's less opportunity for mastery than with any other option. Either of the top two are great choices and effectively tied for best in slot for non heroic raiders."
Back

1. [Wrap of the Great Turtle] : Guardians of Hyjal (Exalted)
2. [Cloak of Biting Chill] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Maloriak
3. [Ironstar's Impenetrable Cover] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) BoE Raid Drop
3. [Twilight Dragonscale Cloak] : BoE Leatherworking
4. [Gray Hair Cloak] : 1250 Valor Points

Digren says, "The Wrap of the Great Turtle is a great item. Buy one."
Chest

1. [Reinforced Sapphirium Chestguard] : T11 : 2200 Valor Points
2. [Icebone Hauberk] : BoE Dungeon Drop
2. [Battleplate of the Apocalypse] : The Bastion of Twilight (Normal) Cho'gall
3. [Chestplate of the Steadfast] : 2200 Justice Points
4. [Beauty's Plate] : Blackrock Caverns (Heroic) Beauty
5. [Elementium Deathplate] : BoE Blacksmithing
6. [Hardened Elementium Hauberk] : BoE Blacksmithing

Digren says, "The tier piece is excellent and high recommended for all raiders and non-raiders alike. The blacksmithing options, though, are killed by the lack of gem sockets."
Wrists

1. [Bracers of Impossible Strength] : The Bastion of Twilight (Normal) Halfus Wyrmbreaker
2. [Sandguard Bracers] : Ramkahen (Exalted)

Digren says, "Itemization makes the raid drop leaps and bounds better than the faction piece."
Hands

1. [Gravitational Pull] : Bastion of Twilight (Normal) Elementium Monstrosity
2. [Reinforced Sapphirium Handguards] : T11 : 1650 Valor Points

Digren says, "Stats wise, the tier gloves are just barely behind the drop alternative. If you value and plan to acquire either set bonus, take the tier piece."
Waist

1. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Rockstab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
1. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
1. [Hardened Elementium Girdle] : BoE Blacksmithing
2. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Bouldercrag] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
3. [Jumbotron Power Belt] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Magmatron or Acanotron
4. [Belt of the Ferocious Wolf] : Guardians of Hyjal (Exalted)
5. [Sky Strider Belt of the Faultline] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir

Digren says, "The random belts from the Throne of the Four Winds are surprisingly good."
Legs

1. [Thunder Wall Greaves of the Rockslab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Al'Akir
1. [Thunder Wall Greaves of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Al'Akir
2. [Thunder Wall Greaves of the Bouldercrag] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Al'Akir
3. [Reinforced Sapphirium Legguards] : T11 : 2200 Valor Points
4. [Legguards of the Unseeing] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Atramedes
5. [Reinforced Sapphirium Legplates] : T11 Ret : 2200 Valor Points

Digren says, "Like their belt cousins, the Thunder Wall legs are best in slot."
Feet

1. [Gryphon Rider's Boots] / [Boots of Sullen Rock] : Wildhammer Clan / Dragonmaw Clan (Exalted)
2. [Molten Tantrum Boots] : Blackwing Descent (Magmaw) Normal
3. [Rock Furrow Boots] : 1650 Valor Points
4. [Massacre Treads] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Magmatron
5. [Treads of Savage Beatings] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) BoE Raid Drop

Digren says, "Keep riding your faction boots into heroics."
Fingers

1. [Ring of the Battle Anthem] : 1250 Valor Points
1. [Permafrost Signet of the Rockslab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
1. [Permafrost Signet of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
1. [Signet of the Elder Council] : The Earthen Ring (Exalted)
1. [Mistral Circle of the Zephyr] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
1. [Mistral Circle of the Windstorm] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
1. [Hornet-Sting Band] : 1250 Valor Points
2. [Permafrost Signet of the Bouldercrag] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
3. [Elementium Destroyer's Ring] : BoE Jewelcrafting
4. [Bile-O-Tron Nut] : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Chimaeron
4. [Elementium Moebius Band] : BoE Jewelcrafting

Digren says, "The Bile-O-Tron Nut just isn't very good compared to all the other options with mastery. All the top items are pretty closely spaced; most will use a Signet of the Elder Council and whatever else they can get. Keep in mind the agility contribution to dodge as the reason why agility + mastery/threat rings rank so highly. Other iLvl 359 options (Band of Bees, Blauvelt's, Cloudburst Ring of the Faultline) rank below most iLvl 346 options and thus aren't listed here."
Weapon
Survivability

[Mace of Acrid Death] : Blackwing Descent (Maloriak)
Threat

[Scimitar of the Sirocco] : BoA Archaeology
[Lava Spine] : ???
[Krol Decapitator] : ???
[Crul'korak, the Lightning's Arc] : ???
[Cookie's Tenderizer] : The Deamines (Heroic) "Captain" Cookie
Mixed Survivability / Threat

[Soul Blade] : ???
[Fang of Twilight] : ???
[Cookie's Tenderizer] : The Deamines (Heroic) "Captain" Cookie
Digren says, "Note the slower 2.80 speed of Cookie's Tenderizer. This difference makes it on par with the iLvl 359 threat weapons, while providing a good bit of mastery, too."

Shield

[Elementium Earthguard] : BoE Blacksmithing
[Blockade's Lost Shield] : BoE ???
[Akmin-Kurai, Dominion's Shield] : Blackwing Descent (Nefarian or Onyxia)

Relic

[Relic of Khaz'goroth] : 700 Valor Points

Trinkets

Digren says, "Trinkets are different. They offer a large amount of a focused stat in an easily-swappable form. Keep several handy and you can swap the feel of your entire gear set. I recommend acquiring two each of mastery, stamina, and threat, and learning when to use them."

Mastery

[Lifebound Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Stamina + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Volatile Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Threat + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Unsolvable Riddle] / [Unsolvable Riddle] : Mastery + Avoidance : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Impatience of Youth] / [Impatience of Youth] : Mastery + Threat : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Mirror of Broken Images] / [Mirror of Broken Images] : Mastery + Resistance : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Tia's Grace] : Mastery + Avoidance : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) Siamat
[Figurine - King of Boars] : Mastery + Threat : BoP Jewelcrafting

Stamina

[Symbiotic Worm] : Stamina + Mastery : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Magmaw
[Lifebound Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Stamina + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Vial of Stolen Memories] : Stamina + Avoidance : The Bastion of Twilight (Normal) Valiona
[Leaden Despair] : Stamina + Survival : The Stonecore (Heroic) High Priestess Azil
[Figurine - Earthen Guardian] : Stamina + Avoidance : BoP Jewelcrafting

Threat (Hit Rating)

[License to Slay] : Hit + Threat : 1650 Valor Points
[Fluid Death] : Hit + Avoidance : 1650 Valor Points
[Might of the Ocean] : Hit + Threat : Throne of the Tides (Heroic) Neptulon's Cache
[Right Eye of Rajh] : Hit + Threat : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
[Key to the Endless Chamber] : Hit + Avoidance : The Stonecore (Heroic) Corborus
[Figurine - Demon Panther] : Hit + Avoidance : BoP Jewelcrafting

Threat (Expertise Rating)

[Heart of Rage] : Expertise + Threat : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Chimaeron
[Left Eye of Rajh] : Expertise + Avoidance : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
[Magnetite Mirror] : Expertise + Threat : The Stonecore (Heroic) High Priestess Azil

Tank Stage 5: Heroic Raider

T11.5 gear requires an Essence of the Forlorn token, which is used to buy a slot-specific token from the Valorous quartermaster. That token, along with the appropriate non-heroic (normal) T11 item, are turned in to the same vendor for the T11.5 piece. The purpose of the extra step isn't clear. Don't confuse the slot-specific tokens on the vendor with the ones used to buy T11 (normal) head and leg pieces.

Character Model

Tank Stage Five - Engineer / Enchanter - Survival Gear


Digren says, "This model represents an end-game tank. I didn't attempt to achieve the block cap in this set; it's optimized for maximum damage reduction. A second mastery trinket, and a pair of hit or expertise trinkets, can provide variety as required. For a tank walking blind into cutting-edge content, consider using dual stamina trinkets over the stamina/mastery pair suggested here, as this will provide extra buffer for unexpected damage in an unblockable form."

Stage five survival model

A character with this gear set has:

• 166k health
  
• 32.6% dodge+parry+miss
  
• 59.6% block (for a total combat table coverage of 92.2%)
• 1.27% hit and 13 expertise including glyph (16 for a human)
The character is well-equipped for all game content.

Gear List

Head

1. [Daybreak Helm] : Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Valonia
2. [Dragon Bone Warhelm] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Maloriak
3. [Reinforced Sapphirium Faceguard] : T11.5 : 1x Essence of the Forlorn + T11 faceguard

Digren says, "Like its normal cousin, the heroic tier helm wastes too much itemization in threat to top a list of survival gear. After a buff in 4.0.6 the Daybreak Helm pulls ahead of the Dragon Bone Warhelm as best in slot."
Neck

1. [Caelestrasz's Will] : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Sinestra
2. [Necklace of Strife] : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Valiona
3. [Ironstar Amulet] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Atramedes
4. [Don Rodrigo's Fabulous Necklace] : BoE Dungeon Drop
5. [Necklace of Strife] : The Bastion of Twilight (Normal) Valiona
6. [Rage of Ages] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Nefarian

Digren says, "This is more of a fight for second place than first, as one is clearly best in class. The heroic Necklace of Strife is a distant second, followed by the Heroic Ironstar Amulet. The Don's necklace is close behind for the rich and unlucky."
Shoulders

1. [Pauldrons of the Apocalypse] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Nefarian
2. [Reinforced Sapphirium Shoulderguards] : T11.5 : 1x Essence of the Forlorn + T11 shoulderguards
3. [Pauldrons of the Great Ettin] : Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Halfus Wyrmbreaker
3. [Heaving Plates of Protection] : The Bastion of Twilight (Normal) BoE Raid Drop
3. [Pauldrons of Edward the Odd] : BoE World Drop

Digren says, "The difference between first and second place is pretty small. If you want the four-piece bonus, definitely plan for shoulders over the helm."
Back

1. [Cloak of Biting Chill] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Maloriak

Digren says, "This is best in slot, distantly followed by the Wrap of the Great Turle."
Chest

1. [Reinforced Sapphirium Chestguard] : T11.5 : 1x Essence of the Forlorn + T11 chestguard
2. [Battleplate of the Apocalypse] : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Cho'gall

Digren says, "For the chest, at least, the tier piece is best in slot."
Wrists

1. [Bracers of Impossible Strength] : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Halfus Wyrmbreaker

Digren says, "Yup."
Hands

1. [Gravitational Pull] : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Elementium Monstrosity
2. [Reinforced Sapphirium Handguards] : T11.5 : 1x Essence of the Forlorn + T11 handguards

Digren says, "Stats wise, the tier gloves are just barely behind the drop alternative. If you value and plan to acquire either set bonus, take the tier piece."
Waist

1. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Rockstab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Nezir
1. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Nezir
2. [Jumbotron Power Belt] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Magmatron
3. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Bouldercrag] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Nezir
4. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Rockstab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
4. [Thunder Wall Belt of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
4. [Hardened Elementium Girdle] : BoE Blacksmithing
4. [Sky Strider Belt Faultline] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Nezir

Digren says, "The random belts from the Throne of the Four Winds are surprisingly good."
Legs

1. [Thunder Wall Greaves of the Rockslab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Al'Akir
1. [Thunder Wall Greaves of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Al'Akir
2. [Thunder Wall Greaves of the Bouldercrag] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Al'Akir
3. [Reinforced Sapphirium Legguards] : T11.5 : 1x Essence of the Forlorn + T11 legguards
4. [Legguards of the Unseeing] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Atramedes
5. [Reinforced Sapphirium Legplates] : T11.5 Ret : 1x Essence of the Forlorn + T11 legplates

Digren says, "Like their belt cousins, the Thunder Wall legs are best in slot."
Feet

1. [War-Torn Crushers] : The Bastion of Twilight () Sinestra
2. [Molten Tantrum Boots] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Magmaw
3. [Gryphon Rider's Boots] / [Boots of Sullen Rock] : Wildhammer Clan / Dragonmaw Clan (Exalted)
4. [Molten Tantrum Boots] : Blackwing Descent (Magmaw) Normal
5. [Massacre Treads] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Magmaw

Digren says, "Sinestra's iLvl advantage leads to an easy best-in-slot ranking. However, note that the heroic Massacre Treads fall low, below the normal Molten Tantrum Boots, in an MDR ranking where the expertise isn't needed."
Fingers

1. [Permafrost Signet of the Rockslab] : Throne of the Four Winds(Heroic) Nezir
1. [Permafrost Signet of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds(Heroic) Nezir
2. [Dargonax's Signet] : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Sinestra
2. [Mistral Circle of the Zephyr] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Nezir
2. [Mistral Circle of the Windstorm] : Throne of the Four Winds (Heroic) Nezir
3. [Permafrost Signet of the Bouldercrag] : Throne of the Four Winds(Heroic) Nezir
4. [Bile-O-Tron Nut] : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Chimaeron
5. [Ring of the Battle Anthem] : 1250 Valor Points
5. [Permafrost Signet of the Rockslab] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
5. [Permafrost Signet of the Bedrock] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
5. [Signet of the Elder Council] : The Earthen Ring (Exalted)
5. [Mistral Circle of the Zephyr] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir
5. [Mistral Circle of the Windstorm] : Throne of the Four Winds (Normal) Nezir

Digren says, "After fielding a few questions about this list, I've expanded it out to include the top 13 rings. The other two marginally-viable iLvl 272 choices (Ring of Rivalry, Cloudburst Ring of the Faultline) fall below the listed iLvl 359 options and so aren't worth including here. Note as well that there's a big jump between the heroic Bouldercrag and the heroic Bile-O-Tron; the nut is a small upgrade from normal rings and clearly lacking when compared to the best heroic rings."
Weapon
Survivability

[Mace of Acrid Death] : ??? (Heroic)
Threat

[Lava Spine] : ??? (Heroic)
[Crul'korak, the Lightning's Arc] : ??? (Heroic)
Mixed Survivability / Threat

[Soul Blade] : ??? (Heroic)
[Fang of Twilight] : ??? (Heroic)

Shield

[Akmin-Kurai, Dominion's Shield] : ???

Relic

-

Trinkets

Digren says, "Trinkets are different. They offer a large amount of a focused stat in an easily-swappable form. Keep several handy and you can swap the feel of your entire gear set. I recommend acquiring two each of mastery, stamina, and threat, and learning when to use them."

Mastery

[Lifebound Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Stamina + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Volatile Alchemist Stone] : Mastery/Threat + Survival : BoP Alchemy
[Unsolvable Riddle] / [Unsolvable Riddle] : Mastery + Avoidance : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Impatience of Youth] / [Impatience of Youth] : Mastery + Threat : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Mirror of Broken Images] / [Mirror of Broken Images] : Mastery + Resistance : Baradin's Wardens / Hellscream's Reach (Exalted)
[Tia's Grace] : Mastery + Avoidance : Lost City of the Tol'vir (Heroic) Siamat
[Figurine - King of Boars] : Mastery + Threat : BoP Jewelcrafting

Stamina

[Symbiotic Worm] : Stamina + Mastery : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Magmaw
[Vial of Stolen Memories] : Stamina + Avoidance : The Bastion of Twilight (Heroic) Valiona

Threat (Hit Rating)

[License to Slay] : Hit + Threat : 1650 Valor Points
[Fluid Death] : Hit + Avoidance : 1650 Valor Points

Threat (Expertise Rating)

[Heart of Rage] : Expertise + Threat : Blackwing Descent (Heroic) Chimaeron
[Heart of Rage] : Expertise + Threat : Blackwing Descent (Normal) Chimaeron
[Left Eye of Rajh] : Expertise + Avoidance : Halls of Origination (Heroic) Rajh
[Magnetite Mirror] : Expertise + Threat : The Stonecore (Heroic) High Priestess Azil

Not sure why you re-posted the entire guide. Anyway, I think it's been pointed out previously but 372 tier 11 is obtainable in two ways, with the way you mention being the less accessible for most slots.

Halfus heroic drops 372 chest token; you need that + 359 chest to get the 372 chest.
Maloriak heroic drops 372 leg token; you need that + 359 legs to get the 372 legs.
Magmaw heroic drops 372 glove token; you need that + 359 gloves to get the 372 gloves.
Cho'gall heroic drops 372 shoulder token; you only need that to get the 372 shoulders.
Nefarian heroic drops 372 helm token; you only need that to get the 372 helm.

Al'Akir heroic drops Essence of the Forlorn; you can turn in one of these to get your choice of 372 helm/shoulder/chest/leg/glove token, which can then be exchanged for the relevant armor piece (without requiring the 359 armor piece in the case of helm/shoulders).

The level three heroic farming version has a few errors.

It's not the BiS pre-raid. I'm walking around in it. As prices are falling the Soul Blade, Heaving Plates of Protection and Don Rodrigo's Fabulous Necklace all become available. Add the crafted shield as well.

In reality you're not gearing BiS if farming heroics is your endgame. The reason I gear the way I do is because I do indeed raid, but I have this far received zero ugrades from raiding. For heroic farming, however, a 8% hit (assuming you pug BH as well) and expertise coming out of your ears -set is better. You'll still walk around in 355+ average ilevel gear in the threat-set, and the native numbers on the gear alone keep the tank alive even if it's reforged, gemmed and enchanted for bigger yellow numbers.

Rhiannon wrote:Not sure why you re-posted the entire guide.

I archived it. It will be replaced shortly.

yappo wrote:The level three heroic farming version has a few errors.

It's not the BiS pre-raid. I'm walking around in it. As prices are falling the Soul Blade, Heaving Plates of Protection and Don Rodrigo's Fabulous Necklace all become available. Add the crafted shield as well.

In reality you're not gearing BiS if farming heroics is your endgame. The reason I gear the way I do is because I do indeed raid, but I have this far received zero ugrades from raiding. For heroic farming, however, a 8% hit (assuming you pug BH as well) and expertise coming out of your ears -set is better. You'll still walk around in 355+ average ilevel gear in the threat-set, and the native numbers on the gear alone keep the tank alive even if it's reforged, gemmed and enchanted for bigger yellow numbers.

There will be better stratification between the Haves and the Have Nots in the 4.1 guide. I think I need to split apart the enhancement guide to help those able to reach the block cap; this should trickle down into different gearing priorities. And of course those farming heroics will be able to get better gear, making pretty much anything they want achievable.

Digren wrote:

GlockComa wrote:Ok thanks for the reply and thanks for the exceptional guide.

Couldn't this be included as a neck option in the normal raid section: [color=b048f8]Buc-Zakai Choker[/color]

That piece is worse than several iLvl 346 items, so it's not really worthy of inclusion on that or any other list.

It's identical stats to the Necklace of Strife that you have listed as the number 2. necklace option under the Tank Stage 4: (Normal) Raider section.

GlockComa wrote:

Digren wrote:

GlockComa wrote:Ok thanks for the reply and thanks for the exceptional guide.

Couldn't this be included as a neck option in the normal raid section: [color=b048f8]Buc-Zakai Choker[/color]

That piece is worse than several iLvl 346 items, so it's not really worthy of inclusion on that or any other list.

It's identical stats to the Necklace of Strife that you have listed as the number 2. necklace option under the Tank Stage 4: (Normal) Raider section.

No, it's not identical. The [Necklace of Strife] provides agility. The [Buc-Zakai Choker] provides strength.

Agility provides 60.9% of the dodge of dodge rating, while strength provides just 26.25% of the parry of parry rating. Anyone with dodge and parry balanced for equal diminishing returns - and that should be just about everybody - is better served taking agility over strength. That makes a huge difference on pieces like this - making the Necklace of Strife a great option and the Buc-Zakai Choker garbage.

I have the Buc-Zakai Choker ranked equally to the heroic Pendant of the Lightless Grotto and the heroic Carrier Wave Pendant, and behind the Acorn of the Daughter Tree and the Lustrous Eye. With all of those equal or better iLvl 346 pieces to wear, no one should ever need to take a Buc-Zakai Choker. The Necklace of Strife, on the other hand, is an upgrade to all of those.

Wow! I'm glad I waited to see what you said before dropping 12K on it. (The "fabulous necklace is never on our ah). That makes total sense and thanks for taking the time to clarify.

I assume that the contribution of strength toward WoG size is completely dominated by the AP->SP conversion from Vengeance anyway, so would add very little to the value of Strength vs Agility, and even less in the post-4.1 world where WoG is used less frequently.

Koatanga wrote:I assume that the contribution of strength toward WoG size is completely dominated by the AP->SP conversion from Vengeance anyway, so would add very little to the value of Strength vs Agility, and even less in the post-4.1 world where WoG is used less frequently.

I don't remember the hard numbers, but this was discussed at some point and hand-waved away by Theck as a "small consideration".

If it was more than that he would have said something, and I would have picked up on it.

You probably mean this thread.

theckhd wrote:You probably mean this thread.

Maybe, though that ends with this question pondered and unanswered. This shouldn't be that difficult.

Assuming the tank in question maintains diminishing returns balance, then each point of agility taken instead of strength yields an additional 0.3465 avoidance rating. Given your raid model and typical damage intake, this should scale into X DPS not taken. Then, this can be compared to the Y HPS gained from WoG by choosing strength over agility. If X > Y in a typical raid scenario then agility is always better. If X < Y then it must be determined, in that scenario, how much better or worse healing is than avoidance. I suspect X must be less than Y/2 in order to make healing better, but that's likely not quantifiable.

Hi I have been reading your guide with much interest and has helped me a lot.
Can I ask why there is no mention of these two trinkets as I believe them to be much better than a lot of the ones you mention,they are Porcelain Crab (heroic) and Throngus's Finger (heroic)?
Also why no mention of the Elementium Earthguard shield when it's so easily obtainable on the Ah at a reasonable cost for stage two or three?
Keep up the awesome work on here