Players looking to find the best gear before entering a raid for phase 1 ofWrath of the Lich King Classicshould look no further. We’ve put together both a list of the best in slot items for each specialization and provided some additional options that are, in some cases, just as good as the number one item.

As the equipment a player has available to them can vary greatly depending on their luck with loot drops, the sections below showcase multiple options for each equipment slot. Thefirst option in each table is generally considered to be the Best In Slotitem due to the quantity of stats or stat itemization of the item. However, depending on a player’s current gear and stats some other items may be better suited to their needs. For example, a player may already have enough Hit Rating or Haste Rating and therefore a different option would be better for them.

GRID arcane

6.

Spirit

For a more detailed explanation of the stat priority for each specialization, we have described it in more detail in their respective guides.

Weapon

Wand

The hidden sections below recap the number 1 best item for each slot for each specialization. These lists, however, may not be the best for every player as it doesn’t take into consideration a player’s group composition if they require external sources of Hit Rating. For this reason, we’ve listed several options for each item slot further down this post.

Amice of the Convoker

GRID fire

80Emblem of Heroism(Vendors in Dalaran)

60Emblem of Heroism(Vendors in Dalaran)

mage best in slot weapon icon

40Emblem of Heroism(Vendors in Dalaran)

Purchased for 8500g fromHarold Winston

Sundial of the Exiled

25Emblem of Heroism(Vendors in Dalaran)

Sash of the Servant

Violet Hold(H):Cyanigosa (25% Drop Chance)

Related:Arcane Mage PvE Guide WotLK Classic

As with almost all classes, the best headpiece is the one crafted with engineering. It is bound upon pick up and only available to players with 400 Engineering. Many Head options found in Pre-Raid WotLK are not itemized optimally for all specs and aren’t really an upgrade if coming from Sunwell Plateau gear.

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Mage Best In Slot Neck Pre-Raid WotLK

Jewelcrafting as per usual provides the best option, but a close second has Hit Rating if needed. Worth noting that once Phase 1 is releasedChain of Latent Energiesmight be seen on the Auction House. It is one of the best neck pieces you can obtain before stepping into a raid.

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Mage Best In Slot Shoulders Pre-Raid WotLK

All specs choose the top pick from Sunwell. Most players will be vying for the 3rd option for the most favorable itemization. It may be difficult to find as a zone drop BoE, alternatively one can try to buy it off the Auction House. The crafted shoulders are a cheap option as a last resort.

Mantle of the Tribunal

Mage Best In Slot Back Pre-Raid WotLK

Certainly, the best caster cloak is the one made from tailoring it has really great itemization for all specializations. It may take a little while to see players with the recipe as it requires finishing all the quests in Northrend.

Mage Best In Slot Chest Pre-Raid WotLK

The Tier 7 chest piece is hands down the best option as acquiring it works towards the set bonuses (which you may obtain pre-raid combined with T7 Hands). The Hit or Haste tailoring options should only be considered if you have more gold than time required to obtain the Emblems. There are also 2 runner-up Rare options that you can select depending on your Hit or Haste requirements.

Mage Best In Slot Wrist Pre-Raid WotLK

The Cuffs from Heroic Oculus are the best option as they have the most stats on them. The second option is a great choice for Fire Mages.

Bracers of the Tempest

Mage Best In Slot Hands Pre-Raid WotLK

The Tier 7 gloves, are the best investment of Emblems, combined with the chest piece to get the 2-set bonus. If your gold allows it, the Tailoring crafted gloves can also be considered before getting the tier set based on your Hit or Haste needs. The fourth option is an excellent option for Fire Mages. Once Naxxramas has released the BoE gloves:Gloves of Token Respectcan work for Arcane Mages.

Mage Best In Slot Waist Pre-Raid WotLK

The best option for Arcane and Frost is purchasable with emblems.The second option is good for Fire Mages if they already have enough Hit Rating.

Mage Best In Slot Legs Pre-Raid WotLK

The first option is the best option for Fire Mages and is still superb for Arcane and Frost with the high Spell Power. The other two leggings found from Sunwell are also good options that hold up really well with their many sockets.

Sunwell Plateau: Exchanged withPantaloons of Calming Strife(Kalecgos) and aSunmoteatYrma

Breeches of the Caller