WoW Wrath Classic: Mage Best In Slot Pre-Raid Gear (WotLK)

This article is part of a directory: WoW Wrath Classic (WotLK): Complete Guide Directory

Mage Specialization PvE Guides

Players looking to find the best gear before entering a raid for phase 1 of Wrath of the Lich King Classic should 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. The first option in each table is generally considered to be the Best In Slot item 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.

The stat priority for each specialization is as follows:

	Mage Stat Priority
	Arcane	Fire	Frost
1.	Hit Rating (up to 17% Spell Hit Cap)
2.	Haste	Critical Strike Rating	Spell Power
3.	Spell Power	Haste	Critical Strike Rating
4.	Critical Strike Rating	Spell Power	Haste
5.	Intellect
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.

Best In Slot Pre-Raid Gear For Mages In WotLK

Item Slot Navigation Menu
Head	Neck	Shoulders	Back
Chest	Wrist	Hands	Waist
Legs	Feet	Rings	Trinkets
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.

Arcane Mage Best In Slot Pre-Raid (BiS) Gear In WotLK

Item Slot	Item Name	Source
Main Hand	Staff of Draconic Combat	The Oculus (H): Ley-Guardian Eregos (25% Drop Chance)
Ranged	Wand of Ahn'kahet	Ahn'kahet: Old Kingdom (H): Herald Volazj (25% Drop Chance)
Head	Visage Liquification Goggles	Engineering (440)
Neck	Titanium Spellshock Necklace	Jewelcrafting (440) Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Shoulders	Amice of the Convoker	Sunwell Plateau: Eredar Twins (21% Drop Chance)
Back	Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring (420) Recipe available after completing: Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
Chest	Heroes' Frostfire Robe	80 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Wrist	Cuffs of Winged Levitation	The Oculus (H): Ley-Guardian Eregos (25% Drop Chance)
Hands	Heroes' Frostfire Gloves	60 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Waist	Plush Sash of Guzbah	40 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Legs	Leggings of Calamity	Sunwell Plateau: Brutallus (20% Drop Chance)
Feet	Sandals of Crimson Fury	Reputation: The Wyrmrest Accord - Exalted
Rings	Signet of the Kirin Tor	Purchased for 8500g from Harold Winston (can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Rings	Band of Guile	Culling of Stratholme (H): Mal'Ganis (20% Drop Chance)
Trinkets	Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Trinkets	Tome of Arcane Phenomena	The Oculus: Ley-Guardian Eregos (13% Drop Chance)

Item Slot	Item Name	Source
Main Hand	Titansteel Spellblade	Blacksmithing
Off Hand	Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Ranged	Rod of the Fallen Monarch	Azjol-Nerub (H): Anub'arak (25% Drop Chance)
Head	Visage Liquification Goggles	Engineering (440)
Neck	Titanium Spellshock Necklace	Jewelcrafting (440) Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Shoulders	Amice of the Convoker	Sunwell Plateau: Eredar Twins (21% Drop Chance)
Back	Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring (420) Recipe available after completing: Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
Chest	Heroes' Frostfire Robe	80 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Wrist	Azure Cloth Bindings	Violet Hold (H): Cyanigosa (25% Drop Rate)
Hands	Heroes' Frostfire Gloves	60 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Waist	Sash of the Servant	Azjol-Nerub (H): Anub'arak (25% Drop Rate)
Legs	Woven Bracae Leggings	Halls of Lightning (H): Loken (25% Drop Rate)
Feet	Stone-Worn Footwraps	Azjol-Nerub (H): Krik'thir the Gatewatcher (25% Drop Rate)
Rings	Signet of the Kirin Tor	Purchased for 8500g from Harold Winston (can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Rings	Titanium Spellshock Ring	Jewelcrafting (430) Recipe purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Trinkets	Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Trinkets	Mark of the War Prisoner	Violet Hold (H): Cyanigosa (25% Drop Chance)

Item Slot	Item Name	Source
Main Hand	Titansteel Spellblade	Blacksmithing
Off Hand	Ward of the Violet Citadel	25 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Ranged	Rod of the Fallen Monarch	Azjol-Nerub (H): Anub'arak (25% Drop Chance)
Head	Visage Liquification Goggles	Engineering (440)
Neck	Titanium Spellshock Necklace	Jewelcrafting (440) Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Shoulders	Amice of the Convoker	Sunwell Plateau: Eredar Twins (21% Drop Chance)
Back	Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring (420) Recipe available after completing: Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
Chest	Heroes' Frostfire Robe	80 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Wrist	Azure Cloth Bindings	Violet Hold (H): Cyanigosa (25% Drop Rate)
Hands	Heroes' Frostfire Gloves	60 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Waist	Plush Sash of Guzbah	40 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Legs	Woven Bracae Leggings	Halls of Lightning (H): Loken (25% Drop Rate)
Feet	Stone-Worn Footwraps	Azjol-Nerub (H): Krik'thir the Gatewatcher (25% Drop Rate)
Rings	Signet of the Kirin Tor	Purchased for 8500g from Harold Winston (can be Discounted with Kirin Tor Reputation)
Rings	Titanium Spellshock Ring	Jewelcrafting (430) Recipe purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
Trinkets	Sundial of the Exiled	40 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
Trinkets	Mark of the War Prisoner	Violet Hold (H): Cyanigosa (25% Drop Chance)

Mage Best In Slot Head Pre-Raid WotLK

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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Visage Liquification Goggles	Engineering (440) - Trainer
2.	Dark Conjuror's Collar	Sunwell Plateau: Kil'jaeden
3.	Hat of Wintry Doom	Tailoring (425) - Trainer
4.	Crown of Unbridled Magic	The Oculus (H): Ley-Guardian Eregos (25% Drop Rate)
5.	Helm of Arcane Purity	Sunwell Plateau: Exchanged with Cowl of Light's Purity and a Sunmote at Yrma
5.	Cowl of Light's Purity	Sunwell Plateau: Kil'jaeden (15% Drop Rate)
7.	Titan-Forged Hood of Dominance	Wintergrasp Mark of Honor (40)

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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 released Chain of Latent Energies might be seen on the Auction House. It is one of the best neck pieces you can obtain before stepping into a raid.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Titanium Spellshock Necklace	Jewelcrafting (440) Recipe Purchased from Tiffany Cartier in Dalaran
2.	Encircling Burnished Gold Chains	25 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
3.	Necklace of Taldaram	Ahn'kahet: Old Kingdom (H): Prince Taldaram (25% Drop Rate)
4.	Emeline's Locket	Quest Reward: The Admiral Revealed

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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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Amice of the Convoker	Sunwell Plateau: Eredar Twins (21% Drop Rate)
2.	Dark Runic Mantle	Halls of Stone (H): (0.5-1% Zone Drop Rate)
3.	Mantle of the Tribunal	Halls of Stone (H): Tribunal of Ages (25% Drop Rate)
4.	Runecaster's Mantle	Utgarde Keep (H): (0.5-1% Zone Drop Rate)
5.	Duskweave Shoulders	Tailoring (410) - Trainer

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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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Deathchill Cloak	Tailoring (420) - Recipe available after completing: Horde: Loremaster of Northrend Alliance: Loremaster of Northrend
2.	Tattered Cape of Antonidas	Sunwell Plateau: Kil'jaeden (15% Drop Rate)
3.	Ancient Dragon Spirit Cape	The Oculus (H): Ley-Guardian Eregos ( 25% Drop Rate )
4.	Shroud of Dedicated Research	Reputation: Kirin Tor, Honored. Archmage Alvareaux
5.	Dark Soldier Cape	Reputation: Knights of the Ebon Blade, Honored
6.	Cape of Seething Steam	Halls of Lightning: Volkhan (25% Drop Rate)

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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 can 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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Heroes' Frostfire Robe	80 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
2.	Ebonweave Robe	Tailoring (440) - Trainer
2.	Spellweave Robe	Tailoring (440) - Trainer
4.	Water-Drenched Robe	Violet Hold (H): Ichoron (25% Drop Rate)
4.	Drakewing Raiments	The Oculus (H): Drakos the Interrogator (25% Drop Rate)

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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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Cuffs of Winged Levitation	The Oculus (H): Ley-Guardian Eregos (25% Drop Rate)
2.	Azure Cloth Bindings	Violet Hold (H): Cyanigosa (25% Drop Rate)
2.	Savage Wound Wrap	Drak'Tharon Keep (H): King Dred (25% Drop Rate)
4.	Black Duskweave Wristwraps	Tailoring (415) - Trainer
5.	Bracers of the Tempest	Sunwell Plateau: Kalecgos Bracers of the Forgotten Vanquisher (75% Drop Rate)

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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 Respect can work for Arcane Mages.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Heroes' Frostfire Gloves	60 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
2.	Ebonweave Gloves	Tailoring (435) - Trainer
2.	Spellweave Gloves	Tailoring (435) - Trainer
3.	Gloves of Glistening Runes	The Nexus (H): Keristrasza (25% Drop Rate)
4.	Traditionally Dyed Handguards	Halls of Lightning (H): General Bjarngrim (25% Drop Rate)

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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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Plush Sash of Guzbah	40 Emblem of Heroism (Vendors in Dalaran)
1.	Sash of the Servant	Azjol-Nerub (H): Anub'arak (25% Drop Rate)
2.	Belt of Dark Mending	Reputation: Knights of the Ebon Blade, Exalted
3.	Belt of Unified Souls	Culling of Stratholme (H) Meathook (25% Drop Rate)
4.	Girdle of Bane	Utgarde Pinnacle (H) King Ymiron (25% Drop Rate)

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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.

Rank	Item	Source
1.	Woven Bracae Leggings	Halls of Lightning (H) Loken (25% Drop Rate)
2.	Leggings of Calamity	Sunwell Plateau: Brutallus
2.	Pantaloons of Growing Strife	Sunwell Plateau: Exchanged with Pantaloons of Calming Strife (Kalecgos) and a Sunmote at Yrma
4.	Black Duskweave Leggings	Tailoring (425) - Trainer
5.	Sorrowgrave's Breeches	Utgarde Pinnacle (H): Svala Sorrowgrave (25% Drop Rate)
6.	Breeches of the Caller	Utgarde Keep (H): Ingvar the Plunderer (25% Drop Rate)