TBC Classic Hunter Weapons Guide

Last updated on Jan 12, 2026 at 12:03 by Impakt 2 comments

Weapons are extremely important for Hunters, specifically ranged weapons. Weapon upgrades are the most important upgrades to get while leveling, meaning it is extremely important to know where your next weapon is coming from.

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Hunter Weapon Skills

Hunters know how to use their starting ranged and melee weapons when created, but they can also learn how to use many other weapon types from Weapon Masters around the world.

Weapon Master location	Weapon Skills available
Darnassus (around 57,46)	Daggers, Fist Weapons, Staves, Bows
Ironforge (around 62,89)	Guns, Axes, Fist Weapons, Daggers, Crossbows
Stormwind (around 57,57)	Crossbows, Daggers, Swords, Polearms, Staves
Orgrimmar (around 81,19)	Bows, Axes, Staves, Daggers, Fist Weapons
Thunder Bluff (41,62)	Guns, Staves
Undercity (57,32)	Crossbows, Daggers, Swords, Polearms

Usable Weapon Types for Hunter

Axes Swords Staves Polearms Daggers Crossbows Bows Guns Thrown Weapons

2.1.

Axes

Axes, both one-handed and two-handed, are acceptable weapons for Hunters. Generally, Hunters prefer 2H weapons for the higher single-hit damage, but 1H weapons are acceptable if they provide better stats. Melee weapons really come down to what gives the best stats.

2.2.

Swords

Swords, both one-handed and two-handed, are acceptable weapons for Hunters. Generally, Hunters prefer 2H weapons for the higher single-hit damage, but 1H weapons are acceptable if they provide better stats. Melee weapons really come down to what gives the best stats.

2.3.

Staves

Staves are acceptable weapons for Hunters. Generally, Hunters prefer 2H weapons for the higher single-hit damage, so Staves are pefectly usable, if they have solid stats. Melee weapons really come down to what gives the best stats.

2.4.

Polearms

Polearms are acceptable weapons for Hunters. Generally, Hunters prefer 2H weapons for the higher single-hit damage, so Polearms are pefectly usable, if they have solid stats. Melee weapons really come down to what gives the best stats.

2.5.

Daggers

Daggers are less popular for Hunters, but are usable if they have strong stats.

2.6.

Crossbows

Hunters primarily use ranged weapons for damage, which means these are the weapons you should care most about. Generally you will want to use whatever ranged weapon has the highest DPS, but you should also heavily prioritize slower weapons.

High Warlord's Crossbow Icon High Warlord's Crossbow specifically is an excellent crossbow that will last you until Level 70, and is purchasable with Honor at Level 60. This is the Rank 14 weapon that is no longer gated behind honor ranks.

2.7.

Bows

Hunters primarily use ranged weapons for damage, which means these are the weapons you should care most about. Generally, you will want to use whatever ranged weapon has the highest DPS, but you should also heavily prioritize slower weapons. Bows are readily available at all stages of the game, and will be your most used weapon while leveling.

One of the first ranged weapon upgrades that you will have access to in the Outlands is a bow, from the intro quests in Hellfire Peninsula.

2.8.

Guns

The best gun to pickup while leveling is the Hemet's Elekk Gun Icon Hemet's Elekk Gun, which you earn from the Hemet Nesingwary quest chain in Nagrand.

2.9.

Thrown Weapons

Hunters can technically use thrown weapons, but you should never use them. They are worse in every way than ranged weapons.

Unusable Weapon Types for Hunter

Hunters do not use shields or fist weapons.

Leveling Weapons

As stated above, there are several options for weapon upgrades while leveling. You should have several chances to upgrade as you quest through the zones. Generally, you should always take the highest DPS weapon, but you should also look for weapon speeds of optimally between 2.4 and 3 seconds. You can also check the Auction House for ranged weapon upgrades occasionally if you want, but generally you should not need to spend a ton of gold while leveling. Melee weapons are mostly used for their stats while leveling, so focus on your ranged weapon as the important upgrade.

For more leveling information, please refer to our leveling guide for Hunters.

Hunter Leveling Guide

End-Game Weapons

Hunters have several end-game weapons at their disposal. Depending on what you are looking for, there are many different sources of weapon upgrades, but you will mostly find them inside dungeons and raids, with the occasional quest reward. The best of the weapons can be found listed below.

At the start of TBC, the ultimate BiS weapon that you will want to strive for is the Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix Icon Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix off of Prince Malchezaar in Karazhan. This is a relatively low drop chance though, and will require some farming to get. Some other options are listed below.

Item	Source
Barrel-Blade Longrifle	Doomwalker in Shadowmoon Valley
Wolfslayer Sniper Rifle	Opera Event in Karazhan
Steelhawk Crossbow	Attumen the Huntsman in Karazhan
Marksman's Bow or Veteran's Musket	Purchased from Thrallmar or Honor Hold while Exalted
Wrathtide Longbow	Warlord Kalithresh in Heroic The Steamvault
Don Santos' Famous Hunting Rifle	World Drop