Gear Your Tank FAST! Prot Warrior Phase 1 Gearing Guide!

Hey dudes. Silvite Soltis here.

Since people really seem to enjoy my "get geared fast" guides, and constantly ask for more, I've decided to try and make one for every major role/class in early WoW Classic. So far, I've covered healing priests, caster dps, and rogues. Well, today, I've got a special treat for all you warriors out there - especially those of you who know your TRUE role in vanilla (#triggered).

That's right. Here's my WoW Classic Phase 1 Protection Warrior Gearing Guide! As always, please remember that this is NOT a pre-raid BiS list, but rather a list of steps that you should go through in order to get geared up as quickly as possible for raids upon reaching level 60. If you'd like to maximize your potential, I recommend finding a pre-raid BiS list or guide instead. But, if you're like me and want to get geared with the least amount of effort (which is still quite a lot, just to be fair), this guide should suit the bill just fine.

So, without further ado, let's get into the guide...

Step 0 - Pre-60 Preparations (Levels 50-55)

Before 60, make sure to quest in Un'Goro Crater for some good quest rewards. Also, consider completing the quest Locked Away to pick up the Dalson Family Wedding Ring, a +13 stamina ring. Not perfect, but easily soloable at around level 55 or so. There are quite a bit of other great quest rewards you can pick up while leveling, but we'll save those for step 4...

In the meantime, you can also pick up a couple of "...Of the Bear" greens from the auction house if you have the gold. But honestly, if you're playing a warrior...you're probably not super-wealthy, so... Sorry...

Either way, the more high-level items you have as a tank, the better-off you'll be in the dungeons, so at least take those quests into consideration from level 50 onward. Also, if you're playing Alliance pick up and start doing the pre-dungeon quests in the Onyxia attunement questchain. It will help you out later on.

Step 1 - Blackrock Depths (Pre-60, if possible)

Run BRD ASAP. As with most classes and specs, there are tons of items that drop in BRD for tanks. You can probably start running the dungeon at level 50 or so, at least for the early bosses and to get your Shadowforge Key.

Regardless of what items you get early on though, make sure to do this dungeon again after level 55 in order to knock out the MC attunement, as well as any steps to the Onyxia attunement that involve this dungeon. This will save you time in the long run.

Here is a list of all items that drop and quests you should focus on doing while running BRD. Note that there are possible drops for EVERY item slot for tanks except for neck and ranged weapon, and most of these items are as good, if not better than, items in the max-level dungeons:

Quests
Disharmony of Fire/Incendius! (Stalwart Clutch, waist).
Hurley Blackbreath/Lost Thunderbrew Recipe (Swiftstrike Cudgel, main hand)
The Princess Saved?/The Princess's Surprise (Thrall's Resolve, finger & Magni's Will, finger)
Operation: Death to Angerforge (Conqueror's Medallion, neck). Horde only.

Head
Golem Skull Helm from Magmus, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Shoulders
Ebonsteel Spaulders from Princess Moira Bronzebeard.

Back
Graverot Cape from Anub'shiah in the Arena. Not the best, but has decent stamina.
Cape of the Fire Salamander from Ambassador Flamelash (has fire resistance).
The Emperor's New Cape from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan.

Chest
Carapace of Anub'shiah from Anub'shiah in the Arena.

Wrists
Emberplate Armguards from Lord Incendius. Random enchantment, but also fire resistance.

Hands
Fists of Phalanx from Phalanx in the Grim Guzzler (arguably better for dps).

Waist
Stonewall Girdle from Grizzle in the Arena.

Legs
Lavacrest Leggings from Bael'Gar.
Legplates of the Eternal Guardian from the Trial of Seven, which are SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Feet
Shalehusk Boots from Panzor the Invincible (rare spawn).

Fingers
Naglering from Golem Lord Arglemach, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.
Emperor's Seal from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. Random enchantment.

Trinkets
Force of Will from General Angerforge, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Main Hand
Grizzle's Skinner from Grizzle in the Arena.
Rubidium Hammer from Bael'Gar.
Lord General's Sword from General Angerforge (better for dps).
Wraith Scythe from the Trial of Seven.
Ironfoe from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. Epic mace with low drop chance and lots of competition from melee dps. Not a viable option.

Offhand (Shield)
Stoneshell Guard from Lord Roccor.
Rock Golem Bulwark from Panzor the Invincible (rare spawn).

Hopefully you manage to get a good haul from all of these BRD runs. By this point, you should be at or around level 60. If you're Horde, head over to Kargath to pick up the first quest for the Onyxia attunement if you haven't already. If you're Alliance, just move on and keep an eye out for Bijou...

Step 2 - Lower Blackrock Spire (at Least Once)

Alright, so after getting a bit of gear from BRD and being at or very close to level 60, it's time to run LBRS. There's not a ton of loot to be had here, but what you're essentially after is the quest rewards and attunements. It's MUCH more important for Horde to do this dungeon because of the Onyxia attunement. For Alliance, it's pretty much optional unless you really need a belt or trinket (which will likely involve 2 runs).

So if you're Horde, before doing the dungeon make sure to have the quest Warlord's Command so that you can avoid needing to run this dungeon too many times. If playing Alliance, the quest chain you're after is obtained in the troll room, just past Shadow Hunter Vosh'gajin (up the other side of the ramp you'd normally go down, then to the left after the troll pack) and will involve finding an item, then heading over to Marshal Maxwell in the Burning Steppes, then killing 3 bosses, and running back to Marshal Maxwell.

Anyway, when you've got the right quests, head on in for a chance at a few useful items:

Quests
Warlord's Command/Maxwell's Mission (Omokk's Girth Restrainer, belt)

Neck
Talisman of Evasion from War Master Voone.

Hands
Reiver Claws from Overlord Wyrmthalak (better for dps).

Feet
Ribsteel Footguards from Urok Doomhowl (event spawn).

Trinkets
Heart of the Scale from Overlord Wyrmthalak. Very situational.

Main Hand
Demonfork from Bannok Grimaxe (rare spawn).
Rivenspike from Spirestone Butcher (rare spawn).

Ranged
Blackcrow from Shadow Hunter Vosh'gajin, which has hit.
Riphook from Shadow Hunter Vosh'gajin (better for dps).

Good work finishing up LBRS. If you're Alliance, don't forget to loot General Drakkisath's Command from Overlord Wyrmthalak, as that quest will be important when you get to UBRS.

Step 3 - Complete Your Onyxia Attunement

No matter if you're Horde or Alliance, the next thing you should focus on if you haven't already is finishing up your Onyxia attunement quest. Hopefully you'll already have most of it done by this point, but as it involves lots of dungeon running of lucrative instances - particularly BRD and UBRS - you might as well focus on this objective and get the Stamina+Fire Resist neck out of it to start fighting the Brood Mother as soon as possible.

Step 4 - UBRS, Questing, and More BRD as needed.

Ok, so once you've completed your MC and Ony attunements as a tank, you're probably already pretty well geared - especially Horde tanks who will have had to run UBRS at least twice at this point.

If not though, don't fret. You've still got a lot of options for loot, depending on what you still need.

Let's start with the most lucrative source of gear, UBRS. Excluding the two quest rewards that you should have by this point (assuming you finished your Onyxia attunement in step 3), there are 14 potential items for tanks that drop in here, most of which are awesome. Here's a basic overview:

Quests
For the Horde/General Drakkisath's Demise (Mark of Tyranny, trinket)
Onyxia Attunement Chain [Alliance] [Horde] (Drakefire Amulet, neck)

Head
Gyth's Skull from Gyth, which can be SUPER GOOD because of defense, but also has a random resistance enchantment (COULD be fire!)

Neck
Emberfury Talisman from Pyroguard Emberseer (better for dps).

Shoulders
Spaulders of Valor from Warchief Rend Blackhand.

Back
Wildfire Cape from Pyroguard Emberseer. Just for FR.
Bloodmoon Cloak from The Beast.

Chest
Breastplate of Valor from General Drakkisath.
Lightforge Breastplate from General Drakkisath.

Wrists
Battleborn Armbraces from Warchief Rend Blackhand (better for dps).

Waist
Handcrafted Mastersmith Girdle from Goraluk Anvilcrack (rare spawn).
Brigam Girdle from General Drakkisath.

Legs
Handcrafted Mastersmith Leggings from Goraluk Anvilcrack (rare spawn).
Warmaster Legguards from Warchief Rend Blackhand.

Main Hand
Dal'rend's Sacred Charge from Warchief Rend Blackhand.

Offhand (Shield)
Draconian Deflector from General Drakkisath, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.

If you're fully geared at this point, great! You might not need to do anything else! But if you're missing a chest, ring, ranged weapon, or trinket, there's a few quests out in the world that can help you fill those slots in. The only reason you wouldn't want to spend time doing those earlier is the sheer number of tank drops in the dungeons you could obtain by this point.

Quests to Do (if all else has failed)
In Dreams (EPL) (Ornate Adamantium Breastplate, tank chest OR Mark of Fordring, dps neck)
The Battle of Darrowshire (EPL) (Ring of Protection, finger)
Order Must Be Restored/The Scarlet Oracle, Demetria (EPL) (Gorewood Bow, ranged)
You Are Rakh'Likh, Demon  (Blasted Lands) (Demon's Blood, trinket)

At this point, you should basically be geared well enough to tank MC and Ony. If you have any missing slots, consider backtracking into BRD to try for whatever item slots you might still be missing, but really, you should be good even with a few greens left.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on gearing your warrior and good luck in the raiding scene! Honestly, there's a good chance that many of you who follow this guide literally will be fully decked out and ready to raid by the end of Step 1 or 2, but I figured it can't hurt to add a bit more. After all, everyone's going to get attuned to Onyxia anyway, right?

You might have noticed that I've included fire resistance gear in this guide alongside all the other items. This is because tanks are the ones who need the most FR in MC, so I figured it's worth considering picking up the items while running the dungeons. Even if you don't use them all the time, it's a good idea to keep them in your bags for Raggie!

But anyway, that's it for today. If you enjoyed this guide, or found it useful, remember to add your name to my mailing list to get notifications when new guides are released. Also, consider checking out my videos over on YouTube, as I eventually plan to turn all of my guides into video form. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates or to chitchat about Classic, and consider supporting me over on Patreon so that I can invest more time into making content like this for you in the future.

Thank you all for reading. I truly appreciate it. And as always...

Take it easy!

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All High-Level Dungeon Loot and Quest Rewards (for your reference)

BRD Loot

Quests
Disharmony of Fire/Incendius! (Stalwart Clutch, waist).
Hurley Blackbreath/Lost Thunderbrew Recipe (Swiftstrike Cudgel, main hand)
The Princess Saved?/The Princess's Surprise (Thrall's Resolve, finger & Magni's Will, finger)
Operation: Death to Angerforge (Conqueror's Medallion, neck). Horde only.

Head
Golem Skull Helm from Magmus, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Shoulders
Ebonsteel Spaulders from Princess Moira Bronzebeard.

Back
Graverot Cape from Anub'shiah in the Arena. Not the best, but has decent stamina.
Cape of the Fire Salamander from Ambassador Flamelash (has fire resistance).
The Emperor's New Cape from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan.

Chest
Carapace of Anub'shiah from Anub'shiah in the Arena.

Wrists
Emberplate Armguards from Lord Incendius. Random enchantment, but also fire resistance.

Hands
Fists of Phalanx from Phalanx in the Grim Guzzler (arguably better for dps).

Waist
Stonewall Girdle from Grizzle in the Arena.

Legs
Lavacrest Leggings from Bael'Gar.
Legplates of the Eternal Guardian from the Trial of Seven, which are SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Feet
Shalehusk Boots from Panzor the Invincible (rare spawn).

Fingers
Naglering from Golem Lord Arglemach, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.
Emperor's Seal from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. Random enchantment.

Trinkets
Force of Will from General Angerforge, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Main Hand
Grizzle's Skinner from Grizzle in the Arena.
Rubidium Hammer from Bael'Gar.
Lord General's Sword from General Angerforge (better for dps).
Wraith Scythe from the Trial of Seven.
Ironfoe from Emperor Dagran Thaurissan. Epic mace with low drop chance and lots of competition from melee dps. Not a viable option.

Offhand (Shield)
Stoneshell Guard from Lord Roccor.
Rock Golem Bulwark from Panzor the Invincible (rare spawn).

Stratholme Live Loot

Quests
The Great Fras Siabi (Smokey's Lighter, green trinket)

Shoulders
Wailing Nightbane Pauldrons from The Unforgiven, which are GOOD because of defense.

Chest
Skul's Cold Embrace from Skul (rare spawn), which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.

Wrists
Vambraces of the Sadist from Timmy the Cruel (better for dps).

Feet
Master Cannoneer Boots from Cannon Master Willey.
Lightforge Boots from Balnazzar.

Trinkets
Cannonball Runner from Cannon Master Willey (not very good, but something).

Main Hand
Soul Breaker from The Unforgiven.
The Cruel Hand of Timmy from Timmy the Cruel.

Ranged
Willey's Portable Howitzer from Cannon Master Willey (better for dps).

Stratholme Undead Loot

Back
Stoneskin Gargoyle Cape from Stonespine (rare spawn).

Hands
Gauntlets of Valor from Ramstein the Gorger.

Waist
Belt of Valor from trash mobs.

Legs
Legplates of Valor from Baron Rivendare.
Lightforge Legplates from Baron Rivendare.

Feet
Lavawalker Greaves from Maleki the Pallid (green quality with ONLY fire resistance).

Fingers
Band of Flesh from Ramstein the Gorger.

Trinkets
Ramstein's Lightning Bolts from Ramstein the Gorger (not very good, but could help with AoE tanking)

Main Hand
Skullforge Reaver from Baron Rivendare.

Offhand (Shield)
Husk of Nerub'enkan from Nerub'enkan.
Crest of Retribution from Ramstein the Gorger.

Scholomance Loot

Quests
The Lich, Ras Frostwhisper (Warblade of Caer Darrow, 2H Sword & Darrowshire Strongguard, shield)
Kirtonos the Herald (Mirah's Song, 1H Sword)

Head
Helm of Valor from Darkmaster Gandling.
Lightforge Helm from Darkmaster Gandling.

Shoulders
Stoneform Shoulders from Kirtonos the Herald, which are GOOD because of defense.

Chest
Deathbone Chestplate from mini bosses. Low chance, but VERY GOOD because of defense.

Wrists
Lightforge Bracers from Lord Alexi Barov and his trash mobs. Low drop chance.
Vigorsteel Vambraces from Darkmaster Gandling.

Hands
Boneclenched Gauntlets from Ras Frostwhisper, which are SUPER GOOD because of defense.
Deathbone Gauntlets from mini bosses. Low chance, but VERY GOOD because of defense.

Waist
Deathbone Girdle from mini bosses. Low chance, but VERY GOOD because of defense.

Legs
Deathbone Legguards from mini bosses. Low chance, but VERY GOOD because of defense.

Feet
Boots of Valor from Kirtonos the Herald.
Corpselight Greaves from Rattlegore.
Deathbone Sabatons from mini bosses. Low chance, but VERY GOOD because of defense.

Main Hand
Ebon Hilt of Marduk from Marduk Blackpool.

Bonechill Hammer from Ras Frostwhisper.

Iceblade Hacker from Ras Frostwhisper.

Silent Fang from Darkmaster Gandling.

LBRS Loot

Quests
Warlord's Command/Maxwell's Mission (Omokk's Girth Restrainer, belt)

Neck
Talisman of Evasion from War Master Voone.

Hands
Reiver Claws from Overlord Wyrmthalak (better for dps).

Feet
Ribsteel Footguards from Urok Doomhowl (event spawn).

Trinkets
Heart of the Scale from Overlord Wyrmthalak. Very situational.

Main Hand
Demonfork from Bannok Grimaxe (rare spawn).
Rivenspike from Spirestone Butcher (rare spawn).

Ranged
Blackcrow from Shadow Hunter Vosh'gajin, which has hit.
Riphook from Shadow Hunter Vosh'gajin (better for dps).

UBRS Loot

Quests
For the Horde/General Drakkisath's Demise (Mark of Tyranny, trinket)
Onyxia Attunement Chain [Alliance] [Horde] (Drakefire Amulet, neck)

Head
Gyth's Skull from Gyth, which can be SUPER GOOD because of defense, but also has a random resistance enchantment (COULD be fire!)

Neck
Emberfury Talisman from Pyroguard Emberseer (better for dps).

Shoulders
Spaulders of Valor from Warchief Rend Blackhand.

Back
Wildfire Cape from Pyroguard Emberseer. Just for FR.
Bloodmoon Cloak from The Beast.

Chest
Breastplate of Valor from General Drakkisath.
Lightforge Breastplate from General Drakkisath.

Wrists
Battleborn Armbraces from Warchief Rend Blackhand (better for dps).

Waist
Handcrafted Mastersmith Girdle from Goraluk Anvilcrack (rare spawn).
Brigam Girdle from General Drakkisath.

Legs
Handcrafted Mastersmith Leggings from Goraluk Anvilcrack (rare spawn).
Warmaster Legguards from Warchief Rend Blackhand.

Main Hand
Dal'rend's Sacred Charge from Warchief Rend Blackhand.

Offhand (Shield)
Draconian Deflector from General Drakkisath, which is SUPER GOOD because of defense.



Thanks to the Atlasloot addon, itemization.info, and vanillawowdb.com for providing the information on drops, patches, and quests. Also thank you to my wife for not ripping my head off as I spent hours compiling all of this information here.