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Shifting Perspectives: Gearing a restoration druid in patch 4.2, part 2

allison robert
Updated ·6 min read

Every week, WoW Insider brings you Shifting Perspectives for cat, bear, restoration and balance druids. This Tuesday, we finish gearing up in Firelands.

Greetings, my fellow trees. This week we're going to finish off our series on gearing a restoration druid in patch 4.2. Part one included headpieces, neckpieces, shoulders, cloaks, chestpieces, bracers, gloves, belts, legs and boots. Today we'll address rings, trinkets, weapons, off-hands, and relics. Yes, the tank threat changes from this past week merit commentary as well, but before we do that, run -- don't walk -- to your nearest tier 6 raid in search of Thunderheart.

Aaaaaand ... transmogrify!

With God as my witness, I will never wear a hunter polearm (or at least give the appearance of doing so) again!

As before, if your druid is brand new to level 85 or still leveling, you'll probably find the older series of guides a bit more immediately useful:

Read: Gearing a restoration druid in patch 4.2, part 1



Rings

Unfortunately, there are no ring drops with spirit in the Firelands, so the Shannox drop is likely to be competitive. Luckily for us, the best-in-slot ring is a reputation piece.

Trinkets

As with every guide I've done previously, trinkets are ranked purely according to item level here because it's extremely difficult to rate the individual value of each proc. Some healers will prioritize longevity; others will prioritize throughput. Use your best judgment, and don't be afraid to swap trinkets in and out for different fights.

Unfortunately, there are no new trinkets available from Zul'Aman or Zul'Gurub, so your first new option is going to be the Moonwell Chalice from questing through the Molten Front. Otherwise, the Shard of Woe is still godly if you can convince your guild to keep farming Sinestra.

One-handed weapons

A one-handed weapon with an off-hand is the best option if you're purely on the lookout for more intellect. You'll want a staff if there's a secondary stat you're looking to beef. The best option outside of raids for the moment is the new blacksmithing BOE, although it'll be very expensive to have made.

Enchant Power Torrent or Heartsong

Off-hands

There are not a lot of new options in patch 4.2, but the Molten Front will provide one if you keep questing. You can also try for the Molten Scream off Baleroc, but unfortunately it has hit.

Enchant Enchant Off-Hand -- Superior Intellect

Staves

I had a cute Twitter conversation with folks a while back on how Dragonwrath is actually best in slot for restoration as well as balance druids at present. If you're running your guild and everyone hates your caster DPS, I suppose you might have a shot, but otherwise ...

Enchant Power Torrent or Heartsong

Relics

As with the off-hand slot, you'll have a good option available from the Molten Front if you keep up with your dailies, although you can always just save valor points toward the Soulflame or Singed Plume as you prefer.

Shifting Perspectives helps you gear your bear druid, breaks down the facts about haste for trees, and then digs into the restoration mastery. You might also enjoy our look at the disappearance of the bear.