Cataclysm Classic Survival Hunter Rotation and Cooldowns

There are two major changes in the Hunter rotation transitioning from Wrath to Cataclysm. First, Hunters now use Focus as a resource instead of Mana. Focus operates similar to a Rogue's energy, meaning our rotation now involves spending Focus to deal damage and then using filler shots such as Cobra Shot to generate Focus. Second, Hunters can now fully attack on the move, which includes auto shots. You will always continue auto shotting your target as long as you are in range and facing them, so you will never need to worry about stutter stepping while moving like in Wrath.

Overall, our rotation looks very similar to how it did in Wrath. We still maintain a priority system, with the big difference being managing your focus.

Always start by ensuring all the required buffs are active, you have Aspect of the Hawk up, and Hunter's Mark is on the target.

1. Cast and maintain Serpent Sting;
2. Explosive Shot;
3. Kill Shot below 20%;
4. Black Arrow;
5. Arcane Shot at 65+ focus;
6. Cobra Shot to generat focus, which will also maintain Serpent Sting;

When Lock and Load procs, you are able to use three Explosive Shot back-to-back. However, if you spam them out, the DoTs will overwrite and you will waste a significant amount of damage. Whenever you get a Lock and Load proc, you should always use one other ability in between each Explosive Shot use. This will ensure each Explosive Shot ticks the full duration.

For multi-target, Survival Hunters have an extremely simple rotation. This should be your rotation on three or more targets.

1. Explosive Trap;
2. Multi-Shot at least once every 6 seconds to maintain Serpent Sting on all targets;
3. Multi-Shot to spend focus;
4. Explosive Shot during Lock and Load procs;
5. Cobra Shot to generate focus.

Hunters have several cooldowns that can be lined up for huge burst windows. While the actual timings may vary per fight, in general you should line up all of these on pull and then use them on cooldown afterwards, overlapping them when possible.

• Rapid Fire is a Hunter's most important cooldown. It increases your ranged attack speed by 40% for 15 seconds.
• Call of the Wild is a cooldown that Ferocity pets can talent into. It gives both you and your pet 10% more AP for 20 seconds.

Hunters have several aspects that you can utilize in combat, but only two will be your primary choices: Aspect of the Hawk and Aspect of the Fox. Use Aspect of the Hawk during your normal rotation and whenever standing still. If you ever need to move, you can use Aspect of the Fox to be able to cast some shots while moving. You should always switch to Aspect of the Hawk for any instant shots however. The only reason to ever use Fox is for movement.