The Burning Crusade Hunter General Teamplay

7.5 General Teamplay

7.5.1 Buffs
As with all classes, we are heavily dependent on buffs. Ask for buffs, water, etc. Enough said.

7.5.2 Focus Fire
Often in PvP it is most effective to have the party focus on one or a few targets at a time. Hunter's Mark of course makes this easy for a hunter to point out targets in both PvE and PvP. In arenas, focus fire is critical, so it is often advisable to create an assist macro, which is as easy as one line /assist Syrana (or whatever the name of your main assist is).

7.5.3 Playing effectively at low levels
Be aware that as a DPS class, you will generally do noticeably worse in BGs if you join when you are not near the level cap. This is particularly true in low level BGs because the % difference between the top and bottom level restrictions is much greater than in higher level BGs. For example, if you join a 10-19 WSG as a lvl10, then the lvl19 players will be almost double your level. However, if you join a 50-59BG as a lvl50, then the level difference is only 18%. Another factor to consider about joining as a low level character is that your higher level counterparts will have both talents and skills that you don't, so it's not just a matter of you having inferior stats.

On the few occasions when I join BGs when I'm near the bottom of the level range, I typically have to change my mindset. Since I'll die to just about anyone 1on1, I generally try to avoid combat and think more strategically in terms of supporting the FC in WSG, serving as a distraction, defending nodes in AB, setting tras, etc.

For example, wait for other players to engage before you do, avoid getting into any 1on1's since they will usually be instant death, and focus on helping guarding flags or nodes. For example, it's often assumed that the lowest level player in AB will guard the stables/farm after initially taking it. Specific things that hunters can do in BGs that are level independent include:
1) Guarding nodes or flag and being vocal about warning your team when you see incoming on your radar.
2) Setting traps and using concussive or scatter shot to slow opposing FCs or slow enemies who are chasing your CC.
3) Using auras such as trushot, AotW, and AotP to passively support your team.

In particular, traps and CC are reasonably effective regardless of level; unlike against PvE mobs, these actually will work on players who are higher level than you versus being resisted.

7.5.4 Score Screen
Since hunters are a DPS class, we tend to do very well in BGs in terms of killing blows, overall kills, and DPS. In addition, we have not only our own attacks but our pets' to count towards killing blows. All in all, it's not difficult for a hunter to stay on the top of the rankings in a BG. However, don't get distracted by this. BGs are not strictly about killing, and often the players who are at the top of the ranks are counterproductive because they are deliberately farming HKs or just stealing killing blows from other players who have already weakened their targets. I would argue that the kill rankings should just be removed period from BGs so that players can focus more on objectives.

In general, do not look at the kill rankings, and don't get fixated on killing blows. If you do so, you'll likely end up playing suboptimally such as wasting an arcane shot on an enemy that is already near dead because you want the KB. Instead, conserve mana and pick your targets carefully -- if an enemy is already getting beaten on and is handled, move to another target. Since you are ranged, you'll have an easier time switching targets than many other classes. Use your abilities to the glory of your own team, not your own glory. And remember that you do not get any additional honor from KBs, and you only need to be in the vicinity of a dying enemy player to receive honor.

7.5.5 Honor
Also, a key basic point about BGs is that you do not uniquely earn more honor or rep from capping flags or taking nodes. The whole team earns the same amount. Some players who don't realize this concept will ninja the flag from better players because they think they'll get more honor for it.