Note that gear choices will always be somewhat subjective. I have done my best to provide the best gear choices available based on general consensus, what people traditionally choose to use, and direct stat lines. Also note that this post is concerned primarily with self-sustaining builds in which the wizard is looking to make their own character as powerful as possible, and does not cover more specialty setups for team play.
Looking for another school?
Please note: Jewels are dropped separately from items. The bonus stats they provide are not included on the item pictured. Items come with empty jewel sockets and some must be unlocked. For more information, see a guide to jewels and socketing here.| Click to jump: | Hats | Robes | Boots | Wands | Athames | Amulets | Rings | Decks |
Best Balance Hats
(1) Masque of the Exalted One
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Krokopatra Justice Fez
Drops from:
Krokopatra (Exalted) |
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(3) Helm of Castle Darkmoor
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Majoris Helm of Cohesion
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
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Considering Hats
All gear tends to evolve over different level tiers, but the general trend for hats currently is that they provide damage and critical, with a heavy emphasis on offensive stats. The best hats for wizards will also include armor piercing and pip chance.
(1) Masque of the Exalted One | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
Although the stat gaps between the top options are somewhat small, the Masque of the Exalted One is slightly superior, meaning Balance wizards will need to stop by Darkmoor for their best hat. The good news is that it's a one-stop shop for a lot of the best gear.
(2) Krokopatra Justice Fez | Drops from: Krokopatra (Exalted)
If you're really not a fan of Malistaire, you can try your hand at the Exalted Krokopatra duel for the Krokopatra Justice Fez. While the hat has decreased versions of many of the stats present on the Malistaire option, it's still a good choice for Balance wizards, and is superior in some ways.
(3) Helm of Castle Darkmoor | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor
If you're looking to stay competitive when it comes to gear, but aren't a fan of Malistaire, the Helm of Castle Darkmoor is the hat for your Balance character. The Helm of Castle Darkmoor holds few stat values higher than any other options presented on the list, but its stats are still impressive and it's more widely available from other Darkmoor bosses.
(4) Majoris Helm of Cohesion | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
If none of the bosses so far work for you, Rasputin offers a more offensive-leaning hat with good stats for Balance wizards, include critical, piercing, and impressive damage. You may also be able to snag some other items while farming The Rat.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For stats: Order of the Tygron Helm > Hades' Helm of Justice > Darkmoor Herald's Mantle
- For offense: Titan Warrior Honesty Cowl > Hood of Harmonius Trade > Trader's Hood of Fairness
- Other: Rogue's Equalizing Cap
Best Balance Robes
(1) Drape of the Exalted One
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Bonesmasher Robe of Poise
Drops from:
Rattlebones (Exalted) |
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(3) Raiment of Castle Darkmoor
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Darkmoor Herald's Gear
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Sir Blackwater, Others |
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Considering Robes
Robes tend to fluctuate and can lean either offensive or defensive, with the best robes providing a good mix of both. As this guide emphasized self-sufficient builds, we are looking for robes that can increase damage output while providing adequate defenses for enemies (and players) of increasing difficulty.
(1) Drape of the Exalted One | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
Balance wizards will need to stop by Malistaire if they want their best possible robe. The stat increases for some of the items on the Rattlebones robe are slightly higher, but losing 3% accuracy and 4% power pip chance with no damage increase doesn't make up the difference for Fire. This is great if you're hoping to get all your gear in one spot.
(2) Bonesmasher Robe of Poise | Drops from: Rattlebones (Exalted)
If you still can't stand Malistaire, you can try the Exalted Rattlebones duel for a chance at this Balance robe. He used to be one of the tougher duels, but with Indemnity and/or some Ice Dispels, it really isn't too difficult. This robe provides a card you may actually use.
(3) Raiment of Castle Darkmoor | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor
Like with the hats, this robe is in no way superior to either of the two options, but still a good robe for Balance wizards. What's great about these secondary pieces is that because they drop from two other bosses before Malistaire, you have a decent chance to snag one and furthermore could simply farm two bosses into the Upper Halls rather than all the way through The Graveyard.
(4) Darkmoor Herald's Gear | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Sir Blackwater, Others
This robe is another opportunity for Balance wizards to stay competitive with pretty good stats, but avoid having to run The Graveyard and fight Malistaire the Undying. None of the stats are superior to the other Malistaire robes, but it's still a good choice.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For stats: Hades' Raiment of Justice > Paladin's Armor of Virtue > Champion's Armor of Courage
- For offense: Raiment of Hades' Ruin
- Other: Valiant Paladin's Armor > Turquoise Eagle's Raiment
Best Balance Boots
(1) Sabatons of the Exalted One
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Ancient Purzzian Boots (Others)
Drops from:
Ghulture's Hoard Pack |
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(3) Castle Darkmoor Footwraps
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Majoris Runners of Cohesion
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
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Considering Boots
Boots tend to focus more on defensive elements, with, often decent resistance and sometimes with impressive damage. Usually they include block, though more recent updates have provided options with critical. They tend to offer the lowest stats between hats, robes, and boots.
(1) Sabatons of the Exalted One | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
Those who are not fans of Darkmoor are out of luck on boots. The best pair comes from Malistaire, with the most impressive stat line and highest block chance, which has become increasingly important with critical block and decay.
(2) Ancient Purzzian Boots (Others) | Drops from: Ghulture's Hoard Pack
This includes the Ancient Purzzian Boots and the Ancient Purzzian Galesh. These boots are powerful in a different way. It has over double the health of the Sabatons of the Exalted One, more resistance, and better damage and shadow pip chance. It does trade out the block, piercing, and accuracy for critical. Some Balance wizards may choose these simply for the different bonuses.
(3) Castle Darkmoor Footwraps | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor
If the impressive health and damage on the Ancient Purzzian Boots don't draw you in, the Castle Darkmoor Footwraps might be a good option for you. While certainly inferior to the Sabatons of the Exalted One, they offer decent stat lines that put them in the top three for boots.
(4) Majoris Runners of Cohesion | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
If you're planning on stopping by Rasputin for some of your other items, you may be able to grab the Majoris Runners of Cohesion. These boots provide great damage, critical, and piercing, in addition to a major health increase compared to some other boots. These are a solid option for Balance wizards.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For stats: Hades' Boots of Justice > Herald of Darkmoor's Shoes > Rogue's Equalizing Striders
- For offense: Time Warden Galesh of Truth > Titan Warrior Honesty Boots
- Other: Lucky Rogue's Striders
Best Balance Wands
(1) Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard Pack |
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(2) Witch Hunter's Arbalest
Drops from:
Witch Hunter's Bundle |
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(3) Snowdrifter's Staff
Drops from:
Winter Wonder Pack |
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(4) Seal Team Assault Hammer
Drops from:
Witch's Hoard Pack |
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(5) Dragoon's Rapier
Drops from:
Cuckoo Clock Gauntlet Bundle |
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Considering Wands
Wands evolve a lot based on availability. As of recently, damage is king. It's one of the primary, reliable stats you want on your wands. Pierce, while still important, is not always used, unlike damage. Impressive may cast abilities and more are also included on the best wands. These should be a substantial source for critical and block where possible. Many of these wands come from packs and bundles.
(1) Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye | Drops from: Terror's Hoard Pack
Unfortunately, Balance doesn't get damage on many of the best wands, but they do have an option in the Terror's Hoard Pack in the Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye. You'll get the best available critical block along with universal damage and piercing.
(2) Witch Hunter's Abalest | Drops from: Witch Hunter's Bundle
While sacrificing the block, this wand has a lot of the strong points of those given to other classes, including an impressive 12% damage bonus along with piercing. While traditionally designed for a more aggressive build, Balance's options are somewhat limited.
(3) Snowdrifter's Staff | Drops from: Winter Wonder Pack
If you don't need as much critical, and you're looking for a little pip conversion in addition to a square socket for other bonuses, the Snowdrifter's Staff may be for you. The advantages of pursuing this wand in the Winter Wonder Pack are that you may snag other nice energy gear pieces, with the obvious disadvantage being that the pack is only available during one part of the year.
(4) Seal Team Assault Hammer | Drops from: Witch's Hoard Pack
A surprisingly viable wand option, the Seal Team Assault Hammer is similar to the Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye, but has much less critical and block. Balance wizards may still choose to spring for this option over others because of its damage bonus and spread of stats among critical, block, piercing, and damage.(5) Dragoon's Rapier | Drops from: Cuckoo Clock Gauntlet Bundle
Another viable option, particularly for more aggressive builds, is the Dragoon's Rapier. Especially in the piercing department, this wand isn't a bad option for Balance wizards, but also highlights the lack of wand options in comparison to other schools.Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For critical: Shard Warrior's Hammer > Jack Hallow's Guitar
- For piercing: Staff of the Void Stalker
- For damage: Jaki's Legendary Bow > Majoris Relic of Cohesion
- Other: Luphilim's Valiant Saber
Best Balance Athames
(1) Athame of the Dark Usurper
Drops from:
Yevgeny NightCreeper |
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(2) Athame of the Chosen One
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(3) Blade of the Felled Titan
Drops from:
Cronus |
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(4) Elder's Razor of Caution
Recipe from:
Wozina the EdgeCutter |
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Considering Athames
Athames have become incredible offense pieces, often offering as many stats as a robe and close to as much damage. They provide sockets, which allow for tacking on extra stats, namely health and school-specific armor piercing. The triangle slot is sometimes used to fill the gaps on other stats, or for cards including may cast abilities.
(1) Athame of the Dark Usurper | Drops from: Yevgeny NightCreeper
Even if you're not a fan of Darkmoor, this one isn't too bad to farm. Yevgeny NightCreeper is the first boss in The Graveyard. The Athame of the Dark Usurper gives universal damage, superior block, accuracy, and more that makes it the top choice for Balance wizards.
(2) Athame of the Chosen One | Drops from: Morganthe
This athame trades is universal damage for 1% higher Balance damage. Balance wizards who do any healing may choose to invest in this athame because it offers 17% outgoing healing bonus (those who don't heal as much, on the other hand, will benefit far more from the other).
(3) Blade of the Felled Titan | Drops from: Cronus
This athame from Cronus gives you an opportunity to change up your farming locations. It offers comparable damage but sacrifices a few nice stats, including one circle socket, which essentially amounts to 6% piercing.
(4) Elder's Razor of Caution | Recipe from: Wozina the Edgecutter
If you're not into farming, you can rejoice at the fact that this athame, while sacrificing some damage, offers a little bonus piercing and decent stats for Balance wizards. While this will typically be more of a specialty athame, it's a surprisingly viable option for crafted gear.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. You should know that from here on out, athames go down hill pretty quickly, but if you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For stats: Claw of the Bone Dragon > Herald of Darkmoor's Knife
- For damage: Aphrodite's Barb of Veracity > Royal Guard's Honed Razor
- For healing: Cosmic Kris > Wolf's Emerald Talon
- Other: King Alric's Royal Athame
Best Balance Amulets
(1) Morganthe's Shadow of Amber
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(2) Amulet of Divine Influence
Drops from:
Hades the Unseen |
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(3) Travelling Dead's Charm
Drops from:
Shane von Shane |
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(4) Vial from the Fetid Lagoon
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Howling Chaney, Sir Blackwater |
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Considering Amulets
Amulets used to be purely card sources, and that's still an important aspect. but new amulets may offer critical, block, piercing, resistance, and health. They also have sockets that allow for more stat additions than ever.
(1) Shadow of Amber | Drops from: Morganthe
Morganthe, despite now being two worlds back, remains to be a good source for rings and athames, but she tops the chart with her amulets. These amulets offer two item card versions of school blades that stack with others, making these really spectacular for regular play already. While its stats are in some ways inferior to the Amulet of Divine Influence, it's much easier to get and the cards push it over the top.
(2) Amulet of Divine Influence | Drops from: Hades the Unseen
One of the most elusive and desired items in the game, the Amulet of Divine Influence is a powerful choice in terms of stats. Notable differences are trading in one tear socket for a square one and a less useful card.
(3) Travelling Dead's Charm | Drops from: Shane von Shane
This amulet doesn't look quite as fancy as the one from Hades, but you're really only sacrificing the block. You get two cards you might actually use - an offensive aura for regular play and Shadow Shields for certain bosses (like the Shaddowwock's massive shadow meteor). It drops from Shane von Shane in the Upper Halls, meaning you can safely avoid The Graveyard.
(4) Vial from the Fetid Lagoon | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Howling Chaney, Sir Blackwater
In terms of Darkmoor farming, this amulet is about as easy as it gets. All it requires is fighting the first boss of the first dungeon. Plus, you could end up picking it up elsewhere. It's a good option with the same sockets and slightly decreased stats, with only the block missing.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:
- For damage: House of Scales Talisman > Scales of Justice Charm
- For cards: Eerem Courtier's Talisman > Sand Sea Wanderer's Charm > Rubal Wastes Necklace
- For resistance: Jarilo's Talisman of Decorum > Steady Arcanum Exile Ampul > Warlord Minak's Medallion
- Other: Eerem Talisman of Harmony > Rubal Necklace of Loyalty > House Djinn's Amulet
Best Balance Rings
(1) Signet of Carpathes
Drops from:
Aphrodite II |
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(2) Loop of the Umbra Legion
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(3) Alpha and Omega Ring
Drops from:
Gladiator Dimachaerus |
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(4) Xibalba's Dread Seal
Drops from:
Blighted Yaxche, Cipactli, Tartarus Bosses |
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Considering Rings
Rings are similar to athames but with slightly less emphasis on offense, often offering more block and not typically offering a second circle socket like the athames. They often offer a slightly higher health value and strong power pip chance.
(1) Signet of Carpathes | Drops from: Aphrodite II
For this one, you'll want to stop by a new farming spot: Aphrodite II. Easily one of the most nasty bosses around, Aphrodite has a variety of cheats that can make farming a royal pain. However, after each fight, you're guaranteed one drop that you can use. Plus, this ring isn't the only gem there. There's lots of good energy gear, too.
(2) Loop of the Umbra Legion | Drops from: Morganthe
The Loop of the Umbra Legion offers the additional square jewel slot compared to the Alpha and Omega, which could mean more healing, more stun resistance, or more resistance in general. Plus you may be able to pick it up from Morganthe while farming an amulet or athame.
(3) Alpha and Omega Ring | Drops from: Gladiator Dimachaerus
A reliable choice for wizards of different schools, the Alpha and Omega ring is dropped by a repeatable battle within Mount Olympus, which means you'll need the Aquila zones if you're interested. It may allow you, however, to change up your farming location and still have some nice loot to show for it.
(4) Xibalba's Dread Seal | Drops from: Blight Yaxche, Cipactli, Tartarus Bosses
It's really interesting here how far we drop back in level to this ring, but its damage in combination with the sockets it offers and other stats make it a ring at the forefront of options for Balance wizards. You may be able to pick it up when farming for an Amulet of Divine Influence in Tartarus or from Blighted Yaxche or Cipactli.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For stats: Crique of Neverwhere > Shadow of the Lands Ring > Herald of Darkmoor's Seal
- For healing: Seal of the Fifth Column > Ring of the Dying Star > Storm Caiman's Tailbiter Ring
- For self-healing: Stellar Signet > Ring of the Hunting Wolf
- For critical: Tetrus Ringlet of Fusion > Loranzo's Unbreakable Loop > Luphilim's Valiant Band
- Other: Fatesailor's Signet
Best Balance Decks
(1) Luphilim's Valiant Set
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
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(2) Luphilim's Eternal Deck
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
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(3) Gallant Hand of Horizon Hold (Others)
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
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(4) Ancient Deck of Horizon Hold (Others)
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
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(5) Patriote Sheaf of Presitge
Drops from:
Baba Yaga |
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Considering Decks
Decks have just recently started providing stats, and more socket options to fill in missing stats. The best decks provide an additional starting pip that can totally transform strategies and make x-round kills a possibility where they were not previously. Most top decks offer health, critical, and block. As trends for small decks increase, the importance on having so many copies available has decreased.
(1) Luphilim's Valiant Set | Drops from: Omen Stribog
Superior in almost every way to other decks, Omen's is a great choice for Balance wizards, offering great health, block, and critical bonuses plus the starting pip.
(2) Luphilim's Eternal Deck | Drops from: Omen Stribog
Omen's general deck is the next boss option, offering solid stat lines including the critical, block, health, and starting pip. Both Omen decks offer what is considered to be the best jewel for decks: a triangle socket.
(3) Gallant Hand of Horizon Hold (Others) | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
This includes the Gallant Hand of Horizon Hold, Steady Arcanum Exile Hand, and Rasputin's Bevy of Answers. All three decks provide the same stat line, but they each provide a different jewel socket: either a triangle, tear, or square. Balance wizards may choose these decks for various jewel options.
(4) Ancient Deck of Horizon Hold (Others) | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
This includes the Ancient Deck of Horizon Hold, Chief Advisor's Pack of Lies, and Parcel of the Arcanum Exile. All three decks again provide the same stat line, but they each provide a different jewel socket: either a triangle, tear, or square.
(5) Patriote Sheaf of Prestige | Drops from: Baba Yaga
This deck from Baba Yaga continue to provide the important starting pip with the other critical stats offered by superior decks, even though it requires only level 105.
Other Options
Sometimes the top-notch stuff just isn't working out for you and you need something else. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:
- For a starting pip: Patriote Deck of Victory > Tetrus Prison Deck > Eerem Gallery of Ability
- For stats: Kobra Hand of Amnity > Array of Mighty Istanboa
- For damage: LimeBlight's Gallery
What gear will you be using for your Balance wizard?
Thanks for reading and see you in the Spiral! Credits: Thanks to Destiny Rain for the Seal Team wand image! Thanks to Cody Raventamer and Eric Stormbringer for their review of this list and suggested hat and boot additions. Thanks to Cody for the Rasputin hat image!
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