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 Death Hats
(1) Krokopatra Oblivion Fez
Drops from:
Krokopatra (Exalted) |
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(2) Death Lord's Veil of Woe
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(3) Death Mask of the Usurped
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Majoris Brim of Umbrage
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) Krokopatra Oblivion Fez | Drops from: Krokopatra (Exalted)
Fortunately for those that aren't fans of farming Darkmoor, Death's best hat is located somewhere else - the exalted Krokopatra duel, dropped by the original Krokopatra boss and sold in the Crown Shop. Krokopatra's Oblivion Fez provides superior health, resistance, critical chance, damage, and shadow damage. It's a trade-off for slightly less power pip chance and piercing on the Malistaire hat, stats that are not as important.
(2) Death Lord's Veil of Woe | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
If you'd rather one-stop-shop for all your best gear, you're in luck with Malistaire the Undying and Shadow Malistaire in The Graveyard. For as evil as this boss is, his gear is great. Plus, he's recently acquired a second-chance chest, making it a great place to farm with likelihood of getting at least one thing you need. Malistaire the Undying's gear is a reliable choice for Death wizards.
(3) Death Mask of the Usurped | 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 Death Mask of the Usurped is the hat for your Death character. Unlike the previous two hats, the Death Mask of the Usurped holds no 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 Brim of Umbrage | 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 Death 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: Helm of the Felled Kondha > Hades' Helm of Torment > Depths of Darkmoor Cover
- For offense: Titan Warrior Helm of Torpor > Mantis Cowl of Lamentation
- Other: Rogue's Menacing Cap
Best Death Robes
(1) Bonesmasher Robe of Strife
Drops from:
Rattlebones (Exalted) |
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(2) Death Lord's Cloak of Woe
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(3) Boneplate of the Usurped
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Depths of Darkmoor Raiment
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) Bonesmasher Robe of Strife | Drops from: Rattlebones (Exalted)
Again, if you're not a fan of Darkmoor, you're in luck. The Exalted Rattlebones duel used to be one of the tougher ones, but with Indemnity and adding in Ice Dispels, he has become one of the easier fights. The robe makes only slight power pip and accuracy sacrifices for increases in health, damage, resistance, and critical, plus it comes with a card you might actually use.
(2) Death Lord's Cloak of Woe | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
Malistaire the Undying provides the next best stats, and while you won't soon be using the cards provided by any of the Darkmoor robes, the game now allows you to simply "x" them out of your deck to avoid clutter. There are no benefits to this robe that can't be quickly made up by jewels or that are as significant as the superior stats on the Bonesmasher Robe, but this robe has the benefit of being in one place with other gear and a chest.
(3) Boneplate of the Usurped | 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 Death 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) Depths of Darkmoor Raiment | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Sir Blackwater, Others
This robe is another opportunity for Death 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' Armor of Torment > Champion's Armor of Courage > Valiant Paladin's Armor
- For offense: Hades' Armor of Mortality
- Other: Turquoise Eagle's Raiment
Best Death Boots
(1) Death Lord's Greaves of Woe
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Ancient Purrzian Boots
Drops from:
Ghulture's Hoard Pack |
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(3) Sollerets of the Usurped
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(3) Majoris Stalkers of Umbrage
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) Death Lord's Greaves of Woe | 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 Purrzian Boots | Drops from: Ghulture's Hoard Pack
These boots are powerful in a different way. It has over double the health of the Death Lord's Greaves of Woe, more resistance, and better damage and shadow pip chance. It does trade out the block, piercing, and accuracy for critical. Some Death wizards may choose these simply for the different bonuses.
(3) Sollerets of the Usurped | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor
If the impressive health and damage on the Ancient Purzzian Boots doesn't draw you in, the Sollerets of the Usurped might be a good option for you. While certainly inferior to the Death Lord's Greaves of Woe, they offer decent stat lines that put them in the top three for boots.
(4) Majoris Stalkers of Umbrage | 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 Stalkers of Umbrage. 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 Death 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' Furtive Stalkers > Depths of Darkmoor Stalkers > Rogue's Menacing Striders
- For offense: Time Warden Galesh of Gloom > Titan Warrior Torpor Riders
- Other: Lucky Rogue's Striders
Best Death Wands
(1) Eye of the Soothsayer
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard Pack |
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(2) Deathmetal Skull
Drops from:
Road Warrior's Hoard Pack |
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(3) Aquilan Charioteer Lance
Drops from:
Immortal's Lore Pack |
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(4) Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard Pack |
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(5) Witch Hunter's Arbalest
Drops from:
Witch Hunter's 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) Eye of the Soothsayer | Drops from: Terror's Hoard Pack
This Terror's Hoard Wand not only provides top-notch critical and block, it also includes 11% damage and 4% piercing, plus the chance of a 1000-damage may cast when you use a wand hit. It's a great option for Death wizards. Note that you need the level 110+ version of this wand, as the 100+ version gives power pip chance instead, a stat that is easy to supplement.
(2) Deathmetal Skull | Drops from: Road Warrior's Hoard Pack
Some Death wizards may choose this Road Warrior's Hoard Pack wand because of its socket - you can sneak an extra bit of resistance or even 5% stun resistance on this wand in addition to impressive critical and block with 4% piercing and 10% damage.
(3) Aquilan Charioteer Lance | Drops from: Immortal's Lore Pack
If you're working on battles that require a lot of pierce, this lance might be for you. It trades some damage (only 8%) for 6% piercing and includes the square socket.
(4) Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye | Drops from: Terror's Hoard Pack
While offering only 6% damage and 3% piercing, this wand is one of few that will provide the same top-notch critical and block. If you hit with off-school spells or use spells like Loremaster with a mastery amulet, this wand might be helpful as it offers universal damage.(5) Witch Hunter's Arbalest | Drops from: Witch Hunter's Bundle
For those who wish to focus purely on offense or are unable to get any of the previous wands, the Witch Hunter's Arbalest is a good option. It sacrifices the ever-important block, but offers the most impressive damage and noteworthy pierce in addition to good critical. It works well on more aggressive, glass-canon type setups, which can actually work for Death given their ability to steal health with spells.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: Seal Team Demolitions Hammer
- For critical: Shard Warrior's Hammer > Tormentor's Shredder
- For piercing: Lord of Death's Dragonstaff
- For damage: Qismah's Legendary Dagger > Majoris Remnant of Umbrage
- For universal stats: Snowdrifter's Staff > Dragoon's Rapier
- Other: Luphilim's Grim Longsword
Best Death Athames
(1) Lord of Death's Razor
Drops from:
Yevgeny NightCreeper |
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(2) Mercy of Shadow and Light
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(3) Blade of the Felled Titan
Drops from:
Cronus |
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(4) Hopper's Edge of Extinction
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) Lord of Death's Razor | 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 Lord of Death's Razor gives universal damage, superior block, accuracy, and more that makes it the top choice for Death wizards.
(2) Mercy of Shadow and Light | Drops from: Morganthe
This athame trades is universal damage for 1% higher Death damage. Death wizards who do any healing may choose to invest in this athame because it offers 21% outgoing healing bonus (those who don't heal, 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) Hopper's Edge of Extinction | 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 Death 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. If you're still looking for an alternative, I recommend the following:- For stats: Sharp Edge of the Void
- For damage: Aphrodite's Poisonthorn > Ghost Dog's Edge of Defeat
- For healing: Cosmic Kris > Wolf's Emerald Talon
- Other: King Alric's Royal Athame
Best Death Amulets
(1) Shadow Queen's Grace
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(2) Amulet of Divine Influence
Drops from:
Hades the Unseen |
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(3) Death Seeker's Talisman
Drops from:
Shane von Shane |
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(4) Embodiment of Death Charm
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 Queen's Grace | 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) Death Seeker's Talisman | 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) Embodiment of Death Charm | 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: Charm of the Soul Devourer > Phylactery of the Wicked
- For cards: Eerem Talisman of Menace > Sand Sea Charm of Emptiness > Barbarian Philosopher's Mark
- For resistance: Jawniak's Torc of Deceit > Arcanum Exile Torc of Strife > Warlord Minak's Medallion
- Other: Benzzi's Campaign Memento > Shango's Deathblade Amulet
Best Death Rings
(1) Lord of Death's Coil
Drops from:
Aphrodite II |
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(2) Insignia of the Dark Woman
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(3) Alpha and Omega Ring
Drops from:
Gladiator Dimachaerus |
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(4) Apocalypto Ring
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) Lord of Death's Coil | 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) Insignia of the Dark Woman | Drops from: Morganthe
While one damage short of the Alpha and Omega Ring, the Insignia of the Dark Woman offers the additional square jewel slot, 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) Apocalypto Ring | 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 Death 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: Ring of the Ceasless Dark > Ghost Dog's Samoorai Band > Ring of Mortis
- 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 Isolation > Ring of Shmo's Downfall > Arcanum Exile Band of Strife
- Other: Fatesailor's Signet
Best Death Decks
(1) Luphilim's Grim Gallery
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
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(2) Luphilim's Eternal Deck
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
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(3) Horizon Hold Array of Gloom (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 Hand of Revolt
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 Grim Gallery | Drops from: Omen Stribog
Superior in almost every way to other decks, Omen's is a great choice for Death 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) Horizon Hold Array of Gloom (Others) | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
This includes the Horizon Hold Array of Gloom, Rasputin's Wicked Hand, and the Arcanum Exile Bevy of Strife. All three decks provide the same stat line, but they each provide a different jewel socket: either a triangle, tear, or square. Death 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 Hand of Revolt | 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 Spread of Menace
- For stats: Istanboa Array of Ruin > Kobra Hand of Demise > Array of Mighty Istanboa
- For damage: Gallery of the Woebegone
What gear will you be using for your Death wizard?
Thanks for reading and see you in the Spiral! Thanks to Cody Raventamer and Eric Stormbringer for their review of this list and suggested hat and boot additions.
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