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 Storm Hats
(1) Malistaire's Cowl of Flux
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Krokopatra Maelstrom Fez
Drops from:
Krokopatra (Exalted) |
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(3) Battle Mage's Helm of Furor
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Majoris Helm of Fortitude
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) Malistaire's Cowl of Flux | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
Storm's gear probably has the biggest gap between the top two choices. Malistaire's Cowl of Flux is clearly superior to any of the other options, meaning Storm wizards will need to stop by Darkmoor if they want the best possible items for their wizard.
(2) Krokopatra Maelstrom 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 Maelstrom Fez. While the hat has decreased versions of many of the stats present on the Malistaire option, it's still a good choice for Storm wizards.
(3) Battle Mage's Helm of Furor | 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 Battle Mage's Helm of Furor is the hat for your Storm character. The Battle Mage's Helm of furor 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 Fortitude | 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 Storm 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: Dust Devil Helmet > Blackthunder Helm > Raging Blackwater's Helm
- For offense: Titan Warrior Brim of Waves > Hood of Desert Rains
- Other: Rogue's Rushing Cap
Best Storm Robes
(1) Malistaire's Cloak of Flux
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Bonesmasher Robe of Sparks
Drops from:
Rattlebones (Exalted) |
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(3) Battle Mage's Gear of Furor
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Raging Blackwater's Plate
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) Malistaire's Cloak of Flux | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
The robe options again present one of the largest gaps between options yet. Storm wizards, from the next item down the list, gain 4% power pip chance, 10% accuracy, and 3% damage, so Malistaire's Cloak of Flux is definitely the way to go for Storm wizards.
(2) Bonesmasher Robe of Sparks | Drops from: Rattlebones (Exalted)
If you still can't stand Malistaire, you can try the Exalted Rattlebones duel for a chance at this Storm 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) Battle Mage's Gear of Furor | 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 Storm 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.
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: Blackthunder Armor > Champion's Armor of Courage > Valiant Paladin's Armor
- For offense: Hades' Armor of the Abyss
- Other: Turquoise Eagle's Raiment
Best Storm Boots
(1) Malistaire's Boots of Flux
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
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(2) Ancient Purzzian Givehs
Drops from:
Ghulture's Hoard Pack |
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(3) Battle Mage's Boots of Furor
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
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(4) Majoris Shoes of Fortitude
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) Malistaire's Boots of Flux | 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 Givehs | Drops from: Ghulture's Hoard Pack
These boots are powerful in a different way. It has over double the health of Malistaire's Boots of Flux, more resistance, and better damage and shadow pip chance. It does trade out the block, piercing, and accuracy for critical. Some Storm wizards may choose these simply for the different bonuses.
(3) Battle Mage's Boots of Furor | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor
If the impressive health and damage on the Ancient Purzzian Givehs don't draw you in, the Battle Mage's Boots of Furor might be a good option for you. While certainly inferior to Malistaire's Boots of Flux, they offer decent stat lines that put them in the top three for boots.
(4) Majoris Shoes of Fortitude | 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 Shoes of Fortitude. 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 Storm 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: Blackthunder Walkers > Raging Blackwater's Boots > Rogue's Rushing Striders
- For offense: Time Warden Downpour Galesh > Titan Warrior Shoes of Waves
- Other: Lucky Rogue's Striders
Best Storm Wands
(1) Aquilan Velite Lance
Drops from:
Immortal's Lore Pack |
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(2) Fortune Teller's Eternal Gaze
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard Pack |
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(3) Rapturerider's Skull
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard 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) Aquilan Velite Lance | Drops from: Immortal's Lore Pack
The clear choice for wands, this Immortal's Lore item contains a socket, plus 7% piercing, impressive critical and block, and 8% damage. It also has a chance to cast a beneficial card, and comes with both class-based and off-class wand hits.
(2) Fortune Teller's Eternal Gaze | Drops from: Terror's Hoard Pack
You can drop 2% piercing in favor of 1% damage, but you also miss out on the square socket, which could amount to less resistance, stun resistance, healing, or other useful stats. Nevertheless, this is a powerful wand and certainly a viable option for Storm wizards.
(3) Rapturerider's Skull | Drops from: Road Warrior's Hoard Pack
Your damage drops to 8% and the piercing is only 5%, but the Rapturerider's Skull is definitely still a good wand. Some Storm wizards may choose this wand over the Fortune Teller's Eternal Gaze for the socket it provides depending on their setup.
(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 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 is great for Storm.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 Recon Hammer
- For critical: Shard Warrior's Hammer > Jack Hallow's Wailer
- For piercing: Staff of the Dragon's Maw
- For damage: Ione's Legendary Sword > Majoris Curio of Fortitude
- For universal stats: Snowdrifter's Staff > Dragoon's Rapier
- Other: Luphilim's Howling Razor
Best Storm Athames
(1) Dragon's Talon of Tumult
Drops from:
Yevgeny NightCreeper |
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(2) Blade of the Shadow Palace
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(3) Blade of the Felled Titan
Drops from:
Cronus |
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(4) Hopper Blade of Sandstorms
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) Dragon's Talon of Tumult | 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 Dragon's Talon of Tumult gives universal damage, superior block, accuracy, and more that makes it the top choice for Storm wizards.
(2) Blade of the Shadow Palace | Drops from: Morganthe
This athame trades is universal damage for 1% higher Storm damage. Storm wizards who do any healing may choose to invest in this athame because it offers 27% 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 Blade of Sandstorms | 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 Storm 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: Blackwater's Dirk of Havoc > Thunderclap Spike
- For damage: Aphrodite's Storm of Thorns > Warlord Blade of Gusts
- For healing: Cosmic Kris > Wolf's Emerald Talon
- Other: King Alric's Royal Athame
Best Storm Amulets
(1) Lady of Spiders' Lure
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(2) Amulet of Divine Influence
Drops from:
Hades the Unseen |
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(3) Flygob's Medallion
Drops from:
Shane von Shane |
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(4) Relic of 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) Lady of Spiders' Lure | 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) Flygob's Medallion | 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) Relic of 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: Condemed Soldier's Charm > Memento of Ammit's Revolt
- For cards: Djinn Amulet of Flux > Sand Sea Charm of Havoc
- For resistance: Chillvenom's Maelstrom Charm > Arcanum Exile Relic of Gales > Warlord Minak's Medallion
- Other: Collar of the Besieged > Shango's Stormblade Amulet
Best Storm Rings
(1) Ring of the Chaotic Heart
Drops from:
Aphrodite II |
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(2) Band of the Shadow Web
Drops from:
Morganthe |
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(3) Alpha and Omega Ring
Drops from:
Gladiator Dimachaerus |
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(4) Storm Owl's Terror 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) Ring of the Chaotic Heart | 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) Band of the Shadow Web | Drops from: Morganthe
The Band of the Shadow Web 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) Storm Owl's Terror 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 Storm 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: NightOrb's Ring of Havoc > Ring of the Seeker > Blackwater's Band
- 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 Tempests > Lord Groff's Band of Havoc > Luphilim's Howling Loop
- Other: Fatesailor's Signet
Best Storm Decks
(1) Luphilim's Howling Case
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
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(2) Luphilim's Eternal Deck
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
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(3) Rasputin's Hand of Tumult (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 Thunderclap Cards
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 Howling Case | Drops from: Omen Stribog
Superior in almost every way to other decks, Omen's is a great choice for Storm 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) Rasputin's Hand of Tumult (Others) | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
This includes Rasputin's Hand of Tumult, Horizon Hold Deck of Icefog, and the Arcanum Exile Galeforce Set. All three decks provide the same stat line, but they each provide a different jewel socket: either a triangle, tear, or square. Storm 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 Thunderclap Cards | 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 Clouds
- For stats: Istanboa Sandsprouts Array > Kobra Hand of Flashfloods > Array of Mighty Istanboa
- For damage: Lightning Rider's Deck
What gear will you be using for your Storm 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. Thanks to rjfkii for the image of the Baba Yaga Storm deck!
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