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 Life Hats
(1) Krokopatra Vigor Fez
Drops from:
Krokopatra (Exalted) |
>
|
(2) Cowl of Undying Malistaire
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
>
|
(3) Spirit of Darkmoor's Helm
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
>
|
(4) Majoris Cover of Impulse
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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 Vigor Fez | Drops from: Krokopatra (Exalted)
Fortunately for those that aren't fans of farming Darkmoor, Life'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 Vigor 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. Life has the smallest gaps between the top two options and may be most easily interchanged.(2) Cowl of Undying Malistaire | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
A nearly equal option to the Krokopatra Vigor Fez, the Cowl of Undying Malistaire offers many similar bonuses and still impressive stats. Life wizards may choose this hat because it's available in one location with other best items.
(3) Spirit of Darkmoor's Helm | 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 Spirit of Darkmoor's Helm is the hat for your Life character. The Spirit of Darkmoor's Helm 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 Cover of Impulse | 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 Life 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: Barbarian Helm of Survival > Hades' Helm of the Abyss > Helm of the Living Dead
- For offense: Titan Warrior Cowl of Mettle > Nadezha's Cowl of Recovery
- Other: Rogue's Enduring Cap
Best Life Robes
(1) Undying Malistaire's Tunic
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
>
|
(2) Bonesmasher Robe of Zeal
Drops from:
Rattlebones (Exalted) |
>
|
(3) Spirit of Darkmoor's Gear
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
>
|
(3) Plate of the Living Dead
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Sir Blackwater, Others |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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) Undying Malistaire's Tunic | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying
Life's robe options are again very close, so wizards can feel good having either of the top two options, but the slightly superior version is Undying Malistaire's Tunic with the additional accuracy and power pip chance and the same damage as the next best robe.
(2) Bonesmasher Robe of Zeal | Drops from: Rattlebones (Exalted)
If you still can't stand Malistaire, you can try the Exalted Rattlebones duel for a chance at this Life 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) Spirit of Darkmoor's Gear | 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 Life 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) Plate of the Living Dead | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Sir Blackwater, Others
This robe is another opportunity for Life 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: Armor of a Sorrowful Life > Champion's Armor of Courage > Valiant Paladin's Armor
- For offense: Hades' Armor of Conscience
- Other: Turquoise Eagle's Raiment
Best Life Boots
(1) Undying Malistaire's Boots
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying |
>
|
(2) Ancient Purrzian Galesh
Drops from:
Ghulture's Hoard Pack |
>
|
(3) Spirit of Darkmoor's Shoes
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor |
>
|
(4) Majoris Trekkers of Impulse
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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) Undying Malistaire's Boots | 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 Galesh | Drops from: Ghulture's Hoard Pack
These boots are powerful in a different way. It has over double the health of Undying Malistaire's Boots, 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) Spirit of Darkmoor's Shoes | Drops from: Malistaire the Undying, Shane von Shane, Spirit of Darkmoor
If the impressive health and damage on the Ancient Purzzian Galesh don't draw you in, the Spirit of Darkmoor's Shoes might be a good option for you. While certainly inferior to Undying Malistaire's Boots, they offer decent stat lines that put them in the top three for boots.
(4) Majoris Trekkers of Impulse | 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 Trekkers of Impulse. 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 Life 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: Walkers of a Sorrowful Life > Sabatons of the Living Dead > Rogue's Enduring Striders
- For offense: Time Warden Shoes of Triumph > Titan Warrior's Mettle Boots
- Other: Lucky Rogue's Striders
Best Life Wands
(1) Eye of the Soothsayer
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard Pack |
>
|
(2) Rapturerider's Skull
Drops from:
Road Warrior's Hoard Pack |
>
|
(3) Aquilan Velite Lance
Drops from:
Immortal's Lore Pack |
>
|
(4) Fortune Teller's Peerless Eye
Drops from:
Terror's Hoard Pack |
>
|
(5) Witch Hunter's Arbalest
Drops from:
Witch Hunter's Bundle |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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
Damage has become one of the most important fixtures on wands, and Life's best option is the Eye of the Soothsayer. It provides 11% damage, 4% piercing, and impressive critical and block. Be sure to open packs for this item at level 110+, as the level 100+ version does not give piercing, but power pip chance instead, a stat that is easily supplemented.
(2) Rapturerider's Skull | Drops from: Road Warrior's Hoard Pack
The Rapturerider's Skull drops 3% damage for 1% piercing, but adds in the square socket, which some Life wizards may spring for. The Skull also offers a may cast ability that may be more relevant to Life wizards.
(3) Aquilan Velite Lance | Drops from: Immortal's Lore Pack
Your damage is cut nearly in half from the best wand to 6%, but you do gain some piercing. The may cast ability here is less useful, but the wand also includes a square socket, which could mean an additional 5% stun resistance change or 5% incoming or outgoing healing bonus.
(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 not as common for Life, but that can work.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 > Tormentor's Skullsplitter
- For piercing: Staff of the Undying Heart
- For damage: Zander's Legendary Staff > Majoris Portion of Impulse
- For universal stats: Snowdrifter's Staff > Dragoon's Rapier
Best Life Athames
(1) Spirit of Darkmoor's Thorn
Drops from:
Yevgeny NightCreeper |
>
|
(2) The Dark Woman's Dagger
Drops from:
Morganthe |
>
|
(3) Blade of the Felled Titan
Drops from:
Cronus |
>
|
(4) Sandstone Claw of Vitality
Recipe from:
Wozina the EdgeCutter |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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) Spirit of Darkmoor's Thorn | 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 Spirit of Darkmoor's Thorn gives universal damage, superior block, accuracy, and more that makes it the top choice for Life wizards.
(2) The Dark Woman's Dagger | Drops from: Morganthe
This athame trades is universal damage for 1% higher Life damage. Life wizards who do any healing may choose to invest in this athame because it offers 20% 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) Sandstone Claw of Vitality | 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 Life 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: Heart's Knife of Tenacity > Dirk of the Unnatural Life
- For damage: Aphrodite's Wildroot Spike > Burrower Claw of Survival
- For healing: Cosmic Kris > Wolf's Emerald Talon
- Other: King Alric's Royal Athame
Best Life Amulets
(1) Jewel of the Shadow Web
Drops from:
Morganthe |
>
|
(2) Amulet of Divine Influence
Drops from:
Hades the Unseen |
>
|
(3) Spirit of Darkmoor's Jewel
Drops from:
Shane von Shane |
>
|
(4) Pendant of Love's Grace
Drops from:
Malistaire the Undying, Howling Chaney, Sir Blackwater |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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) Jewel of the Shadow Web | 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) Spirit of Darkmoor's Jewel | 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) Pendent of Love's Grace | 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 cards: Djinn Amulet of Durability > Sand Sea Charm of Hardiness > Seely Wizard's Torc
- For resistance: Rasputin's Charm of Exertion > Arcanum Exile Amulet of Vim > Warlord Minak's Medallion
- Other: Mantis Prophet's Ornament > Shango's Lifeblade Amulet
Best Life Rings
(1) Ring of the Usurper
Drops from:
Aphrodite II |
>
|
(2) Lady of Spiders' Royal Ring
Drops from:
Morganthe |
>
|
(3) Alpha and Omega Ring
Drops from:
Gladiator Dimachaerus |
>
|
(4) Broken Spears Band
Drops from:
Blighted Yaxche, Cipactli, Tartarus Bosses |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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 Usurper | 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) Lady of Spiders' Royal Ring | Drops from: Morganthe
The Lady of Spiders' Royal Ring 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) Broken Spears Band | 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 Life 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: Spirit of Darkmoor's Band > Leaf Shield Ring of Ardor > Von Shane Family Signet
- 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 Purpose > Graustark's Loop of Recovery > Arcanum Exile Ringlet of Vim
- Other: Fatesailor's Signet
Best Life Decks
(1) Luphilim's Rapture Deck
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
>
|
(2) Luphilim's Eternal Deck
Drops from:
Omen Stribog |
>
|
(3) Arcanum Exile Evergreen Set (Others)
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
>
|
(4) Ancient Deck of Horizon Hold (Others)
Drops from:
Rasputin (The Rat) |
>
|
(5) Patriote Set of Valiance
Drops from:
Baba Yaga |
 |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
>
|  |
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 Rapture Deck | Drops from: Omen Stribog
Superior in almost every way to other decks, Omen's is a great choice for Life 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) Arcanum Exile Evergreen Set (Others) | Drops from: Rasputin (The Rat)
This includes the Arcanum Exile Evergreen Set, Horizon Hold Set of Efficacy, and Rasputin's Set of Fortitude. All three decks provide the same stat line, but they each provide a different jewel socket: either a triangle, tear, or square. Life 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 Set of Valiance | 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 Elation
- For stats: Kobra Hand of Mettle > Array of Mighty Istanboa
- For damage: Cell of Survival
What gear will you be using for your Life 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 Mallistaire on Twitter for the Rasputin hat image!
No comments
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.