Arcanite Reaper — pre-raid BiS two-hander (blacksmithing)
Vanilla WoW Classic 1.12 · x5 realm · wowx5.ruArcanite Reaper is a legendary-feeling crafted two-handed arcanite axe forged by a blacksmith. In the pre-raid era it is one of the best two-handers in the game for DPS warriors and Retribution paladins. On WowX5 x5 faster gathering makes arcanite easier to stockpile, so you can craft the Reaper on the way to 60.
What is Arcanite Reaper
Arcanite Reaper is a two-handed axe with high weapon DPS and an attack power bonus. Its value comes from its slow speed and big hit, ideal for abilities that scale with normalized weapon damage (Mortal Strike, Seal of Command, Whirlwind).
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-handed axe |
| Speed | slow (~3.6) |
| Key stat | high weapon DPS + attack power |
| Source | blacksmith craft |
A slow, hard-hitting weapon beats a fast one at equal DPS because many abilities add a flat bonus on top of the weapon swing.
Recipe and materials
To craft Arcanite Reaper you need the recipe (learned from a blacksmithing trainer at high skill) and materials:
- Arcanite Bars — the main resource, transmuted by an alchemist (Thorium Bar + Arcane Crystal).
- Dense Stone and Dense Grinding Stone.
- High blacksmithing skill.
Most materials come from mining and alchemy, so the Reaper pairs well with a gathering+crafting combo.
Who wants Arcanite Reaper
- DPS warrior (Fury/Arms): one of the best pre-raid two-handers; great with Mortal Strike and Death Wish.
- Retribution paladin: a slow axe is ideal for Seal of Command and Seal of the Crusader.
- Threat start: useful for building threat via normalized hits.
More on pre-raid gear in the pre-raid BiS and warrior BiS guides.
How to get it on WowX5 x5
1. Level blacksmithing to the required skill and learn the recipe. 2. Gather arcanite: mining for thorium + arcane crystals, then transmute with an alchemist. 3. Craft the Reaper and sharpen it with a sharpening stone.
On x5 nodes respawn as usual but leveling is faster, so make arcanite in batches — the transmute is on a daily cooldown, plan ahead.
See also the best crafted profession gear and Lionheart Helm. Ready to forge your BiS? Register on WowX5.
History and significance
Arcanite Reaper became a Vanilla icon as a symbol of the self-made warrior: crafting it yourself proved you had mastered mining, blacksmithing and alchemy. On x5 servers it remains a milestone many DPS veterans start their career with.
FAQ
Is Arcanite Reaper crafted or a drop?
It is crafted: a player with blacksmithing makes it from a recipe. It does not drop, so you craft it yourself or order it from a blacksmith for the mats.
How good is Arcanite Reaper before raids?
Very good: it is one of the top pre-raid two-handed axes for warriors and ret paladins, and stays the benchmark two-hander until Molten Core and BWL weapons.
What do you need to craft Arcanite Reaper?
The recipe (trainer, high skill), Arcanite Bars (transmute Thorium Bar with Arcane Crystal), dense stones, and high blacksmithing skill.