World of Warcraft
What Does BiS (Best in Slot) Mean in WoW?
The best available item for each gear slot for your class, spec and content in World of Warcraft, usually tracked as a BiS list.
What does BiS mean in WoW?
BiS stands for Best in Slot: the best item you can equip in a given gear slot for your class, spec and type of content. Players collect these picks in a BiS list for the current season. BiS is a community concept, not a game system, so lists change with patches, talents and whether you play raids or Mythic+.
How BiS lists are made
Theorycrafters compare items by their stats, special effects and set bonuses, then test them with simulation tools such as SimulationCraft and Raidbots. Guide sites publish the results as BiS lists per spec. Your own character can differ, so simming your gear is the most reliable way to check an upgrade.
Why BiS depends on context
- Content: an item that is best for single-target raid bosses may lose to another one in Mythic+, where area damage matters more.
- Spec and talents: different builds value different stats and effects.
- Item level: a lower-ranked item with a much higher item level can beat a BiS item at a lower level.
- Season: every new season or major patch resets which items are best.
Example
Your BiS list says a trinket from a raid boss is best for your spec. Until it drops, a Mythic+ trinket with higher item level may still give you more DPS, so you keep it equipped and sim again when the raid trinket arrives.
Should you chase BiS?
For most players, raising overall item level matters more than hunting one perfect item. BiS becomes important when you push high keys or progress on harder raid difficulties. If you want to gear up faster, our PvE Gear service can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BiS the same for every player of a spec?
Not always. BiS lists are a strong starting point, but your talents, other gear and content can change which item is best. Simulating your own character gives the most accurate answer.
Where do BiS lists come from?
From the community: theorycrafters and guide sites test items with simulations and publish lists for each spec and season.