How to Kill Hogger, Elywnn Forest Elite Solo

Hogger is a level 11 Elite in Elywnn Forest, notorious for having many first deaths under their belts, as Hogger usually is the first elite the player encounters. Hogger is a hard hitter and tankier than his counterpart, Riverpaw Gnolls. To kill him is part of a level 11+ “WANTED: Hogger”, requiring players to slay him and return his Huge Gnoll Claw to Marshal Dughan in Goldshire.(Coords:42.1, 66.2).

This guide will cover the quest details, Hogger’s location, combat strategies, solo, duo, or group tactics, and Hardcore survival techniques. Hogger is among the most deadly named mobs in Hardcore World of Warcraft, according to Deathlog, ranking in the top 15 for the most player deaths combined.

How to Kill Hogger Solo in Hardcore Mode

Many players fail this fight because they don’t use a proper strategy. Only encounter this quest solo if you have mob control abilities (Mage, Warlock, Hunter, Rogue, Druid or Priest). Do not attempt this quest solo if you aren’t one of the mentioned classes, unless you are overleveled, overgeared or in a party of 2 or more members.

Solo Strategy – Classes with Mob control abilities (Mage, Warlock, Hunter, Rogue, Druid or Priest)

1. Clear a path for an escape route, by killing Gnolls between where you found Hogger, and the guards in the tower. I’d recommend waiting until he patrols near the Westfall river as that route has an escape route, has low chance of gaining additional unwanted mobs.
2. Apply a mob control CC or Slow from a distance to initiate the battle, ensure that he always is distanced, for Mages this means keeping frost movement active at all times. Use Frost Nova if he gets too close, regain max castable distance.
3. Kite him along the river to the castle, heal as necessary if your class allows it, focus keeping distance to Hogger. If the situation deems dangerous then stop all combat and flee over the river.
4. Once by the Tower, continue running past slightly as the guards take some time to agro, kill him and Loot his Huge Gnoll Claw.

You will need to maintain Agro by attacking at least once every 10 seconds, note that it isn’t uncommon for another Riverpaw Outrunner to agro you, continuing the fight is not recommended and the player should Flee.

Visual Guide & Video Demonstration

If you want to see an undergeared Level 10 Mage with just a Wand, successfully kiting and killing Hogger, check out this demonstration:

Optimal Spot for the Hogger Tower Trick

Pink is the player’s potential escape Route, Red is the intended Route. The aim is to always have an escape route, avoid aggroing any additional mobs and get the guards to help. I prefer to stay on this side of the campsite as it has proven the least risk in my multiple tests. He does not swim and so this proves to be an effective strategy.

It could be possible that you agro a mob on the other side of the river in Westfall. In this instance, go back in the water and swim in the middle while fleeing from Hogger.

WANTED: Hogger Overview

• Quest Name: Wanted: Hogger
• Quest Giver: Wanted Poster (Coords: 24.7, 79.0)
• Objective: Slay Hogger, and bring Huge Gnoll Claw Back to Marshal Dughan in Goldshire.
• Quest level: 11+
• Recommended Level: 11+ as Hogger’s death log reports an average death of level 9.9
• Location: Forest’s Edge (Coords:25.9, 88.4)

Quest Rewards:

• Footman Tunic (Leather Chest, 65 armor, +1 Agility, +2 Stamina)
• Brass-studded Bracers (Mail Legs, 113 armor, +3 Strength)
• Balanced Fighting Stick (Two-Hand Staff, 18-21 Damage, 8.9 DPS, +2 Agility, +2 Stamina)

Where to Find Hogger

Hogger is found deeper in a Gnoll Campsite, SouthWest of Goldshire. The Campsite is occupied by Hogger himself and Riverpaw Outrunners surrounding the area, hence requiring careful planning.

• Patrol Path: Patrols the entire Campsite.
• Is Hostile: Can attack first.
• Coords: (Coords: 26.2,88,6)

Why Is Hogger So Dangerous in Hardcore Mode?

• Hits Extremely Hard – Hogger deals massive melee damage, even to armored classes.
• Elite Health Pool – Much tankier than regular Gnolls.
• Some player’s first elite – New players encounter Hogger and don’t expect Hogger to deal as much damage or tank as much damage as opposed to regular mobs.
• Surrounding area is hostile – Escape may agro some additional mobs, ensuring certain death.

When Do You Need a Duo?

• If You are Underleveled (Level 9 or lower) – Melee players below 12 should not solo.
• If You Lack confidence – Nerves can result in you making mistakes and potentially death. 
• If You are doing some sort of challenge – if the challenge impedes the ability to kite or CC effectively as shown in the demonstration.  

Duo Strategy

1. Player Keeps Aggro – One player maintains aggro while Kiting and Maintaining distance.
2. Kiter DPS Attacks from Range – The other player uses spells, wands, or ranged abilities and Kites the elite away.
3. If There’s a Healer, Prioritize Healing – If one is a Priest, Paladin, or Druid, focus on keeping the tank alive. – note – the ‘tank’ is any class that is being hit.

Trio or More: Safe Kill Strategy

• One Player Tanks – Warrior, Paladin, or Bear Druid holds aggro.
• One Player Heals – Priest, Druid, or Paladin focuses healing.
• One or More Players Deal Damage – Ranged or melee DPS quickly burns Hogger down.
• Stick to the Strategy – Though possible to do without in a group, use the Tower trick if needed.

Thanks for reading this guide,hope it has helped you achieve your goal. For more guides, head to the Homepage or my YouTube page.