Wands of Wishing

Wands of wishing are very rare but do spawn randomly. Though you might think to zap yourself with the wand, it is a smarter choice to instead Engrave with it. This has a 100% chance of succeeding without negative side effects that could come from zapping yourself.

Useful Items to Wish for During a Nethack Game

If you’re still in the early part of your Nethack game, what you wish for as a Wizard is going to be pretty similar to the other classes. There are a few items that pertain specifically to Wizards though, and they can give you a huge leg up.

The three items listed below are fantastic for Wizards. Other than those listed below, you should stick to filling out your ascension kit. Following this general outline of what to wish for will make you progress much faster in a Nethack game as a Wizard. Who knows, it might even be the missing link required for you to ascend! Most of these items will stop some of the more deadly random occurrences from ending your character's journey prematurely. Unfortunately, perishing many times beforehand is almost a given, and you'll be starting many a new Nethack game each night.

Staff of Aesculapius

This staff is the healer’s quest artifact. It is a quarterstaff that does double damage to monsters without level-drain resistance. It also gives your attacks the level-drain attribute, and gives you hungerless regeneration and protection from level drain. Life drain is also applied to your attacks and deals extra damage, healing you with each attack. When #invoked, it will heal half of your lost health and cures blindness, sickness, and sliming.

Damage – 1d6 x2 + 1d8

This is one of the best items for the Wizard to wish for, as it is the weapon you will use for the rest of the game, and it’s special attributes will greatly help you survive.

Blessed Spellbook of Polymorph

If you are a high level wizard, consider wishing for this. This will make your polypiling much easier, and speed up your creation of magic markers. With polymorph control, this also allows you to become a much more versatile character, transforming into any creature to fit a situation. This is invaluable for higher level wizards.

Blessed Greased Rustproof +2 Helm of Brilliance

For spellcasters this is invaluable. The helm of brilliance increases your intelligence and wisdom by 1 point and by another point for each positive enchantment on it. Wishing past +2 will give you a chance of failure in your wishing, so stick to +2 for this item unless you want to take a chance.

Basic Ascension Kit Items

• Blessed +2 Gray/Silver Dragon Scale Mail
• Blessed Greased Fireproof +2 Cloak of Magic Resistance
• Blessed Fireproof +2 Pair of Speed Boots
• Blessed Amulet of Life Saving
• Blessed Ring of Polymorph Control / Levitation
• Blessed Spellbook of Identify
• Blessed Greased Bag of Holding
• Blessed Figurine of an Archon