In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Demonology Warlocks (WoW MoP 5.3), how the class benefits from each of them, and what your reforging strategy should be. We also detail what the various caps are and why they should be attained. The statistics priority is important as it influences reforging strategies as well as itemisation choices (gear, enchants, and gems).

Make sure to check our Gear Optimisation Guide, which serves as a support guide for this article.

The other articles of our Demonology Warlock guide can be accessed from the table of contents on the right.

This guide has been reviewed and approved by two prominent Warlock theorycrafters: Gahddo, who maintains the Warlock profiles and rotations in Simulation Craft, and Evrelia, who raids in ScrubBusters and frequently streams on Twitch.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for a Demonology Warlock is:

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating (until 15%);
3. Haste Rating (until the soft haste cap);
4. Mastery Rating (for AoE burst damage) or Critical Strike Rating (for the rest).

Once you have your legendary meta-gem and your Throne of Thunder trinkets, you should get as much Haste Rating as you possibly can and forget about Mastery Rating and Critical Strike Rating.

These statistics have been obtained by combining common sense, in-game testing, and simulations using Simulation Craft.

If you are unsure what the optimal reforging strategy is for the above priority, you can Ask Mr. Robot for a personalised optimisation of your character's gear, by filling the form below.

2. Getting a Better Understanding↑top

2.1. Statistics Explanations

Intellect is your primary stat. You should look for this stat in all of your upgrades. It provides you with Spell Power, which increases the damage of your spells, and increases your critical strike chance.

Hit Rating decreases the chance that your spells will miss their target (15% against a raid boss). Therefore, your goal is to reach the 15% hit cap (see section below), which will ensure that your attacks never miss.

Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells and increases the number of ticks from your DoTs.

Mastery Rating, through Mastery: Master Demonologist, increases the damage dealt by your minions, the damage you deal while in caster form, and the damage you deal while in demon form.

Critical Strike Rating increases your chance to critically hit with all spells and abilities.

2.2. Hit Cap

At level 90, most races require 5,100 Hit Rating to reach the spell hit cap. Some races, in some cases, only need 4,760 Hit Rating, thanks to passive racial skills:

• Gnomes when using a Dagger or a Sword ( Shortblade Specialization);
• Humans when using a Sword ( Sword Specialization).

Note that, in Mists of Pandaria, 1% expertise counts as 1% hit towards the spell hit cap.

2.3. Soft Haste Caps

Unless you have two trinkets from Throne of Thunder and your legendary meta-gem, you should stop stacking Haste Rating after a certain point.

• If you do not have Unerring Vision of Lei-Shen (LFR, Heroic), then we advise you to go for the 12.5% haste cap, which adds a tick to Doom. The next additional tick is at 37.5% haste, which is only accessible to players in Tier 15 Heroic gear (who will most likely have Unerring Vision of Lei Shen, which means that they should aim for the other soft haste cap).
• If you have Unerring Vision of Lei-Shen (LFR, Heroic), then we advise you to go for the 25% haste cap, which adds 2 ticks to Doom when using Glyph of Everlasting Affliction (which you should be using with Unerring Vision of Lei Shen).

2.3.1. 12.5% Haste Cap

In order to reach the 12.5% haste cap (12.499% to be precise), you will need the following Haste Rating values.

2.3.2. 25% Haste Cap

In order to reach the 25% haste cap (24.995% to be precise), you will need the following Haste Rating values.

3. Changelog↑top

• 19 May 2013: Evrelia review and Patch 5.3 update: Added mention of soft haste caps.
• 07 Mar. 2013: Added a mention to Mastery Rating pulling ahead of Critical Strike Rating and Haste Rating in AoE situations.