In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Destruction 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 Destruction 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 Destruction Warlock is:

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating (until 15%);
3. Haste Rating (single-target) or Mastery Rating (multiple-target);
4. Mastery Rating (single-target) or Haste Rating (multiple-target);
5. 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. In turn, this increases the speed at which you build Burning Embers, which is generally good for single-target fights.

Mastery Rating increases the damage of your Burning Ember consuming spells by a large amount, through Mastery: Emberstorm. For fights with multiple targets, you get a high amount of Burning Embers through Rain of Fire, so the benefits of Mastery Rating are increased, which is why you will want to prioritise Mastery Rating over Haste Rating. This also applies to fights with phases of important burst damage.

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.

3. Changelog↑top

• 19 May 2013: Evrelia's review and Patch 5.3 update: improved stat priority and explanations.
• 07 Mar. 2013: Slightly updated stat priority.