In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Elemental Shamans (WoW MoP 5.2), 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 Elemental Shaman guide can be accessed from the table of contents on the right.

This guide has been reviewed and approved by Leeds, one of the best Elemental Shamans in the world, who raids in Method. You can watch his stream on Twitch.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for an Elemental Shaman is:

1. Hit Rating or Spirit (until the 15% hit cap);
2. Intellect;
3. Mastery Rating;
4. Haste Rating;
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

Hit Rating (or Spirit) 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.

As an Elemental Shaman, any Spirit found on your gear will also provide you its full amount as Hit Rating (thanks to Elemental Precision), allowing you to easily maintain an equipment set for a healing off-spec.

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.

Mastery Rating increases the chance that Mastery: Elemental Overload will proc. Elemental Overload causes Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, Lava Burst, and Elemental Blast (if you chose it as your Tier 6 talent) to trigger a second, similar spell on the same target for 75% of the damage that the spell you cast dealt.

Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells and the number of ticks of your Flame Shock.

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

2.1. 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:

• Draenei because of Heroic Presence;
• Dwarves when using a Mace ( Mace Specialization);
• Orcs when using an Axe ( Axe Specialization).

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

3. Changelog↑top

• 22 Apr. 2013: Updated stat priority (was listing Haste > Mastery) following review from Leeds.