In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Holy Paladins (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 Holy Paladin guide can be accessed from the table of contents on the right.

For 10-man raiding, this guide has been reviewed and approved by Smirk, a Holy Paladin who raids in Paragon.

For 25-man raiding, this guide has been reviewed and approved by Atismund, a Holy Paladin who raids in Envy.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for a Holy Paladin is:

1. Intellect;
2. Spirit;
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

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 power of your heals, and increases your critical strike chance.

Spirit is the healer statistic, and is an excellent source of mana regeneration. You should always aim to have items with Spirit, whether it is found innately on the item or it is reforged.

Mastery Rating and Haste Rating are both very good statistics, but at the moment we feel that Mastery Rating is the best choice.

Mastery Rating causes your heals to place absorption effects on the targets. This is very beneficial, since it boosts your healing without costing you any additional mana. This is especially good early on in the expansion, when you will have mana problems due to the relatively low amounts of Spirit that you have. Mastery Rating will, therefore, provide you with excellent healing throughput, and there are very few situations where it is not valuable.

Haste Rating lowers the cast time of your heals, which is of particular value for Divine Light and Holy Radiance, and it lowers your global cooldown. Haste Rating's benefits go beyond this, though. It allows you to respond faster to damage taken, allowing your heals to land on their targets sooner (which can, in many situations, make all the difference). Additionally, if you are able to sustain the mana consumption generating in this way, Haste Rating will provide you with greater burst healing than Mastery Rating.

Even though Critical Strike Rating does provide various benefits, it is inferior to the other statistics due to its inherent randomness and unreliability.

3. Changelog↑top

• 20 May 2013: Patch 5.3 update: nothing to change.