TBC Classic Destruction Warlock Stat Priority

TBC removes % based effects on gear for Hit and Crit and instead uses a system of rating, so a certain amount of rating grants 1%. Any classic gear that had a % amount instead receives an amount of rating that gives that % at 60.

The stat priority for Destruction Warlocks is as follows:

1. Spell Hit
2. Spell Haste
3. Spell Power
4. Spell Crit
5. Intellect
6. Stamina
7. Spirit

While reaching Spell Hit cap is the most efficient way to increase your DPS, it is important to understand how to make gearing decisions. When making gearing decisions, you should use what is typically referred to as a Spell Power Equivalency Value. These equivalency values vary depending on spec and can change as your gear progresses. Below will be spell power equivalence values using T4/T5 gear.

This information assumes that there are 3 Shadow Destruction Warlocks and 1 Affliction Warlock not in the caster group.

Fire Destruction

• 1 Spell Power = .987 DPS
• 1 Crit Rating = .705 Spell Power
• 1 Hit Rating = 1.775 Spell Power (until cap)
• 1 Intellect = .209 Spell Power
• 1 Stamina = 0 Spell Power
• 1 Spirit = .094 Spell Power (only if you have IDS, otherwise 0)
• 1 Haste Rating = 1.425 Spell Power

This information assumes that there are 3 Shadow Destruction Warlocks and 1 Affliction Warlock not in the caster group.

• 1 Spell Power= .991 DPS
• 1 Crit Rating = .882 Spell Power
• 1 Hit Rating = 1.956 Spell Power (until cap)
• 1 Intellect = .261 Spell Power
• 1 Stamina = 0 Spell Power
• 1 Spirit = .094 Spell Power (only if you have IDS, otherwise 0)
• 1 Haste Rating = 1.350 Spell Power

The example below uses the system for Destruction Warlock, simply as an example for you to follow, assuming that you are currently not hit-capped in this situation.

Ring 1: Ring of Recurrence

• 15 Intellect
• 15 Stamina
• 32 Spell Power
• 19 Crit Rating

Equivalence Value(EV): 32 + 15 * intellect value + 15 * stamina value + 19 * crit rating value = 52.67 EV

Ring 2: Band of Crimson Fury

• 22 Stamina
• 22 Intellect
• 28 Spell Power
• 16 Hit Rating

Equivalence Value: 28 + 22 * intellect value + 22 * stamina value + 16 * hit rating value= 65.03 EV

From this, you can see the Band of Crimson Fury is superior to the Ring of Recurrence IF you need the Spell Hit from Band of Crimson Fury. This means that the 16 Hit rating does not put you over the 202 Hit rating cap. If it does, simply find the amount it puts you over hit cap and subtract it from the rings Hit rating value to come up with an ‘effective hit rating’ value for the ring.