Demonology Warlock DPS Stat Priority — Midnight Season 1

The stat priority for a Demonology Warlock is as follows:

1. Intellect
2. Critical Strike ≅ Haste
3. Mastery
4. Versatility

It is worth noting that our secondary stats are relatively close to each other in value, so prioritizing item-level is generally considered the best approach, especially as you approach hitting diminishing returns on the stat value you gain. A more balanced stat distribution is preferable to stacking the two best stats to the point where they diminish in value.

It is strongly recommended to utilise SimulationCraft/Raidbots to determine more accurately upgrades.

As of the Shadowlands release, a diminishing return system was put in place with different tiers that will incur an increased penalty in the overall stat amount. With access to a higher total amount of secondary stats in this tier, players can now feel the effect, and it could alter some gearing choices.

• From 0 to 30%, there is no penalty.
• From 30% to 39%, there is a 10% penalty.
• From 39% to 47%, there is a 20% penalty.
• From 47% to 54%, there is a 30% penalty.
• From 54% to 66%, there is a 40% penalty.
• From 66% to 126%, there is a 50% penalty.
• You can get up to 126% from gear rating.

In practical terms, it should not have much of an impact when using SimulationCraft/Raidbots, as the tools are already accounting for it.

Your stat priority has a direct impact on your gem, enchant, and consumable choices, and you can find recommendations for all 3 on our dedicated page below.

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.

Haste influences the cast speed of all your spells, as well as the number of attacks your demons (outside Wild Imps) can output before despawning. Haste is a desirable stat, as it generates additional resources via Demonic Core and allows for increased Soul Shard generation.

Mastery, through Mastery: Master Demonologist, increases the damage dealt by your demons. It has higher importance in multitarget compared to single target.

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

Versatility is a flat-out damage done increase and damage taken reduction.