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

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating (until 15%);
3. Haste Rating;
4. Mastery Rating;
5. Critical Strike Rating.

Note that you can prioritise Haste Rating and Mastery Rating over Hit Rating, but it requires a lot of skill to properly make up for your spells and DoT applications missing.

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.

Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells and increases the number of ticks from your DoTs.

Mastery Rating, through Mastery: Potent Afflictions increases the damage of your DoTs ( Agony, Corruption, and Unstable Affliction).

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.

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

• 18 May 2013: Evrelia's review and Patch 5.3 update: Haste > Mastery.
• 07 Mar. 2013: Added a note to explain why we advise prioritising Hit Rating, despite it not being the best statistics theoretically.