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

This guide has been reviewed and approved by Blatty, one of the best Mages in the world, who raids in Method, the currently ranked #1 guild on WoWProgress. He has been contributing a lot to the community through his streams on Twitch and now works for Millenium, his new streaming platform.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for an Arcane Mage is:

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

In Tier 14 gear or below, Mastery Rating is more valuable than Haste 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 damage of your spells, and increases your critical strike chance.

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.

Haste Rating increases the cast speed of your spells and your mana regeneration.

Mastery Rating, thanks to Mastery: Mana Adept, causes your damage to scale with the amount of unspent mana you have.

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:

• Draenei because of Heroic Presence;
• 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

• 17 Apr. 2013: As more people now have access to Tier 15 gear, we changed the default stat priority to give Haste a higher value than Mastery. A note mentioning that Mastery is better than Haste for Tier 14 gear and lower has been added.
• 07 Mar. 2013: With Tier 15 gear, Haste is better than Mastery.