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

This guide has been reviewed and approved by Imsupersdw, one of the best Balance Druids in the world, who raids in Method.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for a Balance Druid is:

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating or Spirit (until 15% chance to hit);
3. Haste Rating (until haste cap, see below);
4. Critical Strike Rating;
5. Haste Rating;
6. Mastery 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 Priority

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 (or Spirit) 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.

As a Balance Druid, any Spirit found on your gear will also provide you its full amount as Hit Rating (thanks to Balance of Power), allowing you to easily maintain an equipment set for a healing off-spec.

Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells, as well as adding extra ticks to your DoTs.

Critical Strike Rating is particularly strong because critical strikes extend the duration of your DoTs (thanks to Shooting Stars).

Mastery Rating, through Mastery: Total Eclipse increases the bonus damage granted by your Eclipse.

2.2. Hit Cap

At level 90, you need 5,100 Hit Rating to reach the spell hit cap.

2.3. Haste Cap

After reaching 10 ticks (up from 7) with Moonfire and Sunfire, the value of Haste Rating decreases below that of Critical Strike Rating. This happens when your haste reaches 35.731%. Considering that Balance Druids always benefit from the +5% spell haste raid buff (thanks to Moonkin Form), and from Nature's Grace (+15% spell haste) for most of the fight, they need 5,273 Haste Rating to reach that value.

2.3.1. Tier 14 4-Piece Bonus

If you have the Tier 14 4-Piece Bonus, Moonfire and Sunfire tick 8 times, every 2 seconds (up from 7 times). This changes the haste value at which you get a third additional tick, which becomes 31.276%. Balance Druids need 3,706 Haste Rating to reach that value.

3. Changelog↑top

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