In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Fire Mages (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 Fire 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 a Fire Mage is:

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

Critical Strike Rating increases your chance to critically hit, which in turn increases your chances to get instant-free Pyroblasts.

Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells. It also influences the frequency of the ticks for Living Bomb, Nether Tempest, Pyroblast, and Combustion.

Mastery Rating, through Mastery: Ignite, increases the damage of your Ignite DoT.

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

• 20 May 2013: Patch 5.3 update: nothing changed.