Protection Warrior PvP Stat Priority, Gear, and Trinkets (Shadowlands / 9.2.5)

The stat priority for Protection Warriors in PvP is as follows:

1. Strength
2. Versatility
3. Haste = Mastery = Critical Strike

Item level became a lot stronger in Shadowlands, which means that a piece with higher item level is generally an upgrade as long as it has some some Versatility on it.

Your gear goal should be to be fully equipped in Conquest gear. However, now that Tier Sets have made a return, some of your pieces cannot be Eternal Gladiator pieces, and they have predetermined stats, meaning you cannot necessarily follow your wishes to build a specific stat budget. In addition, you have 2 pieces of gear that needs to be covered by Legendary powers.

1. Gaze of the Infinite Infantry
2. Breastplate of the Infinite Infantry
3. Grasps of the Infinite Infantry
4. Legplates of the Infinite Infantry
5. Pauldrons of the Infinite Infantry

It is advised to keep the Helmet and the Shoulders because of their Versatility component, and picking out either Hands, Breastplate or Legs to not wear.

There are many ways to get the tier set pieces, but the ones you will want to get are the ones through PvP activities, as they come with the +13 item level increase in PvP combat. In order to get them, you need to get them in the Great Vault or eventually create them from the Creation Catalyst.

Note: It is important to be wearing 2 PvP trinkets. This will give you a boost to your primary stat and Stamina.

Eternal Gladiator's Medallion is a mandatory trinket to have equipped at all times. Even Human players will want to pick up this item against some compositions.

Eternal Gladiator's Badge of Ferocity gives you Critical Strike and provides a large increase to Strength.

Cosmic Gladiator's Emblem gives you an extra defensive by giving you a temporary health increase. This should be used if your priority is to survive and you know you are the kill target. Activating this trinket can then further empower Rallying Cry, Fleshcraft, and Phial of Serenity on you should it be necessary.

Cosmic Gladiator's Eternal Aegis is an alternative to the above, and provides even stronger defense, but only against magic damage. Consider this trinket against heavy magic damage compositions

In Patch 9.1 Domination Shards and Sockets have made their way into the game. These are currently being experimented with.

Here are the best enchants and gems for a Protection Warrior:

• Gloves: Enchant Gloves - Eternal Strength
• Cloak: Enchant Cloak - Soul Vitality
• Chest: Enchant Chest - Eternal Stats
• Rings: Enchant Ring - Tenet of Versatility
• Main Hand Enchant: Enchant Weapon - Sinful Revelation
• Off Hand Enchant: Enchant Weapon - Celestial Guidance

Gem all of your gear with Versatile Jewel Cluster.