Shadow Priest PvP Stat Priority, Gear, and Trinkets — The War Within (11.1.5)

The stat priority for Shadow Priests in PvP is as follows:

1. Intellect;
2. Versatility;
3. Haste;
4. Critical Strike;
5. Mastery.

Intellect is the best stat in all situations. Versatility is the strongest secondary stat at all times because it increases your overall damage dealt and reduces damage you take. Haste is your next best secondary stat. This will help with reducing the Global Cooldown on abilities and increasing the tick rate of your DoTs.

In general, Shadow Priests do not have a specific cooldown that you need trinkets to line up with. As a result, your trinkets can have a passive or on-use effect. The stat you want to be increasing is Intellect. You want to increase Intellect because it drastically increases your overall damage output. Here is the best gear we recommend you using as a Shadow Priest.

• Head: Confessor's Unshakable Halo
• Neck: Algari Competitor's Amulet - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Shoulders: Confessor's Unshakable Radiance
• Cloak: Prized Warmonger's Cloak
• Chest: Confessor's Unshakable Vestment
• Wrists: Prized Warmonger's Bindings
• Hands: Confessor's Unshakable Mitts
• Waist: Algari Competitor's Cloth Sash - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Legs: Consecrated Leggings - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Feet: Prized Warmonger's Slippers
• Ring 1: Algari Competitor's Signet - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Ring 2: Algari Competitor's Signet - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Trinket 1: Prized Gladiator's Medallion
• Trinket 2: Prized Gladiator's Insignia of Alacrity
• 2H Staff: Forged Gladiator's Staff

Note: It is essential to be wearing two PvP trinkets. This will give you a Stamina and stat boost that will increase your survivability.

As noted above, acquiring both your 2-set and 4-set bonus is crucial. It is also important to note that ALL tier sets are nerfed by 50% in PvP. Although this nerf is significant, tier sets are still important to acquire to maximize your chances of winning. For Shadow Priest, this is your tier set:

• 2-set: Your damaging spells have a chance to hit a Jackpot! that fires a Void Bolt at an enemy at 100% effectiveness. Casting Dark Ascension or Void Eruption always hits a Jackpot!
• 4-set: Hitting a Jackpot! grants you 5.0 seconds of Power Infusion. Mind Blast and Void Bolt deal 10% increased damage while Power Infusion is active.

4-set is not required for Shadow Priests, but getting 2-set is recommended.

Embellishments are bonuses that can be put on crafted gear. These affects can have a drastic impact on the game. You are only allowed to have two Embellishments equipped at the same time. Here are the recommended Embellishments for Shadow Priest:

• Elemental Focusing Lens. This Embellishment causes your damaging spells and abilities to have a chance to deal damage to your target. This is a flat increase to your overall damage output.
• Ascendance/ Writhing Armor Banding. While in combat, Ascendance grants 89 of a random secondary stat, stacking up to 10 times. Writhing Armor Banding doubles this affect. Overall, this is a good embellishment, but not the best.

Here are the best enchants and gems for a Shadow Priest:

• Cloak: Enchant Cloak - Chant of Leeching Fangs
• Chest: Enchant Chest - Crystalline Radiance
• Bracers: Enchant Bracer - Chant of Armored Speed
• Legs: Sunset Spellthread
• Boots: Enchant Boots - Scout's March
• Rings: Enchant Ring - Glimmering Haste
• Weapon: Enchant Weapon - Authority of Radiant Power

Versatile Emerald is the best gem you can use. You also get access to a single Meta Gem. You should use Cognitive Bloodstone for the meta slot.