In this article, we explain what the best statistics are for Balance Druids (WoW 4.3), 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.

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for a Balance Druid is:

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating or Spirit (until 17% chance to hit);
3. Haste Rating;
4. Mastery Rating;
5. Critical Strike Rating.

If you are unsure what the optimal reforging strategy is for this priority, please refer to the reforging section of our Gear Optimisation Guide.

2. Getting a Better Understanding↑top

2.1. Statistics Priority

Intellect is your most important stat, which provides the most benefit; you should look for this stat in all of your upgrades, as point for point it surpasses any other stat. It provides you with Spell Power and a higher mana pool, and increases your critical strike chance.

Hit Rating (or Spirit) is your second most important stat as it determines your chances to miss a target when casting a spell. Once you have reached the spell hit cap, at 17%, any additional Hit Rating is of no value to you. As a Balance Druid, any Spirit found on your gear will also provide you its full amount as Hit Rating, making it rather easy to reach the Hit Cap.

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

Mastery Rating increases the bonus damage granted by your Eclipse.

Critical Strike Rating increases your chance to critically hit with all spells and abilities. Although critical strikes are useful, this stat falls behind all other secondary stats.

2.2. Hit Cap

As for all caster classes, after 17% hit chance, additional Hit Rating becomes useless. Keeping in mind that most Leather gear has Spirit on it, and that Spirit also counts as Hit Rating for you (because of your Balance of Power talent), reaching this cap is quite easy and you should never have to sacrifice Intellect (through gemming) or Haste Rating for it.

To reach the 17% hit cap, you need 1742 Hit Rating.