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

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for an Elemental Shaman is:

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating or Spirit (until the 17% hit cap);
3. Mastery Rating and Haste Rating;
4. 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

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 and Spirit are your second most important stats as they determine your chances to miss a target when casting a spell. Each point of Spirit on your gear also gives you a point of Hit Rating, thanks to the Elemental Precision talent. Once you have reached the spell hit cap, at 17%, it is no longer necessary to increase your Hit Rating.

Mastery Rating and Haste Rating are your next best stats. They are roughly equal. Mastery Rating increases the chance that Elemental Overload will proc. Elemental Overload causes Lightning Bolt, Chain Lightning, and Lava Burst to trigger a second, similar spell on the same target for 75% of the damage that the spell you cast dealt. Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells.

Critical Strike Rating is, by far, the worst stat for an Elemental Shaman.