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

1. Basics↑top

The stat priority for an Affliction Warlock is:

1. Intellect;
2. Hit Rating (until 17%);
3. Haste Rating;
4. Critical Strike Rating;
5. Mastery 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 Explanations

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 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%, it is no longer necessary to increase your Hit Rating.

Haste Rating influences the cast speed of your spells and increases the number of ticks from your DoTs. After Intellect and Hit Rating, this is your best stat.

Critical Strike Rating increases the critical strike chance of all your spells.

Mastery Rating increases all your period Shadow damage. It is your weakest statistic.

3. Hit Cap↑top

As for all caster classes, after 17% hit chance, additional Hit Rating becomes useless. To reach the hit cap, you need 1742 Hit Rating.