Demonology Warlock DPS Stat Priority — The War Within (11.0.5)

The stat priority for a Demonology Warlock is as follows:

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

This stat priority was determined using a SimulationCraft profile in standard BiS gear with normalized stats. It was meant to simulate a very "average" set of player gear, but you should refer to this information with care. It is highly recommended you sim yourself to determine which stats your character gets maximum benefit out of, as this is subject to change depending on your ratios.

In general, Haste is the most desirable secondary stat. In single-target situations, Critical Strike and (to a lesser degree) Versatility both gain value due to the damage distribution shifting more towards player damage, thus not affected by Mastery. Mastery being related to generally pets/guardian damage is still valuable but becomes gradually more appealing the more targets enter the fray, as the damage profile shifts towards the AoE generated by pets and Implosion.

Most players will notice their stat priority shifts as they acquire higher item levels due to the variance in scaling.

These statistics have been obtained by combining common sense, in-game testing, and simulations using SimulationCraft.

At the Shadowlands release, a diminishing return system was put in place with different tiers that will incur an increased penalty in the overall stat amount. With access to a higher total amount of secondary stats in this tier, players can now feel the effect, and it could alter some gearing choices.

• From 0 to 30%, there is no penalty.
• From 30% to 39%, there is a 10% penalty.
• From 39% to 47%, there is a 20% penalty.
• From 47% to 54%, there is a 30% penalty.
• From 54% to 66%, there is a 40% penalty.
• From 66% to 126%, there is a 50% penalty.
• You can not get more than 126% from gear rating.

In practical terms, it should not have much of an impact when using SimulationCraft/Raidbots, as the tools, are already accounting for it.

Your stat priority has a direct impact on your gem, enchant, and consumable choices, and you can find recommendations for all 3 on our dedicated page below.

Intellect is your primary stat. You should look for this stat in all of your upgrades. It provides you with Spell Power, which increases the damage of your spells.

Haste influences the cast speed of all your spells, as well as the number of attacks your demons (outside Wild Imps) can output before despawning. Haste is a desirable stat, as it generates additional resources via Demonic Core and allows for increased Soul Shard generation.

Mastery, through Mastery: Master Demonologist, increases the damage dealt by your demons. It has higher importance in multitarget compared to single target.

Critical Strike increases your chance to critically hit with all spells and abilities. Crits deal double damage by default, but several effects can increase your crit damage, and make crits even stronger.

Versatility is a flat-out damage done increase and damage taken reduction.