Stat priorities determine melee DPS effectiveness in progression raiding. Wrong stat choices leave significant damage on the table. This guide breaks down stat priorities for each melee class in the current raid tier.

Universal Melee Stats

Primary stats (Strength or Agility) always provide the foundation for melee damage. Secondary stats vary in value based on class, spec, and encounter requirements. Tertiary stats like Leech and Avoidance provide survivability without damage tradeoffs.

Item level generally trumps stat priorities unless differences are minimal. Higher primary stat from item level typically outweighs optimal secondary stat distribution on lower item level pieces.

Class-Specific Stat Priorities

• Arms Warrior: Strength > Haste > Mastery > Critical Strike > Versatility
• Fury Warrior: Agility > Critical Strike > Haste > Mastery > Versatility
• Death Knight (Unholy): Strength > Haste > Mastery > Critical Strike > Versatility
• Death Knight (Frost): Strength > Critical Strike > Mastery > Haste > Versatility
• Demon Hunter: Agility > Critical Strike > Haste > Mastery > Versatility
• Druid (Feral): Agility > Critical Strike > Mastery > Haste > Versatility
• Monk (Windwalker): Agility > Versatility > Mastery > Critical Strike > Haste
• Paladin (Retribution): Strength > Haste > Critical Strike > Mastery > Versatility
• Rogue (Outlaw): Agility > Versatility > Haste > Critical Strike > Mastery
• Rogue (Subtlety): Agility > Critical Strike > Versatility > Mastery > Haste
• Shaman (Enhancement): Agility > Haste > Critical Strike > Mastery > Versatility

Encounter Considerations

Single-target fights favor different stats than multi-target encounters. Haste gains value with frequent target switching. Mastery often excels on stationary single-target fights.

Simulate your character for specific encounters using Raidbots or similar tools. Generic stat priorities provide guidelines but personal simulation provides accuracy. Gear optimization requires ongoing adjustment as your character develops.

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