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The Mastery system is a new game mechanic added to the talent system in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. It has undergone extensive revision since its announcement at Blizzcon 2009. With the dramatic revamp of the talent system in preparation for
Mists of Pandaria, mastery now represents a general bonus from items that gets applied to specialization (chosen at level 10) as single "Mastery: " ability which determines how the bonus is converted to some benefit.
Contents
In Mists of Pandaria
The mechanic hasn't changed dramatically, but theoretically, the system is much simpler since the benefit from mastery is clearly stated in the single specific ability gain from choosing a specialization.
As of Cataclysm
This is used in items with a level requirement of 78 or above[1] or item level 272 and up.[2] For example some uncommon items will have mastery by default, just like stamina or intellect. Mastery is in addition to talent trees, this helps the Mastery buff gained at level 80.
How it works
Basically, the Mastery rating means nothing unless you have the appropriate Specialization which is a new concept introduced in Cataclysm. Specialization is basically a form of locking in your talent tree and doesn't happen until level 80.
Mechanic in Mists of Pandaria
As of Patch 5.0.4, the points based system was removed. Now, each specialization has a specific ability that determines how the mastery bonus benefits the character.
Summary:
- You choose a specialization at level 10.
- At level 78 and above, items will start dropping with Mastery as a stat.
- Mastery bonuses get applied based on specialization ability gained that starts "Mastery:" in the name.
Mechanic in Cataclysm
Here was a summary from WoW Insider of the Mastery system circa Cataclysm:[3]
- You choose one tree at level 10 and then can only add talents to that tree until you have put 31 points in it. Then the other trees open up.
- At level 78 and above, items will start dropping with Mastery as a stat. Once Mastery is learned from your class trainer, the stat will give bonuses based on the tree specialized in.
- The Mastery bonuses will be flat percentages and will no longer be based on the number of talents spent in a tree.
- Talents will alternate with skills when leveling. So you will get a talent point "about" every other level.
So, you need to keep a close eye on the bonus you get in your Mastery talent and decide if the conversion of Mastery rating to the bonus is worth it to you. Wowhead has a nice list of Mastery talents.
Mastery by class and specialization
Gained at level 80:
Death knight
- [Mastery: Frozen Heart] for
Frost
- [Mastery: Blood Shield] for
Blood
- [Mastery: Dreadblade] for
Unholy
Druid
- [Mastery: Total Eclipse] for
Balance
- [Mastery: Razor Claws] for
Feral
- [Mastery: Nature's Guardian] for
Guardian
- [Mastery: Harmony] for
Restoration
Hunter
- [Mastery: Master of Beasts] for
Beast Mastery
- [Mastery: Wild Quiver] for
Marksmanship
- [Mastery: Essence of the Viper] for
Survival
Mage
Monk
- [Mastery: Elusive Brawler] for
Brewmaster
- [Mastery: Gift of the Serpent] for
Mistweaver
- [Mastery: Bottled Fury] for
Windwalker
Paladin
- [Mastery: Hand of Light] for
Retribution
- [Mastery: Divine Bulwark] for
Protection
- [Mastery: Illuminated Healing] for
Holy
Priest
- [Mastery: Shield Discipline] for
Discipline
- [Mastery: Echo of Light] for
Holy
- [Mastery: Shadowy Recall] for
Shadow
Rogue
- [Mastery: Potent Poisons] for
Assassination
- [Mastery: Main Gauche] for
Combat
- [Mastery: Executioner] for
Subtlety
Shaman
- [Mastery: Elemental Overload] for
Elemental
- [Mastery: Enhanced Elements] for
Enhancement
- [Mastery: Deep Healing] for
Restoration
Warlock
- [Mastery: Potent Afflictions] for
Affliction
- [Mastery: Master Demonologist] for
Demonology
- [Mastery: Emberstorm] for
Destruction
Warrior
- [Mastery: Strikes of Opportunity] for
Arms
- [Mastery: Unshackled Fury] for
Fury
- [Mastery: Critical Block] for
Protection
Development history
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References
External links
- News