In this guide, we will take a look at how to upgrade gear in Mists of Pandaria Classic, where to do it, what can and cannot be reforged, and how different roles and specs can benefit from it. Unlike the modern version of WoW, gear upgrading tracks with Valorstone do not yet exist in MoP Classic. This makes it so the only ways to upgrade gear without getting replacement pieces are either by upgrading it with Justice Points or by using Reforging.
Key Takeaways:
- In MoP Classic Phase 2, gear upgrades are done with Justice Points (PvE) and Honor/Conquest Points (PvP).
- New Commendation of Justice converts 125 Valor → 500 Justice, which is useful for gear upgrades.
- Reforging lets you shift 40% of one secondary stat into another to hit caps and optimize performance.
- Always gem and enchant before reforging, focus on BiS/permanent gear, and use reforging to hit key stat caps (Hit, Expertise, Spirit, Haste breakpoints).
4.9MoP Classic Upgrading Gear
Starting with MoP Classic Phase 2, you can upgrade your gear by visiting Voidbinder Lunshur (Alliance) in the Shrine of Seven Stars or Voidbinder Shadzor (Horde) in the Shrine of Two Moons.
Only gear with an item level of 458 or higher can be upgraded.
The upgrade options vary based on item quality. Here is how the gear can be upgraded:
| Gear Type | Item Level Upgrade | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rare Dungeon Gear | +8 Item Levels | 750 Justice Points |
| Rare PvP Gear | +8 Item Levels | 1000 Honor Points |
| Epic PvE Gear | +4 Item Levels / +8 Item Levels | 1000 Justice Points / 2000 Justice Points |
As you can see, in MoP Classic, all PvE gear upgrades use Justice Points, unlike the original MoP Retail, where Epic gear required Valor. A new Commendation of Justice (125 Valor → 500 Justice) is sold by Commander Oxheart in Townlong Steppes.
Mists of Pandaria Classic Reforging
Mists of Pandaria Classic Reforging is a gear customization system that allows players to modify the secondary stats on most gear pieces. It is essential for min-maxing characters in both PvE and PvP environments and remains a standard part of endgame gear tuning. Reforging is used to convert 40% of one secondary stat on an item into another secondary stat.
You can only modify one stat per item, and only certain types of gear and stats are eligible.
Reforging is extremely helpful for players who need to reach key stat thresholds that have a direct impact on combat performance while also removing stats they don’t need.
For example, melee and ranged DPS classes often need to reach a Hit rating cap to ensure their abilities don’t miss bosses. Healers may want to stack enough Spirit to prevent running out of mana, or enough Haste to hit healing breakpoint thresholds.
By redistributing stats from less valuable into higher-priority ones, players can fine-tune their performance without being reliant on the perfect gear. It also allows greater flexibility with gearing choices!
Even Best-in-Slot items might still need to be reforged to tap into their full potential. If you want to get your hands on some of the BiS items before reforging, take a look at our BiS Gear service here at Overgear!
Which Stats to Reforge in Mists of Pandaria Classic
In MoP Classic, only secondary stats can be reforged, while main stats on gear cannot be changed at all. Each reforged item will show the stat that was reduced (with a minus sign) and the new stat added. This makes it easy to review your changes at a glance. Here you can take a look at all stats that can be reforged in Mists of Pandaria Classic:
| Possible to Reforge | Not Possible to Reforge |
|---|---|
| Hit Rating | Strength, Agility, Intellect, Stamina |
| Expertise Rating | Armor, Resilience, PvP Power |
| Haste Rating | Socket bonuses, Set bonuses, Proc effects |
| Critical Strike Rating | |
| Mastery Rating | |
| Spirit Rating | |
| Dodge / Parry |
When reforging, keep in mind that you cannot change a stat into itself or into a duplicate.
MoP Classic Gear Reforging Tips
Once you understand how Reforging works, it’s important to apply it effectively. Here we have prepared some Reforging tips that will help you make the most out of the system without wasting gold or reducing your power.
- Do it last: Always enchant and gem your gear first; Reforging is always the final step.
- Use your character sheet: Watch your stats in real time after each reforge to avoid overcapping.
- Undo when necessary: If you get a new piece of gear or your caps change, revisit the Reforger and adjust accordingly.
- Focus on permanent gear: Don’t waste gold reforging quest greens or throwaway dungeon blues. Prioritize epics or best-in-slot gear.
- Don’t worry about requirements: There is no requirement or reputation needed to access Reforging services.
- Look at your gold: The cost of Reforging scales with the item’s gold value, so reforging higher item-level gear will cost more gold.
- Don’t be afraid to reforge: You can reforge the same item as many times as you want, as previous reforges can be reverted using the Restore option in the Reforging interface.
These tips will ensure that your reforging goes as well as possible. Reforging is essential for everyone who wants to push raid content, optimize stats for PvP, or maintain threat as a tank. Use it as the final adjustment step after gemming and enchanting to make sure your stats are aligned with your role!
If you want to be able to craft your own gems for gear before reforging, make sure to take a look at our Jewelcrafting Leveling service.
MoP Classic Stat Caps
Before you start upgrading your MoP Classic gear with Reforging, it’s important to understand the stat caps. These are the targets you want to hit first before focusing on secondary stats.
| Stats | Target Goal |
|---|---|
| Common Stat Caps | Hit Cap (Raid Bosses): 7.5% = 2550 Hit Rating |
| Spell Hit Cap (Casters) | 15% = 5100 Hit Rating (usually combined from Hit and Spirit for healers/casters) |
| Expertise Cap | 7.5% = 2550 Expertise Rating |
| PvP Hit Cap | 3% = 1020 Hit Rating |
| Spirit | No fixed cap, but usually 4000 to 6000, depending on healing throughput vs. regen needs |
| Haste Breakpoints | Vary by class; used to gain extra DoT ticks or reduce GCD |
Hitting these stat caps should be your first priority before reforging for additional throughput or utility. Once you’re capped, you can start optimizing remaining stats based on your class and role. Some stats are only relevant for some classes and roles as well.
Where to Reforge Items in Mists of Pandaria Classic
You can upgrade Mists of Pandaria gear with reforging by talking to a special NPC that can be found in major cities. Each faction has access to these vendors in capital cities and in the Pandaria continent. You can identify Reforging NPCs by their title, usually “Arcane Reforger” or “Warpweaver”, and by the Ethereal model they use.
4.9Reforging is a handy tool for players to upgrade gear in Mists of Pandaria Classic. With no modern upgrade systems like Valor tracks, Reforging will be your primary method for upgrading gear in MoP Classic. Use it wisely, and always pair it with proper enchants, gems, and knowledge of stat caps to get the most out of your setup!
