The classic shamans from WoW define themselves primarily through their totems. These provide such strong buffs that you want shamans in almost every group. But what else can they do?
- Possible Races: Orcs, Tauren, Trolls, Skyborne (Horde only), Dwarves
- Possible Roles: Melee, Ranged focusing on Lightning spells, Healer, (perhaps in a niche: Tank)
- Resources: Mana
- Biggest Unique Feature: Summons up to four totems in combat to activate beneficial buffs or effects or deal more damage or healing.
- Available Weapons: One-handed Maces, Two-handed Maces, One-handed Axes, Two-handed Axes, Fist Weapons, Daggers, Staves, Shields
Official Description: Shamans are in direct contact with the elements. They are characterized by wisdom and perseverance, making them ideal advisors of the community and leaders. In battle, shamans manipulate the elements through totems and spells. They are able to unleash immense amounts of rage and power in other fighters. Shamans embody the original bond that exists between the mortal races and their environment.
What are the strengths? The two DPS specializations of the shaman primarily define themselves through their enormous burst potential, allowing them to obliterate enemies in PvP in moments or deal competitive damage in short PvE fights. Just when multiple crits pop up almost simultaneously, the class is as fun as few others.
The shaman is also considered a very efficient tank healer, capable of using chain heals but also dealing high group damage – if the injured are close enough together. Additionally, there is the extremely flexible arsenal of totems and cleansing options, as well as exclusive tools like Reincarnation (resurrection) or the Spirit Wolf (animal form with increased movement speed).
Every group ideally wants a shaman by their side.
What are the weaknesses? To deal competitive damage in PvE, Elemental and Enhancement lack long-term sustainability in the classic context. In the beta, Elemental felt very weak. The recent adjustments for the specialization have left part of the community frustrated with Blizzard for ignoring player feedback.
Whether the Forever improvements can make the offensive shaman more competitive remains to be seen. In the worst case, they will be reduced back to their totems and pushed into the healer role. The spatial limitations of totems and spells like Chain Heal (healing jumps to nearby allies) heavily depend on the positioning of teammates.
The shaman is ideal for: Anyone who enjoys supporting their group to the fullest or who wants to occasionally smash their opponents with massive crits. The shaman is also the perfect class for more experienced players who want to get the most out of a wide range of tools and skills.
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