Shaman

For related articles, see Category:Shamans.

For the correct spelling and more on the word, see spelling of shaman.

“

Shaman are spiritual guides and practitioners, not of the divine, but of the very elements. Unlike some other mystics, shaman commune with forces that are not strictly benevolent. The elements are chaotic, and left to their own devices, they rage against one another in unending primal fury. It is the call of the shaman to bring balance to this chaos. Acting as moderators among earth, fire, water, and air, shaman summon totems that focus the elements to support the shaman’s allies or punish those who threaten them. - Official site

”

Shaman is a hybrid class that specializes in offensive spellcasting, melee damage dealing, or healing. As such, the class is considered one of the most adaptable and versatile. Shaman can also provide group support in the form of stationary totems that, when placed on the ground by the shaman, either provide benefits to party members or deal damage to enemies.

Overview

The shaman class was originally only available to three of the Horde races: tauren, orcs, and trolls. Designed as a counterpart to the paladin, the class was once unavailable to the Alliance. This purportedly created trouble in developing both classes since they needed to be balanced against each other. The release of The Burning Crusade expansion introduced shaman to the Alliance through the draenei while the Horde gained access to the blood elf paladin, thus making it possible for both classes to be developed independent of each other.

Shaman have the ability to resurrect themselves once every 30 minutes using their [Reincarnation] ability. In combination with their ability to resurrect other players, this makes shaman a viable utility for wipe recovery.

Originally, shaman were almost allowed a tanking role through the old enhancement talent tree. Their lack of heavy plate armor and the various changes made to their talent trees over time phased out their tanking potential in favor of healing and damage dealing. While most shaman are capable of adequately tanking instances prior to reaching level 60, higher level areas and instances require tanks to have stronger passive defenses and damage mitigation than shaman have, despite their versatility and healing abilities.

Background

See also: Shaman (Warcraft III)

Shaman unit from Warcraft III.

Shaman are spiritual visionaries of tribes and clans. These gifted warriors can see into the world of spirits and communicate with creatures invisible to the eyes of normal beings. They are beset by visions of the future and use their sight to guide their people through troubled times. Although shaman may seem wise and serene at first, they are formidable foes; when angered, their wrath is as fierce as those who have a connection to Eternals or nature.

History

Tauren shaman

Shamanism has existed since the sapient races first discovered the power of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. On Draenor, now shattered Outland, the orcs were shamanistic; on Azeroth, trolls and tauren were shamanistic. Though shamanism on Azeroth flourished, shamanism on Draenor was all but extinct by the time of the great crossing of the Horde into Azeroth via the Dark Portal. The greatest, and yet some of the most vilified, orcs were once shaman; Zuluhed the Whacked, Ner'zhul, and even Gul'dan were all shaman. Kil'jaeden distorted the shaman's connection with their spirits in the sacred mountain of Oshu'gun, taking on the form of the shaman's ancestors to convince them that the draenei were enemies. The ensuing massacres upon several draenei hunting parties offended the spirits, who eventually denied the shaman their powers.

All was set for the transition.

Cut off from their elemental powers, former shaman turned to the powers of the Burning Legion, becoming warlocks. Though many tried to hang onto their roots, it was impossible. Even Drek'Thar was sucked into the dark magics, though he later repented; to this day has never forgiven himself for the acceptance of the demonic corruption that plagues himself and the orc race. Ner'zhul was the warlock who created the portals from Draenor to many other worlds. The portals ripped Draenor apart, creating the ravaged land of Outland. He repented, but was dragged back into the fold by Kil'jaeden, who promised him an endless existence of suffering and pain if he did not serve the Legion. Ner'zhul accepted this second chance at serving the Legion and was changed into the mighty being known as the Lich King. He later inhabited the body of Arthas Menethil, his first and most powerful of the second generation of death knights.

Shamanism in the orcs was all but nonexistent until Thrall, son of the deceased Durotan and future chieftain of the Frostwolf clan, grabbed hold of the reins of Warchief of the New Horde. This ushered in a new generation of shamanism, breaking the crippling lethargy of the captive orcs while outlawing the dark magic of the Burning Legion. At the time of the internment camps, "shaman" was a derogatory term for someone who told fantastical and unbelievable stories. Shamanism is now in good repute, though, as the New Horde was led for a long time by Thrall, a shaman of great power.

Notable shaman

Magatha Grimtotem Ner'zhul Thrall

Zuluhed the Whacked Farseer Nobundo Drek'Thar

Drek'thar (alternate) Rehgar Earthfury Rokhan

Organizations

• Earthen Ring: A group of shaman employing all races connected to the elemental spirits, including orcs, tauren, trolls, mag'har, broken, lost ones, draenei, Wildhammer dwarves, and goblins.
• Unnamed Draenei shaman brotherhood led by Farseer Nobundo.

Races

Main article: Shaman races

• Playable races
• TCG images

The shaman class can be played by the following races:

Race		Strength	Agility	Stamina	Intellect	Spirit	Armor	Health	Mana
	Draenei	22	17	21	21	24	81	113	40
	Dwarf	26	16	22	20	21	90	123	40
	Pandaren	21	18	22	20	24	37	123	40
	Goblin	18	22	21	24	20	106	113	40
	Orc	24	17	22	18	24	81	123	40
	Tauren	26	16	22	17	24	81	127	40
	Troll	22	22	21	17	23	81	113	40

Draenei shaman

Until The Burning Crusade, the shaman class was exclusive to the Horde. In the Burning Crusade, draenei shaman were introduced to the Alliance. With Cataclysm, Alliance dwarves also learned shamanism along with the Horde's new addition, goblins.

Each race has its own distinct advantage, no matter its class; consequently, many players who wish to play shaman factor in advantages and abilities of the various races when starting their characters. Some prefer tauren for their [Warstomp] racial ability. Others prefer orcs as stun effects don't last as long when used against them, which is helpful versus a rogue, as well as against a shadow priest; likewise, the orcs' [Blood Fury] racial ability can be very useful for a shaman because they get a bonus to both their melee attacks and spell damage. Both of these abilities are very useful in PvP. Still others enjoy playing trolls because of their [Da Voodoo Shuffle] and [Berserking] powers. Players looking for a boost in healing for PvE or PvP may find that the draenei's usable racial ability, [Gift of the Naaru], is an effective heal over time spell that can be cast with no mana cost.

Draenei

Dwarf

Orc

Tauren

Troll

Specializations/stats

“

A spellcaster who harnesses the destructive forces of nature and the elements. - Official description

”

Stat priority

• Intellect
• Critical Strike
• Haste
• Versatility
• Mastery

Thunderstorm

Ability	Min Level
Flame Shock	3
Earth Shock	10
Lava Burst	12
Flame Shock (2)	13
Lava Burst (2)	20
Cleanse Spirit	22
Thunderstorm	24
Chain Lightning	28
Elemental Fury	34
Earth Elemental (elemental ability)	36

Ability	Min Level
Frost Shock	38
Lava Surge	40
Earthquake	48
Fire Elemental (elemental ability)	56
Chain Lightning (2)	70
Mastery: Elemental Overload	78
Elemental Focus	80

“

A totemic warrior who strikes foes with weapons imbued with elemental power. - Official description

”

Stat priority

• Agility
• Mastery
• Haste
• Critical Strike
• Versatility

Stormstrike Windfury

Ability	Min Level
Lava Lash	10
Rockbiter	10
Flametongue	12
Stormstrike	20
Cleanse Spirit	22
Windfury	24
Crash Lightning	28
Feral Spirit	36
Frostbrand	38

Ability	Min Level
Maelstrom Weapon	40
Stormbringer	48
Feral Spirit (2)	56
Healing Surge (2)	66
Stormlash	70
Mastery: Enhanced Elements	78
Spirit Walk	80

“

A healer who calls upon ancestral spirits and the cleansing power of water to mend allies' wounds. - Official description

”

Stat priority

• Intellect
• Mastery
• Critical Strike
• Haste
• Versatility

Riptide Healing Wave

Ability	Min Level
Flame Shock	3
Riptide	10
Lava Burst	12
Healing Stream Totem	14
Chain Heal	20
Lava Burst (2)	20
Purify Spirit	22
Healing Wave	24
Chain Lightning	28
Tidal Waves	34
Spiritwalker's Grace	36

Ability	Min Level
Riptide (2)	38
Lava Surge	40
Healing Rain	40
Resurgence	48
Chain Heal (2)	54
Spirit Link Totem	56
Ancestral Vision	66
Tidal Waves (2)	70
Mastery: Deep Healing	78
Healing Tide Totem	80

Skills/Glyphs

Note: Players technically start in Elemental spec.

Lightning Bolt

Ability	Min Level
Lightning Bolt	Starts with
Healing Surge	5
Earthbind Totem	8
Far Sight	13
Ancestral Spirit	14
Ghost Wolf	16
Wind Shear	18
Reincarnation	26

Ability	Min Level
Water Walking	32
Hex	42
Astral Recall	44
Heroism	50
Bloodlust	50
Astral Shift	52
Purge	63

Level	Abilities (choose one)
15	Path of Flame Windsong Undulation	Earthen Rage Hot Hand Unleash Life	Totem Mastery Boulderfist (shaman talent) Torrent
30	Gust of Wind Rainfall	Ancestral Guidance Feral Lunge Graceful Spirit	Wind Rush Totem
45	Lightning Surge Totem	Earthgrab Totem	Voodoo Totem
60	Elemental Blast (shaman talent) Lightning Shield Crashing Waves	Ancestral Swiftness Ancestral Guidance	Echo of the Elements Hailstorm (shaman talent) Deluge
75	Elemental Fusion Tempest Ancestral Protection Totem	Primal Elementalist Overcharge Earthen Shield Totem	Icefury Empowered Stormlash Ancestral Vigor
90	Elemental Mastery Crashing Storm Bottomless Depths	Storm Elemental Fury of Air Cloudburst Totem	Aftershock Sundering (shaman talent) Echo of the Elements
100	Ascendance	Lightning Rod Landslide (shaman talent) Wellspring (shaman talent)	Liquid Magma Totem Earthen Spike High Tide

Name	Specialization
Glyph of Critterhex	All
Glyph of Deluge	Restoration
Glyph of Flickering	Elemental
Glyph of Lingering Ancestors	All
Glyph of Pebbles	Elemental
Glyph of Spirit Raptors	Enhancement
Glyph of the Spectral Raptor	All
Glyph of the Spectral Wolf	All

Honor Level	Talent
1	Gladiator's Medallion
2	Train of Thought (honor talent), Hardiness (honor talent), Defender of the Weak
4	Skyfury Totem
6	Purifying Waters
8	Fire and Ice, Forked Lightning, Voodoo Mastery
10	Earthfury (honor talent), Shamanism (ability), Rippling Waters
13	Adaptation (honor talent)
16	Mind Quickness, Reinforced Armor, Vim and Vigor
19	Counterstrike Totem
22	Spectral Recovery, Calming Waters
25	Elemental Attunement, Static Cling, Electrocute
28	Traveling Storms, Leader of the Clan, Earth Shield
31	Relentless (honor talent)
34	Initiation, Sparring (honor talent), Inner Renewal
37	Windfury Totem
40	Swelling Waves, Ethereal Form
43	Control of Lava, Ride the Lightning, Grounding Totem
46	Lightning Lasso, Thundercharge, Spirit Link

Totems

Totems are unique to shaman. Prior to Legion, only one of each elemental type could be used at a time. Totems of the same nature type can now be summoned together, allowing shaman to have Healing Stream Totem and Healing Tide Totem up at the same time.

Elementals were tied to totems, but were changed to guardians that follow and assist the shaman. Totems’ maximum health is always equal to a percentage of the shaman's maximum health. In addition, totems that need to be placed at a specific location can be directly placed using a targeting reticle.

Shaman see "Totem Timers" below their character portraits. As with buffs, a simple right-click to the "Totem Timer" icon will be destroy a totem with no mana refund.

Equipment

Orc shaman

Shaman concept art

Shaman wear mail armor. It is not uncommon for many shaman to take up leatherworking as a profession because it's also used to craft mail armor with beneficial stats for shaman at higher levels.

Shaman can use one-handed maces with shields, staves, daggers, fist weapons, one-handed axes, and two-handed axes and maces by default.

There are a number of end-game gear sets for shaman. There are also sets for PvP and all these sets can be found on the Shaman sets page.

See also:

Enhancement gear BC

Wrath healing equipment (mail)

Shaman tactics

Suggested professions

Note: This is a generic section stub. You can help expand it by clicking  Edit to the right of the section title.

•  [Leatherworking] and  [Skinning] are logical choices for any mail armor wearing class. This allows crafting decent armor as one levels and various augments.
•  [Alchemy] can be useful for shamans with less-healing specializations who need quick potion heals and various buffs from elixirs and flasks. This profession is also good all around for making money and supplying guild runs.
•  [Herbalism] provides ingredients for  [Alchemy] and  [Inscription]. This profession is also good all around for making money.
•  [Cooking] is good for any less-healing specs for non-combat health regeneration and provides good buff foods.
•  [First Aid] is good for any less-healing specs for in-combat health regeneration and low downtime regeneration. For healing specs it saves precious mana for heal spells.
•  [Fishing] is good for leveling cooking.

End-game expectations

Totems are a major part of the end game and knowing what totems will benefit the shaman's group members best in different situations is all part of the strategy involved in playing a shaman. With the versatility that comes with shaman, they will always be the ones adapting to various issues their group might run into. If the party runs into an encounter which is very DPS heavy, shamans will find themselves supporting DPS, occasionally throwing in a heal if needed. The same goes for encounters that require lots of healing.

Shaman's role in parties and raids varies depending on how they choose to specialize and equip themselves. For instance, restoration shaman get very little benefit from going melee, whereas elemental shaman can cast ranged DPS and still cast the occasional support heal and possibly main heal any 5-man instance. Of course, it's also important to remember that restoration shaman can cast several damage spells for free, allowing them to supplement DPS occasionally without consuming mana better used for healing.

Notes

• The shaman (prestige class) was replaced with the shaman (core class) in the World of Warcraft RPG.

Videos

See also

• See Shamanism and nature worship to learn more about the shamans' beliefs.
• See List of shamans for named shamans from lore and in-game.
• Spell power coefficient.
• A list of useful macros for shamans.

Patch changes

• Patch 7.0.3 (19-Jul-2016): Hunters and Shaman can now equip Mail armor from level 1 (down from level 40).
  
• See Shaman/Cataclysm changes.

External links

Wowhead Shaman

WoWDB Shaman

Official

WoW Official Game Site (US) Shaman

WoW Official Game Site (EU) Shaman

Guides

Icy Veins Elemental, Enhancement, and Restoration Shaman Raiding Guides (Mists of Pandaria)

WoW Insider Totem Talk - weekly shaman feature

News

WoW Insider Should you play a shaman in WoW? by Elizabeth Harper Aug 22nd 2013 9:00AM

Old

Blue.MMO-Champion.com Shaman FAQ Pre-2.0 - Still decent relevance

elitistjerks.com Elitist Jerks Enhancement Shaman TheoryCraft Think Tank

Replay.WaybackMachine.org Shaman Q&A with Ghostcrawler (old details history and future of the class for Patch 3.2)

TenTonHammer TenTonHammer's Shaman Guide