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For the manga, see Shaman (manga).
Shaman
Shaman
Shaman Crest
Available to Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron dwarf
DraeneiDraenei Draenei
DwarfDwarf Dwarf
GoblinGoblin Goblin
Highmountain taurenHighmountain tauren Highmountain tauren
Kul TiranKul Tiran Kul Tiran
Mag'har orcMag'har orc Mag'har orc
OrcOrc Orc
PandarenPandaren Pandaren
TaurenTauren Tauren
TrollTroll Troll
VulperaVulpera Vulpera
Zandalari trollZandalari troll Zandalari troll
Specializations Elemental Elemental (ranged DPS)
Enhancement Enhancement (melee DPS)
Restoration Restoration (healer)
Resource(s) Mana, Maelstrom
Primary attribute Agility, Intellect
Weapon skills Daggers, Fist Weapons, One-handed and Two-handed Maces, Axes and Staves
Armor type Mail; can also equip Leather, Cloth.
Signature abilities Spell nature bloodlust [Bloodlust]/Ability shaman heroism [Heroism]
Ability shaman stormstrike [Stormstrike]
Spell nature chainlightning [Chain Lightning]
Spell nature giftofthewaterspirit [Healing Rain]
Spell nature spiritwolf [Ghost Wolf]

“Know this: a shaman must never demand power; to do so would arouse the anger of the elements, and a shaman without the elements' protection is nothing. Those that follow the path of the shaman must never forget this most vital tenet. However, a shaman that works in a respectful union with the elements wields a power rivaled by few.”

Teo Hammerstorm[1]

Shaman (sometimes pluralized as shamans)[2] are mortal mediators between the very elements themselves. The shaman is a hybrid class, able to specialize in offensive spellcasting, melee damage dealing, or healing. As such, the class is considered highly adaptable and versatile, as shaman are formidable opponents, able to respond to any situation with a range of unique abilities. Often spiritual guides of their communities, these powerful practitioners commune with the ancestors and seek to balance the raging elemental forces. Shaman become deadly warriors, unstoppable spellcasters, and quick-witted healers by working respectfully with the elements.[3]

During combat, shaman place damaging and controlling totems on the ground to maximize their effectiveness while hindering their enemies. They are versatile enough to battle foes up close or at range, but wise shaman choose their avenue of attack based on their enemies' strengths and weaknesses. By calling on their spiritual power, shaman can restore health to injured allies. They enhance their weapons with elemental effects, empowering their blows with the power of fire, wind, or ice. The elemental force of the shaman can be used to damage enemies from afar with lightning strikes, earthquakes, and lava bursts. They can choose to deploy a wide array of different totems, each with unique effects from improved restoration to greater damage, enhanced crowd control, and more.[4]

Shaman talents can strengthen their ability to heal the wounded, empower their melee attacks with natural force, or call upon blistering elemental spells:

  • Elemental shaman are spellcasters who harness the destructive forces of nature and the elements.[4]
  • Enhancement shaman are totemic warriors who strike foes with weapons imbued with elemental power.[4]
  • Restoration shaman are healers who call upon ancestral spirits and the cleansing power of water to mend allies' wounds.[4]

Class overview[]

For millennia, since the primitive tribal cultures of Azeroth and Draenor, the natural elements of the physical universe have been celebrated, feared, and even worshiped. Mystics sought communion with the earth, air, fire, and water, and learned to tap into their raw power. In time, these spiritual guides came to understand that nature's elemental forces aren't wholly benevolent, but have, in fact, been locked in an unending conflict of chaos and primal fury that once consumed the physical realm. So began the calling of the Shaman, to bring balance to these volatile energies, leveraging their intensity to mend wounds . . . or inflict them.[5]

Game guide[]

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.

These masters of the elements can also call upon elemental forces directly, unleashing torrents of lava and bolts of lightning against foes. The elements can create, destroy, support, and hinder. The experienced shaman balances the vast spectrum of these primordial forces into an array of diverse abilities, making shaman versatile heroes and valued members of any group.[4]

Creation screen description[]

Shaman commune directly with the elements. Their combination of wisdom and resilience makes them ideal as tribal advisors and leaders. In battle the shaman uses totems and spells to manipulate the elements and provoke other fighters into untold heights of rage and might. Shamans exemplify the primal bond between the savage races and their environment.[6]

Shaman use the power of the elements to enhance their weapon damage or spells. Shaman summon totems in combat, small objects that disable enemies, heal, or cause damage to enemies.

Classic guide[]

Limited to the Horde, Shamans commune with the chaotic elements, harnessing primal fury to enhance weapons, empower totems, and augment their own abilities.[7]

Background[]

Main article: Shaman races
Chronicle2 The Throne of the Elements

The shamanic orc temple at the Throne of the Elements, prior to its destruction.

Shamanism has existed since the sapient races first discovered the power of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.[8] On Draenor, now shattered Outland, the orcs were shamanistic; on Azeroth, tauren were shamanistic, while the trolls had a history of shamanistic worship of the loa, or spirits.[9] Before being accustomed to the divine Holy Light or the potency of the arcane, the human had primitive belief systems that incorporated simple nature magic, practicing crude forms of druidism and shamanism.[10]

230 years prior to the opening of the Dark Portal, the Earthen Ring was founded by tauren to lead their people with wisdom and maintain the harmony between the elemental spirits.[11]

Though shamanism on Azeroth flourished and still continues to, 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, such as Zuluhed the Whacked and Ner'zhul. However, Kil'jaeden, archdemon of the Burning Legion, distorted the shaman's connection with their spirits in the sacred mountain of Oshu'gun, himself taking on the form of the shaman's ancestors to convince the shaman (who held much political sway in the orcish culture) that the draenei were the enemy. The ensuing massacres upon several draenei hunting parties offended the spirits, who eventually denied the shaman their powers. Prior to this, the orcs could easily overpower wandering draenei groups, but the nascent Horde was now vulnerable to their mages and paladins.[12] All was set for the transition. Cut off from their elemental powers, the shaman were offered to turn to the more efficient and masterful powers of the Burning Legion, becoming warlocks. Most of the shaman eagerly accepted, even wise and honorable orcs such as Drek'Thar. As the orcs and Draenor got gradually more corrupted, Kil'jaeden and Gul'dan had a barrier put around Oshu'gun which prevented the ancestral spirits and K'ure from making contact with the outside world.[13] Orcs were also forbidden on Blackhand's orders to ever return to the mountain, to make sure none could realize the deception.[14] This effectively outlawed shamanism and its practice.

Years later, after the destruction of Draenor and its transformation into Outland, the elements slowly recovered from the turmoil and uncertainty of being ravaged along with the land when the portals were opened. For some time, they were lost, confused, and neglected: very much like, they sensed, a kindred spirit in a certain Broken draenei named Nobundo was. Hopeful that he would be receptive to contact with them, they did so once they recovered sufficiently enough to reach out once again, and found that he was. In an experience that was probably not too dissimilar to the first ancient shaman of other races, the elements themselves taught Nobundo the delicate balance of nature and the powers and truth of the Five Elements. Spending years primarily as a student of the elements, Nobundo would become a teacher himself, seeking out his first students among his own people at Telredor in Zangarmarsh and opened a new path for the draenei.[15]

Third War[]

Main article: Shaman (Warcraft III)

Shamanism in the orcs remained all but extinct until Thrall, the son of the deceased Durotan and future chieftain of the Frostwolf clan, grabbed hold of the reins of Warchief of the New Horde, ushering in a new generation of shamanism, breaking the crippling lethargy of the captive orcs and outlawing the dark magic of the Burning Legion. At the time of the internment camps, a shaman was a derogatory term for someone who told fantastical and unbelievable stories.[16] Shamanism is now at its peak, though, as the New Horde itself became led by a shaman of great power in the new orcish nation of Durotar.

The Burning Crusade[]

Bc icon This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Unbroken

Farseer Nobundo, first of the draenei shaman.

At the time of the invasion of Outland, a few draenei have started to follow the path of the shaman under the guidance of Farseer Nobundo, although for some draenei, the shamanistic teachings of the Broken were considered as heretical and a blasphemy against the Light.[17][18] Draenei and Broken shaman later integrated the ranks of the Earthen Ring, with the main goal to heal Outland.

Legion[]

Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.

During the third invasion of the Burning Legion, the Earthen Ring shaman helped new elementals to replace Ragnaros in the Firelands and Al'Akir in Skywall: Smolderon and Thunderaan respectively.[19][20] They then managed to convince the four Elemental Lords to band together against the Burning Legion. During the conflict, shaman and elementals worked actively from the Heart of Azeroth to fight the demons off the Broken Isles.

Culture[]

Zekhan elemental spell

A jungle troll calling upon the powers of the elements.

Shamanism is a deeply spiritual form of elemental magic that involves a connection with both the natural and the elemental spirits. Shaman do not normally enslave elementals, but honor them, asking the elements to heed their call. Consequently, the power of the shaman is borrowed, rather than taken. Shaman are not inherently imbued with magic - they harness the powers of the elements through ceremonial totems.[21] There is a relation to the spiritual magic of shaman and the natural magic of druids, which is why the shaman were able to hear the spirits of Stonetalon Mountains.[22] Shaman said that all things had a life, a power, a spirit. They are deeply involved with the spirits of the elements — earth, air, fire, water, and the Spirit of the Wilds — and claimed they could sense the life force in earth and even seemingly dead stone.[23] This Spirit energy is what gave the shaman their connection to the elements, to others, and to themselves. Members of the Earthen Ring save this Spirit for apprentice's studies till they are ready.[24]

During a conversation, Drek'Thar explained to his apprentice Thrall that shaman have a bond with the things of the natural world, thus they strive always to work in harmony with them, with respect in their heart and the willingness to offer something in return. Unlike warlocks who used the fel through their spells, the shaman call for the powers of the elements and work with those who respond, knowing they are borrowed only, never bought. This is their primary agreement, and if they violate it, nothing of nature would ever respond to them again. They request only the barest needs for themselves and their people, and at times, may ask great things, but only when the cause is good and just. In the end, the elements are powerful entities who come of their own free will, and who are companions in their magic, not slaves.[25]

Farseers are exceptionally powerful and wise shaman that play the role of advisors or take on leadership positions in their communities. They are highly esteemed and respected by their factions.

Unlike the others, goblin shaman follow the motto of "Controlling the Elements for Fun and Profit".[26][27] They are an extension of their society's single-minded devotion to making profit; to a goblin shaman, elementals are potential customers with whom they can negotiate and enter contracts.[28] They tend to be a bit more forceful in their negotiations than the other shamanic races would like, though not as forceful as the taunka.[28] Some goblin shaman mechanically modify both their totems[29] and their elemental minions.[30] To shaman of other races, these methods can seem unorthodox[31] or outrageously disrespectful to the elements.[32]

The dark shaman is a dark version of a shaman, forcing the elements into servitude by using Decay,[33][34] twisting them into burned-out ash, corrupted waters, and toxic air. They also use the Void to enslave the elements.[35]

Notable[]

Thrall the Earth-Warder

Thrall the World Shaman.

See also: List of shaman
Name Role Affiliation Status Location
Horde IconSmall Thrall3 Thrall Representative of the orcs on the Horde Council and shaman of the Earthen Ring. Formerly Warchief of the New Horde, chieftain of the Frostwolf clan, and leader of the Earthen Ring. Frostwolf clan, Earthen Ring, Horde Alive Various
Horde IconSmall Drek'Thar Drek'Thar Chieftain and elder shaman of the Frostwolf clan, Seer of the Earthen Ring. Frostwolf clan, Earthen Ring, Horde Alive Various
Horde IconSmall Vol'jin Vol'jin Former Warchief of the Horde, chieftain of the Darkspear, and leader of Atal-Mhuto. Darkspear tribe, Atal-Mhuto, Horde Deceased Various
Neutral IconSmall Magatha Magatha Grimtotem Elder Crone of the Grimtotem tribe and Champion of the Earthen Ring. Grimtotem tribe, Earthen Ring Alive Unknown
Neutral IconSmall Ner'zhul Ner'zhul Elder shaman of the Shadowmoon clan and Warchief of the Horde of Draenor. Burning Legion, Shadowmoon clan, Horde of Draenor Deceased Unknown
Alliance IconSmall Nobundo Farseer Nobundo First draenei shaman, emissary of the elemental spirits, and Champion of the Earthen Ring. Exodar, Earthen Ring, Alliance Alive Various
Neutral IconSmall Muln Muln Earthfury Champion and former leader of the Earthen Ring. Earthen Ring, Thunder Bluff Alive Various
Neutral IconSmall Rehgar Rehgar Earthfury Champion of the Earthen Ring. Formerly advisor to Thrall and gladiator master. Earthen Ring, Horde Alive Various
Horde IconSmall Orc Female Greatmother Geyah Spiritual leader of the Mag'har in Outland. The Mag'har, Frostwolf clan Alive Garadar, Nagrand
Mob IconSmall Zuluhed Zuluhed the Whacked Former chieftain of the Dragonmaw clan. Dragonmaw clan, Illidari Deceased Dragonmaw Fortress, Shadowmoon Valley

Shaman organizations[]

Races[]

Main article: Shaman races

The shaman class can be played by the following races:

Strength Agility Stamina Intellect Spirit Armor Health Mana
Alliance Alliance DraeneiDraenei Draenei Bc icon 22 17 21 21 24 34 59 90
DwarfDwarf Dwarf Cataclysm 22 16 23 22 21 90 69 75
Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron Battle for Azeroth N/A
Kul TiranKul Tiran Kul Tiran Battle for Azeroth N/A
Neutral Neutral PandarenPandaren Pandaren Mists of Pandaria 21 18 22 20 24 37 123 40
Horde Horde GoblinGoblin Goblin Cataclysm 18 22 21 24 20 N/A
OrcOrc Orc WoW Icon update 24 17 22 18 24 34 69 73
TaurenTauren Tauren WoW Icon update 26 16 22 17 24 32 70 72
TrollTroll Troll WoW Icon update 22 22 21 17 23 44 59 72
Highmountain taurenHighmountain tauren Highmountain Legion N/A
Mag'har orcMag'har orc Mag'har Battle for Azeroth N/A
Zandalari trollZandalari troll Zandalari Battle for Azeroth N/A
VulperaVulpera Vulpera Battle for Azeroth N/A

Specializations[]

"Enhancement" redirects here. For items used to enhance equipment, see Enhancements.
For a list of specialization-specific abilities, see Shaman abilities#Specializations.
Spell nature lightning

Elemental[]

Shaman preview Elemental

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

Elemental shaman are powerful spellcasters, fulfilling a caster DPS role to blast and scorch enemies from afar. They benefit from numerous improvements to their offensive spell casting abilities, boasting reduced cooldowns and mana costs, and increased crit chance, range and damage dealt for many of their spells. Dedicated casters, Elemental shaman' play is augmented with a number of mechanics rewarding spell-casting, including Spell frost manaburn [Elemental Focus] and Spell shaman lavasurge [Lava Surge] They also gain some unique abilities of their own, including the iconic Spell shaman thunderstorm [Thunderstorm] - a powerful knockback ability notorious for propelling enemies from high edges in PvP - and their Spell nature lightningoverload [Mastery: Elemental Overload]. Elemental is the choice for shaman who want to play a ranged damage-dealer and maximize their damage output with their spells.

Spell shaman earthquake [Earthquake] is another Elemental ability which, while broadly similar to Spell frost icestorm [Blizzard] and Spell shadow rainoffire [Rain of Fire], also has utility in being able to knock down foes caught in its area of effect, making it very versatile in both PvE and PvP settings when used right. Combining their Spell nature chainlightning [Chain Lightning] and Spell shaman earthquake [Earthquake], an Elemental shaman can do considerable AoE damage.

The most important attribute for Elemental is intellect, which increases spell power. The second-most important statistic is haste, which increases their casting speed.

Certain shaman have dedicated themselves above all else to forging a deep bond with the elements. They have peered beyond the Elemental Plane, gleaning visions of an ancient past where manifestations of volatile energies once raged unimpeded across primordial Azeroth. Through careful study and dedication, the elemental shaman is able to channel such power into destructive magical surges. Through the body of the shaman flows bolts of lightning, as if from storm, and bursts of fire, as if from molten earth. They manipulate the land itself and summon spirits of earth, fire, and storm to their aid. To battle an elemental shaman is to taunt the very forces of nature.[5]

Spell shaman improvedstormstrike

Enhancement[]

Shaman preview Enhancement

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

Enhancement shaman are melee damage dealers, smiting opponents with elementally-empowered weapons. A unique melee spec that derives a large portion of its damage from spells, the playstyle of an Enhancement shaman is very active and hectic. Using the right abilities at the right time, combined with Spell shaman maelstromweapon [Maelstrom Weapon] procs, it's a very engaging spec to play.

Signature abilities of this spec include Ability dualwield [Dual Wield], giving shaman the ability to dual wield one-handed-weapons, Spell shaman unleashweapon wind [Windfury], which gives a chance of each of your main hand attack to trigger extra attacks, and Ability shaman stormstrike [Stormstrike], which allows the shaman to hit with both weapons at once for a large amount of damage.

Enhancement Shamans use Maelstrom (game resource) as their resource instead of mana. They passively generate Maelstrom with each auto attack, and can also actively generate it with Spell nature rockbiter [Rockbiter]. They spend their Maelstrom through their usage of Ability shaman lavalash [Lava Lash], Spell shaman crashlightning [Crash Lightning] and many other skills.

Finally, Spell shaman feralspirit [Feral Spirit] allows enhancement shaman to summon a pair of immensely powerful spirit wolves which add a fair amount to the shaman's DPS while active, as well as generating Maelstrom for each time they attack (and providing some unique utility in breaking snares, sprinting, stunning, and taunting enemies).

Intense communion with fire, earth, air, and water isn't exclusive to the elemental shaman. In many ways, enhancement shaman similarly bond with nature and leverage its power on the battlefield. What distinguishes them in their training—and in their connection with the elements—is their combat methodology. These shaman favor empowering their physical attacks with elemental energies and facing their adversaries up close. They don't shy from the frontlines, wielding magically augmented weapons, potent elemental attacks, and totems that shape the tide of battle.[5]

Spell nature magicimmunity

Restoration[]

Shaman preview Restoration

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

Restoration shaman are versatile healers well suited for any situation, with numerous passive abilities reducing the casting time and mana cost of healing spells, while increasing their effectiveness. On top of that, they offer good utility (like mana regeneration using Spell frost summonwaterelemental [Mana Tide Totem]) and strong multi-target healing through Spell nature healingwavegreater [Chain Heal] and Spell nature giftofthewaterspirit [Healing Rain]. Signature abilities include Spell nature skinofearth [Earth Shield], a long-term buff that triggers a heal whenever the target is damaged, and Spell nature riptide [Riptide], an instant cast heal and an HoT.

An important mechanic of the restoration shaman is the Spell shaman tidalwaves [Tidal Waves] buff, granted upon casting a Spell nature riptide [Riptide] or a Spell nature healingwavegreater [Chain Heal]. This buff has initially two stacks. A single stack is consumed upon casting a Spell nature healingwavelesser [Greater Healing Wave] or a Spell nature healingway [Healing Surge]. A spent charge makes a Spell nature healingwavelesser [Greater Healing Wave] much faster to cast or increases the crit chance of a Spell nature healingway [Healing Surge]. This makes careful management of Spell nature riptide [Riptide], Spell nature healingwavegreater [Chain Heal], Spell shaman tidalwaves [Tidal Waves] and the Healing Wave spells essential for a good Restoration shaman.

Restoration shaman are highly effective in PvP and group PvE, the only drawback being their rather low damage output, which can make solo play more difficult. In return, a Restoration shaman hardly ever dies while questing/soloing.

Restoration shaman should focus on intellect, seeking to maximize their healing output while maintaining enough mana regeneration to last the fight.

Some shaman find a serene affinity for the restorative properties of water. These shaman do not necessarily seek the Light or turn to the divine, yet they feel a profound spiritual connection with the source from which all mortal life took root. So strong is their connection with water that the shaman is able to restore life and heal afflictions. They balance this with a command of the other elements, finding harmony in nature and purifying their allies as a tidal surge washes across a sandy shore.[5]

Overview[]

Icon-time This section contains information that is out-of-date.
WoW Town Hall Shaman-character

A tauren shaman as originally seen on the official World of Warcraft website.

Shaman were originally a Horde-exclusive class available to three races: tauren, orcs, and trolls. The class was designed as the counterpart to the Alliance-exclusive paladin, and they shared many qualities such as a strong focus on buffs, the ability to act as an off-tank, and useful healing spells. However, balancing the two classes against each other to prevent one faction from having a clear advantage became too difficult for developers, restricting the development of both classes. After the release of The Burning Crusade in 2007, the Alliance gained access to the shaman class with the introduction of the alien draenei, while the Horde gained access to paladins through the blood elves. With both factions now capable of fielding shaman and paladins, developers have been able to balance the shaman against the other classes instead of trying to mirror paladins. Later expansions have seen the shaman class become available to new races.

In the past, shaman were often considered a “Jack of all trades, master of none”. This was a result of their ability to perform many abilities outside the normal realm of skills for their primary specialization. It was also a result of the Cataclysm model for the shaman's iconic totems, in which many classes provided more powerful versions of a shaman's totem buffs but no class provided the same amount of variety.

In game, shaman are capable of filling three roles: ranged DPS, melee DPS, and healing. These roles are represented by the Elemental, Enhancement, and Restoration specializations. Originally, Enhancement shaman were designed to be viable off-tanks to counter the abilities of Protection paladins. As the Horde gained access to paladins with The Burning Crusade, and with the addition of the death knight class in Wrath of the Lich King, the need for shaman tanks was eliminated. Though developers pushed the class towards being exclusively damage dealers or healers, some enthusiasts maintained tanking simple encounters using Enhancement shaman. However, with the removal of the defense statistic in Patch 4.0.1, it became impossible for shaman tanks to prevent critical strikes, effectively ending their history.

Abilities[]

Totems[]

Muln Earthfury

High Shaman Muln Earthfury and his totems.

Shaman totems are unique to the shaman, and give them access to unique and powerful abilities. Once a totem is put down, it cannot be moved, so the shaman must have the intended position in mind when using it. Only Restoration has baseline access to totems, one example being Ability shaman healingtide [Healing Tide Totem]. Enhancement and Elemental need to spec into certain totem talents to have access to totems themselves, such as Spell nature wrathofair totem [Totem Mastery] for Elemental and Enhancement, or extra totems for Restoration such as Spell nature stoneskintotem [Earthen Wall Totem].

Spells[]

Shaman spells include direct damage spells, heals, and weapon buffs among others. Their spells are mostly based on the elements.

Shaman also are graced with Spell nature astralrecal [Astral Recall], a spell similar to the Inv misc rune 01 [Hearthstone], but it can only be used when out of combat, and is on a separate shorter cooldown.

Finally, the combination of Spell shaman improvedreincarnation [Reincarnation] and Spell nature regenerate [Ancestral Spirit] make shaman the only class able to begin wipe recovery without outside help. These abilities make the shaman one of the most powerful support classes in the game.

Equipment[]

Shaman can wear cloth armor, leather armor and mail armor, but they should seek to only wear mail armor. Shaman will often compete with Hunters for armor, since both classes use Mail armor. All shaman specifications can equip daggers, staves, fist weapons and shields, as well as one or two-handed axes and maces. In patch 2.0.1, Enhancement shaman gained the ability to dual wield. There are a number of end-game gear sets for shaman which can be found on the Shaman sets page. The Leatherworking profession is capable of crafting many pieces of mail armor that are attractive to both PvE and PvP focused shaman.

Enhancement shaman should dual wield agility weapons. Elemental and Restoration shaman should equip an Intellect main hand weapon and a shield. Caster shaman may also equip non-shield off-hand items or, if the stats are more beneficial, staves. Prior to Mists of Pandaria, shaman equipped a Totem in their relic slot in lieu of having a ranged weapon. However, with Patch 5.0.4 the ranged weapon slot was removed and the relic items were phased out.

Weapons[]

Cannot use

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. All shamans have access to powerful spells such as Ability shaman heroism [Heroism]/Spell nature bloodlust [Bloodlust], a powerful raid-wide cooldown that considerably increases everyone's haste for a long period of time, and useful utility such as Spell shaman hex [Hex] and Spell nature purge [Purge].

An elemental shaman will be expected to maximize their damage output as a ranged DPS through careful management of their stats such as Intellect and Versatility, and usage of their offensive spells such as Spell shaman lavaburst [Lava Burst]. They are able to call upon Spell fire elemental totem [Fire Elemental] for extra damage and also Spell nature earthelemental totem [Earth Elemental] if the shaman requires help tanking an enemy mob.

An enhancement shaman will be expected to maximize their damage as a melee DPS by stacking stats such as Haste, Agility and Critical Strike. They have access to elemental buffs such as Spell fire flametounge [Flametongue] to increase their damage output and powerful abilities like Ability shaman stormstrike [Stormstrike] to devastate all enemies within melee range.

A restoration shaman will be expected to maximize their healing, and much like an elemental shaman requires Intellect and Critical Strike. They also have access to a vast array of totems to aid their healing, from the minor Inv spear 04 [Healing Stream Totem], to the powerful raid-wide healing of the Ability shaman healingtide [Healing Tide Totem], to the potentially raid saving Spell shaman spiritlink [Spirit Link Totem].

In the RPG[]

Icon-RPG This section contains information from the Warcraft RPG which is considered non-canon.
See also: Battle shamanSpiritwalkerSpirit champion
Orcshaman

Orc shaman in Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game.

Shamans are spiritual visionaries of tribes and clans. These gifted warriors can see into the world of spirits and communicate with creatures invisible to eyes of normal beings. They are beset by visions of the future and use their sight to guide their people through troubled times. Although the shaman may seem wise and serene at first glance, he is a formidable foe: when angered, his wrath is as fierce as those who have a connection to Eternals or nature.[36]

Trivia[]

  • Shaman have a "natural magnetism".[37]
  • A knowledgeable shaman can hear the sound of all the world's tongues on the wind.[38]
  • According to Muradin Bronzebeard, the shaman show their allegiance to the elements with the decorative symbols on this The Earthshatterer armor, and it gives them the power to protect the allies even further.[3]
  • In Warcraft II the differences between shaman and warlock were not yet well established, as it was stated that shaman could manipulate "the cold, negative-energies of the Twisting Nether".[39] In the canceled Warcraft Adventures, Thrall had to learn some of the dark magics of the death knights in order to become shaman, referring to the older background about the ancestral religion of the orcs being necromantic instead of elemental.[40]
  • During the early beta days of World of Warcraft, shaman could only wear bucklers instead of any shields.

Gallery[]

Warcraft III
Trading Card Game
Hearthstone

Videos[]

Patch changes[]

  • Legion Patch 7.0.3 (2016-07-19): Now begins with mail armor at level 1 instead of leather armor.
  • Mists of Pandaria Patch 5.1.0 (2012-11-27): All totems are now considered spells, and summoning totems can be prevented by silencing effects.
  • Mists of Pandaria Patch 5.0.4 (2012-08-28):
    • Relics have been removed from the game.
    • Totems no longer provide long-term buffs. Some of the old passive effects are now innately provided by the shaman. Totems instead have short-term situational benefits.
  • Cataclysm Patch 4.0.1 (2010-10-12): Totems are no longer necessary to keep in your bags. Many totem quests have been removed.
  • Wrath-Logo-Small Patch 3.2.0 (2009-08-04):
    • A customizable Totem Bar will now be available for shaman allowing the storing of 4 different totems. These totems can be placed on the ground at once in one global cooldown for the combined mana cost of all 4 totems.
    • Base health increased by approximately 7% to correct for shamans having lower health than other classes.
  • Wrath-Logo-Small Patch 3.0.2 (2008-10-14): All totems are now considered in the "Physical" school, and no longer magical spells.
  • Bc icon Patch 2.0.1 (2006-12-05):
    • With the introduction of the draenei, shamans are now playable by both the Alliance and the Horde.
    • Shaman with the appropriate talent spec are now able to dual-wield.

See also[]

References[]

 
  1. ^ Inv misc rune 06 [Empowered Rune]
  2. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos Game Manual
  3. ^ a b Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 97
  4. ^ a b c d e https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/en-us/game/classes/shaman
  5. ^ a b c d Legion Class Preview Series: Shaman
  6. ^ World of Warcraft: Classic class description
  7. ^ Taking Your First Steps in World of Warcraft Classic
  8. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 90
  9. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 140
  10. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 126
  11. ^ Shaman, prologue
  12. ^ Rise of the Horde, chapter 12
  13. ^ Rise of the Horde, chapter 17
  14. ^ Rise of the Horde, chapter 18
  15. ^ Unbroken
  16. ^ Lord of the Clans, pg 98
  17. ^ Draenei Artificer#Quotes
  18. ^ Farseer Nobundo#The Exodar
  19. ^ N Shaman [45] The Firelord's Command
  20. ^ N Shaman [45] Gathering of the Storms
  21. ^ Ultimate Visual Guide, pg. 21
  22. ^ H [23] Shredding Machines
  23. ^ Rise of the Horde, pg. 55
  24. ^ Shaman, pg. 40
  25. ^ Lord of the Clans, chapter 12
  26. ^ Maxx Avalanche#Quotes
  27. ^ Environmental Engineer Linza#Quotes
  28. ^ a b Ask CDev Answers - Round 1
  29. ^ N [30-35] Totem Modification
  30. ^ Modified Earth Elemental
  31. ^ N Shaman [10-45] Tech It Up A Notch
  32. ^ N [30-35] Back in One Piece
  33. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1, pg. 10
  34. ^ Dave Kosak on Twitter: "Shaman use the four elements and "spirit" to bring them to life. Only dark shaman forego spirit and use the elements with decay."
  35. ^ N [35-40] Disrupt the Rituals
  36. ^ World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg 71
  37. ^ N Shaman [10-45] Clutch Play
  38. ^ H [25-30] Speaking with the Wind's Voice
  39. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, The History of Orcish Ascension, The Rise of the Shadow Council
  40. ^ Warcraft: Orcs & Humans manual, Orcish Horde of the First War, Necrolyte

External links[]

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