World of Warcraft Wiki
Register
Advertisement
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.
Fail:Shaman crest.png

Shaman are a hybrid class and can specialize in offensive spellcasting, melee damage dealing, or healing. As such, the class is considered one of the most adaptable and versatile in the game. 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 was said to create much 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[1] 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)
Fail:Shamanwc3.gif

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.[2]

History[]

Fail:Grennanstormspeaker.jpg

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. However, 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, the former shaman turned to the more efficient and masterful 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 and 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 many 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 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. This ushered 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, "shaman" was a derogatory term for someone who told fantastical and unbelievable stories.[3] 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[]

Name Role Status Location
HordeFail:IconSmall Drek'Thar.gif Drek'Thar Chieftain and Elder Shaman of the Frostwolf Clan Alive Frostwolf Keep, Alterac Valley
NeutralFail:IconSmall Magatha.gif Magatha Grimtotem Elder of the Grimtotem Clan Alive Unknown
NeutralFail:IconSmall Ner'zhul.gif Ner'zhul The Lich King Unknown Unknown
AllianceFail:IconSmall Nobundo.gif Farseer Nobundo Draenei far seer Alive The Crystal Hall, Exodar
HordeFail:IconSmall Rehgar.gif Rehgar Earthfury Advisor to Warchief Thrall Alive Unknown
HordeTroll male Rokhan Horde scout Alive Dragon's Fall, Dragonblight
NeutralFail:IconSmall Thrall.gif Thrall The Earthen Ring Alive The Maelstrom
NeutralFail:IconSmall Zuluhed.gif Zuluhed the Whacked Chieftain of the Dragonmaw clan Deceased (lore), Killable (WoW) Dragonmaw Fortress, Shadowmoon Valley

Organizations[]

Races[]

Main article: Shaman races

Fail:ArtDraeneiShaman.jpg

Draenei shaman

The shaman class can be played by the following races:

Race Strength Agility Stamina Intellect Spirit Armor Health Mana
Alliance DraeneiDraenei Draenei TBC 22 17 21 21 24 34 59 90
Alliance Ironforge dwarfIronforge dwarf Ironforge dwarf Cataclysm 22 16 23 22 21 ? ? ?
Fail:Both 15.png PandarenPandaren Pandaren Mists of Pandaria 21 18 22 20 24 37 123 40
Horde GoblinGoblin Goblin Cataclysm 18 22 21 24 20 ? 59 135
Horde OrcOrc Orc 24 17 22 18 24 34 69 73
Horde TaurenTauren Tauren 26 16 22 17 24 32 70 72
Horde TrollTroll Troll 22 22 21 17 23 44 59 72

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.

Specializations/stats[]

A spellcaster who harnesses the destructive forces of nature and the elements.
- Official description
Stat priority
  • Hit Rating or Spirit (15% hit cap)
  • Intellect
  • Haste Rating
  • Mastery Rating
  • Critical Strike Rating
Fail:ThunderstormTCG.jpg

Thunderstorm

Fail:ElementalPrecisionTCG.jpg

Elemental Precision

Fail:RollingThunderTCG.jpg

Rolling Thunder

Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell shaman thunderstorm.png [Thunderstorm] 10
Fail:Spell fire volcano.png [Elemental Fury] 10
Fail:Spell nature elementalprecision 1.png [Elemental Precision] 10
Fail:Spell nature stormreach.png [Elemental Reach] 10
Fail:Spell unused2.png [Shamanism] 10
Fail:Spell nature elementalabsorption.png [Spiritual Insight] 10
Fail:Spell nature callstorm.png [Rolling Thunder] 20
Fail:Spell nature unrelentingstorm.png [Fulmination] 30
Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell shaman lavaburst.png [Lava Burst] 34
Fail:Spell shadow manaburn.png [Elemental Focus] 40
Fail:Spell shaman lavasurge.png [Lava Surge] 50
Fail:Spell shaman elementaloath.png [Elemental Oath] 55
Fail:Spell shaman earthquake.png [Earthquake] 60
Fail:Spell nature shamanrage.png [Shamanistic Rage] 65
Fail:Spell nature lightningoverload.png [Mastery: Elemental Overload] 80

A totemic warrior who strikes foes with weapons imbued with elemental power.
- Official description
Stat priority
  • Agility
  • Hit Rating / Expertise Rating (both 7.5%)
  • Mastery Rating
  • Haste Rating
  • Critical Strike Rating
Fail:Stormstrike TCG.jpg

Stormstrike

Fail:WindfuryWeaponTCG.jpg

Windfury Weapon

Fail:MaelstromWeaponTCG.jpg

Maelstrom Weapon

Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Ability shaman lavalash.png [Lava Lash] 10
Fail:Ability dualwield.png [Dual Wield] 10
Fail:Spell nature mentalquickness.png [Mental Quickness] 10
Fail:Ability ghoulfrenzy.png [Flurry] 20
Fail:Ability shaman stormstrike.png [Stormstrike] 26
Fail:Spell shaman unleashweapon wind.png [Windfury Weapon] 30
Fail:Spell fire searingtotem.png [Searing Flames] 34
Fail:Spell shaman staticshock.png [Static Shock] 40
Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell shaman firenova.png [Fire Nova] 44
Fail:Spell shaman maelstromweapon.png [Maelstrom Weapon] 44
Fail:Spell nature unleashedrage.png [Unleashed Rage] 55
Fail:Spell shaman feralspirit.png [Feral Spirit] 60
Fail:Ability tracking.png [Spirit Walk] 60
Fail:Spell nature shamanrage.png [Shamanistic Rage] 65
Fail:Spell nature elementalprecision 2.png [Mastery: Enhanced Elements] 80

A healer who calls upon ancestral spirits and the cleansing power of water to mend allies' wounds.
- Official description
Stat priority
  • Spirit
  • Intellect
  • Haste Rating (until soft haste cap)
  • Mastery Rating
  • Critical Strike Rating
  • Haste Rating
Fail:RiptideTCG.jpg

Riptide

Fail:HealingWaveTCG.jpg

Healing Wave

Fail:EarthShieldTCG.jpg

Earth Shield

Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell nature riptide.png [Riptide] 10
Fail:Spell nature sleep.png [Meditation] 10
Fail:Spell frost wizardmark.png [Purification] 10
Fail:Spell nature elementalabsorption.png [Spiritual Insight] 10
Fail:Ability shaman cleansespirit.png [Purify Spirit] 18
Fail:Spell nature magicimmunity.png [Healing Wave] 20
Fail:Spell nature skinofearth.png [Earth Shield] 26
Fail:Spell shaman unleashweapon life.png [Earthliving Weapon] 30
Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell shaman lavaburst.png [Lava Burst] 34
Fail:Spell shaman ancestralawakening.png [Ancestral Awakening] 34
Fail:Ability shaman watershield.png [Resurgence] 40
Fail:Spell shaman tidalwaves.png [Tidal Waves] 50
Fail:Spell frost summonwaterelemental.png [Mana Tide Totem] 56
Fail:Spell nature healingwavelesser.png [Greater Healing Wave] 60
Fail:Spell shaman spiritlink.png [Spirit Link Totem] 70
Fail:Spell nature healingtouch.png [Mastery: Deep Healing] 80

Skills/Glyphs[]

Fail:LightningBoltTCG.jpg

Lightning Bolt

Fail:PrimalStrikeTCG.jpg

Primal Strike

Fail:Earth Shock TCG.jpg

Earth Shock

Fail:LightningShieldTCG.jpg

Lightning Shield

Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell nature lightning.png [Lightning Bolt] Starts with
Fail:Spell shaman primalstrike.png [Primal Strike] 3
Fail:Spell nature earthshock.png [Earth Shock] 6
Fail:Spell nature healingway.png [Healing Surge] 7
Fail:Spell nature lightningshield.png [Lightning Shield] 8
Fail:Spell shaman unleashweapon flame.png [Flametongue Weapon] 10
Fail:Spell fire flameshock.png [Flame Shock] 12
Fail:Spell nature purge.png [Purge] 12
Fail:Spell nature regenerate.png [Ancestral Spirit] 14
Fail:Spell nature spiritwolf.png [Ghost Wolf] 15
Fail:Spell fire searingtotem.png [Searing Totem] 16
Fail:Spell nature cyclone.png [Wind Shear] 16
Fail:Ability shaman cleansespirit.png [Cleanse Spirit] 18
Fail:Ability shaman watershield.png [Water Shield] 20
Fail:Spell frost frostshock.png [Frost Shock] 22
Fail:Spell frost windwalkon.png [Water Walking] 24
Fail:Spell nature strengthofearthtotem02.png [Earthbind Totem] 26
Fail:Spell nature chainlightning.png [Chain Lightning] 28
Fail:Inv spear 04.png [Healing Stream Totem] 30
Fail:Spell shaman totemrecall.png [Totemic Recall] 30
Fail:Spell shaman improvedreincarnation.png [Reincarnation] 32
Fail:Spell nature astralrecal.png [Astral Recall] 34
Icon Ability Min Level
Fail:Spell nature farsight.png [Far Sight] 36
Fail:Spell fire selfdestruct.png [Magma Totem] 36
Fail:Spell nature groundingtotem.png [Grounding Totem] 38
Fail:Spell fire totemofwrath.png [Burning Wrath] 40
Fail:Spell nature healingwavegreater.png [Chain Heal] 44
Fail:Spell shaman unleashweapon frost.png [Frostbrand Weapon] 46
Fail:Inv chest chain 11.png [Mail Specialization] 50
Fail:Spell nature tremortotem.png [Tremor Totem] 54
Fail:Spell nature earthelemental totem.png [Earth Elemental Totem] 58
Fail:Spell nature giftofthewaterspirit.png [Healing Rain] 60
Fail:Spell nature brilliance.png [Capacitor Totem] 63
Fail:Spell fire elemental totem.png [Fire Elemental Totem] 66
Fail:Ability shaman heroism.png Alliance [Heroism] 70
Fail:Spell nature bloodlust.png Horde [Bloodlust] 70
Fail:Spell shaman bindelemental.png [Bind Elemental] 72
Fail:Spell shaman hex.png [Hex] 75
Fail:Spell shaman unleashweapon earth.png [Rockbiter Weapon] 75
Fail:Ability shaman tranquilmindtotem.png [Stormlash Totem] 78
Fail:Spell nature invisibilitytotem.png [Grace of Air] 80
Fail:Spell shaman improvedstormstrike.png [Unleash Elements] 81
Fail:Spell shaman spiritwalkersgrace.png [Spiritwalker's Grace] 85
Fail:Spell fire elementaldevastation.png [Ascendance] 87

Level Icon Ability
15 (Choose one) Fail:Spell nature natureguardian.png [Nature's Guardian]
Fail:Ability shaman stonebulwark.png [Stone Bulwark Totem]
Fail:Ability shaman astralshift.png [Astral Shift]
30 (Choose one) Fail:Spell fire bluecano.png [Frozen Power]
Fail:Spell nature stranglevines.png [Earthgrab Totem]
Fail:Ability shaman windwalktotem.png [Windwalk Totem]
45 (Choose one) Fail:Ability shaman multitotemactivation.png [Call of the Elements]
Fail:Ability shaman totemcooldownrefund.png [Totemic Restoration]
Fail:Ability shaman totemrelocation.png [Totemic Projection]
Level Icon Ability
60 (Choose one) Fail:Spell nature wispheal.png [Elemental Mastery]
Fail:Spell shaman elementaloath.png [Ancestral Swiftness]
Fail:Ability shaman echooftheelements.png [Echo of the Elements]
75 (Choose one) Fail:Ability shaman healingtide.png [Healing Tide Totem]
Fail:Ability shaman ancestralguidance.png [Ancestral Guidance]
Fail:Ability shaman fortifyingwaters.png [Conductivity]
90 (Choose one) Fail:Shaman talent unleashedfury.png [Unleashed Fury]
Fail:Shaman talent primalelementalist.png [Primal Elementalist]
Fail:Shaman talent elementalblast.png [Elemental Blast]

Key
Tag Source
Book of Glyph Mastery [Book of Glyph Mastery] (requires 425 inscription skill)
T:# Learned from a trainer with # Inscription skill
M:# Minor Inscription Research (requires # Inscription skill)
N Northrend Inscription Research (requires 385 Inscription skill)
V:# Vendor (requires # Inscription skill)


Major Glyph Source Major Glyph Source
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Capacitor Totem] N Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Chain Lightning] N
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Chaining] N Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Cleansing Waters] T:330
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Feral Spirit] Enhancement Book of Glyph Mastery Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Fire Elemental Totem] N
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Fire Nova] Enhancement T:110 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Flame Shock] T:85
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Frost Shock] T:185 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Ghost Wolf] T:75
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Grounding Totem] N Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Healing Storm] Enhancement ??
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Healing Stream Totem] T:215 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Healing Wave] Restoration (Shaman) N
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Hex] Book of Glyph Mastery Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Lightning Shield] N
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Purge] T:300 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Riptide] Restoration (Shaman) Book of Glyph Mastery
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Shamanistic Rage] Enhancement T:255 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Spirit Walk] Enhancement N
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Spiritwalker's Grace] T:375 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Telluric Currents] T:140
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Thunder] Elemental Book of Glyph Mastery Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Totemic Recall] T:235
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Totemic Vigor] Book of Glyph Mastery Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Unstable Earth] Elemental N
Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Water Shield] Restoration (Shaman) T:275 Fail:Inv glyph majorshaman.png [Glyph of Wind Shear] T:125
Minor Glyph Source Minor Glyph Source
Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Astral Recall] M:75 Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Deluge] T:250
Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Far Sight] M:75 Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Lakestrider] T:95
Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Lava Lash] Enhancement T:165 Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of the Spectral Wolf] M:75
Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Thunderstorm] Elemental M:75 Fail:Inv glyph minorshaman.png [Glyph of Totemic Encirclement] M:75

Totems[]

Totems are unique to shaman and only one of each elemental type can be used at a time.

With the spell [Totemic Recall], shaman can instantly remove all of their totems for no mana cost and receive 25% of the mana spent on the totems back. Shaman also see "Totem Timers" below their character portraits. As with buffs, a simple right-click to the "Totem Timer" icon, and the totem will be destroyed with no mana gain.

Equipment[]

Fail:Orcshaman.JPG

Orc shaman

Fail:Shaman Concept.gif

Shaman concept art

Shaman can wear leather armor at the start of the game and can train to wear mail armor after level 40. 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

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 a shaman you will always be the one adapting to various issues your group might run into. If your party runs into an encounter which is very DPS heavy, you will find yourself supporting DPS, occasionally throwing in a heal if needed. The same goes for encounters that require lots of healing.

A shaman's role in parties and raids will vary depending on how they choose to specialize and equip themselves. For example, a shaman who has specced enhancement (and geared accordingly) may have problems healing, but will greatly enhance melee group attack speed via [Unleashed Rage]. On the other hand, a restoration shaman gets 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.

Specialization is all a matter of preference. Some shaman choose to go restoration, some elemental, and others enhancement. No matter which tree they follow, there are a lot of abilities that will benefit raid/party DPS, protection, and healing.

Remember that the beauty of the shaman is its versatility, and even though you tend to go one way with specialization, remember that you still have access to the rest of your core class abilities.

Note[]

The shaman (prestige class) was replaced with the shaman (core class) in the World of Warcraft RPG.[4]

See also[]

Patch changes[]

References[]

  1. Shaman Q&A by Ghostcrawler and Dev Team
  2. World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game, pg 71
  3. Lord of the Clans, pg 98
  4. World of Warcraft: The Roleplaying Game Conversion Document, 1-2

External Links[]

Guides
Old


Advertisement