Having healing, tanking and DPS skills; the Shaman is probably one of the most adaptable characters within WOW. They have the gift of controlling the elements. Fire, water, wind and earth all are under these mystical character's control.
With spells that can cause large increases in stats for group members, Shamans are a well respected, and much needed character. But they also provide a wide range of damage using both melee and ranged attacks. These resourceful characters can even provide help when it comes to tanking if it comes to that.
If you want more information regarding leveling your Shaman or just more info in general, visit this Shaman Leveling Guide.
Because they have so many abilities, Shamans are a wonderful addition to a raid. They can easily fill any number of spots which makes it that much easier to fill the other roles that are needed. You will find that Shamans are in high demand when it comes to both raiding and PvP battles. With all their different abilities and roles they can play, they become very valuable characters.
Being able to fill any role within a group sounds like a great thing, and it is, but it also comes with its challenges. Shamans are a blast to play, but can be extremely difficult to master. They are so difficult to master because of the large amount of information you must learn. As a Shaman you have four areas to practice and learn. You have healing, tanking and both ranged and melee DPS. This poses a problem for some players; they might spread themselves thin when trying to learn everything that a Shaman has to offer. To avoid this overload, I suggest to pick one spec and focus all your energy on that.
Shaman's are best known for the totems that they drop when ever in battle. These totems have several different functions, all there to enhance and help the Shaman. Without these totems the Shaman's powers become much weaker.
Shaman's are often chosen in groups because of their totems. These totems individually have different powers and at anytime a Shaman can lay down 4 different totems. As you face your enemies you will quickly find out what types of totems will best serve you for that particular enemy.. Now you and your group have an added advantage against your target.
The limited range that your totems have can cause a problem when you are dealing with large and long fights. You must stay close enough to the totems to receive their powers, if you leave their range you will lose any benefit they provide. Placement is key with totems, never put them where the enemy can attack them easily, but also don't put them to far away you can't use their powers. Totems have a very small amount of health and can be destroyed easily and quickly. There for don't ever temp your enemy into destroying them, place them where they will be forced to attack you over the totems.
Visit this Shaman Leveling Guide to get a more in-depth look into what it takes to level a Shaman.
Blood Lust is a spell that Shaman's possess that is by far the most powerful spell in the entire game. If gives everyone in your party an added attack speed. It is so powerful that you are unable to use it for ten minutes after its been used. Many times it can be the difference in defeating a boss, or having everyone parish.
A Shaman is allowed to wear mail armor, which is not the greatest protection but it is better than others. The spec you choose will decide if you like your armor or not. If you plan to specialize in healing or maybe ranged DPS, then mail armor will be more than enough protection for your needs, but if you choose to tank and even melee attack then you will want to be extra cautious with your attacks. This is the main reason why Shaman's are such rare tanks. You will almost never see them as one; if they are they are usually an off tank helping control a weaker enemy.
With so many powerful spells Shamans can easily burn through their mana. It is the life blood for all of their abilities. This limitation can make it difficult to level at a fast speed, and can also give you trouble if you are not cautious of your mana consumption when facing high level bosses. Fortunately you have a mana regeneration totem available to you.
It is hard to determine which talent build is the best one when you are considering being a DPS Shaman. The majority of players feel that Enhancement is your best decision, and as it is true that Enhancement is an easier spec to do DPS in, the best damage numbers come from Elemental Shamans. This tree is a little bit more difficult to find a rhythm with your spells, but once you get a hold of it you will see your DPS numbers sky rocket. The talent build that is dedicated to healing is Restoration.
With Enhancement having a much easier rotation you will want to use that for leveling. The idea in leveling is to move quickly and powerfully so you are not wasting your time dying. Enhancement is the best way to get a feel for the Shaman's spells and understand what is the strongest way to play one.
A lot of the time players who have been playing for a while will start a Shaman, because they are looking for a challenge. It is a great challenge to master all of the abilities that a Shaman possesses. Dedication is needed to play a Shaman, if you do not have the time or the will power, you will not be able to become a very powerful Shaman. The totems are the key to success for a Shaman and along with certain raid buffs; Shamans provide excellent support to other players. Their severe mana usage can be a thorn in your side, but can be off set with a well placed mana totem. Shamans are the cog in the wheel that can fit anywhere.
