Shaman Healer in the Season of Discovery Guide

Restoration Shamans in the Season of Discovery (SoD) are in for a treat with the introduction of the Rune system. This system allows Shamans to affix runes to their gear, unlocking new powers. Some noteworthy abilities for healing include Healing Rain, Ancestral Guidance, Earth Shield, Shamanic Fury, and Water Shield.

However, due to the limitations of gear slots, you won't be able to use all these spells simultaneously. For instance, Earth Shield, Ancestral Guidance, and Shamanic Fury all occupy the leg slot. Nevertheless, these additions redefine the gameplay of Restoration Shamans in the world of WoW Classic.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Shaman healers retain the utility traditionally associated with the Shaman class, featuring iconic totems like Windfury Totem (now overshadowed by Primal Fury from Feral Druids) and Tremor Totem.

Strengths

1. High area healing through spells like Chain Heal and Healing Rain.

2. Robust utility with totems such as Windfury Totem and Tremor Totem.

Weaknesses

1. Weak single-target healing with extended cast times or suboptimal Mana efficiency.

2. Relatively low survivability, partially offset by the Reincarnation ability.

Best Talent Builds for Shaman Healer - Phase 1

Restoration

To be an effective Shaman healer, channel your talent points into the Restoration tree. Key talents like Ancestral Healing and Totemic Mastery are essential for effective healing and group support.

Best Runes for Shaman Healer

Chest Rune

Legs Rune

Gloves Rune

How to Play Shaman Healer

As a healer, focus on casting restorative spells such as Healing Rain, Healing Wave, and Lesser Healing Wave on your group members.

Rotation

1. Deploy utility totems based on your group's needs: Strength of Earth Totem, Healing Stream Totem, and Frost Resistance Totem are solid choices.

2. Use Healing Rain on a cluster of injured players for gradual healing.

3. Cast Healing Wave on heavily damaged targets if they won't perish before your cast completes; otherwise, opt for Lesser Healing Wave.

Stats and Gear for Shaman Healer

Stat Priority

1. Mp5

2. Intellect

3. Healing Power

4. Spell Crit

As a level 25 healing Shaman, prioritize regeneration and Mana stats for sustained casting. Simultaneously, acquire Healing Power to enhance the effectiveness of your spells.

Gear Recommendations for Shaman Healer - Phase 1

1. Crescent Staff: Reward from the Leaders of the Fang quest line concluding in Wailing Caverns.

2. Berylline Pads: Obtained as a reward from the quests Avenge My Village or The Witch of the Wood in Hillsbrad Foothills.

In this level range, any green gear with Intellect is suitable, so keep an eye out for those!

Best Races for Shaman Healer

Best Alliance Races

Shamans cannot be Alliance, even in Season of Discovery.

Best Horde Races

Orc Shaman

Racial Bonuses

1. Axe Specialization: Skill with Axes and Two-Handed Axes increased by 5.

2. Blood Fury: Increases base melee attack power by 25% for 15 sec and reduces healing effects on you by 50% for 25 sec.

3. Command: Damage dealt by Hunter and Warlock pets increased by 5%.

4. Hardiness: Chance to resist Stun effects increased by an additional 25%.

Troll Shaman

Racial Bonuses

1. Beast Slaying: Damage dealt versus Beasts increased by 5%.

2. Berserking: Increases casting and attack speed by 10% to 30%.

3. Bow Specialization: Skill with Bow Weapons increased by 5.

4. Regeneration: Health regeneration rate increased by 10%.

Tauren Shaman

Racial Bonuses

1. Cultivation: Herbalism skill increased by 15.

2. Endurance: Total Health increased by 5%.

3. Nature Resistance: Nature Resistance increased by 10.

4. War Stomp: Stuns up to 5 enemies within 8 yds for 2 sec.

Best Professions for Shaman Healer

Herbalism

Choose Herbalism for gold-making and independence in consumable farming while leveling. Alternatively, opt for Alchemy for valuable recipes and self-sufficiency in consumable creation.

Engineering

In both PvE and PvP, Engineering is a must-have for Shamans. In PvE, go for Gnomish Engineering to craft useful trinkets like Gnomish Battle Chicken and Arcanite Dragonling. These pets assist your group and provide a significant DPS boost. Additionally, Engineering provides access to potent bombs like Dense Dynamite, enhancing your damage output. In PvP, Engineering offers diverse tools like Iron Grenade, allowing you to cast Lesser Healing Wave without interruption. Reflector trinkets such as Hyper-Radiant Flame Reflector, Gyrofreeze Ice Reflector, and Ultra-Flash Shadow Reflector enable spell reflection, providing crucial moments for healing.

Conclusion

The Season of Discovery brings a refreshing twist to the Shaman Healer role with the Rune system, introducing new dynamics and playstyles. While Shaman healers continue to excel in group support and area healing, addressing single-target healing challenges will be essential for a well-rounded performance.

As we embark on this journey through WoW Season of Discovery, Shaman Healers stand poised to make a significant impact on the battlefield. Navigate the challenges, master the new spells, and forge a path of restoration in this ever-evolving classic world. Until next time, may your heals be swift and your totems true. Safe travels, adventurers!

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