Although many people do not know how to properly take advantage of the Shaman, it can be a very effective character when used right in WoW. They may not be the best specifically for melee or spell casting combat, their skills can be particularly helpful when in a group. While many WoW players will tell you to stay away from this character, you may want to give it a shot and prove them wrong.
One thing that you are definitely going to want to keep in mind is the fact that you will have to find a group that has a specific need for a Shaman and you will also have to have skills that work well with the class. While you may think that you are pretty much useless as a Shaman, and on your own you pretty much are, but when in a group you will be absolutely essential to the success of the entire group.
Beginning as a Shaman
You will not have many choices when it comes to the race you are allowed to pick for the Shaman. Only Tauren, Trolls, Orc, and the Undead will be available for the Horde. When it comes to Alliance you will only be able to choose Dranei. While you will be able to get those most out of the race you choose eventually, you will have to put up with some of the downsides as well early on.
Learning how to manage your mana properly right from the get go will be crucial when using a race that stay away from melee combat and rely more on potions and casting spells. Of course casting spells will deplete your mana and keeping a steady supply will be essential to be successful. Its imporntat that you make sure you don’t waste your mana all at once as when it gets really low it will take much longer to replenish. Don’t go around using high amounts of mana at once or you will end up regretting it and having to spend a ton of time trying to get it all back. You also run the risk of losing health points when your mana gets down too low.
Melee fighting is generally something that you are going to want to stay away from with this class. This is the reason why ranged weapons and spell casting will be your best friend as a Shaman. Of course, those that are in a setting will also have to rely heavily on healing spells as you’re group will depend on you for them. Potions and healing spells will make you a more than valuable asset to your group and will pretty much be the only way you can really contribute to the group.
Shaman Professions
When it comes to the Shaman’s professions you will most likely want to stick to enchanting and herbalism. The fact of the matter is the majority of the more physical professions such as blacksmithing wont do you much good as a Shaman. You have to focus on finding a primary and secondary profession that work well together. Skinning is okay, but wont yield many results as a Shaman.
Its best to mix herbalism and enchanting in my opinion but mixing either one with alchemy can be equally as effective. You might want to consider mining, but this will be quite timely.
When it comes to earning money as a Shaman, you will want to stick with making potions. You will usually not have a difficult time trying to sell these and can spend the time mastering your profession and leveling skills.
Some people will tell you to pick a tailor profession as a Shaman in order to make your own armor, however I prefer to simply buy the armor I need. The truth of the matter is only leather armor will be available to you until after Level 40 and this is easily acquirable anyways. You will also find that you will receive armor in many cases as a reward during many quests early on, so its better to stick to a profession that can be more useful.
