Advice for a beginner Shammy

Post by Jager

I hate to just start a new topic on something so basic, but but I didn't see anything in the first few pages. And I prefer to get my info here directly than some of the other sites.

I have had a long break from the game, last played right after Wrath's release. I decided that I'd like to give a try at shaman. I know little about them other than they used to give my hunter problems back in BC days. What stats are the most important for a shaman? I would imagine for the main stats some combo of stamina, agility and intellect. What about crits, res, and some of the lesser thought of stats?

Thanks any info would be greatly appreciated.

Post by Zakkhar

Stats depend on spec you pick. Shamans are hybrids, but still specialise in one of the styles.

Resto (healing) and ele (caster dps) main stat is INT.
Enhance (melee dps) main stat is AGI.
Stamina doesnt increase your damage at all, but still is most common stat on the gear, try not to decide on gear upgrade with stamina or armor.

At the start you shouldnt worry about secondary stats much.
At end game its like:

PVE:

ele: INT > hit/spirit to cap (17% vs raid bosses) > haste >= mastery > crit
resto: INT > Spirit (until comfortable with mana) > haste to 12.5% > mastery > crit = haste
enhance: AGI > hit to 17% > exp to cap (26) > mastery > crit > haste > hit to 27%

PvP:

ele: INT > hit/spirit to pvp cap (4%) > haste = resilience > mastery > crit
resto: INT > spirit > haste = resilience > mastery > crit
enhance: AGI > melee hit to pvp cap (5%) - it also fulfils pvp spell cap > resilience > mastery > crit > haste

These may slightly change depending on your current gear and goals you have.

There are also some factors like spell power and weapon dps, both are derivates of a primary stat.
INT provides bigger mana pool, crit rate and spell power. Spell power provides only spell power.
AGI provides attack power 2 per point (which increases all damage weapon or spell based), crit and dodge. Weapon damage increases only your weapon based attacks.

It may seem very complicated to you, but untill like level 85 you dont have to worry about those secondary stats, just pick upgrades depending on the main stats.

Post by 667123

This post was from a user who has deleted their account.

Post by Jager

Post by Zakkhar

To both posters: Thank you very much! This is exactly what I was looking for. This is quite the departure from a hunter toon, where all you need to really know is agility and stamina. So when I get up to the upper levels I'll be back with more questions. Thanks again.
Actually hunters have similarly complex weight scales as all other classes, namely:
AGI > hit to caps (5% pvp, 8% pve) > (haste to 780-ish if sv) > crit = resi (if pvp) > mastery >> haste

Advice for a beginner Shammy

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