Healing with a Balance spec.

Post by grumpee

I have pretty much always been a Feral Druid. I respecced to Balance to try something new out .. spice up my leveling so as to speak. I am level 72 right now and want to run a few instances here and there. There have been times when there are groups that have opening for healers and I am just not sure if I will be able to handle healing with my spec.

Anyone have any tips or experiences of healing as a balance spec. druid?

Post by Katsudon

I did something similiar to you; was feral up to 60, then switched to balance. I've had no problems, but I've only done it from 60-66 so far. I think as long as your gear is ok, it should be fine. The only thing i've ever felt i really wished i had from the resto tree so far was swiftmend. The hardest part is really just getting used to timing issues and priorities etc, which you'll get from experience. Like a lot of people suggest, i spent a few days just curing BG's in my balance spec to get used to it.

Post by Celdhyrean

Depends on your spec, but you are probably going to lack some punch in your hots and mostly the instants that can really save a fight. Basically your problem will be having to react rapidly to damage spikes on your group with few "fast healing" tools, which can be done 2 ways :
- you being good at healing, keeping buffers on players who are going to get damaged and anticipate big heals on big spikes
- your group being smart enough to avoid taking damage when they shouldn't (not taking agro, moving out of fires, ...)
Having a good healing gear will naturally help in both cases. Also, choosing instances with few aoe fights will also help a lot.

Post by Jaspirac

I do this all the time with my balance druid. It has a lot to do with the skill of your group. With a strong talented tank you'll only need to heal him most of the time and if you hit him with HoTs at the beginning of the fight you've got time and mana to drop some heavier heals when the drama starts. If all you have to heal is the tank you'll do fine- but once the party gets overwhelmed don't panic. Your group should also respect the fact that you are not a true healer and slow down.

The hardest situation is when others in your group are taking damage. I try to toss a HoT on anyone taking damage- but the focus should always be on the tank. The key is to know when to use your Healing Touch and longer cast heals so that you can get them on your tank before he dies. There have been many a time when I've watched my tank die while casting a HT on him and mere seconds from laying on. Save your tranquility for when it is really needed- it has a long cool down and is best saved for a tough fight (boss or rough pull).

Other notes:
Don't be afraid to drop your teants- they are low mana cost and can help DPS a boss and protect you. Keep your invernate and mana pots handy as mana can drain fast. Since you are already picking up SP gear you are also maxing out your heals so no need to carry other sets. It's fun to be able to do this with your balance druid but be sure to resist the urge to bomb mobs even if your group is going good- that shift in focus might just be enough time to put you tank in trouble. Also- make a nice heal specific action bar that includes everything you might need during a fight- that should also include some offensive items.

Don't forget to heal yourself!

Healing with a Balance spec.

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