by Nick Ardenshaw

So you are reading a world of warcraft guide on shamans and wonder if it is actually a bundle of guides about warriors, mages, or other healing classes in wow. On the other hand you might even wonder if you are reading a wow guide on Druids who like Shamans can also tank, heal and cast.

Then you might go and peruse forums and the plethora of wow sites that discuss world of warcraft Shamans guides who describe them as being able to do these abilities but not as well as classes that are specialized in them. That is a narrow minded view. If you take the Druid, they are praised for how they can tank admirably when shape shifting into bears or heal while in tree form and give damage in cat form. But they can never do all three at the same time. The Shaman can without the need to shape shift. Though they can indeed shape shift as wolves but only to help them travel faster.

There is one feature that makes the world of warcraft Shaman stand out, and this is their use of totems which when planted into nearby ground gives them and fellow members various benefits such as healing and aid in fighting opponents. It's the use of these totems which is what makes playing a Shaman a challenging experience.

There are four categories of totems : Earth, Fire, Water and Air. Each totem requires split timing decisions and a cool head to implement properly whilst engaged in tricky combat situation or in a group. Useful is also how they can use the Reincarnation spell to resurrect themselves as well as other members. This is limited to once every played hour, cut down to 40 as more talents points are assigned to that ability. This is another feature that makes them fun to play solo and very useful when in a group.

With the release of the burning crusade expansion kit being a shaman is not only a class that is specific to the Horde. The new Dranei class in the alliance can also play as shamans, having attributes that makes them particularly adept at playing this class; some would argue that this is the best class to choose for this alliance race.

At end game (level 60 and 70 and beyond) you can specialize as either as an Elemental, Restoration or Enhancement Shaman each having their own specialized abilities. Elementals focus on high damage casting abilities and as such are regarded as the best choice for power levelling quickly. While Restoration Shamans have higher healing abilities and later in the game are useful healers and back up casters.

It would take a very long world of warcraft guide on Shamans to list the many other features this very versatile class possesses. They are a class that thanks to their hybrid status allow players to experience 3 classes in one allowing you to decide whether casting, tanking or healing is something you enjoy doing. In fact Shamans can do all 3 or each one as well as the more specialized classes making them, in the right hands, a class that is potentially 3 times as powerful as other classes and one that should be respected if you ever cross their path.

About the Author:
Discover killer secrets only found in this World of Warcraft Shaman Guide. Written by elite Shaman players you will find tips you will not find anywhere else, including strategies to power level your Shaman in a few days, tips for making gold that only Shamans can find, PvP power tips and a lot more.

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