Can Enhancement Shamans Use 2-Handers? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, Enhancement Shamans can use 2-handed weapons. However, the practical application and effectiveness of 2-handers for Enhancement Shamans is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While they have the ability to equip them, it’s important to understand why dual wielding 1-handers is overwhelmingly the preferred choice for this specialization.

The Nuances of Weapon Choice for Enhancement Shamans

History of 2-Handed Weapons for Enhancement

Historically, the ability for Shamans to use 2-handed weapons was more prevalent. Early iterations of the game allowed shamans to utilize 2-handers more frequently. With patches and class evolutions, it eventually lead to the current situation where while 2-handed weapons are an option, they are rarely the correct one.

2-Handed Weapons: A Limited Viability

While Shamans can equip two-handed axes and maces, these weapons are generally not optimal for the Enhancement specialization. The key reason behind this is the core mechanic of the Enhancement Shaman: dual wielding. This specialization is built around the synergy between using two one-handed weapons simultaneously, taking advantage of abilities and passives that are designed with dual wielding in mind.

Why Dual Wielding Reigns Supreme

The following factors highlight why dual wielding 1-handers is far superior for Enhancement Shamans:

• Dual Wield Passive: Enhancement Shamans receive a passive ability called Dual Wield at level 10. This is a cornerstone of their damage output. It not only allows them to attack with both weapons but also grants them parry chance against frontal melee attacks.
• Stormstrike: This core ability is designed to function optimally with two weapons. The off-hand hit is crucial for its maximum damage potential.
• Flurry: This talent and buff is heavily tied to dual wielding, increasing attack speed after a critical hit.
• Weapon Speed and Windfury: Enhancement Shamans aim for slow, 1-hand weapons, generally of the same speed. They typically enchant both weapons with Windfury Weapon. Slower weapons maximize the damage potential of Windfury procs. If the offhand hits slightly faster than your mainhand you should still put Windfury on it.
• Stat Stick Mentality: While stat sticks on weapons are good in some cases, the majority of your damage comes from attacks with the weapons, not just stats on the weapons. This makes dual wielding far superior to one 2-handed weapon.
• Lack of Support: Few Enhancement talents or abilities benefit from the slower attack speed of a 2-hander. These weapons effectively render key dual-wielding mechanics unusable, leading to a significant DPS loss.

Practical Usage: Very Limited

In essence, using a 2-handed weapon on an Enhancement Shaman is akin to equipping an item that completely bypasses your specialization’s mechanics. The few situations where a 2-handed weapon may seem attractive (e.g., for burst damage) are far outclassed by the consistent DPS provided by dual wielding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of Enhancement Shamans and two-handed weapons:

1. What weapon types can Enhancement Shamans use?

Enhancement Shamans can equip 1-handed axes and maces, 2-handed axes and maces, daggers, staves, and shields. However, dual-wielding 1-handed weapons is the preferred configuration for their primary combat role.

2. Can Enhancement Shamans dual wield in all situations?

Yes, if they are specced into the Enhancement talent tree they automatically learn Dual Wield at level 10.

3. Do Enhancement Shamans prefer fast or slow weapons?

Enhancement Shamans prioritize slow weapons. They aim for two one-handed weapons of the same, slower attack speed to maximize the effect of Windfury Weapon and the abilities Stormstrike and Flurry.

4. Can Shamans use swords?

No, Shamans cannot use swords. They can use axes, maces, staves, and daggers, among others, but swords are not an option.

5. Are 2-handed weapons ever viable for Enhancement Shamans?

While they can technically be equipped, 2-handed weapons are not viable for Enhancement Shamans in almost all practical combat scenarios. They simply do not align with the core mechanics and damage optimization strategies for the specialization.

6. What is the best weapon enchant for an Enhancement Shaman?

Windfury Weapon is the go-to enchant for both main-hand and off-hand weapons for Enhancement Shamans due to its high damage procs.

7. How does Dual Wield work for Enhancement Shamans?

The Dual Wield passive allows Shamans to attack with both weapons simultaneously, and it also increases their parry chance. This is an important survivability component as well as a damage component.

8. Is Enhancement Shaman a melee or ranged class?

Enhancement Shaman is a melee specialization. It relies on close-range combat to deal damage.

9. What weapon is best for Enhancement Shaman?

The best weapon for an Enhancement Shaman would be the highest item level slow, 1-hand axes and maces.

10. Can all Shaman specializations dual wield?

Only Enhancement Shamans have the ability to dual wield weapons from level 10.

11. How do I learn how to use 2-handed maces as a Shaman?

Shaman, along with warriors, druids, and death knights can learn two-handed mace skills from weapon masters.

12. Can I use a shield as an Enhancement Shaman?

Enhancement Shamans can equip shields, however it would be very rare that they would do so. Typically shields are used by elemental and restoration shamans, not enhancement.

13. What is the main source of damage for an Enhancement Shaman?

Enhancement damage comes primarily from auto-attacks, Stormstrike, and Lava Lash as well as the procs of Windfury Weapon. These are maximized through dual-wielding with slow weapons.

14. Is Enhancement Shaman a fun specialization to play?

Many players find Enhancement Shaman to be a fun specialization, often described as a “combat mage” due to its blend of melee attacks and spell casting.

15. Why is Orc considered a good race for Enhancement Shaman?

Orcs have racial traits that include stun reduction which is helpful for Enhancement Shamans as they are vulnerable to dying while stunned.

Conclusion: Stick to Dual Wielding

In conclusion, while Enhancement Shamans can equip 2-handed weapons, it is strongly discouraged due to its incompatibility with the core mechanics of the specialization. For optimal performance, Enhancement Shamans should always prioritize dual wielding 1-handed axes and maces, focusing on weapons with slow attack speeds and Windfury Weapon enchants. This is the most efficient path to maximizing damage output and survivability as an Enhancement Shaman.