Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Why Enhancement Shamans Prefer Slow Weapons
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The short answer is: Enhancement Shamans want slow weapons, specifically in both their main hand and off-hand. This preference stems from the way the spec interacts with its core abilities and mechanics. Understanding why slow weapons are crucial is paramount to maximizing your Enhancement Shaman’s damage output.
The Case for Slow Weapons
The reason for prioritizing slow weapons boils down to a few key interactions. Let’s break it down:
Stormstrike
Stormstrike is a cornerstone ability for Enhancement Shamans, dealing significant damage and triggering other effects. The damage of Stormstrike is directly tied to your weapon damage, which is why weapons with higher damage per second (DPS) are not necessarily ideal, especially with slow weapons having typically higher base damage. Slow weapons have a higher base damage, resulting in a more potent Stormstrike.
Weapon Flurry and Windfury Totem
Enhancement relies heavily on Weapon Flurry (and Windfury Totem for the group) both are procc based and rely on actual weapon hits. Since slower weapons hit harder and the number of swings you perform does not matter (as the ability is not per swing), it is optimal to wield slower weapons.
Weapon Speed and Consistent Damage
While a fast weapon may seem appealing for more frequent procs, the actual benefit is minimal compared to the consistent, hard-hitting strikes delivered by a slower weapon. A slow weapon offers a more predictable and impactful damage profile.
Dual Wielding Matters
Enhancement Shaman, by design, dual wields. To get the most out of the Flurry talent and Windfury Weapon enhancement, you want both weapons to have the same speed. This is paramount to ensuring a more consistent and predictable damage output.
Avoiding Fast Weapons
In short, you should never prioritize faster weapons. Even if your off-hand weapon is slightly faster than your main hand, it’s still best to use Windfury Weapon on it to maximize those slower, harder-hitting attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs to address other common questions about Enhancement Shaman gameplay:
1. What is the primary stat for Enhancement Shaman?
Agility is the primary stat for Enhancement Shaman. It increases your Attack Power and Spell Power, directly boosting your ability damage and healing.
2. What secondary stats should Enhancement Shamans focus on?
Following Agility, prioritize Mastery, followed by Critical Strike and Haste are also important for increasing damage output.
3. Is Enhancement Shaman a melee or ranged class?
Enhancement Shaman is a primarily melee specialization. Though they have spells, their core damage abilities are designed for close-quarters combat.
4. Is Enhancement Shaman difficult to play?
Enhancement Shaman is a high APM (actions per minute) spec that can be challenging to master, but it has great flow once you understand its mechanics.
5. Are Enhancement Shamans squishy?
Yes, Enhancement Shamans can be considered squishy in certain situations, making them vulnerable in PvP if not played skillfully.
6. What is the best race for Enhancement Shaman?
Orc is often considered the best race for Enhancement Shaman due to its racial passive, Hardiness, which reduces stun duration, as well as the Blood Fury active ability for burst damage.
7. What professions synergize well with Enhancement Shaman?
Jewelcrafting, Alchemy, and Enchanting are all excellent professions for an Enhancement Shaman, as they provide valuable items and enchants.
8. Can Enhancement Shamans use fist weapons?
Yes, Enhancement Shamans can use fist weapons, axes, and maces, as long as they have Agility as the main stat.
9. Can Enhancement Shamans use 2H axes?
While 2H axes and maces are equipable, they are not ideal for Enhancement Shaman, which are designed around dual-wielding 1h weapons.
10. What is the best food for Enhancement Shamans?
Grand Banquet of the Kalu’ak is the best feast option. For individual food, Fated Fortune Cookie or Deviously Deviled Eggs / Sizzling Seafood Medley are excellent choices.
11. Are Enhancement Shamans good in Dragonflight?
Yes, Enhancement Shaman is a strong DPS spec in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, offering flexibility and high damage output.
12. Do Enhancement Shamans dual wield?
Yes, dual-wielding is a passive ability for Enhancement Shaman, learned at level 10. It also grants the ability to parry frontal melee attacks.
13. Do Enhancement Shaman use swords?
No, Shamans cannot use swords.
14. What is ‘Spellhance’?
Spellhance refers to a specific gearing and gameplay approach used during the earlier phases, but talents are generally the same.
15. Should Enhancement Shamans take Lava Burst?
Yes, Lava Burst is commonly recommended for Enhancement Shamans. This is included as a filler option for a rotational attack.
Conclusion
Choosing slow weapons is not just a minor detail; it’s a fundamental aspect of maximizing your Enhancement Shaman’s damage potential. Understanding how core abilities such as Stormstrike, and weapon enhancements interact with weapon speed will dramatically impact your effectiveness in combat. Stick to slow weapons, focus on Agility and secondary stats, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the electrifying dance of the Enhancement Shaman.