After that you might have a look around forums and other sites for world of warcraft shaman guides that tell you that they are no that great at any of these abilities compared to other classes that are more specialized in them. Never the less consider that Druids can only heal while in tree from or deal out damage in car form and tank as bears but never all at once which is what the Shaman can do without needing to take on a form to help him or her do it. In fact, the only shape shifting Shamans do is to turn into wolves to travel faster.

The one thing that makes Shamans stand out is the fact they use totem, which when planted in nearby ground give them and fellow nearby party members various benefits while in combat. Totems and the way they are used are what makes it challenging and enjoyable to play a shaman.

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.

Any world of warcraft shaman guide worth its salt will tell you that when you reach the maximum level it is time for your shaman to specialize as either an Enhancement, Elemental or Restoration shaman. The directive of elemental shamans is to deal out high damage, something which comes in useful when you are levelling up. The restoration shamans are more adept at being able to heal effectively, making them worthy back up healers in group play.

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.