Elemental Shaman DPS Guide - Battle for Azeroth 8.3 - World of Warcraft

Welcome to our Elemental Shaman guide for World of Warcraft — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.3. Here, you will learn how to play as an Elemental Shaman in both raids and Mythic+ dungeons: from the very beginning to maximizing your DPS.

If you were looking for WoW Classic content, please refer to our Classic Elemental Shaman DPS guide.

Pages in this Guide

Shaman Leveling Guide

Elemental Shaman PvP Guide

1 Introduction 2 Easy Mode 3 Spell Summary 4 Builds and Talents 5 Azerite Traits and Armor 6 Essences 7 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 8 Mythic+ Tips 9 Ny'alotha as Elemental Shaman 10 The Eternal Palace as Elemental Shaman 11 Stat Priority 12 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 13 Macros and Addons 14 Gear and Best in Slot 15 Corruption 16 Simulations 17 How to Improve 18 Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE

Elemental Shaman Overview

Elemental Shaman is a damage dealing spellcaster with a rich and flexible toolkit. Elemental Shamans can approach a multitude of environments without feeling compromised. Through certain talents, Elemental can also provide very significant burst damage, allowing them to surge ahead during short damage checks or dungeon bosses. Overall, this specialization has a tool or talent for every scenario, although its sustained single target damage might be lacking.

Shadowlands Changes for Shamans

We are maintaining a list of changes for Shamans for Shadowlands, the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion, which you can access using the link below. We also have pages for the new Covenant abilities and Anima Powers.

Shadowlands Shaman Class Changes Shaman Anima Powers Shaman Covenant Abilities

Patch 8.3 Changes for Elemental Shaman

You can view the Elemental Shaman changes for Patch 8.3 by clicking the link below.

Patch 8.3 Shaman Changes

In addition, we have:

new gear from the Ny'alotha raid, which can drop corrupted (see our guide to Corrupted Items for more information);
a new Legendary Cloak;
7 new Patch 8.3 Essences;
changes to existing Essences (including a 3rd Minor slot);
a new Azerite trait ( Heart of Darkness);
and a new reusable augment rune ( Lightning-Forged Augment Rune).

Elemental Shaman Strengths

Current best single-target talent build is very fun and mobile.
Some talent builds are very straightforward to play.
Potential for very good burst damage for Single Target and Cleave/AoE.
Excellent Utility outside of Raids.
Talent choices allow for excellent flexibility and varied playstyles.

Elemental Shaman Weaknesses

No burst mobility.
Most survivability tools are talent-related and can be awkward to use properly.
Tends to be outclassed by other specializations outside of specific situations.

Elemental Shaman Viability in the Current Patch

Elemental Shamans should be just as strong in Patch 8.3 as they were in Patch 8.2, and should therefore perform well in Ny'alotha. This version of Elemental Shaman is notably more viable for Raid content than the release version, in part because of the renewed viability of Icefury Icon Icefury.

Changelog

23 May 2020 (Corruption page): Added a section on buying Corruption Powers from MOTHER for Echoes of Ny'alotha.
26 Apr. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Edited intro paragraphs, adjusted tips and essence recommendations, and removed early-release recommendations.
26 Apr. 2020 (Corruption page): Page added (moved from Gear section).
26 Apr. 2020 (gear page): Updated and moved the Corrupted gear section to its own page.
26 Apr. 2020 (mythic+ page): Added tips to deal with Awakened.
26 Apr. 2020 (talents page): Adjusted Unlimited Power ranking because it has a niche use at high gear level with Vision of Perfection & Storm Elemental.
21 Jan. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Guide added.
21 Jan. 2020 (Essences page): Added VoP + SET alternative.
14 Jan. 2020 (easy mode page): Updated recommended Essences.
13 Jan. 2020 (stats page): Updated stat priority & ratios, added "funneling" stats.
13 Jan. 2020 (addons page): This page has been reviwed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (FAQ page): Updated "viability" section, added section on Lava Burst during Storm Elemental.
13 Jan. 2020 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (talents page): Updated the recommendations and relative value of several talents.
13 Jan. 2020 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated comments on the value of various traits.
13 Jan. 2020 (Essences page): Updated recommendations.
13 Jan. 2020 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (rotation page): Updated priority list.
13 Jan. 2020 (mythic+ page): Updated for best traits and affix information now spec-specific.
13 Jan. 2020 (The Eternal Palace page): This page has been reviwed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviwed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviwed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (easy mode page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits and Essences.
13 Jan. 2020 (gear page): Updated trinket section, added section on Corrupted Items and Gouged Eye of N'zoth.
13 Jan. 2020 (this page): Updated viability section, added spec changes in Patch 8.3.
13 Jan. 2020 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
13 Jan. 2020 (enchants page): Updated gem info.
15 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Filled guide with boss by boss recommendations.
11 Jul. 2019 (enchants page): Added more possible enchants and gems.
11 Jul. 2019 (this page): Reworded viability section, added information on what is new in Patch 8.2.
11 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added more details to the Azerite Traits section.
11 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added a note about the new Azerite traits.
11 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Added information on the Essence that grants access to Lightning Lasso in PvE.
10 Jul. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated seasonal affix.
09 Jul. 2019 (Essences page): Updated recommendations, added Bloodmallet importer.
09 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Updated Azerite items and trinkets with Bloodmallet importers, removed some outdated recommendations.
09 Jul. 2019 (this page): Updated viability section.
09 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Removed "emergency" warning about a trait, updated introduction.
09 Jul. 2019 (enchants page): Updated recommended potions.
09 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Guide added.
09 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added a section about Azerite Essences.
01 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Removed Earthfury from the PvP talent list.
25 Jun. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (gear page): Updated for Patch 8.2, added some information on trinket changes.
25 Jun. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
25 Jun. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Added guide.
25 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Updated guide, added temporary recommendations.
25 Jun. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
25 Jun. 2019 (this page): Added Patch 8.2 changes.
25 Jun. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
15 Apr. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (gear page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (this page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
15 Apr. 2019 (talents page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
14 Apr. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Guide added.
05 Mar. 2019 (enchants page): Fixed Healthstone/Health Potion recommendation, updated all recommendations to be more in line with the best single-target build.
05 Mar. 2019 (rotation page): Updated generic raid opener. Adjusted priority list to make better use of the MotE buff.
05 Mar. 2019 (stats page): Added stat priority for the two commonly used builds, updated stat priority.
31 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated paragraph about best races.
31 Jan. 2019 (enchants page): Updated recommended food/gems.
31 Jan. 2019 (Uldir page): Updated talent recommendations.
31 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Updated talent recommendations, added a couple more tips.
31 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Armor section.
31 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Updated talent recommendations.
31 Jan. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated recommended talents and traits.
31 Jan. 2019 (FAQ page): Updated multiple sections.
- Updated Recommended talents.
- Updated Haste levels.
- Updated Best race choices.
- Updated State of Elemental in current patch.
31 Jan. 2019 (this page): Updated comments on viability and strengths.
31 Jan. 2019 (rotation page): Updated generic raid opener.
31 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits.
31 Jan. 2019 (stats page): Updated stat priority.
29 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits, added warning about Echo of the Elementals and Igneous Potential.
29 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Added warning section to the BiS list because of the tuning patch.
22 Jan. 2019 (stats page): Updated stat priority.
21 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Armor & Trinket sections. Removed obsolete BiS list, added a link to Raidbots' Droptimizer.
21 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Battle of Dazar'alor advice for Elemental Shaman.
21 Jan. 2019 (FAQ page): Updated recommended talents.
21 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits, added the 4 new Azerite Traits.
21 Jan. 2019 (enchants page): Updated recommended food/gems.
21 Jan. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated recommended talents, added information about the seasonal affix Reaping.
21 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Updated some talent information/recommendations.
21 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated best race for Horde.
03 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated best race for each faction.
03 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Fixed a couple comments about talent balance.
18 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Added a link to Bloodmallet's simulations by race.
18 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated Ancestral Resonance description, some comments on trait power, updated links to Bloodmallet.
18 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Updated Master of the Elements priority. Added note about Meteor usage.
18 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Added information about Haste, Races and viability in current patch.
18 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Fixed comments on Master of the Elements.
10 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated talent recommendations for 8.1 changes.
10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated talent recommendations for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (gear page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated talent recommendations for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Updated priority lists for 8.1. Added paragraphs on advanced uses of Master of the Elements and Surge of Power.
10 Dec. 2018 (this page): Added Patch 8.1 changes and updated comments on viability and strengths.
10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Tectonic Thunder replaces Rumbling Tremors.
10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Added new 8.1 talents and updated other changed talents. Updated comments on talent strengths and recommendations.
10 Dec. 2018 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (spells page): Updated description of Frost Shock for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated talent recommendations, stat priority & priority lists for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (stats page): Updated stat priority for 8.1.
27 Sep. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Reorganized and updated.
10 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated trinket section, removed pre-raid "BiS" list.
02 Sep. 2018 (rotation page): Updated generic opener.
31 Aug. 2018 (Uldir page): Added Uldir guide.
31 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated recommended neutral traits.
31 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated trinket section (hotfix reverted).
29 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated trinket section.
20 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated trinket section.
17 Aug. 2018 (stats page): Added sentence to explain ratios more clearly.
13 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (addons page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (stats page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (how to improve page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Fixed checkmarks on talent tree.
13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Added page.
11 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Page added.
11 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Page added.
11 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Page added.
11 Aug. 2018 (Uldir page): Added placeholder page for now.
28 Jul. 2018 (addons page): Added Elemental Prepull Macro.
28 Jul. 2018 (easy mode page): Fixed Fire/Earth Elementals' priority in Openers.
28 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Reverted recommended flask (nerfed).
28 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Added explanation for legendary boots/shoulders usage on 4-6 targets.
20 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Reverted recommended gems (nerfed).
19 Jul. 2018 (addons page): Added Earth Elemental Harden Skin macro. Added Primal Elementals AoE macro.
19 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Updated optimal flask and gem use.
19 Jul. 2018 (gear page): Trinket section now links to Bloodmallet's site instead of having a partial list.
16 Jul. 2018 (how to improve page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.

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Pages in this Guide

Shaman Leveling Guide

Elemental Shaman PvP Guide

More Shaman Guides

Enhancement Shaman Stat Priority

Restoration Shaman Essences

Restoration Shaman Frequently Asked Questions

Restoration Shaman Gems, Enchants, and Consumables

Guides from Other Classes

Shadow Priest Guide

Arcane Mage Guide

Frost Death Knight Guide

Balance Druid Guide

Raid Guides

Il'gynoth Heroic Encounter Journal

The Hivemind Strategy Guide

Ra-den Normal Encounter Journal

Dark Inquisitor Xanesh Loot

BfA Guides

Patch 8.3 Alchemy Guide

Patch 8.3 Inscription Guide

Lesser Visions Guides

Uldum Accord Reputation Guide

Patch 8.3 Profession Changes

Patch 8.3 Tailoring Guide

Patch 8.3 Enchanting Guide

Patch 8.3 Inscription Guide

Patch 8.3 Cooking Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This guide has been written by Stormy, Elemental main since Wrath of the Lich King and member of the Storm, Earth and Lava elemental theorycrafting team.

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Elemental Shaman DPS Guide — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.3