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

Last updated on Jan 21, 2020 at 16:00 by Stormy 52 comments
General Information

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
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 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE
1.

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.

2.

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:

3.

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.
4.

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.
5.

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.

6.

Changelog

  • 21 Jan. 2020 (Essences page): Added VoP + SET alternative.
  • 21 Jan. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Guide added.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (easy mode page): Updated recommended 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 (easy mode page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits and Essences.
  • 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 (mythic+ page): Updated for best traits and affix information now spec-specific.
  • 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 (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 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviwed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (stats page): Updated stat priority & ratios, added "funneling" stats.
  • 13 Jan. 2020 (Essences page): Updated recommendations.
  • 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 (FAQ page): Updated "viability" section, added section on Lava Burst during Storm Elemental.
  • 13 Jan. 2020 (rotation page): Updated priority list.
  • 13 Jan. 2020 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated comments on the value of various traits.
  • 13 Jan. 2020 (enchants page): Updated gem info.
  • 13 Jan. 2020 (talents page): Updated the recommendations and relative value of several talents.
  • 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 (addons page): This page has been reviwed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (azerite traits and gear page): Added a note about the new Azerite traits.
  • 11 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added more details to the Azerite Traits section.
  • 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 (easy mode page): Added a section about Azerite Essences.
  • 09 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Guide added.
  • 09 Jul. 2019 (enchants page): Updated recommended potions.
  • 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 (Essences page): Updated recommendations, added Bloodmallet importer.
  • 01 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Removed Earthfury from the PvP talent list.
  • 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.
  • 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 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (simulations 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 (Essences page): Updated guide, added temporary recommendations.
  • 25 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Added guide.
  • 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 (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 (easy mode 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 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 25 Jun. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (enchants 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 (this 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 (FAQ 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 (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.
  • 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 (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 (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 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
  • 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 (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 (spells 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 (this page): Updated comments on viability and strengths.
  • 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 (enchants page): Updated recommended food/gems.
  • 31 Jan. 2019 (stats page): Updated stat priority.
  • 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 (mythic+ page): Updated recommended talents and traits.
  • 31 Jan. 2019 (rotation page): Updated generic raid opener.
  • 31 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits.
  • 31 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Updated talent recommendations.
  • 31 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Armor section.
  • 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 (FAQ page): Updated recommended talents.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Battle of Dazar'alor advice for Elemental Shaman.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Armor & Trinket sections. Removed obsolete BiS list, added a link to Raidbots' Droptimizer.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Updated some talent information/recommendations.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (enchants page): Updated recommended food/gems.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated recommended Azerite Traits, added the 4 new Azerite Traits.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated best race for Horde.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated recommended talents, added information about the seasonal affix Reaping.
  • 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 (rotation page): Updated Master of the Elements priority. Added note about Meteor usage.
  • 18 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Fixed comments on Master of the Elements.
  • 18 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Added information about Haste, Races and viability in current patch.
  • 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.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated talent recommendations for 8.1.
  • 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 (easy mode page): Updated talent recommendations, stat priority & priority lists for 8.1.
  • 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 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (azerite traits and gear page): Tectonic Thunder replaces Rumbling Tremors.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated talent recommendations for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (this page): Added Patch 8.1 changes and updated comments on viability and strengths.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated talent recommendations for 8.1 changes.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (stats page): Updated stat priority 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 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (how to improve page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Added page.
  • 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 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (stats page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Fixed checkmarks on talent tree.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 11 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Page added.
  • 11 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Page added.
  • 11 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Page added.
  • 11 Aug. 2018 (Uldir page): Added placeholder page for now.
  • 28 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Added explanation for legendary boots/shoulders usage on 4-6 targets.
  • 28 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Reverted recommended flask (nerfed).
  • 28 Jul. 2018 (addons page): Added Elemental Prepull Macro.
  • 28 Jul. 2018 (easy mode page): Fixed Fire/Earth Elementals' priority in Openers.
  • 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 (gear page): Trinket section now links to Bloodmallet's site instead of having a partial list.
  • 19 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Updated optimal flask and gem use.
  • 16 Jul. 2018 (how to improve page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
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Pages in this 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 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions

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