If you ever come across a world of warcraft guide about Shamans you could easily be misled into thinking that you are actually reading a bundle of guides glued together featuring warriors, mages or any of the other healer classes. Or you might make the mistake of wondering that it’s a guide on Druids. No wonder since like Druids, Shamans can also heal tank and cast.

Then you might go and peruse forums and the plethora of wow sites that discuss world of warcraft Shamans guides who describe them as being able to do these abilities but not as well as classes that are specialized in them. That is a narrow minded view. If you take the Druid, they are praised for how they can tank admirably when shape shifting into bears or heal while in tree form and give damage in cat form. But they can never do all three at the same time. The Shaman can without the need to shape shift. Though they can indeed shape shift as wolves but only to help them 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 types: Earth, Fire, Water and Air and each require split second decision and sound judgement when used in tricky combat situations or group play. Shammys can also resurrect themselves with the Reincarnation spell and other members in their group every hour of played time which can also be reduced to forty minutes as more talents are assigned to that ability. This adds to the list of abilities that make them an asset in a group and great to have if you play solo.

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.

We have barely scratched the surface of what shamans can do in the game. It would require a far longer world of warcraft guide on shamans to list them all. Due to the fact that they are multi skilled, Shamans are often times regarded as a jack of all trades class. They are a very versatile class that allows the player to get a fuller experience in the game. Playing a shaman you will be able to tank, heal and tank as well as the more specialized classes making you effectively this 3 times as powerful if you exploit their abilities. Quite simply, Shamans are no pushovers.