Are there pros or cons to an ELE/Resto using a 2-handed weapon vs a one hander and shield? I know current talents like Tidecallers Guard, and Enhanced Imbues would be affected by not using a shield. Aesthetically, I just like the transmogs of a 2-Hander better, especially for my KT shaman. Are there any Pros to using a 2hander?
Can’t speak too much on PvE bc I primarily PvP, but in PvP its best to use a shield because of the extra armor.
For PvE purposes, so long as it has not changed, the two-handed weapon will have a higher total stat budget versus a one-handed weapon and a shield or offhand. The downside is you’re “locking” yourself into those two secondary stats, as opposed to more flexible stat increases with the alternative.
Pick what fits your needs and run with it.
Weapons are just stat sticks for Ele and resto. Most of the times it’s just what you end up getting first as an upgrade. That said that 2H from 1 Arm Bandit is an awesome weapon. Same with the one off Sprocket is cool looking. And it has decent stats
I actually have it. It dropped for my weekly quest. Tis why Im wondering if I should focus on getting a one hander or shield or craft one
Shield is required for one of the resto talent buffs.
At least for restoration a one hand and off hand are better.
First, you can get more stats than a two hander. The two items can have different stats.
Second, the offhand allows an embellishment in addition to the enchant on the weapon. The embellishment gives you another 890 of a stat.
Note: offhand is not a shield
There is a restor talent that requires a shield. So if you want that you do need a shield. My build doesn’t use it.
It’s changed.
Stat budget is the same. All that matters is if you need the physical DR from armor.
Pvp, sure.
Pve unless pushing high end m+ won’t be noticable for the average players.
Shaman comes down to also if you use the shield imbue. Resto seems to. Ele does not.
Early in the season, go with your best drop. Ilvl beats all. Late in the season, 1h and shield always. The extra armor matters. It won’t make you a tank, but any mitigation is good. Especially given or long cd on defensives. The only real advantage long term to a 2h is they you use half the crests by upgrading 1 item instead of 2. But that becomes less of an issue each week.
Thank you everyone for the responses.
Use the staff. At this point all of our soft caps are hit so the crit/mastery is nice. Unless you’re going for a ilvl upgrade why focus on getting a 1 hander and shield until? That is until you get the Mugzee mace and the Gallywic shield which is our bis. And it has cantrips