Shaman Tank - an idea whose time has come

[Yonbi-illidan (Yonbi)]

Then what is the point of it being ranged?

Since there are blaster’s in that game … not everything just runs up to you and you shoot at point blank range.

In WoW though, 1 interrupt and that’s what would happen. So quite a few things would have to change.

[Flashelas-duskwood (Flashelas)]

I love the idea for a few reasons:

1. Four elements = Four specs seems sensible.
2. The fourth and most likely tanking element (Earth) feels underrepresented in the existing specs.
3. It STILL, over a decade later, feels dumb that a shield-using class cannot actually use their shield to defend allies.
4. It would let us bring back some iconic spells like Stoneclaw and Rockbiter.
5. Still no mail tank.

But now that Legion and its artifacts have come and gone we may have truly missed our chance - they would have to add a whole new one (or tweak the Doomhammer possibly?) after the fact, which would just be confusing to players who already have all their achievements and cosmetics. Still, it could be done.

[Ithallaine-whisperwind]

Shaman tanks have always been a thing though.
Ion main’s a shaman and comes complete with 100% deflection

[Cowslíp-proudmoore]

We do still have Wind Shear but it is only for spell interruption. But it does have ‘wind’ in the name.

[Willis-black-dragonflight (Willis)]

Who needs a 4th spec convert enhancement to a tank spec and be done with it.

[Torotoro-thunderhorn]

If I recall correctly spellcaster tanks were used in niche parts of vanilla and TBC, specifically mages and locks.

Forgetting Moonkin. I used to tank with my boomkin in Gruul’s Lair.

[Tauntcheat-thrall (Tauntcheat)]

“The other day I was playing on my shaman…”

[Ithallaine-whisperwind]

I don’t have these issues, what’s everyone else crying about?

[Alternatew-dalaran (Alternatew)]

Elemental is pure fire for DPS right now.

Thunder and lightning* really kek, it’s even more noticeable with Stormbringer or when you hit a lot of trash

[Rahegur-dalaran]

Also with Eye of the Storm. ho oh ho thats some sweet sweet dps.

[Erixi-argent-dawn (Erixi)]

We used to have tanking capabilities, including a taunt that was removed. Honestly it was fun being an OT for groups and we were actually strudy.

That dream is long vanished though

[anon15964951]

Will trade enhancement for tanking spec

[Kneeshooter-amanthul (Kneeshooter)]

One, adding a tank to the list won’t make people want to tank. It can be a thankless job and the community fostered this stigma, so adding the choices for even more won’t fix it in the long run.

One, I didn’t say anywhere “lets have an extra tank spec, it will make people want to play tanks”. I simply feel that Shamans are a nice class and it would be fun if you could play one as a tank.

Two, they need to address existing spec issues before breaking yet another group apart or adding a fourth spec

Two, if we used that criteria for adding anything new to the game…we’d never add anything new.

Three, they plan what is going to be the next focus over the course of the expansion and right now anything dealing with elements is far from the focus

Three, and you know this how???

[Bofur-icecrown (Bofur)]

We’re losing focus aaaand you all are bickering. I will not give up enhancement, and I WANT the Earth Warden Shaman Tank spec added into the game because who cares about why. Im he too play a shaman. I can’t do that without a tank spec. Make it dope. Make it now. Drop it plz

[Nargork-jubeithos]

the theme really fits, earth powers for tanking? yes please.