A while ago, I outlined what I thought a potential tank spec for Shamans (based around Earth like how the other specs are based around elements) could be like. A year and a half of time has passed, so I thought I would revise my old spec outline. Is this something people would want to see in this game?
EDIT: If you’re reading this, then you should know that I actually did post the outline at Shaman Tank Spec Outline ⛰️
Sure a elemental tank spec where your pet is vital and used for threat/midigation. If they make the tank spec enhancement nope nope nope.
I haven’t actually thought of that, I always imagined a Shaman tank spec being melee, but that’s a good idea. I’ll think on it.
Blizz was gradually leaning toward shaman’s being an off tank type with enhancement way back when. Rockbiter legitimately said something about gathering more aggro when used.
This then went to the trash bin though when they made enhancement duel wielding 1h’ers … 
I gotta type ten characters, but no.
I don’t tank. I hate tanking.
But the moment they add an Earthwarder spec for Shamans to tank… I will tank the begeezus out of everything!
Rockbiter weapon return, earth elemental cooldown like monk statue, and give them earth shield.
Hell yeah. The earth element is always characterised as being super durable and resilient, so it would fit so well.
You’re certainly not alone in having this idea. People have been suggesting it since vanilla. Back then they could sort of tank, particularly around level 40 when they upgraded to mail armor. If I recall rightly even blizzard described them as having some tanking ability. Maybe in the original game manual. I’ll dig it out and have a look.
Ok, had a flick through the manual. I couldn’t find anything. But I’m sure I’ve seen it somewhere over the years!
No. No pet tank specs. Imagine having to move a boss AT ALL. Also, considering the fact that pets are absolute idiots when it comes to pathing means that it would literally never be played.
Also noted, that’s probably the reason why they never expanded on the whole Warlock pet tank thing.
I’d like to see some Avatar-style earthbending going on! Big walls of rock erupting out of the ground in front of the shaman to block attacks, that kind of thing.
No. Next. 
While I appreciate you taking the time to weigh in, can I know why you don’t think it’s a good idea, before I finish my design and find out I wasted my time?
HELL YEAH!
I’ve been wanting a Shammy tank spec since TBC!
I’d really like to see shamans get a fourth spec for earthwarden tanking. I dont think it should be jammed into elemental or enhancement though, definitely needs to be a new/fourth spec.
Imagine some of the abilities…
Boulder
Rips a boulder out of the ground and hurls it at the target, causing high threat and interrupting spellcasting.
Petrify
Turns enemies around you into stone, stunning them for 3 seconds.
Spikes
Causes stone pillars to shoot up from the ground around you, impaling enemies for physical damage and causing damage over time.
Stonewall
Surround yourself with a floating shield of earth, increasing your armor and block chance significantly. Each blocked attack consumes a charge. 3 charges created on cast, can stack up to 10 charges.
Stoneclaw
Swipe at nearby enemies, causing physical damage and generating high threat.
Encase
Trap an enemy in stone, preventing all action for 40 seconds. Damage caused has a high chance to break this effect.
Sandstorm
Create a whirling storm of sand and wind in the area, slowing enemy movement speed and dealing damage over time. Enemies within the storm are blinded, reducing the damage they deal.
Tunnel
Bore through the earth, charging at a distant target and dazing it for 3 seconds upon impact.
Stoneskin
Turn your skin to stone, reducing your movement speed by 50% and all damage taken by 80% for 8 seconds.
Earthfury
Each time an enemy within 8 yards deals damage to you, gain a charge of earthfury (max 10). Each stack increases the duration of your next earthquake by 1 second.
There’s plenty more ideas, but it would be an amazing tank build to play, and I’d start tanking as a shaman without a second thought.
I certainly wouldn’t mind a Shaman tank spec, as long as it had something unique about it and was separate from Enhancement.
Granted I’m not sure what could be done to make it both unique and not a pain in the [REDACTED]. The idea of making it ranged comes to mind but I have no idea how that would work and I’d prefer it be melee anyway.
Great stuff here!
Great ideas! I don’t want to bloat the spec with too many spells, but I’ll be sure to incorporate some of these ideas.
I wouldn’t be opposed to having more tanks. More healers too. Those seem to be the hardest things to get in LFG/LFR. That’s always been the case though. There’d have to be some beefy totem buffs going on to make it viable though. Shamans don’t wear plate so they’d be a little on the squishy side.
Literally half the tank specs in the game wear leather, why would mail be a problem?
I didn’t mean that it would be a problem, just that they’d have to compensate for it.