This is a lay-up. There are 4 elements. Resto is water (easy). Elemental and Enhance both kind of split between Fire + Air but let’s go Enhancement as Air and Elemental as Fire. And there is Earth, all lonely.
Instead of a new class, I think developers can work on a few new specs within existing classes (Shaman Tank, Ranged “holy damage” Pally, Evoker Tank, etc.)
We already have Earthquake for our AoE. Bring back Rockbiter. Sub out Earth Ele with a Water Ele for passive healing CD, etc. I think it would be on of the easiest specs to design. So much of it is there already.
It would also allow them to work in a few more passive and/or class tree talents related to defensives, which the current 3 specs desperately need.
Lastly, it would grow the tank population, which is always a good thing.
15 Likes
Not to knock the probably under staffed and over worked folks who work on the game in anyway, they can’t even give the three current specs we have a modern redesign much less asking for a new tank spec added.
14 Likes
We can’t even get an updated Ascendance model.
15 Likes
Earth need to be added to resto and give player choice between Heal (Water) and Protection/Shield with Earth. Earth element should have more place into resto kit.
17 Likes
That is the way reston shamy rework! Although nobody at blizzard even plays shaman, like mentioned above they cant even do a new ascendance model. No way they’ll make a new tanking spec that uses mail its plate or leather for them.
1 Like
Love this. Earth is really lacking in the resto toolkit. They get earth shield, and then have to spend talents points for earth ele and/or stonefury. And that’s it.
I would still prefer a stone tank spec (And be all 4 roles given their are 4 elements) and think Shaman is a more natural fit for a 4 spec class versus druids.
2 Likes
Ever since you first suggested this it’s all I’ve thought about. I love the idea and potential of it.
5 Likes
I’ve always wanted to have some use for my shield …
5 Likes
Let it go. No shaman tank please. Fix the DPS specs survivability and mobility, that should be their focus.
7 Likes
To argue in favor for the 4th spec it could be similar to elemental and enhancements main focus in air and fire, where a tanking shaman could share the earth and water focus with restoration, could even call it guardian.
Would like to see general improvement for the existing spec, or at least more transparent communication.
2 Likes
Blizzard has stated that they have no plans for adding fourth specs, give it up.
3 Likes
I figured I would end another debate since we are 
ing on pipe dreams
1 Like
You are correct but 2H could actually happen as they have made other specs to be weapon flexible. Blizzard does not, however, have a history of stapling a new spec onto an existing class.
One is an example of customization that could be a talent and the other is essentially wanting a new class.
Yes but it’s not a new class. So much of the spec is already designed. You might need to tweak a few abilities for the spec (no maelstrom req for EQ as our AoE ability for example; like DK DnD) and add a few abilities/spells but that’s it.
You basically give them a passive that reduces damage + increases armor effects from mail (like all tank classes). Give them another 2 defensives beyond Astral Shift. And increase healing done from self-casted HST/HS/AG etc. (Some water/earth combination passive).
There is no chance that adding a tank spec to a class with a melee spec already would be the same amount of work as a whole new class. 75% of the spec is designed already.
AND it adds another tank spec to the game which would bring it to an equal number of healing specs (7).
I never realize so many pessimists played Shammy =)
Plus, a Shaman Tank would be more fun than an Evoker tank which will probably happen =(
https://www.wowhead.com/item=194306/all-totem-of-the-master
It’s almost like there is an elemental themed tank trinket that could work perfectly as a shaman tank spec mechanic.
the totem does the following at ilvl 395.
All of these numbers are based on the 395 ilvl version of the item.
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Fire: Counter attack hits for about 10k and puts a dot on the enemies that does an additional 10k over 6 seconds.
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Ice: Counter attack hits for about 10k and gives you a buff that heals you for 13k each second for 6 seconds.
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Wind: Counter attack hits for about 15k and gives you a buff that increases your haste rating by 1900 for 6 seconds.
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Earth: Counter attack hits for about 7k and gives you a buff that increases armor by 3659 for 8 seconds.
Add in two totems: Strength of Earth and Grace of Air for 25% dodge and 25% parry, and BAM, you have your tank mechanic.
2 Likes
Call it Earth Warden. Have a permanent earth ele which stays by your side and you tank thru enabling the elemental.
1 Like
Oh, look it’s the dead horse topic of a shaman tank spec. What this makes the 4 trillionth thread regarding this topic. Look Blizzard like it has been said already Blizzard thinks the Shaman is the red headed stepchild and they will look for any reason to either nerf it or ignore it until no one wants to play the class anymore. So can we finally put this topic to bed and stop bring this up anymore.
4 Likes
A) Adding a bunch of new specs is more work than adding a new class
B) They will not give shaman a 4th spec. No class has ever been given a new playstyle for a 4th spec.
C) Since they wont give a 4th spec, since they have never given a new 4th spec. (no, druids dont count. that was splitting apart two already viable playstyles)…that means a spec would have to be lost for a revamp. This is how they have done it multiple times in the past. So which spec do you want to lose? Ele or Enh? They arent getting rid of a healing spec.
2 Likes
I feel like that sort of is a stronger point to make a 4th spec for tanking. Shamans used to be able to tank back in ye olden days (though not as effective as Warriors, or even Druids and Paladins then), but it was still doable.
There are 4 elements, with 3 of them associated with the current 3 specs. Seems reasonable to add a 4th spec to balance the elements.
That all being said, it would be quite a bit of work, but Blizzard isn’t restricted by not-doing something in the past. If they wanted to eventually add 4th specs to some classes or whatever, they can do whatever they want. Their opinions changes over time, and maybe that will be a flagship piece of another expansion (additional sepcs) some day. Shame that DF wasn’t it, since Shamans and the elements are so key to it, but alas, adding new specs would be a ton of work on their end, and they already did a lot of overhauls.
1 Like
Bingo. Something Blizzard said in the past does not preclude them from doing something different in the future. If there are good community thoughts for something and it’s something Blizzard thinks makes sense, it could happen.
In this instance, I think the class lore works. The game can use a tank class. There is a built in player base of the class already. Most of the spells/abilities are there. Etc.
I do think it would be cool to have an expansion where instead of a new class/race, we get an expansion that adds new specs to some existing classes (That make sense of course; Sorry no mage tanks).
Shaman Tank
Evoker Tank
Priest or Paladin Ranged DPS (Holy Based)
Demon Hunter Ranged DPS (Fel Hunter)
1 Like