Leveling Specs
The time you level is more of a function of how fast you complete your quests (%26#8221;efficient questing%26#8221;) and how fast you kill mobs (a.k.a monsters, bosses, etc.) . To break it down even further, how fast you kill mobs depends on what kind of gear your character has and what %26#8220;spec%26#8221; you%26#8217;re currently in.
Dominate the Battlegrounds
That%26#8217;s me in second place in Alterac Valley with 26 kills and just one death, after using this PVP guide which detailed offensive and defensive class specific tactics. I practically just melted everyone with my lightning bolts and chain lightnings. Most of my kills are in 1v1 action by the way. Click here to check out the PVP guide.
Players below level 10 shouldn%26#8217;t even bother reading this guide since talents are not yet available at that time. Once you hit level 10 however, you should consider planning out which talents you pick in order to maximize your DPS (damage per second).
Tip: Focus on one Spec:
Enhancement - The ideal shaman leveling spec. At X level and X talent points you will be getting Windfury which grants you 2 extra attacks with X amount of damage when it %26#8220;procs%26#8221;. You%26#8217;ll also be getting the dual wield skill which will allow your shaman to carry two weapons on the main hand and the off-hand.
By level 40 your talents should like this:
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=uZVVbdq0sVz
By level 70 more or less it should like this:
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=hEZVVbdq0sVuqoV0x
Gear bonuses to focus on
When you get quest rewards, make sure to maximize your DPS even further by choosing gear that fits your talent spec. For example, Enhancement Shamans should choose gear quest rewards that have:
- + attack power
- + critical hit rating
- + agility
- + hit
Here%26#8217;s a video of a level 49 enhancement Shaman %26#8220;pwning%26#8221; in BGs:
Notice how it only takes one or two shots to kill his opponent. Definitely consider this to be one of your prime choices for leveling specs. As an enhancement you%26#8217;ll find that you can deal a lot of DPS on mobs and bosses.
Elemental Spec
Another strong leveling talent spec for Shamans (although not as popular) is the Elemental Spec. For those of you who fancy frying monsters with mega bolts of lightning, then this is the spec for you.
At level 30 your talent spec should like this:
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=hEbuV
At level 70 more or less your talent tree should like this:
http://www.wowhead.com/?talent=hE0zEcMoioxZVbe00xo
Some people don%26#8217;t get the last talent (Totem of Wrath) and just focus on getting Nature%26#8217;s Swiftness from the restoration talent tree (which when combined with elemental mastery and chain lightning can really help you burn some enemies.
Gear bonuses to focus on
As an Elemental Shaman, you would have to focus on getting gear that has:
- + spell damage
- + spell penetration
- + intellect
Don%26#8217;t even bother getting +spirit since Shamans do not benefit from that as much.
Level 49 Elemental Shaman in Action:
Notice how he creams his opponents with 1200 of damage at level 49. Do take note though that he is well geared. Elemental Shamans are known for extremely high burst damages which can wipe out Allies/Horde and mobs quickly. You should definitely consider leveling as an Elemental Shaman if you want to do it faster.
Tip: Shaman Kiting
Kiting refers to the act of keeping your opponent/monster away while dealing damage. Shamans aren%26#8217;t known for kiting because that%26#8217;s the hunters, mages, and warlocks turf. But here%26#8217;s a very interesting technique so you can kite monsters with your Shaman. If done perfectly, you wouldn%26#8217;t take damage from melee based monsters. They%26#8217;ll be dead even before they get to you.
Got any questions? Just post %26#8216;em here!