Review of Shaman Tier Set Bonuses for Dragonflight Season 3 - Initial Impressions from a Guide Writer

Dragonflight Season 3 Tier Set bonuses have recently been unveiled for all 39 specializations in Patch 10.2 PTR, giving players a glimpse of what's to come. As WowCarry, we have gathered initial impressions and opinions from our Shaman Guide Writers on these tier bonuses. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the bonuses for Elemental, Enhancement, and Restoration Shamans, discussing their strengths, concerns, and potential impact on gameplay. Let's take a closer look!

Elemental Shaman Season 3 Tier Set

• 2-Set Bonus: Primordial Wave

The 2-set bonus for Elemental Shamans introduces the use of Primordial Wave, enhancing the burst capabilities of the ability. It casts an Elemental Blast at the target with 100% effectiveness, granting all three Elemental Blast bonus effects for 15 seconds. This bonus aims to bridge the gap between Lightning and Fire builds, which have defined the spec in previous seasons.

• 4-Set Bonus: Lava Surge

The 4-set bonus revolves around Lava Surge and Primordial Wave. After using Primordial Wave, consuming Lava Surge triggers an instant cast and a 25% increased damage on the next Lightning Bolt or Chain Lightning for 10 seconds. While this bonus offers potential for a healthy mix of fire and lightning spells, concerns arise from its interactions with specific talents and the overall increase in secondary stats expected in Season 3.

• The Good Things

The 2-set bonus significantly boosts the burst capabilities of Primordial Wave, making it more noticeable in single target damage. Additionally, it allows players to control their burst windows, providing a major quality of life improvement. The requirement to use Primordial Wave while incentivizing the usage of Lightning Bolt adds variety to the rotation.

• The Restrictions

While some players may find the restrictions of the tier set acceptable, others may feel limited in their talent choices. The tier set's dependence on Primordial Wave and the need for Lava Surge procs from specific talents can restrict the talent builds, making specific talent choices mandatory and reducing build flexibility.

• To Infinity (and Beyond)

One major concern with the set bonus is its interaction with the talent choice "Further Beyond," which allows players to extend the duration of Ascendance indefinitely. This creates a dysfunctional gameplay loop, with Ascendance becoming the norm rather than a impactful cooldown. Addressing this issue will be crucial to ensure a balanced and engaging gameplay experience.

• How Good is It?

The strength of the season 3 tier set bonuses is still uncertain, as determining the target strength intended by Blizzard is challenging. However, the 2-set bonus offers a noticeable increase in DPS and improves the fluidity of gameplay. The 4-set bonus, on the other hand, requires adjustments and potential buffs or reworks to address its current limitations and functionality.

Enhancement Shaman Season 3 Tier Set

• 2-Set Bonus: Feral Spirit

The 2-set bonus for Enhancement Shamans focuses on Primordial Wave, spawning a single Lightning Feral Spirit for 15 seconds. This summoned spirit increases Nature damage dealt by 20%.

• 4-Set Bonus: Primordial Wave Cooldown Reduction

The 4-set bonus reduces the cooldown of Primordial Wave by 7 seconds every time a Feral Spirit is summoned.

Restoration Shaman Season 3 Tier Set

• 2-Set Bonus: Tidal Reservoir

Restoration Shamans will experience the 2-set bonus enhancing their healing capabilities. Chain Heal, Healing Surge, and Healing Wave will mark their initial target with a Tidal Reservoir, causing them to receive 20% of all Riptide healing dealt for 10 seconds.

• 4-Set Bonus: Enhanced Riptide

With the 4-set bonus, Riptide's healing is increased by 15%. If Riptide is active on the same target as Tidal Reservoir, there is a 10% chance to create a new Riptide on a nearby ally.

Conclusion

The Season 3 tier set bonuses have the potential to greatly impact Shaman gameplay across all specializations. While the Elemental Shaman tier set offers burst enhancements and a mix between fire and lightning spells, concerns arise from talent restrictions and interactions with "Further Beyond". The Enhancement Shaman set bonus introduces exciting gameplay changes and improved flexibility. Lastly, the Restoration Shaman set bonus focuses on amplifying Riptide effects, giving healers a chance to explore new playstyles. As the release of Patch 10.2 approaches, we eagerly await the final adjustments and implementation of these tier bonuses.