I am deeply dissatisfied with the current state of Restoration Shaman after the Midnight pre-patch. The direction taken feels like a regression, both mechanically and in terms of gameplay identity.
The removal of Cloudburst Totem is particularly frustrating. It was a defining tool that rewarded planning, encounter knowledge, and skill expression. On top of that, forcing Healing Rain into the core rotation—even for the Farseer specialization—undermines the very premise of that spec. Farseer used to offer flexibility, mobility, and alternative healing patterns. Making Healing Rain effectively mandatory removes that freedom and homogenizes gameplay.
The removal of a fast, reactive healing spell is, frankly, absurd. Restoration Shaman already struggled in high-pressure situations compared to other healers, and taking away an instant or quick-response option only worsens that weakness. Overall, the class now feels slower, more constrained, and less responsive.
What makes this especially disappointing is that Farseer was previously excellent: it was versatile, offered multiple tools for different scenarios, and supported different playstyles. It felt rewarding to master and adaptable to both raid and dungeon environments. Now, everything feels overly standardized and rigid, as if the spec has been flattened into a single, prescribed way to play—one that fits fewer situations and fewer players.
In its current form, Restoration Shaman is simply less enjoyable and less effective than it was before. I sincerely hope this design direction is reconsidered, because the spec has lost much of what made it engaging and unique.