Shaman are perfectly fine in M+ (in general). It is when youâre pushing that you notice discrepancies.
As a Resto Shaman pushing 18-20âs (3k), one kicker is lack of CR. Sure, we have a Totem for that, but itâs nothing compared to point-click CR of Druids, DKâs, or even Locks. Almost no Shaman take it as there are other desirable buttons in the tier and you can just take a Druid or DK or Lock along with you.
After that, itâs the fact that we lack instants that arenât massive cooldowns. Yes, Spirit Link is a massive button - a monster in raids and a literal life-saver - but aside from that, and maybe Earthen Wall totem, your only generic instant is a minor HoT with a minor Heal, compared to Druids who can have up to 6 HotS on people at once and then do other things. A Shaman in most high keys is barely going to be doing much damage when any actual healing is required - and healing involves mashing long-cast spells - something certain bosses, affixes or situations will make very awkward. A Druid can do its job almost entirely mobile by comparison and even has better defensive options if things go south.
Thatâs just a small sample.
Honestly, I greatly prefer healing on my Resto Shaman than I do my Resto Druid or even my Mistweaver Monk, but thatâs a comfort thing. When it comes to actual high keys (20-25âs and such), the issues with Resto Shaman become much more apparent.
The problem is - people technically only need to do 15âs a week, and thereâs nothing wrong with ANY healer when youâre discussing the average bracket. The issue is when people see MDI or other influential content and assume they NEED that setup/class to succeed in average keys. Again, Iâm pushing 3k RIO and I know I can easily time all dungeons on 20 or higher, yet when pugging, I will be declined for 17-19âs purely because Iâm a Shaman. It is partly justified, which makes it even more annoying - you know you can do it, but other things being better choices means you canât really argue when people get picky, justified or not.
So, the question is, how far do you wish to push? If youâre happy doing weekly 15âs and calling it a day, Resto Shaman are perfectly fine. If youâre looking to punch up into the higher brackets, youâll have an infinitely easier time playing (and being accepted by pugs) as anything else.
Resto Shamanâs only forte this expansion is raid healing. Alas, they will be competed with even there, but infinitely more desirable compared to M+ and PvP.
NOTE: All of the above is relative to BFA only. I canât speak for SL or how itâs looking. I will be going into that 99% blind and sticking to Resto Shaman.