General Information![Wow 3.3.5 Shadow Priest Pvp Guide Wow 3.3.5 Shadow Priest Pvp Guide](https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dims?quality=85&image_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogcdn.com%2Fwow.joystiq.com%2Fmedia%2F2008%2F10%2Faz_shadowspec.jpg&client=amp-blogside-v2&signature=4b9b27e60dd3380ef1aa739b83c58c426f9b03ef)
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Oct 11, 2016 Also, seeing as Outland is a big jump in mob health, it's probably a good idea to respec Shadow before you head there. On to the guide, then.-TALENTS Not much to it. 3 points in Spirit Tap and then go down the Holy tree from there. It's 3.3.5; the talents are pretty self-explanitory.
Welcome to our Shadow Priest guide for World of Warcraft — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.2.Here, you will learn how to play as a Shadow Priest in both raidsand Mythic+ dungeons: from the very beginning to maximizing your DPS.
Pages in this Guide
1Introduction2Easy Mode3Spell Summary4Builds and Talents5Azerite Traits and Armor6Essences7Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities8Mythic+ Tips9Crucible of Storms as Shadow Priest10Battle of Dazar'alor as Shadow Priest11Uldir as Shadow Priest12Stat Priority13Gems, Enchants, and Consumables14Macros and Addons15Gear and Best in Slot16Simulations17How to Improve18Frequently Asked Questions
1. Shadow Priest Overview
Shadow is currently on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes tosingle-target damage, but what it lacks in single-target it compensates for with itshigh multi-target damage due to its DoTs and talents that increase its burstAoE. While the spell priority system may seem simple at first glance, the truemastery of your Shadow Priest comes from how well you can perform your rotationwhilst also respecting mechanics. Optimizing Insanity generation is key and itis this Voidform and Insanity management that allow for a fun andfairly fast-paced playstyle, when done correctly.
2. Patch 8.2 Changes for Shadow Priest
- Auspicious Spirits now deal 50% increased damage and generate 2Insanity, down from 100% increased damage. Note that this does not affect thestrength of Spiteful Apparitions, as that increase is multiplicative andsimilar in strength to all talents.
- Shadow Word: Pain and Vampiric Touch damage was reduced by9%.
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3. Shadow Priest Strengths
- Good sustained multiple target damage
- Option to provide valuable execute damage if you take the talents for it
- Decent self-healing through Vampiric Touch, scaling well withadditional targets
- Situationally good group utility in the form ofVampiric Embrace
- Fairly strong burst AoE if you take the talents for it
4. Shadow Priest Weaknesses
- DoT management requires a lot of focus and can take away a lot of globalswhen facing a couple of targets
- Lack of good DPS cooldowns means that Shadow has low burst potential
- Weak single target damage
- Voidform is prone to mistakes and can punish the player quiteharshly when you mess up
5. Shadow Priest Viability in the Current Patch
With Patch 8.2, Shadow received some expected nerfs to our DoTs and spread cleaveability. While this is definitely our largest strength, Shadow was incrediblyfar ahead compared to others in this regard (especially for fights found inCrucible of Storms), and similar fights are coming with Eternal Palace. Shadowwill still perform strong throughout the raid and it will be a good addition toany raid roster, but stacking 5 Shadow Priests will probably not bedesirable.
6. Changelog
- 25 Jun. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.2 changes.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Page added.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (talents page): Updated for patch 8.2 changes to Auspicious Spirits.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for the release of Patch 8.2.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 25 Jun. 2019 (gear page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
- 11 May 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Updated talent suggestions and added tips for Uu'nat.
- 16 Apr. 2019 (rotation page): Reformatted the page slightly.
- 16 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Elaborated on the strength of Crucible of Storms gear.
- 16 Apr. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Fixed some mistakes in the Viable Azerite Builds paragraph.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (talents page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (spells page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (stats page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (this page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Guide added.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed and no changes are necessary for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 14 Apr. 2019 (rotation page): Updated for the release of the Crucible of Storms raid.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated the Stat Choice section.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated to be more in line with the current dungeon meta.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added some additional nuance to how Searing Dialogue and Thought Harvester affect the rotation.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (rotation page): Updated the Legacy of the Void opener and updated the Searing Dialogue/Thought Harvester section.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (talents page): Updated several talent descriptions to be more accurate.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Updated several talent suggestions and playstyle tips.
- 26 Feb. 2019 (FAQ page): Added a new section and updated several already existing ones.
- 08 Feb. 2019 (gear page): Added a Best in Slot list for Battle of Dazar'alor loot.
- 08 Feb. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added a section explaining the two current best Azerite builds.
- 29 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added the remaining talent advice and boss tips.
- 28 Jan. 2019 (talents page): Updated to be more in line with current talent preferences.
- 28 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added explanation regarding how Searing Dialogue/Thought Harvester affect the rotation.
- 28 Jan. 2019 (rotation page): Added explanation regarding how Searing Dialogue/Thought Harvester affect the rotation.
- 28 Jan. 2019 (this page): Updated for Battle of Dazar'alor.
- 24 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Filled in most of the talent advice and boss tips.
- 24 Jan. 2019 (stats page): Swapped around Intellect and Haste/Crit in the stat priority.
- 22 Jan. 2019 (this page): Slightly updated the paragraph about Shadow's viability in the current patch.
- 22 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Season 2.
- 22 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added boss tips for Shadow Priest in Battle of Dazar'alor.
- 17 Dec. 2018 (this page): Slightly expanded the paragraph about Shadow's viability in the current patch.
- 17 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Added several new sections to the page.
- 16 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated with more accurate talent and Azerite trait advice.
- 16 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Added some notes on optimal Mind Flay/Mind Sear usage.
- 16 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): Made it clearer how best to use Mind Flay.
- 12 Dec. 2018 (this page): Added the change to Legacy of the Void to the 8.1 changes list.
- 12 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Made a separate chart for Middle Ring traits and updated trait descriptions.
- 12 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated some of the talent recommendations and fight tips.
- 12 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Updated talent recommendations.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (gear page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (spells page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 10 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 8.1 changes.
- 04 Oct. 2018 (talents page): Updated Legacy of the Void description.
- 04 Oct. 2018 (enchants page): Updated Potion of Rising Death description based on recent hotfixes.
- 04 Oct. 2018 (gear page): Added a section regarding Mythic+.
- 04 Oct. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated now that proper conclusions can be drawn based on data.
- 04 Oct. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Restructured the Azerite page.
- 04 Oct. 2018 (rotation page): Added opener rotations and slightly changed the section regarding Dark Ascension.
- 20 Sep. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated based on recent Simcraft fixes and in game hotfixes.
- 11 Sep. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated after seeing data from the first week of Uldir.
- 11 Sep. 2018 (this page): Updated for Uldir launch.
- 11 Sep. 2018 (talents page): Updated several talent descriptions to be more accurate.
- 11 Sep. 2018 (enchants page): Updated outdated information.
- 05 Sep. 2018 (Uldir page): Restructured playstyle advice and updated talent suggestions.
- 04 Sep. 2018 (Uldir page): Preliminary updated for Uldir launch.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Elaborated on how to best use Dark Void.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Added a section about Mind Flay.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated cheat sheet and elaborated on Auspicious Spirits.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated links to Azerite charts.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (easy mode page): Changed talent advice.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (spells page): Added a section regarding baseline utility Shadow has.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Removed the suggestion of Spiteful Apparitions for dungeons.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (stats page): Changed stat priority.
- 30 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Added Deadly Navigation as possible weapon enchant.
- 20 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for the latest hotfixes.
- 16 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated links to Azerite charts.
- 15 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated links to Bloodmallet's sims.
- 15 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated rankings to the most recent data.
- 15 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated talent cheat sheets.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (stats page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (how to improve page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 13 Aug. 2018 (this page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
- 10 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Reformatted Azerite page.
- 09 Aug. 2018 (Uldir page): Removed Legion info and added a placeholder for Uldir.
- 09 Aug. 2018 (mythic+ page): Added Mythic+ page.
- 09 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Added generic traits and rankings.
- 03 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Overhauled the Multiple Target Rotation section.
- 02 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Added Shadow Priest FAQ page.
- 29 Jul. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated existing info and added trait rankings.
- 29 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Slightly adjusted Mindbender timings and adjusted Dark Ascension opener.
- 29 Jul. 2018 (simulations page): Added Magicsim as an additional simming tool.
- 27 Jul. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Added Azerite page.
- 23 Jul. 2018 (easy mode page): Adjusted talent advice.
- 19 Jul. 2018 (gear page): Description of Anund's Seared Shackles updated.
- 18 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Made several updates.
- Added additional explanation regarding Dark Ascension.
- Updated rotation section to reflect the pre-patch better.
- Made it so that Shadowfiend disappears from the rotation when Mindbender is selected.
- 18 Jul. 2018 (gear page): Updated to include recommended legendaries.
- 18 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Updated talent recommendations.
- 17 Jul. 2018 (this page): Updated for BfA pre-patch.
- 22 Jan. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Season 2.
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Pages in this Guide
1Introduction2Easy Mode3Spell Summary4Builds and Talents5Azerite Traits and Armor6Essences7Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities8Mythic+ Tips9Crucible of Storms as Shadow Priest10Battle of Dazar'alor as Shadow Priest11Uldir as Shadow Priest12Stat Priority13Gems, Enchants, and Consumables14Macros and Addons15Gear and Best in Slot16Simulations17How to Improve18Frequently Asked Questions
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This guide has been written by Isentropy,top Shadow Priest and one of the main theorycrafters of the spec over at Warcraft Priests. He currently raids inEchoes.