Windfury, Flametongue, and Weapon Speeds

There’s been a lot of discussion going around as to what weapon enchants and weapon speeds will maximize DPS for an enhancement shaman in Wrath of the Lich King. Should they be using Windfury Weapon on both weapons? What about a fast off-hand weapon with Flametongue? So many questions, so little time. I’ll answer these questions are more after the break.

Weapon Speeds

The weapon speed question is probably the easiest to answer. Ideal weapon speeds for dual wielding remains unchanged at slow/slow. Using a slow weapon (speeds of 2.6 or slower) on the main hand still maximized damage from Windfury as well as Stormstrike. Using a slow off-hand benefits Stormstrike as well as Lava Lash, and it now positively benefits Flametongue Weapon.

The Maelstrom Weapon buff uses a proc-per-minute (PPM) system which lessens the value of a faster off-hand weapon — slower weapons are more likely to proc. Interestingly enough, testing has shown that the PPM value is highest with all 5 talent points invested in Maelstrom Weapon. Less points means a lower PPM value.

Using a fast off-hand weapon with Flametongue only reduces damage output slightly. So if you still want to use a fast dagger or fist weapon (speeds of 1.4 or faster) then you should be able to without seeing much of a DPS drop.

Weapon Enchants

Windfury Weapon is still the default option for the main hand weapon. What weapon enchant to use on the off-hand weapon is the bigger question. As it stands now, the general belief is that Windfury should also be placed on the off-hand weapon until you can spec into Elemental Fury. At that point, using Flametongue Weapon will produce better results. The reason for this is because the Flametongue proc falls under fire damage and is effected by the crit damage bonus from Elemental Fury. Plus, the spell you cast with your full stack of Maelstrom Weapon will also benefit from the additional spell damage. Flametongue is a win-win once you can get the full benefit from spell crits.

Spell Rotation

Enhancement shaman will gain the most damage from a 5-stack of Maelstrom Weapon followed by a Lightning Bolt. Assuming you do that as early and as often as you can, this would be the general spell rotation:

1. Lightning Bolt (assumes 5 stacks of Maelstrom Weapon)
2. Stormstrike
3. Earth Shock
4. Lava Lash

As needed, you should refresh your shields and totems.  Also don’t forget to use Feral Spirit when its available.

Talent Specs

The typical PvE spec for level 70 will look similar to this one. For PvP, I would make a few changes to maximize utility and individual DPS by swapping Unleashed Rage for Toughness, Improved Windfury Totem for Earthen Power, and Convection for Concussion. If you agree, then that would leave you with this spec.

At level 80, getting 5 points into Elemental Fury is a must. The remaining 3 points can be put almost anywhere.

References

There has been some excellent discussion on the Elitist Jerk forms. This post includes a mound of discussion on enhancement shaman talents coming in the next expansion. If you want the most recent information you can probably start around page 100 (yes, its that long). This post on page 119 has an excellent summary and gives credit where credit is due.

Be sure to check out my full list of enhancement shaman changes coming in Wrath of the Lich King. I try and keep that updated after each beta server patch update.

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