Which one is better: shaman or warlock?? What are each's pros and cons

[bearcrazy]

In terms of pve (like raiding end game) and pvp?

[semiiramiis]

In terms of pve (like raiding end game) and pvp?

1. Shaman. Specs, elemental (ranged dps), enhancement (melee dps) and restoration (healing). Like the hybrid it is, will never be the best at any of these. Makes up for that by having a high survivability and ability to cover most roles fairly easily. Elemental are generally considered the strongest in pvp, while restoration are most highly sought for pve end game raiding.

2. Warlock. Specs affliction, demonology and destruction. Basically they're all shades of ranged dps. Have a pet which can aid them, heavy in dots, and can summon party members from far away. Have crowd control: Banish, for demons, and fear, for non demonic enemies

[bearcrazy]

1. Shaman. Specs, elemental (ranged dps), enhancement (melee dps) and restoration (healing). Like the hybrid it is, will never be the best at any of these. Makes up for that by having a high survivability and ability to cover most roles fairly easily. Elemental are generally considered the strongest in pvp, while restoration are most highly sought for pve end game raiding.

2. Warlock. Specs affliction, demonology and destruction. Basically they're all shades of ranged dps. Have a pet which can aid them, heavy in dots, and can summon party members from far away. Have crowd control: Banish, for demons, and fear, for non demonic enemies

Let's add mage into the comparision. What is mage's pros and cons? And which class is your favorite and why?

[semiiramiis]

Let's add mage into the comparision. What is mage's pros and cons? And which class is your favorite and why?

Mage: like warlocks are a dps main class. Lack the pet a warlock has, but has a much more widespread crowd control (polymorph). Makes portals, and food/water to help party members. Brings party wide buff (arcane intellect) to their groups.

As for me, I play a shaman.

[elsegundo]

all the mages will say mages.
all the shamans will say shamans.
all the locks will say locks.
all the druids will say druids.
all the warriors will say warriors.
all the priests will say priest.
all the hunters will say dont take hunters because there's too many of us.

what do you want to do end game?? that is the better question.

[semiiramiis]

all the mages will say mages.
all the shamans will say shamans.
all the locks will say locks.
all the druids will say druids.
all the warriors will say warriors.
all the priests will say priest.
all the hunters will say dont take hunters because there's too many of us.

what do you want to do end game?? that is the better question.

I don't believe I said shamans (my main class) were the best. In fact, I believe I said they, because they are hybrids, will never be "the best" at anything. But yes, what you want to do will definitely be the point that sells the class for you. Or you can do it backwards, like I always do, and choose your race first. To the OP: what do you imagine yourself doing in wotlk? what do you love? what can you simply not stand doing?

[elsegundo]

it wasnt a rule. it was just generalizations of what most repsonses will be like. but i know you semii... you're more reasonable than that.

[Kiwago]

hmm well out of the classes you gave us to work with...
shaman is better than warlock in healing =P
and warlock/mage is better in ranged dps...

[Erinion]

Read the sticky.... sigh

[Dhoum]

The Shaman class is popular because they buff their group with totems. In a pinch, even non restoration specs can fill in with healing for a short time. Their dps isn't generally as high as specialist classes but neither is it poor by any means. The bonus to dps that they can give with totems, outweighs any lack of personal dps. A Restoration Shaman is a very competent healer and is by no means a second choice in that role. A Shaman also has the ability to reincarnate, thus providing wipe protection.

The Warlock brings a ton of dps. They can also provide limited crowd control. They can summon healing and soulstones. They can also summon party members to them wherever they are.

The Mage is the best of the crowd control classes. They can do a significant amount of dps. They summon food and drink. They create portals to major cities.

There is no "best" they are each very good at what they do. The question is, what do you want to do and which class is most suited to that?

[Wintrow]

all the mages will say mages.
all the shamans will say shamans.
all the locks will say locks.
all the druids will say druids.
all the warriors will say warriors.
all the priests will say priest.
all the hunters will say dont take hunters because there's too many of us.

what do you want to do end game?? that is the better question.

What will the rogues say?

[Erinion]

Rogues dont say anything...they just vanish