Cataclysm Classic Elemental Shaman Rotation and Cooldowns

If you have not already, we recommend going through the Spell Summary guide first. Knowing how each spell and ability works in detail will greatly increase your understanding of the rotation suggestions below.

Make sure to keep your buff totems active and in range of party members at all times, use the Flametongue Weapon weapon imbue and keep Lightning Shield buffed on yourself.

The priority list for Elemental Shaman is as follows:

1. Maintain Searing Totem if Fire Elemental Totem is not available;
2. Use Flame Shock on as many long-lived enemies as possible;
3. Cast Lava Burst on cooldown on a target with Flame Shock;
4. Use Earth Shock once at 7+ charges of Lightning Shield;
5. Cast Lightning Bolt as a filler, remember you can move while casting it with Glyph of Unleashed Lightning.

Against multiple enemies follow the single-target rotation, but swap Lightning Bolt for Chain Lightning against 2 enemies or spam only Chain Lightning against 3 or more enemies. If fighting 5 enemies for an extended period of time, swap to Glyph of Chain Lightning for maximum damage!

Use your Fire Elemental Totem once you have all temporary Spell Power buffs from professions, trinkets, and potions active, as it scales with your Spell Power and will keep that power (snapshotting it) for its full 2-minute duration!

Elemental Mastery can be used on cooldown, or saved for priority damage / increased damage taken phases, as long as you do not lose an use of it during the fight because of the delay.

Remember to use your utility abilities as well:

• Bloodlust / Heroism for a massive temporary raid Haste buff;
• Spiritwalker's Grace if you need to move while casting Lava Burst or Chain Lightning;
• Thunderstorm for Mana and to reposition enemies or mass interrupt casts;
• Earthbind Totem to slow nearby enemies and allow for kiting;
• Wind Shear to help interrupt important casts.