Priest • Shadow • PVE
Shadow Priest (PVE)
DoT-based caster DPS with unmatched raid mana support via Vampiric Touch.
Aldor vs Scryer
When you first reach Shattrath City at level 60 or higher, you are given a choice between two factions: The Aldor and the Scryers. This decision affects which rewards you can purchase, which quest lines you can pursue, and which faction strongholds you can access in Shadowmoon Valley. While it is possible to switch later, it is best to avoid making a haphazard choice. For Shadow Priests, nearly all gear rewards from Aldor and Scryer are quickly replaced and largely irrelevant. The choice ultimately comes down to shoulder enchants and a few minor profession-related considerations.
Before you choose
Here are the only things you need to know before picking a side.
Faction gear is negligible
Almost all Aldor and Scryer gear is replaced quickly and should not influence your decision.
Tailoring recipes do not matter
Both factions offer a tailoring leg enchant recipe. The enchants are tradeable and typically sell for similar prices.
Shoulder enchants are the key factor
The shoulder enchant is the only faction reward that meaningfully affects Shadow Priest performance.
Alternative enchants are worse
If you do not choose Aldor, your best alternative is Zandalar Signet of Mojo, which is strictly weaker and inconvenient to obtain.
Aldor vs Scryer
Side-by-side comparison of early highlights, pros, and cons.
Neither choice is permanent, but your early gearing experience can feel very different depending on which faction you choose
- Greater Inscription of Discipline provides significantly more Spell Power than the Scryer alternative
- Spell Power is the most important stat for Shadow Priest damage and scaling
- By far the best shoulder enchant option for Shadow Priest PvE
- Misses out on Scryer's Bloodgem, though Shadow Priests do not struggle with hit rating
- Provides access to a damage-oriented tailoring leg enchant recipe
- Scryer-specific gear is easy to replace and not impactful long-term
- Greater Inscription of the Orb provides significantly less Spell Power than the Aldor enchant
- Offers no meaningful advantage for Shadow Priest damage
Recommendation for Shadow Priest PvE
We recommend choosing Aldor as a Shadow Priest in TBC Classic. - Greater Inscription of Discipline provides considerably more Spell Power than Greater Inscription of the Orb. - Spell Power is the most valuable stat for Shadow Priest damage and scaling. Scryer is playable, but Aldor is by far the best option for optimizing Shadow Priest PvE performance.