Priest • Shadow • PVP
Shadow Priest (PVP)
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 in PvP, almost all faction gear rewards are irrelevant. The decision between Aldor and Scryer comes down almost entirely to shoulder enchants and how they affect your damage and pressure.
Before you choose
Here are the only things you need to know before picking a side.
Faction gear does not matter in PvP
Trinkets, rings, and weapons from Aldor or Scryer are PvE-oriented and do not meaningfully impact PvP performance.
Tailoring recipes are irrelevant
Both factions offer a tailoring leg enchant recipe. The enchants are tradeable and usually sell for similar prices.
Shoulder enchants decide everything
The shoulder enchant is the only faction reward that meaningfully affects Shadow Priest PvP.
Alternative enchants are worse
If you do not choose Aldor, your best alternative is Zandalar Signet of Mojo, which is 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 far more valuable than Critical Strike for Shadow Priest PvP pressure
- Improves consistent damage, dot pressure, and kill setups
- Misses out on Scryer's Bloodgem, which is not relevant for PvP Shadow Priests
- Provides access to a damage-oriented tailoring leg enchant recipe
- Scryer reputation is often cheaper to level
- Greater Inscription of the Orb provides significantly less Spell Power than the Aldor enchant
- Critical Strike is less valuable and less reliable than Spell Power in PvP
Recommendation for Shadow Priest PvP
We recommend choosing Aldor as a Shadow Priest for PvP in TBC Classic. - Greater Inscription of Discipline provides considerably more Spell Power than Greater Inscription of the Orb. - Spell Power is far more valuable than Critical Strike for Shadow Priest PvP pressure and consistency. Scryer is playable, but Aldor is by far the best option for optimizing Shadow Priest PvP performance.