Shaman • Elemental • PVE

Elemental Shaman (PVE)

Ranged caster DPS with strong burst and raid utility.

DPSPVE

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 Elemental Shamans, the choice between Aldor and Scryer is not especially impactful. Both factions are viable, and the overall performance difference is small.

Before you choose

Here are the only things you need to know before picking a side.

The difference is very small

The DPS difference between Aldor and Scryer for Elemental Shamans is extremely small and will not meaningfully affect raid performance.

Enchant versus early items

Aldor offers a slightly stronger shoulder enchant, while Scryer provides more attractive early gearing options.

Hit is rarely an issue

Elemental Shamans gain a significant amount of Spell Hit from talents, reducing the value of hit-heavy faction items.

Cost can matter more than stats

Because the power difference is tiny, choosing the cheaper reputation path is often a smart and practical decision.

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

Aldor

Recommended

Slightly better enchantMore raw Spell PowerBest min-max choice

Highlights

Greater Inscription of Discipline provides a very small Spell Power advantage over the Scryer enchant
Spell Power is the most valuable stat for Elemental Shaman damage
Offers a clean and consistent DPS-focused option

Cons

Aldor reputation materials are often more expensive due to higher demand
The advantage over Scryer is extremely small

Best if you want to min-max DPS, even though the gain is very minor.

Scryer

Strong early itemsCheaper reputationVery close alternative

Highlights

Provides Seer's Signet, one of the strongest early caster rings
Access to Scryer's Bloodgem, a powerful early trinket
Scryer reputation is usually cheaper and faster to level

Cons

Elemental Shamans rarely need the extra Spell Hit from Scryer's Bloodgem
Greater Inscription of the Orb is very slightly weaker than the Aldor enchant

A strong option if you value early items or want to save gold on reputation.

Recommendation for Elemental Shaman PvE

We recommend choosing Aldor as an Elemental Shaman in TBC Classic. - Greater Inscription of Discipline is very slightly stronger than Greater Inscription of the Orb. - Spell Power is the most valuable stat for Elemental Shaman DPS. That said, the difference is extremely small, and choosing Scryer—especially for cheaper reputation—will not meaningfully hurt your performance.