onetimesilence Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing. -Wernher von Braun

Priest Talent Specs

My lovely Azeroth Adivsor posted some re-spec information for me to use with my Shadow Priest.

I don't think I'm going to respec yet.  I love my Shadow.  And I'm doing quite a bit of grinding still.

But the thought has crossed my mind to do an experiment.  Save my talent information and screenshot my bar button locations (anyone know a better way) and then grind with Damage Meter on for a while.  Note the DPS and mana/health efficiency and then respec. Then do it all with my new spec.  Then compare.

I wonder if one of these specs can out-DPS my Shadow. I am doubtful.

On the other hand though... I've heard rumors of the "dual-spec" coming to WoW for several months.  Even without losing my Shadow, I may be able to give one of these a try.

What do you think?

Group/Raid Healing -- 14/57/0

With your final talent points arriving, you finally have the points to complete the ultimate group healing spec. This spec is tailored toward offering great regen, healing power, and versatility in a group or raid environment. It is generally accepted that with a deep Holy build you should focus on gathering gear that has a lot of Spirit. Talents like Spiritual Guidance make this a must-have stat. This spec also has Improved Holy Concentration and Empowered Healing to make you a very strong tank healer while talents like Circle of Healing and Divine Providence bolster your group healing capabilities. With this spec you are the ultimate group healer and will be welcomed in any heroic or raid group.

Solo Grinding -- 21/47/3

If you plan to solo but still want a viable group healing spec, know that this spec maximizes your DPS and regen but maintains strong group healing abilities. This spec picks up Divine Fury and Searing Light to maximize DPS from your Smite and Holy Fire. It also includes Spirit Tap for regen and even Divine Spirit to increase your regen and DPS. This spec is good when you are grinding small groups of mobs by shielding yourself then casting Mind Sear and Holy Nova to bring the mobs down. You will even be able to cast free Smites from Surge of Light procs.

PvP Healing -- 11/60/0

The Discipline tree holds many of the best PvP talents, but do not overlook the Holy tree. By picking up a few of the PvP talents offered there, you can be a viable PvP Healer and instance group healer. This spec takes you all the way to Guardian Spirit at the bottom of the Holy tree. This can be invaluable in PvP by giving you time to land heals on a target close to death. If your target receives a killing blow while Guardian Spirit is active, they will be instantly healed to 50% health. This spec also includes the basic PvP talents of Spell Warding and Blessed Resilience to keep you alive long enough to get heals off. Overall, this talent build offers a nice compromise between group healing viability and PvP survivability.