There is a fundamental misunderstanding among some players that
CLR = SHM with regard to healing.
Cleric is a Healing FOCUSED class, Shaman do a lot more than heal. They're fine healers in the very early part of the game but they are NOT the main healers in Pantheon, like a Rog, a rooting Wizard, and a Necro CAN Crowd Control, but a Chanter does it just fluidly (as if they were designed around it).
Is it a big deal? Not Really, but it's a perception that could run rampant in EA and with groups dying everywhere thinking *This Shaman sucks* while they're fighting orange and red con mobs and CR-ing in places they shouldn't probably be with a Lone Shaman healer thinking that's okay will probably need to be addressed, this is not a problem with the game, it's a problem with the thinking
Shaman is a fine solo healer
Thanks and have a great day!
That said, I'm playing Cleric(to max), Shaman(to max), Enchanter(to max), Warrior(to max), Rog, Nec ..you get the idea ;p
There is a fundamental misunderstanding among some players that
CLR = SHM with regard to healing.
Cleric is a Healing FOCUSED class, Shaman do a lot more than heal. They're fine healers in the very early part of the game but they are NOT the main healers in Pantheon, like a Rog, a rooting Wizard, and a Necro CAN Crowd Control, but a Chanter does it just fluidly (as if they were designed around it).
Given that the devs have maintained all along that all healing classes should be capable of healing all content, just in different ways, I'd have to disagree with this. If they have changed that mindset and moved to clerics being superior to druids and shaman at healing I've not seen it mentioned.
I didn't intend to say anything about class ability or power here, only about which classes I initially thought I would try, and which I found actually interesting after trying them.
Geddoe, it is as you say: Shamans can do a lot more than healing. But if they are the main/only healer in a group, they definitely need to focus on their healing, or they will fall behind. It is the same for clerics really: They can nuke, debuff the mobs outgoing damage, cause openings for others to exploit...but if they're (solo) healing, all of that has to take a backseat.
I have not played either healer to higher levels (cleric to 14, shaman to 9), so I cannot say for certain how viable either will be. But otoh I have not heard bad things about the viability of either for healing in discord or elsewhere. And as Zyellinia said, VR has always said that there will be no "superior" healer...and that's also what I've experienced so far.
"They can nuke.."
'Nuff said!
no wait, let J. Jonah Jameson know so he can tell everyone how strong Cleric other powers are
because the world needs to know.
They're (nearly) perfect though.
I had planned for years on a DL, Bard, Druid, Rogue, Wizard, Ranger at Release.
Now I like Shaman so much that Druid will have to be really awesome for me to give up Shaman even with the portals. I used to plan on the DL as my main. I think the Shaman has taken that spot. I've yearned for an Archer since the days of Asheron's Call and the Ranger has been doing well at filling that wish.
My lineup for EA will be Shaman, DL, Ranger, Wizard.
Other alts maybe later, but only after I get the A team well geared up for Combat & Crafting.
@Jothany
I'm the same way with the SHM. As I predicted with you a few years ago, the Elf SHM with a wolf companion really suits my playstyle (even more than I originally assumed in theory crafting)... so far.
I had originally wanted to also go in on the PAL for my melee option and really disliked the fact that DL won't have access to plate, but after playing for a bit, I can't get into playing a melee that can't dual wield... I also didn't expect to like the RNG, but it is pretty much my favorite physical class... and the Wiz is just very satisfying compared to the EQ wiz lol. With enjoying the SHM playstyle and Wiz playstyle, if the DRU is anywhere similar to those two combined, I will likely play that as my caster (or have to level a SHM and Wiz to get my caster fix lol). Likewise, if the BRD is as fun as the RNG, that will likely be the phys class I play since they will have CC to bring to the table too, otherwise I will go with RNG because it is just super fun.
In conclusion, for EQ I'll go with SHM>RNG>Wiz and then maybe a tank if I can twink them out and see how the higher lvl tanks fair.
I'm rolling shaman and paladin. Shaman is what I played the most so far and I want to see how it changes. I love running around buffing people and maybe throwing a clutch heal at some rando as I run by.
Paladin is more to try something different. Plus I love me a good tank.