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Shadow

Last updated 2026-09-18. Pre-launch reading of the beta and the BlizzCon demo. Nothing is confirmed.
  • Vampiric Touch is not in the game. One tester read the trainer list all the way to 60 and it is neither baseline nor a talent.
  • There is no area spell at any level either. Multi-dotting is the answer to packs, and Blizzard’s own design talk points the same way.
  • Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. reaches 36 yards with talents, up from 24. Several people call that the single biggest change to the spec.
  • ShadowformShadowformShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage. halves shadow spell costs, gives 70% pushback avoidance, and makes crits hit for 200% of base instead of 150%. Damage-over-time spells can crit now, so crit is a real stat.
  • Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. looks like a personal buff in the beta tooltip, which would end shadow’s only raid buff. The Wowhead spell data still reads as a debuff, so it is not settled.
  • Nobody has had ShadowformShadowformShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage. in the beta. The level cap is 20 and ShadowformShadowformShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage. is a level 40 spell.

Which build should I use?

  • Raids: 14/3/34, dipping Discipline for Twin DisciplinesTwin DisciplinesDiscipline · Max rank 5 · New in ForeverIncreases the damage and healing of your instant cast spells by 1%.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text., Improved Power Word: ShieldImproved Power Word: ShieldDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the damage absorbed by your Power Word: Shield by 14%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 2 text. and Inner FocusInner FocusDiscipline · Max rank 1 · Same as ClassicInstant | 3 min cooldownWhen activated, reduces the Mana cost of your next spell by 100% and increases its critical effect chance by 25% if it is capable of a critical effect.Requires 10 points in DisciplineAll ranks read from demo footage.. This is the list almost everyone posts. One person
  • Deeper shadow: 12/3/36, which takes MartyrdomMartyrdomDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 50% chance to gain Focused Casting for 6 sec after being the victim of a melee or ranged critical strike. The Focused Casting effect prevents you from losing casting time when taking damage and increases your resistance to Interrupt effects by 20%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. over Wand SpecializationWand SpecializationDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your damage with Wands by 13%.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.. One person
  • PvP: 17/3/31, built around pushback protection and MartyrdomMartyrdomDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 50% chance to gain Focused Casting for 6 sec after being the victim of a melee or ranged critical strike. The Focused Casting effect prevents you from losing casting time when taking damage and increases your resistance to Interrupt effects by 20%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.. One person

14/3/34 · open in calculator
Discipline 14
PIL0/5Power in LightDiscipline · Max rank 5 · New in ForeverYour Smite and Penance spells deal 2% increased damage to targets afflicted with your Holy Fire.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
WS2/2Wand SpecializationDiscipline · Rank 2/2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your damage with Wands by 13%.Rank 2 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
TD5/5Twin DisciplinesDiscipline · Rank 5/5 · New in ForeverIncreases the damage and healing of your instant cast spells by 1%.Rank 5 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
SR0/3Silent ResolveDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the threat generated by your Holy spells by 10% and reduces the duration of Stun, Fear, and Silence effects inflicted on you by 5%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
HP0/3Holy PrecisionDiscipline · Max rank 3 · New in ForeverIncreases your chance to hit with Holy spells by 6%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
IPW3/3Improved Power Word: ShieldDiscipline · Rank 3/3 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the damage absorbed by your Power Word: Shield by 14%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineRank 3 not read from footage; showing rank 2 text.
M0/2MartyrdomDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 50% chance to gain Focused Casting for 6 sec after being the victim of a melee or ranged critical strike. The Focused Casting effect prevents you from losing casting time when taking damage and increases your resistance to Interrupt effects by 20%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
MA0/3Mental AgilityDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the mana cost of your Smite, Holy Fire, and Instant cast spells by 3%.Requires 10 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
IF1/1Inner FocusDiscipline · Rank 1/1 · Same as ClassicInstant | 3 min cooldownWhen activated, reduces the Mana cost of your next spell by 100% and increases its critical effect chance by 25% if it is capable of a critical effect.Requires 10 points in DisciplineAll ranks read from demo footage.
M3/3MeditationDiscipline · Rank 3/3 · Changed from ClassicAllows 17% of your Mana regeneration to continue while casting.Requires 10 points in DisciplineRank 3 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
IIF0/3Improved Inner FireDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the Armor bonus of your Inner Fire spell by 45% and increases its total charges by 12.Requires 15 points in DisciplineThis rank read from footage; other ranks estimated.
MS0/5Mental StrengthDiscipline · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your total Intellect by 3%.Requires 15 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
SW0/1Soul WardingDiscipline · Max rank 1 · New in ForeverReduces the cooldown on your Power Word: Shield spell by 4 sec and reduces its mana cost by 15%.Requires 15 points in Discipline · Requires points in Improved Power Word: ShieldAll ranks read from demo footage.
IMB0/2Improved Mana BurnDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicReduces the casting time of your Mana Burn spell by 0.5 sec.Requires 15 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
P0/1PenanceDiscipline · Max rank 1 · New in Forever100 Mana | Enemy: 36 yd range / Friendly: 40 yd range | Channeled | 12 sec cooldownLaunches a volley of holy light at the target, causing 96 Holy damage to an enemy, or 233 healing to an ally. Instantly and every 1 sec for 2 sec.Requires 20 points in DisciplineAll ranks read from demo footage.
RH0/5Renewed HopeDiscipline · Max rank 5 · New in ForeverYour heals from Flash Heal, Binding Heal, Lesser Heal, Heal, Greater Heal, and Penance gain 10% increased critical strike chance when cast on targets with Weakened Soul, and reduce the remaining duration of Weakened Soul on their target by 5 sec.Requires 20 points in Discipline · Requires points in Soul WardingThis rank read from footage; other ranks estimated.
DA0/3Divine AegisDiscipline · Max rank 3 · New in ForeverYour critical heals create a protective shield on the target, absorbing 5% of the amount healed. Lasts 12 sec.Requires 25 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
PI0/1Power InfusionDiscipline · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic173 Mana | 30 yd range | Instant | 3 min cooldownInfuses the target with power, increasing their spell damage and healing done by 20% for 15 sec.Requires 30 points in Discipline · Requires points in PenanceAll ranks read from demo footage.
Holy 3
TF3/3Twilight FocusHoly · Rank 3/3 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 23% chance to avoid interruption caused by damage while casting any spell.Rank 3 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
IR0/3Improved RenewHoly · Max rank 3 · Same as ClassicIncreases the amount healed by your Renew spell by 15%.All ranks read from demo footage.
HS0/5Holy SpecializationHoly · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicIncreases the critical effect chance of your Holy spells by 5%.All ranks read from demo footage.
SW0/5Spell WardingHoly · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicReduces all spell damage taken by 10%.Requires 5 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.
DF0/5Divine FuryHoly · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicReduces the casting time of your Smite, Holy Fire, Heal and Greater Heal spells by 0.5 sec.Requires 5 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.
HN0/1Holy NovaHoly · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic185 Mana | InstantCauses an explosion of holy light around the caster, causing 31 to 36 Holy damage to all enemy targets within 10 yards and healing all party members within 10 yards for 68 to 77. These effects cause no threat.Requires 10 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.
BR0/3Blessed RecoveryHoly · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicAfter being struck by a melee or ranged critical hit, or suffering more than 30% of your maximum Health from a single attack, heal 8% of the damage taken over 6 sec. Refreshing this effect carries over any remaining healing.Requires 10 points in HolyMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
I0/3InspirationHoly · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour non-periodic critical heals increase your target's Armor by 8% for 15 sec.Requires 10 points in HolyMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
HR0/2Holy ReachHoly · Max rank 2 · Same as ClassicIncreases the range of your Smite and Holy Fire spells and the radius of your Prayer of Healing and Holy Nova spells by 20%.Requires 15 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.
IH0/3Improved HealingHoly · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the Mana cost of your Lesser Heal, Heal, Greater Heal, Penance, and Prayer of Mending spells by 5%.Requires 15 points in HolyMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
SL0/2Searing LightHoly · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your Holy damage done by 2%, and gives a 5% chance each time your Holy Fire spell deals periodic damage for your next Holy Nova to cost no Mana.Requires 15 points in Holy · Requires points in Divine FuryMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
BH0/1Binding HealHoly · Max rank 1 · New in Forever155 Mana | 40 yd range | 1.5 sec castHeals a friendly target and the caster for 346 to 403. Low threat.Requires 15 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.
LL0/2Litany of LightHoly · Max rank 2 · New in ForeverWhen you cast a healing spell, gain Mana equal to 5% of the base cost of the spell if your previous heal was a different spell.Requires 20 points in HolyMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
SR0/1Spirit of RedemptionHoly · Max rank 1 · Changed from ClassicUpon death, the priest becomes the Spirit of Redemption for 15 sec. The Spirit of Redemption cannot move, attack, be attacked or targeted by any spells or effects. While in this form the priest can cast any healing spell free of cost. When the effect ends, the priest dies.Requires 20 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.
SG0/5Spiritual GuidanceHoly · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your spell healing by up to 5% of your total Spirit and your spell damage by up to 1% of your total Spirit.Requires 20 points in HolyMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
SH0/3Spiritual HealingHoly · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the amount healed by your spells by 3%.Requires 25 points in HolyMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
PM0/1Prayer of MendingHoly · Max rank 1 · New in Forever210 Mana | 40 yd range | Instant | 10 sec cooldownPlaces a spell on the target that heals them for 247 the next time they take damage or receive non-periodic healing. When the heal occurs, Prayer of Mending jumps to a party or raid member within 20 yards. Jumps up to 5 times and lasts 30 sec after each jump. This spell can only be placed on one target at a time per caster.Requires 30 points in Holy · Requires points in Spirit of RedemptionAll ranks read from demo footage.
Shadow Magic 34
SF5/5Shadow FocusShadow Magic · Rank 5/5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your chance to hit with your Shadow spells by 1%.Rank 5 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
B0/5BlackoutShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicGives your Shadow damage spells a 10% chance to stun the target for 3 sec.All ranks read from demo footage.
ST0/5Spirit TapShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 20% chance to gain a 100% bonus to your Spirit for 15 sec after killing a non-trivial target. For the duration, your Mana will regenerate at a 50% of normal rate while casting.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
SA3/3Shadow AffinityShadow Magic · Rank 3/3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the threat generated by your Shadow spells by 10%.Requires 5 points in Shadow MagicRank 3 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
ISW2/2Improved Shadow Word: PainShadow Magic · Rank 2/2 · Same as ClassicIncreases the duration of your Shadow Word: Pain spell by 6 sec.Requires 5 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
SR2/2Shadow ReachShadow Magic · Rank 2/2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the range of your offensive Shadow spells by 10%.Requires 5 points in Shadow MagicRank 2 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
IMB5/5Improved Mind BlastShadow Magic · Rank 5/5 · Same as ClassicReduces the cooldown of your Mind Blast spell by 2.5 sec.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
IPS0/2Improved Psychic ScreamShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · Same as ClassicReduces the cooldown of your Psychic Scream spell by 4 sec.Requires 10 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in BlackoutAll ranks read from demo footage.
MF1/1Mind FlayShadow Magic · Rank 1/1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
IMF2/2Improved Mind FlayShadow Magic · Rank 2/2 · New in ForeverYour Mind Flay now deals 20% more damage, gains 10 yards increased range, but slows the target's movement speed by 20%.Requires 10 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Mind FlayAll ranks read from demo footage.
IF0/2Improved FadeShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · Same as ClassicDecreases the cooldown of your Fade ability by 6 sec.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
VE1/1Vampiric EmbraceShadow Magic · Rank 1/1 · Changed from Classic40 Mana | 30 yd range | Instant | 1 min cooldownAfflicts your target with Shadow energy that causes all party members to be healed for 20% of any Shadow spell damage you deal for 30 sec. Vampiric Embrace also grants a chance for your Spirit Tap talent to trigger when enemies afflicted by it die.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
SW3/3Shadow WeavingShadow Magic · Rank 3/3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicRank 3 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
S0/1SilenceShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic225 Mana | 20 yd range | Instant | 45 sec cooldownSilences the target, preventing them from casting spells for 5 sec and interrupting their spellcasts for 3 sec.Requires 20 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
DC2/2Devouring ContagionShadow Magic · Rank 2/2 · New in ForeverReduces the mana cost of your Devouring Plague by 50%. Targets that die while Devouring Plague it is active spreads it, jumping to a nearby enemy within 10 yards for the remaining duration.Requires 20 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.
ED2/2Early DemiseShadow Magic · Rank 2/2 · New in ForeverIncreases Shadow Word: Death's critical strike chance on targets at or below 20% health by 15%.Requires 25 points in Shadow MagicRank 2 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
D5/5DarknessShadow Magic · Rank 5/5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your Shadow damage done by 2%.Requires 25 points in Shadow MagicRank 5 not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.
S1/1ShadowformShadow Magic · Rank 1/1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage.

Variants trade a point of Shadow AffinityShadow AffinityShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the threat generated by your Shadow spells by 10%.Requires 5 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. for SilenceSilenceShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic225 Mana | 20 yd range | Instant | 45 sec cooldownSilences the target, preventing them from casting spells for 5 sec and interrupting their spellcasts for 3 sec.Requires 20 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage., or shuffle the last Discipline points between Improved Power Word: ShieldImproved Power Word: ShieldDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the damage absorbed by your Power Word: Shield by 14%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 2 text., Silent ResolveSilent ResolveDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the threat generated by your Holy spells by 10% and reduces the duration of Stun, Fear, and Silence effects inflicted on you by 5%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text., Mental AgilityMental AgilityDiscipline · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicReduces the mana cost of your Smite, Holy Fire, and Instant cast spells by 3%.Requires 10 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text., MartyrdomMartyrdomDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 50% chance to gain Focused Casting for 6 sec after being the victim of a melee or ranged critical strike. The Focused Casting effect prevents you from losing casting time when taking damage and increases your resistance to Interrupt effects by 20%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. and Wand SpecializationWand SpecializationDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your damage with Wands by 13%.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.. Every posted list is on the builds page.

How it plays

Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. as filler, keep Shadow Word: Pain up, Shadow Word: Death on cooldown, Mind Blast, and Devouring Plague when its minute is up. That is the rotation as people expect it, and several regulars find it thin. One full-time damage-over-time spell plus a one-minute plague is an odd shape for a spec whose whole identity is DoTs. One person

MartyrdomMartyrdomDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 50% chance to gain Focused Casting for 6 sec after being the victim of a melee or ranged critical strike. The Focused Casting effect prevents you from losing casting time when taking damage and increases your resistance to Interrupt effects by 20%.Requires 5 points in DisciplineMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. and Wand SpecializationWand SpecializationDiscipline · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your damage with Wands by 13%.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. are both dead points for raiding, since most raid mobs and mechanics cannot crit you. That is the main thing people cut when they argue about the last few Discipline points. Consensus

Spells and talents, and how they are valued
  • Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. has a 24 yard base, and Shadow ReachShadow ReachShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · Changed from ClassicIncreases the range of your offensive Shadow spells by 10%.Requires 5 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. plus Improved Mind FlayImproved Mind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · New in ForeverYour Mind Flay now deals 20% more damage, gains 10 yards increased range, but slows the target's movement speed by 20%.Requires 10 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Mind FlayAll ranks read from demo footage. add 10, bringing it to 36. Improved Mind FlayImproved Mind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · New in ForeverYour Mind Flay now deals 20% more damage, gains 10 yards increased range, but slows the target's movement speed by 20%.Requires 10 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Mind FlayAll ranks read from demo footage. also adds 20% damage and drops the slow from 50% to 20%; one person’s answer to the complaint about that is that a target slowed 20% at 36 yards still takes longer to reach you than one slowed 50% at 20. Nothing else in that tier is worth taking, so it is the default pick. Consensus
  • ShadowformShadowformShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage. halves the mana cost of shadow spells, gives 70% reduced chance to be interrupted, and makes crits deal 200% of base instead of 150%. Its flat damage percentage was cut in exchange. Dispel and Abolish Disease work in form, and so does every racial. Read from demo
  • Devouring Plague is baseline for every race, on a 1 minute cooldown with a 24 second duration, and it is a level 40 spell so the beta cannot touch it. Devouring ContagionDevouring ContagionShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · New in ForeverReduces the mana cost of your Devouring Plague by 50%. Targets that die while Devouring Plague it is active spreads it, jumping to a nearby enemy within 10 yards for the remaining duration.Requires 20 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. moves it to a new target for its remaining duration when the current one dies, and halves its mana cost. “Devouring contagion is bait, unless we can refresh DP somehow” is the objection. Most people expect Improved Devouring Plague and ShadowformShadowformShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage. to multiply rather than add, which would leave the plague at 25% of base cost and not free. One person
  • Shadow Word: Death is a level 32 trainer spell that deals a percentage of the target’s health and recoils 10% of the damage onto you. Early DemiseEarly DemiseShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · New in ForeverIncreases Shadow Word: Death's critical strike chance on targets at or below 20% health by 15%.Requires 25 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. at 2/2 is read as 30% crit chance on it. It fires in 360 degrees with no travel time, which is why leveling priests treat it as a tagging button. One person noticed its 15 second cooldown matches Spirit of RedemptionSpirit of RedemptionHoly · Max rank 1 · Changed from ClassicUpon death, the priest becomes the Spirit of Redemption for 15 sec. The Spirit of Redemption cannot move, attack, be attacked or targeted by any spells or effects. While in this form the priest can cast any healing spell free of cost. When the effect ends, the priest dies.Requires 20 points in HolyAll ranks read from demo footage.’s new 15 second duration and thinks that is not a coincidence. Confirmed
  • Shadow Word: Pain tags mobs instantly in the beta, which settles a lot of tag competition while leveling. Confirmed
  • Vampiric EmbraceVampiric EmbraceShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic40 Mana | 30 yd range | Instant | 1 min cooldownAfflicts your target with Shadow energy that causes all party members to be healed for 20% of any Shadow spell damage you deal for 30 sec. Vampiric Embrace also grants a chance for your Spirit Tap talent to trigger when enemies afflicted by it die.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. heals your party for 20% of your damage on a 1 minute cooldown lasting about 30 seconds, cuts mana cost, and has a chance to proc Spirit TapSpirit TapShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 20% chance to gain a 100% bonus to your Spirit for 15 sec after killing a non-trivial target. For the duration, your Mana will regenerate at a 50% of normal rate while casting.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text.. Two shadow priests rolling it could zero-heal most 10-man fights in Season of Discovery, and that version was eventually nerfed to 2% (4% talented). The current one is party-wide, not raid-wide, which most people agree is the only reason it is not broken. It is a debuff on the target while Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. is a buff on you, which several people find backwards. Read from demo
  • SilenceSilenceShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic225 Mana | 20 yd range | Instant | 45 sec cooldownSilences the target, preventing them from casting spells for 5 sec and interrupting their spellcasts for 3 sec.Requires 20 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. has a 45 second cooldown. Several calculators show it requiring 2/2 Improved FadeImproved FadeShadow Magic · Max rank 2 · Same as ClassicDecreases the cooldown of your Fade ability by 6 sec.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. first; one beta tester says that requirement is not there in the client. Confirmed
  • BlackoutBlackoutShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicGives your Shadow damage spells a 10% chance to stun the target for 3 sec.All ranks read from demo footage. procs from shadow spells, and whether a spell can stun is decided by which of the three spellbooks it comes from. Consensus
  • Mind Blast still carries an increased threat modifier in its Forever tooltip, which one beta tester called wild. Confirmed
  • Shadow FocusShadow FocusShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your chance to hit with your Shadow spells by 1%.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. gives 5% hit per rank against the 10% people expected, and Season of Discovery’s shadow priests had 10% plus a ring rune to cap. The first tier of every caster tree looks like 5%. Consensus
  • Spirit TapSpirit TapShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicGives you a 20% chance to gain a 100% bonus to your Spirit for 15 sec after killing a non-trivial target. For the duration, your Mana will regenerate at a 50% of normal rate while casting.Max rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. picked up a trivial-target modifier, which casts doubt on whether it still carries leveling the way it always has. One person
  • What is missing: Vampiric Touch, any area spell, and the Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. raid buff if the beta tooltip is right. That leaves Vampiric EmbraceVampiric EmbraceShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic40 Mana | 30 yd range | Instant | 1 min cooldownAfflicts your target with Shadow energy that causes all party members to be healed for 20% of any Shadow spell damage you deal for 30 sec. Vampiric Embrace also grants a chance for your Spirit Tap talent to trigger when enemies afflicted by it die.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. and a second Fear Ward as shadow’s entire raid utility. Confirmed
Vampiric Touch, and why the Wowhead entry is not evidence

Vampiric Touch does not appear in the talent trees, is not baseline, and is not on the trainer up to level 60. A tester who walked the whole list in the beta reported the four “Unknown” trainer entries everyone had pinned their hopes on turned out to be Shadow Word: Death ranks. Confirmed

The entry at spell 402668 is a Season of Discovery leftover. Wowhead seeded its Forever database from the Classic and Season of Discovery data, so Vampiric Touch, Mind Sear, Dispersion and Eye of the Void all show up there; the giveaway on the rune-granted ones is a level 1 requirement. Its “modified by” list is all Season of Discovery entries. Consensus

The last argument for it is that rogue talent tooltips reference Mutilate even though Mutilate has not been seen as a learnable ability, which one person offered as proof that unrevealed high-level spells still exist. Another points out that if Vampiric Touch did arrive it would have to be baseline for all three specs, which would be strange, and that is a reason to doubt it. One person

What shadow lost, and what it might get back

Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. is a self-buff in the beta talent tooltip: it increases the damage of your own spells. Improved Shadow Bolt went the same way for warlocks, the mage fire vulnerability debuff is gone, and Curse of Shadow and Curse of the Elements are reportedly merged. Ignite is personal too. Classes have stopped depending on each other’s debuffs. Confirmed

The counter is that the Wowhead spell data still reads as a debuff on the target and that talent wording has been wrong before. If it stays a debuff, DoTs pick up the stacks as they tick and there is no reason to pre-stack before applying them. Nobody has settled it. Consensus

What the channel expects from this is more personal damage, on the reasoning that the raid buff was the lever Blizzard used to keep shadow’s own numbers down. The pessimists do not believe the tuning will follow: “on your own you are now equally as strong but 20% worse in a raid.” One person

Taking 2/3 Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. does not free a point for DarknessDarknessShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your Shadow damage done by 2%.Requires 25 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text., by the way. The tier requirement still forces five points spent above it, so anyone showing 4/5 DarknessDarknessShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Changed from ClassicIncreases your Shadow damage done by 2%.Requires 25 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. got there with points from another tree. Consensus

Crit, haste and snapshotting
  • DoTs can crit in Forever, which reverses the vanilla situation and turns crit into a real shadow stat for the first time. Spell crit and melee crit are one stat. What procs off a DoT crit is not clear yet. Confirmed
  • Snapshotting is out. DoTs update dynamically with current buffs and debuffs; the warlock Discord reached the same answer, and a gnome tester watched Eureka!‘s 10% damage buff apply only to the ticks landing while the buff was up and vanish the moment the last charge was spent. Confirmed
  • Haste exists, mostly through racials rather than clearly on gear, but it does nothing for channeled spells, DoT tick speed or the global cooldown as things stand. One report has Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. tested with Berserking and not scaling at all. That is what pushed Troll out of favour for shadow. Consensus
  • Improved Mind BlastImproved Mind BlastShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicReduces the cooldown of your Mind Blast spell by 2.5 sec.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage. at 5/5 brings the cooldown to 5.5 seconds. One person calls that awkward and would rather sit at 6 seconds with 4/5. One person

Races for shadow

The channel’s picks are Gnome on Alliance and Undead on Horde, and both come down to what haste does not do. Nobody has tested a shadow priest at a level where it would show. One person

  • Gnome. Eureka! adds 10% damage to your next 3 abilities and cuts their cost. Because the buff falls off when the last charge is spent, the third charge wants to be Mind Blast or Shadow Word: Death, never Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage., which one tester worked out in the beta. The 10% itself is worth roughly 2 to 5 DPS by one estimate, so it is valued for the mana more than the damage. Escape Artist is instant and off the global cooldown, and the meld works in combat like the Wrath version. Contingency Plan currently takes you out of ShadowformShadowformShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic345 Mana | Instant | 1.5 sec cooldownAssume Shadowform, increasing your Shadow damage by 10%, reducing the Mana cost of all Shadow spells by 50%, increasing the critical strike damage bonus of your Shadow spells by 100%, and reducing Physical damage taken by you by 15%. However, you may not cast healing spells while in this form.Requires 30 points in Shadow Magic · Requires points in Vampiric EmbraceAll ranks read from demo footage.. Confirmed
  • Undead. Touch of the Grave is reported at a 10% proc chance for casters with a 1 second internal cooldown, healing and damaging for up to 5%, capped somewhere around 250. Beta testers say it does not seem to proc in PvE at all, while some hunters report it working in PvP. Cannibalize works in combat now for 35% health and mana. Consensus
  • Night Elf. Starshards is a 6 second channel on a 30 second cooldown for no mana, with roughly double Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage.’s base damage. It is Arcane, so shadow spell power, shadow damage percentages, BlackoutBlackoutShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicGives your Shadow damage spells a 10% chance to stun the target for 3 sec.All ranks read from demo footage. and Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. all do nothing for it, and a shadow lockout does not stop you casting it. Its damage is backloaded and pushback hurts it, so it is poor in PvP. One beta tester at level 10 says it deletes mobs. Confirmed
  • Troll. Berserking is a flat 10% haste with no health scaling, down from vanilla’s version that reached 30%. Mind FlayMind FlayShadow Magic · Max rank 1 · Changed from Classic45 Mana | 20 yd range | ChanneledAssault the target's mind with Shadow energy, causing 104 Shadow damage over 3 sec and slowing their movement speed by 50%.Requires 10 points in Shadow MagicAll ranks read from demo footage., Shadow Word: Pain and Devouring Plague do not currently benefit from it. Shadowguard in vanilla did about as much damage as Shadow Word: Pain with a better coefficient, could not be disease-cleansed, and stacked Shadow WeavingShadow WeavingShadow Magic · Max rank 3 · Changed from ClassicYour Shadow damage spells have a 33% chance to increase the Shadow damage you deal by 2% for 15 sec, stacking up to 5 times.Requires 15 points in Shadow MagicMax rank not read from footage; showing rank 1 text. and BlackoutBlackoutShadow Magic · Max rank 5 · Same as ClassicGives your Shadow damage spells a 10% chance to stun the target for 3 sec.All ranks read from demo footage. faster; the replacement racial is a channel restoring 50% health over 6 seconds that any damage cancels. Consensus

The full race-by-race rundown, healing included, is on the class page.