WoW Forever Skyborne Shaman: racials, faction and changes

29 Oct 2026 (AEDT), from Blizzard's beta notes (updated 26 Oct US) and official articles. Launch: Thu 5 Nov 10:00 AEDT. Unconfirmed = our read or not yet stated by Blizzard; may change at launch.

Shaman is open to Windshaper Skyborne only (Horde). Blizzard: Horde-aligned Skyborne "embrace elemental traditions and gain access to the Shaman class". High Order (Alliance) Skyborne cannot be Shamans. Skyborne start on Zephras Isle (levels 1-12).

Skyborne racials for Shamans

Racial values are from the 26 Oct beta notes; Blizzard's earlier Skyborne article listed 1% haste, +10% speed and +100% regen. See racial changes.

Unconfirmed pick: Windshaper is the only Skyborne Shaman option. Elemental Insight (+5% vs Elementals) and Skysight both fit the class theme; neither is a big edge.

Shaman changes in the latest beta notes

• Lightning Bolt ranks 3 and 4 buffed so each rank is an upgrade.
• Flametongue Totem no longer has a duration and no longer stacks with itself, Flametongue Weapon or Windfury Totem.
• Tranquil Air, Windfury and Grace of Air Totems no longer stack, even from different Shamans.
• Elemental: Elemental Fury and Elemental Alacrity swapped rows; Lava Burst ranks 1-2 about 10% more base damage than the matching Lightning Bolt.
• Enhancement: Rage of the Far Seer no longer adds spell casting speed.
• Restoration: Riptide can crit.

Other Shaman races: Orc, Tauren and Troll (Horde); Dwarf (Alliance, new in Forever). Compare every race in all racials; Shaman builds live in the Shaman hub. More Skyborne: Skyborne, Skyborne classes.