First let me say I know it has been a while since I posted any new information on the Tavern. Between work, real life and raiding I haven't had much time but things have finally settled down for me again. I look forward to bringing you guys as much Elemental Shaman information as I can as we make our way through Icecrown Citadel and finally take down the Lich King. I will also start working on gathering all Cataclysm information as it is released so Shamans are ready when it comes out later this year.
I have spent a lot of time raiding and testing some new rotations for the Elemental spec since 3.3 has come out. As we were going into 3.3 working our way through ToGC the top dps rotation had Chain Lightning being used after Lava Burst each time or even on cooldown if the encounter was not very mana intensive. Well in 3.3 this will not be the case.
The best Elemental Rotation in 3.3 no longer involves using Chain Lighting. Now that statement may be misleading as you will still use CL but not after every Lava Burst. The rotation you should be using now is Flame Shock, Lava Burst, Lightning Bolt until LvB is off cooldown. The only time a CL should be cast on single target bosses is when you need a filler spell. Remember you should never clip you Lava Burst cooldown by casting an extra LB but a CL just might fit in. In 3.3 the haste levels that elemental shamans are reaching have brought the cast time of Lightning Bolt down so far that it no longer makes sense to have Chain Lightning in your standard rotation.
