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Improved Power Word: Shield Improved Power Word: Shield

Priest · Discipline · Row 2 of 7 · 3 ranks
Changed from Classic

Improved Power Word: Shield sits in row 2 of the Priest Discipline tree. A talent tree is simply the grid of talents for one class role. It can take up to 3 points. Max it fully, or put in a few points just to open the rows below.

Changed from Classic. This talent now works differently than in Classic, so read the ranks below before you spend any points.

What Improved Power Word: Shield does at each rank

A rank is one level of a talent. Every rank makes the effect a bit stronger. The list below uses the exact wording from the beta client, word for word.

  1. Rank 1: Increases the damage absorbed by your Power Word: Shield by 7%.
  2. Rank 2: Increases the damage absorbed by your Power Word: Shield by 14%.
  3. Rank 3: Increases the damage absorbed by your Power Word: Shield by 20%.

How to reach Improved Power Word: Shield

Row 2 opens after you spend 5 points in the earlier Discipline rows. Level 15 is the earliest you can pick up Improved Power Word: Shield.

Is Improved Power Word: Shield worth the points?

Every rank makes the effect stronger, so putting in a few points while leveling is totally fine. Max it when the final rank is the heart of your endgame build, or when you need it maxed to open the talents below. And if you only need it as a stepping stone, no shame in stopping early.

What it unlocks

Once Improved Power Word: Shield is maxed, it opens this talent deeper in the tree: Soul Warding.

Starter builds that take it

These starter builds already put points into Improved Power Word: Shield. Open one and see how it fits in a real build:

Try Improved Power Word: Shield in the Priest calculator

Elsewhere in Discipline

Planning the rest of the tree? These talents sit right next to Improved Power Word: Shield:

Power in Light · Wand Specialization · Twin Disciplines · Silent Resolve · Holy Precision · Martyrdom · Mental Agility · Inner Focus · Meditation · Improved Inner Fire · Mental Strength · Soul Warding