Bear Form

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Bear Form is the second shapeshift ability learned by a druid at level 8. This form has tank-like abilities, similar to a warrior. While in Bear Form, the druid's mana bar is replaced by a rage bar. The druid's armor and Stamina are also boosted.

For Guardian druids, Bear Form now also increases armor by 285%, reduces magical damage taken by 10%, reduces the chance to be critically hit by 6%, and reduces the chance for attacks to be parried by 3%. Note that as of patch 6.0.2, this information is not displayed in the ability's tooltip, or anywhere else in-game.

Improvements

 * Hibernating Growth (Guardian honor talent)

Tips and tactics

 * As a druid, you really need to get a feel for when to change forms. Early on in the game, you may find it useful to cast a few long range spells, such as Moonfire, then change to Bear Form when an enemy gets close.
 * Bear Form is generally good to use against non-casters or those with higher armor, since you do higher melee damage, but at a slower attack speed.
 * If you're not sure if you can handle your (melee) enemy(s) (i.e. higher level, may be adds), use Bear Form until you get a feel for the fight.
 * Also, as a tank, Bear Form has a pretty reliable taunt to draw aggro away from more squishy party members.
 * For details on tanking as a druid in raids, see the druids as tanks page.
 * In Bear Form, or as a Druid in general, you cannot block or parry, so your only method of ignoring damage is through dodging. However, keep in mind that you do not gain rage from dodging an attack.