The One Button Rotation and Healers - PTR Thoughts

We’re back on the PTR, continuing to test the One Button Rotation tool—but this time, we're diving into how it performs for healers. After covering tanks in a previous video (linked here), a few of you asked, “Hey, can this work for healers too?” So, let’s break it down.

What the One Button Rotation Does and Doesn’t Do

If you’re new to the One Button Rotation concept, here’s the TLDR: it’s a tool designed to simplify your damage-dealing abilities by letting you press a single button that cycles through your rotation. It's mostly intended for DPS and tanks. But what about healers?

Well, here’s the catch: this button does not handle healing or defensive spells. That means you're still responsible for casting your Flash Heals, Riptides, Chain Heals, Rejuvenations—you name it. So no, healers don’t get a "lazy button."

But…

Can It Help Healers Deal Damage? Yes and No

Yes, you can bind it to your action bar and use it to handle your damage spells while healing. For example, you could mix it into your healing rotation during downtime or low-damage phases.

But there are some caveats.

The Global Cooldown Penalty

Here’s the biggest issue: using the One Button Rotation increases your global cooldown (GCD) from 1.0 seconds to 1.3 seconds. That might not sound like much, but in practice, it’s a pretty noticeable delay—especially when you're healing.

Imagine this: something happens in the fight, and you need to react fast. If you're using the One Button, you’re now reacting 0.3 seconds slower than usual. That extra delay could make a difference between a clutch save and a wipe, especially in high-end content.

So

Where It Does Make Sense?

If you’re running LFR, Normal raids, or low Mythic+ keys (I’d say +4 and under), the One Button tool can be super handy. It’s perfect for filler damage in low-pressure situations or if you just want to simplify your action bars a bit.

I personally wouldn’t use it in Heroic raids or high keys. The GCD penalty is just too noticeable for my taste, and in more intense encounters, every second counts.

For example

A Use Case That Works: Off-Spec Simplicity

One area where this tool really shines for healers? Off-spec content.

Take my Resto Shaman for example—I don’t play Enhancement or Elemental regularly. But if I need to knock out some world quests or dailies, I can just swap specs and use the One Button Rotation without worrying about setting up an entirely new bar or learning the rotation. It's a quality-of-life win.

Lets end with

Final Thoughts

The One Button Rotation tool is not meant for sweaty, high-end min-maxing. It’s mostly an accessibility and convenience feature, and in that context, it’s pretty awesome.

So, would I use it for serious healing? No. But will I use it while doing daily quests or low-pressure content? Absolutely.