Welcome to Wowhead's overview of classes in Classic WoW! This guide is intended for live WoW players, such as those playing the Classic WoW demo at BlizzCon, to familiarize themselves with all the class options and important mechanics. Learn about all the available classes, the intricacies of the Classic talent system, and the roles, strengths, and weaknesses for each class in our comprehensive guide.

Class Differences between BFA and Classic

The class system has undergone many revisions between BFA and Classic. Here are some of the top changes:

• There are 9 classes, down from 12.

  • Death Knights, Monks, and Demon Hunters were not available in Classic WoW.
  • Paladins were limited to the Alliance, while Shaman were limited to the Horde.
  • You cannot change your race, so picking the race/class combo you prefer is very important, as some are strong for DPS.
  • Priests had unique racials based on their race.
  • Druids had three talent trees, not four. Feral Combat was used for Guardian and Feral Druids.
  • Rogues had the Combat specialization, not Outlaw.
  • Hunters had an elaborate Pet Loyalty system, and Survival was a ranged DPS spec.
• Talents and specializations were vastly different:

  • Instead of picking a specialization within a class, and learning a set of unique abilities, you pick a class and the spec-flavored abilities come from talent points.
  • The talent system was vastly more complex, with 51 points that can be placed into three trees, with abilities farther down the tree providing more powerful benefits.
  • The option to dual-spec and save multiple talent builds was not present.
• Classic had the concept of Hybrids--roles that offered weaker DPS but had more utility and the capability to perform other roles in a pinch.
• Spells had ranks, and more unlocked at higher levels. You had to return to Class Trainers in capital cities to train these higher ranks.
• Many stats present in Classic are removed in BFA. Some of these stats were crucial to talent builds, such as abilities that increased Weapon Skill.

Classic Talent System

The classic talent system comes with 51 points which can be put into three talent trees per class. Players can split points evenly among specialization trees, or fully invest in a tree to get the final ability at the end of the tree.

Talents can improve existing abilities or stats like weapon skill, add new functionality to abilities, or teach players brand-new abilities. Usually, interesting new abilities are unlocked after spending 11, 21, or 31 points in a tree. Some abilities require points to be spent on specific talents higher up in the tree, in order to choose them. Here are some examples of iconic 31 point talents:

• Adrenaline Rush for Combat
• Dark Pact for Affliction
• Shadowform for Shadow
• Combustion for Fire
• Leader of the Pack for Feral Combat

You can start putting points into Talent trees at level 10, and earn one for every new level, so your first 31 point special talent can be unlocked at level 40. For the Classic WoW demo, you will start with 6 points available at level 15, going up to 10 points available at level 19.

There is lots of customization and choice available in Classic Talent Trees--you are not locked into choosing one talent option per row, like modern WoW. Players that end up focusing on the same specialization can have a very different array of chosen talents.

Wowhead's Talent Calculator for Classic will be live very soon.

Spell Ranks

As you level up, higher ranks of spells are available to be trained. Here is one example, using Scorch:

• Scorch - Rank 1 - 22
• Scorch - Rank 2 - 28
• Scorch - Rank 3 - 34
• Scorch - Rank 4 - 40
• Scorch - Rank 5 - 46
• Scorch - Rank 6 - 52
• Scorch - Rank 7 - 58

Sometimes players prefer to downrank spells. By using a lower rank of a spell, a player deals less damage or healing...but the spell can be faster or cheaper to cast.

Training

You must return to Class Trainers in capital cities in order to learn higher ranks of new abilities. Generally, new abilities are available every 2 levels. Learning these abilities will cost gold.

Class Trainers also provide the option to reset all of your talent points. There is no way in Classic WoW to select a dual specialization with a set of pre-saved talents. The cost for resetting talents starts at 1 and steadily increases from there.

Class Roles

WoW has the three core roles--Tank, Healing, and DPS, as well as the concept of a hybrid role. Different talent trees emphasize certain roles over others)

• Tank: A sturdy melee character that absorbs and deflects damage to protect the rest of the party.

  • Druid (Feral Combat), Paladin (Protection), Warrior (Protection)
• Healer: A character that focuses on casting spells to increase the health bars of others in the party, with a secondary emphasis on providing utility and resurrecting dead party members.

  • Druid (Restoration), Paladin (Holy), Priest (Discipline, Holy), Shaman (Restoration)
• DPS: These classes prioritize dealing damage to enemies. They can either be Melee, using weapons to deal damage up close to the boss, or Ranged, casting spells from afar. Melee classes are generally sturdier than Ranged classes, but have dangerous mechanics like Cleave to worry about. These roles generally have weaker utility than Hybrids.

  • Ranged DPS: Hunter (Beast Mastery, Marksman, Survival), Mage (Arcane, Fire, Frost), Warlock (Affliction, Demonology, Destruction)
  • Melee DPS: Rogue (Assassination, Combat, Subtlety), Warrior (Arms, Fury)
• Hybrid: These roles can deal damage but have a stronger emphasis on utility than a pure DPS.

  • Hybrid Melee: Druid (Feral Combat), Paladin (Retribution), Shaman (Enhancement)
  • Hybrid Ranged: Druid (Balance), Priest (Shadow), Shaman (Elemental)

Class/Race Combinations

Class and Race combinations are different than live WoW. There are only eight races and nine classes in Classic WoW, with some select class/race combos added in later expansions such as Cataclysm (Night Elf Mage) and Legion (Gnome Hunter).

in Classic WoW, Shamans are limited to the Horde while Paladins are limited to the Alliance. Shamans provide Totem buffs, while Paladins provide various group buffs and utility via Seals and Blessings.

As you cannot change your race or faction in Classic WoW, picking the right race is very important! Each race comes with unique racials, base stats, and a combination of classes.

Race	Druid	Hunter	Mage	Paladin	Priest	Rogue	Shaman	Warlock	Warrior
Dwarf
Gnome
Human
Night Elf
Orc
Tauren
Troll
Undead

What are the best class/race combinations for Alliance?

• Druid - Night Elves are the only option.
• Hunter - Night Elves are generally preferred for their higher base agility.
• Mage - Human and Gnome are both strong.
• Paladin - Human is preferable, especially for Protection and Retribution.
• Priest - Human is strong due to The Human Spirit, Dwarves are strong due to Fear Ward.
• Rogue - Human is best due to Sword Specialization.
• Warlock - Gnomes are strong due to the Intellect boost.
• Warriors - Humans are best due to the Sword and Mace racials.

What are the best class/race combinations for Horde?

• Druid - Tauren are the only option.
• Hunter - Trolls in PvE due to Berserking and Bow Specialization. Orcs are preferred in PvP due to Hardiness.
• Mage - Troll in PvE due to the very strong Berserking DPS cooldown. Undead in PvP due to Will of the Forsaken.
• Priest - Troll in PvE due to the powerful Berserking cooldown which increases cast speed. Undead in PvP due to Will of the Forsaken.
• Rogue - Orcs are the best race for Rogues due to the DPS cooldown Blood Fury, followed by Trolls which also have the strong DPS racial Berserking and situational PvE racial Beast Slaying. Undead in PvP due to Will of the Forsaken.
• Shaman - Trolls are preferable for healers and ranged DPS as Berserking increases cast and attack speed. for Melee, Orcs are preferable for the Blood Fury cooldown.
• Warlock - Both Orc and Forsaken have strong PvP racials. The Orc Command racial Command also has use in solo and dungeon situations where you do not need to sacrifice your pet.
• Warriors - Each race shines in different situations. Orcs are great DPS warriors due to Blood Fury and Axe Specialization. Taurens have the powerful AoE stun via War Stomp, which is useful in dungeons. Trolls, due to the synergy of Berserking with Heroic Strike allowing efficient rage to threat conversion, are solid tanks in the end game. Undead, as usual, are very strong for PvP due to Will of the Forsaken.

Class Overviews

The following information is primarily taken from the Official WoW site Classic archives.

Druid

Druids are the keepers of the world. Locked in slumber for generations, they awoke to meet the threat of the Burning Legion during its recent invasion. After Archimonde's defeat, the Druids chose to remain in the waking world and help to rebuild their shattered lands. The Legion's attack left a terrible scar on the natural order, and the Druids seek to heal it.

• Available to: Night Elves, Tauren
• Type: Hybrid, Primary Healer
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana (Druid form/Aquatic form), Health/Rage (Bear form), Health/Energy (Cat form)
• Available Armor: Cloth, Leather
• Available Weapons: Staves, One and Two-handed Maces, Daggers, Fist Weapons
• Talent trees: Balance, Feral Combat, Restoration
• Druids can shapeshift into many forms - Cat, Bear, Moonkin, Aquatic, Travel

Hunter

Azeroth is home to a wide variety of beasts. From the new world of Lordaeron to the old world of Kalimdor, all manner of creatures can be found. Some are friendly, some are ferocious and aggressive - yet they all have one thing in common. Each creature shares a special connection with Hunters. Hunters track, tame and slay all manner of animals and beasts found in the wilds. Whether they rely on bows or firearms, Hunters consider their weapons and pets to be their only true friends.

• Available to: Night Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Tauren, Trolls
• Type: Ranged Physical Damage Dealer
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana
• Pet Bars: Health/Focus
• Available Armor: Cloth, Leather, Mail (level 40)
• Available Weapons: Axes, Daggers, Guns, Bows, Crossbows, Fist Weapons, Polearms, Staves, Swords, Thrown, Two-Handed Axes, Two-Handed Swords
• Comments: Excellent for those who like to solo with pets
• Talent trees: Beast Mastery, Marksmanship, Survival

Mage

The Mages of Warcraft once centered their powers within the mageocracy of Dalaran. After that kingdom's destruction by the Burning Legion, however, the arcane arts spread to the far corners of the world.

• Available to: Humans, Gnomes, Undead, Trolls
• Type: Primary Ranged Magic Damage Dealer
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana
• Available Armor: Cloth
• Available Weapons: Staves, Wands, Daggers, Swords
• Comments: Excellent primary ranged damage dealers
• Provides excellent transportation through portals, also can conjure food and drink
• Talent Trees: Arcane, Fire, Frost

Paladin

Upholders of the Holy Light and defenders of the Alliance, the Paladins can be found from the northern forests of the Tirisfal Glades, fighting back the advance of the Forsaken, to the southern reaches of the Blasted Lands, ceaselessly upholding their vigil against demonic forces from beyond the Dark Portal. Wielding their mighty hammers and the strength of the Light, these holy warriors command forces in battle, all the while throwing themselves to where the fighting is the thickest.

• Available to: Humans, Dwarves (Alliance only)
• Type: Hybrid Melee, Secondary Healer, Tank
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana
• Available Armor: Cloth, Leather, Mail, Plate (level 40), Shields
• Available Weapons: One and Two-handed Maces, One and Two-handed Swords, One and Two-handed Axes, Polearms
• Comments: A more melee oriented hybrid
• Class Mounts at 40 and 60
• Talent Trees: Holy, Retribution, Protection

Priest

Priests lead the many faiths spread throughout the disparate lands of the world of Azeroth. In Kalimdor, Night Elf Priestesses revere the moon goddess Elune, while Dwarven priests in Khaz Modan deliver the message of the Light to their people. In the ruins of Lordaeron, the undead priests of the Forsaken, their faith twisted and tainted by their tortured existences, spread a dark interpretation of the Holy Light. Regardless of their faith, however, all Priests share in their ability to manipulate the minds of those who turn to them for spiritual guidance.

• Available to: Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves, Undead, Trolls
• Type: Primary Healer, Hybrid Ranged DPS
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana
• Available Armor: Cloth
• Available Weapons: One-Handed Maces, Daggers, Staves, Wands
• Comments: The most sought after class for any group
• Talent trees: Discipline, Holy, Shadow

Rogue

At home in the shadows and skilled at disappearing from sight, the Rogues of Azeroth are most comfortable when acting in the background. Twisting events to their favor, striking only when advantage is greatest: this is where a Rogue excels. With their cunning tricks, physical abilities, and mastery of concealment and disguise, Rogues have no trouble finding employment as thieves, cutthroats, spies, and assassins.

• Available to: Gnomes, Humans, Dwarves, Night Elves, Orcs, Undead, Trolls
• Type: Primary Melee Damage Dealer
• Standard Bars: Health/Energy
• Available Armor: Cloth, Leather
• Available Weapons: Dagger, Swords, Maces, Fist Weapons, Thrown, Guns, Bows, Crossbows
• Comments: Favorite among those who like to deal damage
• Has special skills to pick locks and create poisons to coat weapons
• Talent trees: Assassination, Combat, Subtlety

Shaman

Shaman are the spiritual leaders of their tribes and clans. They communicate with spirits, have visions of the future, and guide their people through the darkest of times. Many mistake their wisdom and serenity for a pacifist nature. When challenged, though, shaman have a range of powers available for dealing with threats to the natural order.

• Available to: Orcs, Tauren, Trolls (Horde only)
• Type: Hybrid Melee and Ranged, Secondary Healer
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana
• Available Armor: Cloth, Leather, Mail (level 40), Shields
• Available Weapons: One-Handed Maces, Two-Handed Maces (w/ talents), Staves, Fist Weapons, One-Handed Axes, Two-Handed Axes (w/ talents), Daggers
• Comments: A more magic oriented hybrid
• Has notable abilities like Totems
• Talent trees: Elemental, Enhancement, Restoration

Warlock

Warlocks were mages that delved too deeply into the roots of demonic power. Consumed by a lust for dark knowledge, they've tapped into chaotic magics from beyond the world. The Burning Legion now feeds them their powers, allowing them to channel destructive energies and call upon the powerful emissaries of their demon masters.

• Available to: Gnomes, Humans, Orcs, Undead
• Type: Debuffer and Cool Guy/Girl
• Standard Bars: Health/Mana
• Pet Bars: Health/Mana
• Available Armor: Cloth
• Available Weapons: Daggers, Wands, Staves, Swords
• Comments: Excellent solo class
• Mount quests available at 40 and 60
• Talent trees: Affliction, Demonology, Destruction

Warrior

Warriors are the melee-centered class. These characters are as tough as nails and masters of weaponry and tactics. The special abilities of the warrior are naturally combat-oriented.

• Available to: All Races
• Type: Primary Tank, Melee DPS
• Standard Bars: Health/Rage
• Available Armor: Cloth, Leather, Mail, Plate (level 40), Shields
• Available Weapons: All (excluding wands)
• Comments: Excellent for those who like to take damage
• Talent trees: Fury, Arms, Protection