Getting started in World of Warcraft can be difficult. We at iGV will tell you which class is perfect for taking your first steps in Azeroth.
With its 13 classes and 39 specializations, World of Warcraft offers a pretty wide range of ways to immerse yourself in Azeroth. But which class should you choose as a newcomer?
We'll introduce you to three classes that are perfect for newcomers to World of Warcraft, so you'll have an easy start in 2024.
Update: The article was updated on 27.05.2024. Originally, the Demon Hunter was recommended here, but after a rework of the class, he was replaced by the Warlock.
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Paladin – The All-Round Talent
Who is the Paladin suitable for?
The Paladin is suitable for undecided people who don't yet know whether they want to heal, tank, or deal damage in the endgame – because the Paladin can do all of them. With his plate armor and numerous defensive abilities, he is a persistent fighter who can also dish out really evil in close combat.
What can paladins do?
Paladins in World of Warcraft basically have three different orientations in which they can specialize. The Paladin can take on all three roles necessary for a successful group. One of his most famous abilities is the God Shield, which can make him immune to any damage for a few seconds.
- Protection (tank): The Protection Paladin arms himself with a shield and a melee weapon to draw the threat of the enemies so that the rest of the group can deal damage without any problems.
- Retribution (Damage): The Retribution Paladin uses strong melee attacks that grant him Holy Power. Once he has accumulated enough of them, he can use them for strong special attacks that deal a lot of damage. In addition to this, unlike many other melee combatants, the Retribution also has very strong survival skills.
- Holy (Healing): The Holy Paladin must use his mana wisely to keep his allies alive. In contrast to other healers, the paladin is mostly found in melee combat and combines attacks with healing on his party members.
Which races can become Paladins?
Only a few races can become a paladin in World of Warcraft. The Alliance has significantly more than the Horde.
- Alliance: Human, Dwarf, Lightforged Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarf, Draenei
- Horde: Tauren, Zandalari Trolls, Blood Elves
You should play Paladin if: You want to play a versatile class that can basically fulfill any role. Paladins are popular with other players because of their versatility, as they can fill up any slot in a group and also have really strong defensive abilities for all allies.
Recommended specialization: For leveling, it is worthwhile to play in the "Retribution" specialization, as you can complete most challenges alone and deal high damage. For dungeons, you can of course switch to Holy or Protection if you want to fill other roles in the group.
Hunter – Flexible Killing Machine
Who is the hunter suitable for?
Hunters are the solo class par excellence in World of Warcraft. With a wild animal as a companion, hunters can complete almost any quest on their own and are also welcome in groups thanks to various traps, high damage and various buffs. In addition, there is an additional collection aspect - because there are many rare and great animals in WoW that can be tamed by the hunter.
What can hunters do?
Hunters are pure damage classes in all their specializations and thus take care in a group that enemies quickly die. At the same time, they can rely on an animal companion who acts as a tank in solo play and thus attracts the threat of the enemies. Optionally, there are several control effects to slow down enemies or render them completely harmless.
- Beast Mastery (Damage): As the name suggests, Beast Mastery Hunters specialize in their companions. This hunter's animals are particularly powerful and deal a large part of the damage. Many abilities strengthen the companions or even summon additional wild animals, which then attack the enemies as a whole herd.
- Accuracy (Damage): Marksmanship hunters are the snipers among hunters and can do without a companion. From a long distance, they deal massive damage and thus use a variety of different shots and abilities. Whether in a single target or group damage, the Marksmanship Hunter has a wide range of abilities.
- Survival (Damage): The Survival Hunter was heavily revised only a few years ago and has a special feature: it is a melee specialization. Instead of attacking at a distance with a bow or shotgun, the hunter gets up close and personal with the enemy together with his wild animal in order to give him a good hit at close range.
Which races can become hunters?
When it comes to hunters, you have a huge selection of possible races. Because all playable species on Azeroth can become hunters - with the exception of the Dracthyr.
- Alliance: Human, Void Elf, Dwarf, Lightforged Draenei, Night Elves, Dark Iron Dwarves, Gnomes, Kul Tirans, Draenei, Mecha Gnomes, Worgen, Pandaren
- Horde: Orc, Nightborne, Undead, Highmountain Tauren, Tauren, Mag'har Orc, Troll, Zandalari Troll, Blood Elves, Vulpera, Goblins, Pandaren
You should play Hunter if: You want to have a class that can handle pretty much any challenge single-handedly. Collectors of animals also get their money's worth here. But beware: Hunters have had a negative reputation for 19 years that many of them are bad players – but maybe you'll convince everyone of the opposite?
Recommended specialization: For leveling, the "Beast Mastery" specialization is worthwhile. Not only do you have access to more interesting companions, but they also take on many tasks in battle, such as tanking. In the end, however, all 3 specializations are suitable for leveling and you can choose freely.
Warlocks – Diverse spellcasters with great benefits
Who is the Warlock suitable for?
Warlocks are the perfect class for those who actually want to play a mage, but then feel too frail. Although the Warlock wears cloth, he is extremely resilient and can handle numerous hard fights on his own. This is also due to his powerful demons, which he can even re-summon in battle in the event of his death.
What can warlocks do?
Warlocks are responsible for the damage in all specializations. In the vast majority of cases, they are accompanied by a specialized demon that can fulfill different roles, such as a tank. In addition, warlocks have useful effects for the whole party. Health stones count as an additional healing potion and by means of summons, the warlock can summon his party members directly to him and thus reduce travel distances. A Soul Stone can save a fellow player from death or even be used as a resurrection in battle.
- Destruction (Damage): Warlocks with a focus on destruction use significantly fewer spells than their colleagues, but they all handle fire and very high damage numbers. A few spells keep the gameplay quite clear and still achieve good results.
- Affliction (Damage): As a Affliction Warlock, you are a bit in the traditional style of witchers. You apply long-term, diverse curses and debuffs to the enemies while slowly draining their life forces.
- Demonology (Damage): If you dedicate yourself to demonology, then the warlock himself does a little less damage - he then mainly comes from the companions. However, you don't just have one demon here, but several dozen. You summon numerous imps, devilhounds and other creatures that do the most damage in battle. You are the summoner and the demons carry out your work.
Which races can become warlocks?
To become a warlock, as a mage you only have to stray a little from the path or open yourself up to the dark forces – every race has the potential to do so, with the exception of the Dracthyr.
- Alliance: Human, Void Elf, Dwarf, Lightforged Draenei, Night Elves, Dark Iron Dwarves, Gnomes, Kul Tirans, Draenei, Mecha Gnomes, Worgen, Pandaren
- Horde: Orc, Nightborne, Undead, Highmountain Tauren, Tauren, Mag'har Orc, Troll, Zandalari Troll, Blood Elves, Vulpera, Goblins, Pandaren
You should play Warlock if: Warlocks are the perfect compromise if you want to play a spellcaster who can still take a beating. In groups, you are a welcome member, thanks to useful skills for your fellow players. If you prefer a generally gloomy look, want to rain fire from the sky and throw demons around, the Warlock is the best choice.
Recommended specialization: For relaxed leveling with only a few skills, the Destruction Warlock is worth it. If you're traveling alone, summon your Voidwalker, which binds enemies to itself for you. This way you can destroy them from a safe distance with strong spells before they even become dangerous to you.
Play what you like: In the end, of course, these are only recommendations. Many classes in World of Warcraft even play extremely differently from specialization to specialization, so you should try something out at the beginning.
Note, however, that most classes are only "complete" later on. Skills are added in the course of the leveling phase. A class that looks boring at level 8 can be extremely challenging and a lot of fun at level 70.
Especially because of the talent tree, the true feel of a class only becomes apparent as the level increases. If you're unsure, you should stick with it at least until level 30 to get a rough feel for the class. Otherwise, it's always worth talking to friends who can tell you about their own experiences.