World of Warcraft is a game known for its deep lore and dozens of races, many of which can be used for your characters. Choosing your playable race is one of the most exciting parts of the game. Each race has its history, culture, and special abilities: however, with the latest expansions of WoW, they all are perfectly balanced. Moreover, you can always change your race in the Blizzard shop.
When you start playing WoW, picking a race is one of the first big decisions you’ll make. This choice affects how your character looks, what starting area you begin in, and the special racial abilities you can use in the game. Some races are more suited for certain classes or roles, while others offer different advantages in combat or crafting. Whether you want to be a fierce warrior, a wise spellcaster, or something in between, there is a race that suits your playstyle.
WoW has a wide variety of races, including iconic ones like Humans (which are still used by most top-tier PvPers), Orcs (preferred by PvE fans to farm WoW raids), and Elves, as well as more unusual ones like Pandaren and the newly introduced Earthen (which, in my opinion, have all the chances to show themselves perfectly in the newly-introduced TWW delves and Mythic Plus Dungeons). Most expansions of the game added new races or classes (or both, like Dracthyr in World of Warcraft Dragonflight), giving players even more options to explore.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the playable races in WoW The War Within. We’ll explore their backgrounds, racial abilities, and how they can impact your gameplay experience. Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran looking to try something new, understanding the different races can help you make the best choice for your next adventure in Azeroth.
New Playable Race in TWW: Earthen
The Earthen are a new playable race in World of Warcraft’s The War Within expansion. These strong and resilient beings are made from the stone of Azeroth, giving them a special connection to the land. They are available to both the Horde and the Alliance.
The Earthen can be Warriors, Paladins, Hunters, Shamans, and Druids. Each class taps into their natural strength and connection to the earth, making them powerful in combat and skilled in survival.
The Earthen have unique racial abilities:
- Azerite Surge: This ability lets them release a burst of energy that damages enemies in front of them. The longer they charge it, the more powerful it becomes, even healing allies.
- Hyper Productive: This increases their chances of gathering extra materials when they harvest resources, making them efficient gatherers.
- Ingest Minerals: They can consume special gems to gain different stat boosts, like more Stamina or Haste.
- Titan-Wrought Frame: Their naturally tough skin increases the armor from their equipped gear.
- Wide-Eyed Wonder: They gain extra experience when they explore new areas.
The Earthen also have unique mounts, which are called Reins of the Slatestone Ramolith mount. These massive creatures are as strong as the Earthen themselves.
Dracthyr (Alliance & Horde)
The Dracthyr are a unique race introduced in the Dragonflight expansion. They are a combination of dragons and humanoids, created by Neltharion (Deathwing). After being hidden away for ages, they have now awakened and are finding their place in the world.
The Dracthyr can only be Evokers, a class that reflects their dual nature. Their abilities are divided into two specializations: Devastation, which focuses on powerful elemental attacks like fire and lightning, and Preservation, which emphasizes healing and support. The Dracthyr also have special movement abilities, such as gliding and faster flying, showcasing their dragon heritage.
Pandaren (Alliance & Horde)
The Pandaren hail from the tranquil island of Pandaria and are known for their wisdom and calm demeanor. Uniquely, they can choose to join either the Horde or the Alliance.
Pandaren can be Warriors, Hunters, Mages, Priests, Rogues, Shamans, Monks, and Death Knights.
Their key ability, Quaking Palm, stuns enemies, reflecting their mastery of martial arts. They also have passive abilities like Epicurean, which enhances food buffs, Gourmand, which improves cooking, and Inner Peace, which increases the benefits of resting.
Humans (Alliance)
Humans are one of the most adaptable races in World of Warcraft, capable of being nearly any class. They are known for their versatility and resilience.
Humans can choose the following classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Death Knight, Mage, Warlock, Monk.
Their active skill, Will to Survive, allows them to break free from stun effects, making them highly valuable in PvP.
Humans also have passive abilities like The Human Spirit, which boosts their secondary stats, and Diplomacy, which increases reputation gains with factions.
Dwarves (Alliance)
Dwarves are tough, mountain-dwelling people known for their connection to the earth and stone.
Dwarves Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Death Knight, Shaman, Mage, Warlock, Monk.
Their active ability, Stoneform, boosts their defenses and removes harmful effects, making them durable in battle.
Dwarves also have passive abilities like Might of the Mountain, which increases critical strike damage, and Frost Resistance, which reduces damage from frost-based attacks.
Night Elves (Alliance)
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Night Elves are ancient beings with deep connections to nature and the arcane.
Night Elves Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Death Knight, Druid, Mage, Monk, Demon Hunter.
Their active ability, Shadowmeld, allows them to become invisible, useful for avoiding combat or setting up ambushes.
Night Elves have passive abilities like Touch of Elune, which boosts Haste at night and Critical Strike during the day, and Nature Resistance, which reduces damage from nature-based attacks.
Gnomes (Alliance)
Gnomes are small but intelligent, and known for their technological skills. Gnomes Classes: Warrior, Rogue, Mage, Warlock, Death Knight, Priest, Monk, Hunter.
Their active ability, Escape Artist, allows them to break free from movement impairing effects, which is particularly useful in both PvP (especially in 3v3/2v2 arenas) and PvE.
Gnomes also have passive abilities like Expansive Mind, which increases their mana/energy pool, and Engineering Specialization, which boosts their Engineering skill.
Draenei (Alliance)
Draenei is a race of beings deeply connected to the Light, fleeing from their corrupted homeworld of Argus.
Draenei Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Priest, Death Knight, Shaman, Mage, Monk.
Their active ability, Gift of the Naaru, heals themselves or allies over time, reflecting their link to the Light.
Draenei also has passive abilities like Heroic Presence, which increases hit chance, and Shadow Resistance, which reduces damage from shadow-based attacks.
Worgen (Alliance)
Worgen are werewolf-like creatures from Gilneas, cursed to transform into ferocious beasts. They can be Warriors, Hunters, Rogues, and other classes.
Their active ability, Darkflight, allows them to move quickly for a short time, aiding in combat and exploration.
Worgen also have passive abilities like Viciousness, which increases critical strike chance, and Two Forms, which allows them to switch between their human and Worgen appearances.
Void Elves (Alliance)
Void Elves are former Blood Elves who have harnessed the power of the Void.
Void Elves Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock, Monk, Death Knight.
Their active ability, Spatial Rift, lets them teleport short distances, useful for strategic positioning.
Void Elves also have passive abilities like Entropic Embrace, which enhances damage or healing output with Void energy, and Preternatural Calm, which reduces spell pushback while casting.
Lightforged Draenei (Alliance)
Lightforged Draenei are warriors of the Light who have fought the Burning Legion across the cosmos.
Lightforged Draenei Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Priest, Death Knight, Mage.
Their active ability, Light’s Judgment, calls down Holy energy to damage enemies in an area. They also have passive abilities like Forge of Light, which boosts Blacksmithing skill, and Demonbane, which increases experience gained from killing demons.
Dark Iron Dwarves (Alliance)
Dark Iron Dwarves are a hardened and fierce race, once aligned with dark forces but now part of the Alliance.
Dark Iron Dwarves Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Death Knight, Shaman, Mage, Warlock, Monk.
Their active ability, Mole Machine, allows them to transport themselves to different locations.
Dark Iron Dwarves also have passive abilities like Fireblood, which removes harmful effects and boosts primary stats, and Forged in Flames, which reduces physical damage taken.
Kul Tirans (Alliance)
Kul Tirans are seafaring humans from the island nation of Kul Tiras, known for their naval expertise and robust nature.
Kul Tirans Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Death Knight, Druid, Shaman, Mage, Monk.
Their active ability, Haymaker, stuns and knocks back enemies. Kul Tirans also have passive abilities like Brush It Off, which increases Versatility and provides a healing effect based on damage taken, and Child of the Sea, which enhances swimming and breath-holding abilities.
Mechagnomes (Alliance)
Mechagnomes are gnomes who have integrated themselves with technology, hailing from the city of Mechagon. They can be Mages, Rogues, Warriors, and other classes. Their active ability, Hyper Organic Light Originator, projects decoys to distract enemies. Mechagnomes also have passive abilities like Combat Analysis, which increases their primary stat the longer they remain in combat, and Emergency Failsafe, which heals them when their health drops low.
Orcs (Horde)
Orcs are a battle-hardened race from Draenor, known for their strength and warrior spirit. They can be Warriors, Hunters, Shamans, and more. Their active ability, Blood Fury, boosts their attack power and spell power for a short time.
Orcs also have passive abilities like Hardiness, which reduces the duration of stun effects, and Command, which increases pet damage for classes like Hunters and Warlocks.
Undead (Horde)
The Forsaken are undead beings who broke free from the Lich King’s control. They can be Warlocks, Priests, Rogues, and other classes. Their active ability, Will of the Forsaken, grants immunity to charm, fear, and sleep effects. The Forsaken also have passive abilities like Cannibalize, which allows them to regain health by consuming corpses, and Touch of the Grave, which gives their attacks a chance to drain health from enemies.
Tauren (Horde)
Tauren are large, peaceful beings connected to nature and the Earth Mother. They can be Druids, Hunters, Warriors, and more. Their active ability, War Stomp, stuns nearby enemies. Tauren also have passive abilities like Endurance, which increases their health pool, and Cultivation, which boosts their Herbalism skill and gathering speed.
Trolls (Horde)
Trolls are an ancient and diverse race known for their shadowy magic and warrior spirit. They can be Shamans, Hunters, Warriors, and other classes. Their active ability, Berserking, increases their attack and casting speed. Trolls also have passive abilities like Regeneration, which allows them to heal faster, and Beast Slaying, which gives them a bonus when fighting beasts.
Blood Elves (Horde)
Blood Elves are magic-wielders who joined the Horde after their kingdom was destroyed.
Blood Elves Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock, Monk, Demon Hunter, Death Knight.
Their active ability, Arcane Torrent, silences enemies and restores mana for mana-based classes (perfect during PvP fights).
Blood Elves also have passive abilities like Arcane Acuity, which increases their critical strike chance, and Arcane Affinity, which boosts their Enchanting skill.
Goblins (Horde)
Goblins are cunning and resourceful, known for their love of explosives and trade.
Goblins Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock, Shaman, Death Knight.
Their active abilities include Rocket Jump, which propels them forward, and Rocket Barrage, which launches a rocket at an enemy.
Goblins also have passive abilities like Time is Money, which increases their attack and casting speed, and Best Deals Anywhere, which ensures they always get the best prices.
Nightborne (Horde)
Nightborne are a magically gifted race from the city of Suramar.
Nightborne Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Mage, Warlock, Monk.
Their active ability, Arcane Pulse, deals damage and slows enemies nearby. Nightborne also have passive abilities like Ancient History, which increases their Inscription skill, and Magical Affinity, which boosts their magical damage.
Highmountain Tauren (Horde)
Highmountain Tauren are a proud and sturdy race from the Broken Isles, descended from the ancient Tauren hero Huln Highmountain.
Highmountain Tauren Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Shaman, Druid, Monk, Death Knight.
Their active ability, Bull Rush, charges forward and knocks down enemies.
Highmountain Taurens also have passive abilities like Rugged Tenacity, which reduces damage taken, and Pride of Ironhorn, which boosts their Mining skill.
Mag’har Orcs (Horde)
Mag’har Orcs are uncorrupted Orcs from an alternate Draenor, who avoided the demonic corruption that affected their counterparts.
Mag’har Orcs Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Monk, Mage, Death Knight.
Their active ability, Ancestral Call, boosts a random secondary stat for a short time. Mag’har Orcs also have passive abilities like Open Skies, which increases mounted speed, and Savage Blood, which reduces the duration of harmful effects.
Zandalari Trolls (Horde)
Zandalari Trolls are an ancient troll empire from the island of Zandalar, deeply connected to their gods, the Loa.
Zandalari Trolls Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Shaman, Druid, Monk, Death Knight.
Their active ability, Regeneratin’, rapidly heals them. Zandalari Trolls also have passive abilities like Embrace of the Loa, which grants them different blessings based on the Loa they choose, and Pterrordax Swoop, which reduces their falling speed.
Vulpera (Horde)
Vulpera are resourceful, fox-like nomads from the deserts of Vol’dun. Vulpera Classes: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock, Shaman, Monk, Death Knight.
Their active ability, Bag of Tricks, allows them to use tricks to either damage enemies or heal allies.
Vulpera also have passive abilities like Nose For Trouble, which reduces the damage taken from the first strike by an enemy, and Alpaca Saddlebags, which increases their inventory space.
