Complete Guide to Choosing Races in World of Warcraft

Publication date : 2025-08-29

In World of Warcraft, choosing the right race is a key part of your adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the powerful spells of mages or the brute strength of warriors, each race offers unique abilities and a rich backstory that can shape your experience in Azeroth. From the Alliance to the Horde, and even the Neutral Pandaren, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about race selection for both beginners and seasoned players.

Alliance Races

Human

Racial Abilities: +Reputation gain, +Mastery, Anti-control effects
Best Professions: Almost all professions
Backstory: Humans are the backbone of the Kingdom of Stormwind, known for their unyielding spirit and belief in the Holy Light. A versatile choice for any class.

Dwarf

Racial Abilities: Stoneform (removes bleed/poison effects), +Accuracy
Best Professions: Warrior, Hunter, Paladin, Priest, Warlock
Backstory: Dwarves hail from Ironforge, masters of forging and combat. Their deep ties to the Titans make them strong, resilient fighters.

Gnome

Racial Abilities: +Engineering skills, Reduced mana consumption, Small size and high evasion
Best Professions: Mage, Warlock, Priest, Warrior, Stealth
Backstory: Gnomes are brilliant engineers, small in stature but big in creativity. A race of innovators and tinkers, constantly crafting new inventions.

Night Elf

Racial Abilities: Shadowmeld (evade detection), +Dodge, Natural Resistance
Best Professions: Druid, Hunter, Warrior, Stealth
Backstory: Night Elves are ancient protectors of nature, devoted to the moon goddess Elune. Their long-lived history is filled with wisdom and strength.

Draenei

Racial Abilities: +Jewelcrafting, +Hit, Healing "Gift of the Naaru"
Best Professions: Paladin, Shaman, Warrior, Priest, Mage
Backstory: A race of exiled aliens, Draenei are devout followers of the Holy Light, using their energy to battle the Burning Legion.

Worgen

Racial Abilities: +Speed, Enrage (increased burst), Shadow Resistance
Best Professions: Druid, Rogue, Warrior, Mage, Warlock
Backstory: Cursed humans, transformed into fearsome werewolves, with wild power and the ability to shift forms.

Mecha-Gnome

Racial Abilities: Automatic healing, +Engineering skills, Deceleration
Best Professions: Warrior, Hunter, Priest, Mage
Backstory: These evolved gnomes possess superior mechanical intelligence and thrive in high-tech environments.

Lightforged Draenei

Racial Abilities: Light energy burst (Ignite), +Forging skills, Shadow Resistance
Best Professions: Paladin, Priest, Warrior, Hunter
Backstory: The Lightforged Draenei are elite soldiers blessed by the Holy Light, dedicated to fighting the forces of the Void.

Void Elf

Racial Abilities: Teleportation, Void Shield, Anti-Arcane resistance
Best Professions: Warlock, Priest, Mage, Hunter
Backstory: Former High Elves corrupted by the Void, now aligned with the Alliance to combat the growing threat of the Void.

Dark Iron Dwarf

Racial Abilities: Fire Resistance, Control Break, +Forging

Best Professions: Warrior, Mage, Paladin, Warlock

Backstory: A fierce and fiery people, the Dark Iron Dwarves hail from Blackrock Depths, masters of fire and stone.

Horde Races

Orc

Racial Abilities: Blood Fury (increased attack power), Anti-Stun
Best Professions: Warrior, Hunter, Warlock, Shaman
Backstory: Orcs are a warrior race from Draenor, skilled in melee combat and driven by tribal glory.

Tauren

Racial Abilities: War Stomp (AoE stun), +Health, +Herbalism
Best Professions: Warrior, Druid, Hunter, Shaman
Backstory: A giant race deeply connected to nature, the Tauren honor their ancestors and protect the grasslands of Kalimdor.

Troll

Racial Abilities: +Healing, +Attack Speed, Anti-Poison/Disease
Best Professions: Almost all professions
Backstory: Trolls are known for their agility, fierce adaptability, and diverse tribal cultures.

Undead

Racial Abilities: Will of the Forsaken (free from fear effects), Cannibalism, Shadow Resistance
Best Professions: Mage, Warlock, Priest, Rogue
Backstory: The undead are risen from the grave, driven by the remnants of their former selves, seeking meaning in their afterlife.

Blood Elf

Racial Abilities: Arcane Torrent (silence + energy restoration), +Enchanting
Best Professions: Mage, Paladin, Hunter, Warlock, Monk
Backstory: Blood Elves are a proud race, once cursed by their reliance on arcane magic after the fall of the Sunwell.

Goblin

Racial Abilities: Rocket Jump, Rocket Fist, +Alchemy, +Money Pickup
Best Professions: Warrior, Mage, Warlock, Hunter
Backstory: Goblins are clever, explosive, and great with money. Their crafty nature makes them formidable allies and even deadlier enemies.

Nightborne

Racial Abilities: Arcane Shield, +Magic Buff, +Enchanting
Best Professions: Mage, Warlock, Hunter, Paladin
Backstory: Once isolated in the city of Suramar, Nightborne are now fighting for the survival of Azeroth with their unparalleled mastery of arcane magic.

Mag'har Orc

Racial Abilities: Primal Determination (resistance to debuffs), +Riding
Best Professions: Warrior, Hunter, Shaman, Monk
Backstory: The Mag'har Orcs rejected demonic corruption, staying true to their ancestral ways and living by primitive traditions.

Zandalari Troll

Racial Abilities: Regeneration, Resistance to Retreat, Totem Power
Best Professions: Druid, Paladin, Hunter, Shaman, Warrior
Backstory: A proud and ancient race, the Zandalari Trolls are fierce warriors who worship their gods and defend their empire with unyielding strength.

Highmountain Tauren

Racial Abilities: Eagle Arrow (damage skill), Herbalism bonus, Resistance to Retreat
Best Professions: Druid, Warrior, Hunter, Shaman
Backstory: Highmountain Tauren are the descendants of the plateau tribes, guided by the spirits of their ancestors.

Neutral Race: Pandaren

Racial Abilities: Gourmet (food enhancement), Fall damage reduction, Stun resistance
Best Professions: Monk, Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Mage
Backstory: Pandaren are a wise and peaceful race from Pandaria, initially neutral, but now part of both the Alliance and Horde. They are known for their love of food and martial arts.

Race Selection Tips

For Burst Damage in PvP: Choose Blood Elves, Orcs, Humans, or Zandalari Trolls.
For Damage Mitigation & Control in PvP: Go for Undead, Humans, Tauren, or Trolls.
For Appearance-Driven Players: Night Elves, Worgen, Nightborne, or Pandaren.
For Crafty & Life-Oriented Players: Gnomes, Goblins, Draenei, or Dark Iron Dwarves.

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