The entry into World of Warcraft can be challenging. We at MeinMMO will tell you which class is perfect for taking your first steps into Azeroth.
World of Warcraft offers a pretty large selection of options to dive into Azeroth with its 13 classes and 39 specializations. But which class should a newcomer choose?
We introduce you to three classes that are perfect for newcomers in World of Warcraft, so you can have an easy start in 2025.
Update: The article was updated on September 12, 2025. The article is now fit for the expansion The War Within and patch 11.2 Spirits of K’aresh.
Cortyn has been playing World of Warcraft for over 20 years and has spent so many hours in Azeroth that one might not want to know the exact number. 11 of those years have already been spent writing articles for MeinMMO.
Over time, different classes have been switched between and played both for the Horde and the Alliance, allowing Cortyn to gain extensive insight into the entire game.
Just don’t argue with Cortyn about the lore. That won’t end well.
Paladin – The Allround Talent
Who is the Paladin suitable for? The Paladin is suitable for those undecided players who still don’t know whether they want to heal, tank, or deal damage in the endgame – because the Paladin can do all of that. With his plate armor and numerous defensive abilities, he is a resilient fighter who can also deal serious damage in melee.
What can Paladins do? Paladins in World of Warcraft essentially have three different orientations to specialize in. The Paladin can take on all three roles that are necessary for a successful group. One of their most well-known abilities is the Divine Shield, which can make them immune to any damage for a few seconds.
- Protection (Tank): The Protection Paladin equips a shield and a melee weapon to draw enemy threat to themselves, allowing the rest of the group to deal damage without problems.
- Retribution (Damage): The Retribution Paladin relies on strong melee attacks that grant him Holy Power. If he accumulates enough of it, he can use it for powerful special attacks that deal significant damage. Additionally, unlike many other melee fighters, the Retribution Paladin also has very strong survivability skills.
- Holy (Healing): The Holy Paladin must use their mana wisely to keep their allies alive. Unlike other healers, the Paladin is mostly found in melee range and combines attacks with healing on his group members.
Which races can become Paladins? Only a few races can become Paladins in World of Warcraft. The Alliance has significantly more options than the Horde.
- Alliance: Human, Dwarf, Lightforged Draenei, Dark Iron Dwarves, Draenei, Earthen
- Horde: Tauren, Zandalari Trolls, Blood Elves, Earthen
You should play Paladin if: You want to play a versatile class that can essentially fulfill any role. Paladins are popular among other players because of their versatility, as they can fill any spot in a group and possess strong defensive abilities for all allies.
Recommended specialization: For leveling, it is worth playing in the “Retribution” specialization, as you can handle most challenges solo and deal high damage. Of course, you can switch to Holy or Protection for dungeons if you want to fill other roles in the group.
Hunter – Flexible Killing Machine
Who is the Hunter suitable for? Hunters in World of Warcraft are essentially the ultimate solo class. With a wild animal as a companion, Hunters can handle almost any quest solo and are also well-regarded in groups due to various traps, high damage, and various buff effects. Additionally, there is an extra collection aspect – as there are many rare and great animals in WoW that can be tamed by the Hunter.
What can Hunters do? Hunters are responsible for dealing damage in all of their specializations. They ensure that enemies die quickly in a group. At the same time, they can rely on an animal companion, which acts as a tank in solo play, drawing the enemy’s threat to itself. Optionally, there are several control effects to slow down or incapacitate enemies.
- Beast Mastery (Damage): As the name suggests, Beast Mastery Hunters specialize in their companions. The animals of this Hunter are particularly powerful and deal a significant portion of the damage. Many abilities enhance the companions or even summon additional wild animals that then swarm over the enemies as a pack.
- Marksmanship (Damage): Marksmanship Hunters are the snipers among hunters and can do without a companion. They deal massive damage from a distance using a variety of different shots and abilities. Whether single-target or group damage, the Marksmanship Hunter has a wide range of abilities.
- Survival (Damage): The Survival Hunter was significantly overhauled a few years ago and has a unique feature: it is a melee specialization. Instead of attacking from a distance with a bow or rifle, the Hunter engages with the enemy up close, hitting them hard.
Which races can become Hunters? As Hunters, you have a huge selection of possible races. All playable species on Azeroth can become Hunters.
- Alliance: Human, Void Elf, Dwarf, Lightforged Draenei, Night Elves, Dark Iron Dwarves, Gnomes, Kul Tirans, Draenei, Mecha-Gnomes, Worgen, Pandaren, Dracthyr, Earthen
- Horde: Orc, Nightborne, Undead, Highmountain Tauren, Tauren, Mag’har Orc, Troll, Zandalari Troll, Blood Elves, Vulpera, Goblins, Pandaren, Dracthyr, Earthen
You should play Hunter if: You want a class that can handle almost any challenge solo. Collectors of animals will also be satisfied here. But beware: Hunters have had a negative reputation for 20 years, as many consider them to be bad players – but maybe you can prove everyone wrong?
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 combat, such as tanking. Ultimately, however, all three specializations are suitable for leveling and you can choose freely.
Warlock – Diverse Spellcasters with Great Utility
Who is the Warlock suitable for? Warlocks are the perfect class for anyone who wants to play a mage but feels too fragile doing so. Although the Warlock wears cloth, he is extremely resilient and can handle numerous tough fights solo. This is also due to the powerful demons he can summon, which he can even resummon in battle if he dies.
What can Warlocks do? Warlocks are responsible for damage in all specializations. In most cases, they are accompanied by a specialized demon that can fulfill different roles, such as tanking. Additionally, Warlocks have helpful effects for the entire group. Healthstones count as extra healing potions, and by using summons, the Warlock can directly call his group members to him, reducing travel time. A Soulstone can save a teammate from death or even be used as a resurrection in combat.
- Destruction (Damage): Warlocks that focus on Destruction use significantly fewer spells than their colleagues, but all of them deal fire damage and very high damage numbers. A few spells keep the gameplay quite simple while still yielding good results.
- Affliction (Damage): As an Affliction Warlock, you’re somewhat in the traditional style of warlocks. You place long-term, diverse curses and debuffs on enemies while slowly draining their life force.
- Demonology (Damage): If you specialize in Demonology, then the Warlock does somewhat less damage himself – most of it comes from the minions. However, you summon not just one demon but several dozen. You conjure numerous imps, felhunters, and other creatures that deal the majority of the damage in battle. You are the summoner, and the demons execute your will.
Which races can become Warlocks? To become a Warlock, one only needs to stray a little from the path as a mage or open oneself to dark forces – every race has the potential for that.
- Alliance: Human, Void Elf, Dwarf, Lightforged Draenei, Night Elves, Dark Iron Dwarves, Gnomes, Kul Tirans, Draenei, Mecha-Gnomes, Worgen, Pandaren, Dracthyr, Earthen
- Horde: Orc, Nightborne, Undead, Highmountain Tauren, Tauren, Mag’har Orc, Troll, Zandalari Troll, Blood Elves, Vulpera, Goblins, Pandaren, Dracthyr, Earthen
You should play Warlock if: Warlocks are the perfect compromise if you want to play a spellcaster but can also take a hit. In groups, you are a welcome member thanks to useful abilities for your teammates. If you prefer a generally dark look, want to rain fire down from the sky, and throw around demons, then the Warlock is best suited for you.
Recommended specialization: For relaxed leveling with only a few abilities, the Destruction Warlock is worthwhile. When adventuring alone, summon your Voidwalker to bind enemies for you. This way, you can annihilate them from a safe distance with powerful spells before they can even become a threat.
Play what you enjoy: Ultimately, these are just recommendations. Many classes in World of Warcraft play extremely differently from specialization to specialization, so you should feel free to experiment a bit at the beginning.
However, note that most classes are not “fully” functional until later in the course. Abilities are added throughout the leveling phase. A class that seems boring at level 8 can be extremely challenging and fun at level 80.
It is particularly through the talent tree that the true feel of a class only becomes apparent with increasing levels. If you’re unsure, you should at least stick around until level 30 to get a rough feel of the class. Otherwise, it’s always worth having a chat with friends who can share their experiences. We have examined whether starting anew with The War Within is worth it in this article.
Which class would you recommend to newcomers and why?
