Guide ·
WoW Forever Races and Class Combinations: The Full List
WoW Forever has ten playable races, nine classes and a fixed list of allowed combinations, including six pairings the original game never had. Both factions can play every class. This guide gives the full matrix from Blizzard and explains how to choose.
Quick answer: Alliance races are Human, Dwarf, Night Elf, Gnome and Skyborne (High Order). Horde races are Orc, Tauren, Troll, Undead and Skyborne (Windshaper). The new combinations are Orc Mage, Troll Warlock, Undead Paladin, Human Hunter, Gnome Priest and Dwarf Shaman.
Alliance combinations
- Human: Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior
- Dwarf: Hunter, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior
- Night Elf: Druid, Hunter, Priest, Rogue, Warrior
- Gnome: Mage, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior
- Skyborne (High Order): Druid, Hunter, Mage, Rogue, Warrior
Horde combinations
- Orc: Hunter, Mage, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior
- Tauren: Druid, Hunter, Shaman, Warrior
- Troll: Hunter, Mage, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior
- Undead: Mage, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior
- Skyborne (Windshaper): Druid, Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior
The six new combinations
Blizzard highlights these as new compared with the classic game:
- Orc Mage (Horde)
- Troll Warlock (Horde)
- Undead Paladin (Horde)
- Human Hunter (Alliance)
- Gnome Priest (Alliance)
- Dwarf Shaman (Alliance)
Two of them change the faction map. Undead Paladins give the Horde the class, and Dwarf Shamans give the Alliance theirs. Undead Paladins start in Deathknell and later join the Forsaken paladins at Tyr's Watch in western Tirisfal Glades. Read the Alliance vs Horde guide for what that means for your choice.
The new race: Skyborne
The Skyborne are the new playable race. High Order Skyborne are Alliance and descend from the Highborne scholars of Eldre'Thalas. Windshaper Skyborne are Horde and received the wind spirits' gift of elemental skysight. A Skyborne needs the Skyborne Heroic Pack or higher and starts on Zephras Isle.
Blizzard's introduction says Windshapers can become Shaman and High Order Skyborne can become Mages. The full matrix also shows both can play Druid, Hunter, Rogue and Warrior, so use the matrix above.
Racial traits worth knowing
Racials were updated for Forever, and Blizzard has not said which changed. Here are the traits as listed:
- Orc: Blood Fury, Hardiness, Axe Specialization, Shatter Curse
- Undead: Will of the Forsaken, Cannibalize, Underwater Breathing, Touch of the Grave
- Tauren: War Stomp, Cultivation, Plainsrunning, Endurance
- Troll: Berserking, Rapid Regeneration, Beast Slaying, Regeneration
- Human: Will to Survive, Perception, Sword Specialization, The Human Spirit
- Dwarf: Stoneform, Find Treasure, Mace Specialization, Big Game Hunter
- Night Elf: Elune's Light, Shadowmeld, Quickness, Wisp Spirit
- Gnome: Escape Artist, Eureka!, Expansive Mind, Engineering Specialization
- Skyborne (both): Walk on Air, Wind Blessed, Elemental Insight; plus Read Ley Line (High Order) or Skysight (Windshaper)
How to choose
- Pick the class fantasy first. Racials are small bonuses compared with enjoying your class for 60 levels. See the class guide.
- Then pick the race and faction that offers it. Where your friends play matters more than a racial.
- Check your starting zone. Races have different starts; the first 10 levels checklist covers them.
- Consider the story. The Forsaken, Skyborne and Dwarves each have a strong lore hook, which the lore guide covers.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Horde play Paladins in WoW Forever?
Yes. Undead can be Paladins, which is a new combination.
Can the Alliance play Shamans?
Yes. Dwarves can be Shamans, which is new, and Windshaper Skyborne are the Horde's other Shaman option.
Can Gnomes be Priests and Humans be Hunters?
Yes. Both are new combinations.
Which race can be a Mage in the Horde?
Orcs, Trolls and Undead can. Tauren and Windshaper Skyborne cannot.
Do Skyborne need an upgrade?
Yes. The Skyborne Heroic Pack or higher unlocks them. See the editions guide.
Sources
Reviewed October 22, 2026. The matrix is Blizzard's published list and may change before or after launch. Lore Forever and Willo are fan-made and are not affiliated with Blizzard Entertainment.