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Death Knight: Hooded death knight with a glowing blue eye and dark plate armorShaman: Orc shaman with braids, surrounded by lightning

Death Knight vs. Shaman

First class

Death Knight

Second class

Shaman

Key differences

  • Only the Death Knight can tank.
  • Only the Shaman can heal.
  • The Death Knight fights in melee.
  • The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Death Knight wears plate, the Shaman mail.
  • The Death Knight is more beginner friendly.
  • The Death Knight does better solo.
  • More races can play the Death Knight (23 instead of 15).

At a glance

At a glanceDeath KnightShaman
RolesTank, DPSHealer, DPS
ArmorPlateMail
Combat styleMeleeMelee and ranged
Playable races2315
SpecializationsBlood (Tank), Frost (DPS), Unholy (DPS)Elemental (DPS), Enhancement (DPS), Restoration (Healer)
Beginner friendly4/53/5
Solo play5/53/5

These ratings help you pick a class. They are not a DPS ranking, and balance shifts with every patch. How we rate ›

The classes in short

Death Knight

The Death Knight is a plate fighter with dark magic, one of the most forgiving tanks as Blood and a melee damage dealer as Frost or Unholy. Strong self-healing makes it very sturdy solo.

Learn more about the Death Knight ›

Shaman

The Shaman uses totems and elemental magic and can play ranged damage (Elemental), melee damage (Enhancement) or healing (Restoration). It brings Bloodlust and lots of group utility.

Learn more about the Shaman ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Death Knight or Shaman?

Neither class is better in general. The Death Knight is more beginner friendly. The Death Knight does better solo. In the end, what matters is which playstyle you enjoy more.

What is the difference between Death Knight and Shaman?

Only the Death Knight can tank. Only the Shaman can heal. The Death Knight fights in melee. The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Death Knight wears plate, the Shaman mail.

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