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WoW Class PickerFind Your Main
Hunter: Night elf woman with long blue hair and face markings in green armorDemon Hunter: Demon hunter with horns, a glowing blindfold and green fel fire

Hunter vs. Demon Hunter

First class

Hunter

Second class

Demon Hunter

Key differences

  • Only the Demon Hunter can tank.
  • Both fight in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Hunter wears mail, the Demon Hunter leather.
  • The Hunter is more beginner friendly.
  • The Hunter does better solo.
  • More races can play the Hunter (26 instead of 3).

At a glance

At a glanceHunterDemon Hunter
RolesDPSTank, DPS
ArmorMailLeather
Combat styleMelee and rangedMelee and ranged
Playable races263
SpecializationsBeast Mastery (DPS), Marksmanship (DPS), Survival (DPS)Havoc (DPS), Vengeance (Tank), Devourer (DPS)
Beginner friendly5/54/5
Solo play5/54/5

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

Hunter

The Hunter is a ranged fighter with an animal companion and is widely seen as the easiest class in WoW, especially as Beast Mastery. It can only deal damage but is extremely strong solo.

Learn more about the Hunter ›

Demon Hunter

The Demon Hunter is the most mobile class in WoW. Havoc deals melee damage, Vengeance tanks, and the new Devourer spec from Midnight fights with Void magic from mid-range.

Learn more about the Demon Hunter ›
⚔ Let them fight in the arenaClass Quiz

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Hunter or Demon Hunter?

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

What is the difference between Hunter and Demon Hunter?

Only the Demon Hunter can tank. Both fight in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Hunter wears mail, the Demon Hunter leather.

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