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Hunter: Night elf woman with long blue hair and face markings in green armorMage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magic

Hunter vs. Mage

First class

Hunter

Second class

Mage

Key differences

  • Both can deal damage.
  • The Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Mage fights at range.
  • The Hunter wears mail, the Mage cloth.
  • The Hunter is more beginner friendly.
  • The Hunter does better solo.
  • Both are open to the same number of races (26).

At a glance

At a glanceHunterMage
RolesDPSDPS
ArmorMailCloth
Combat styleMelee and rangedRanged
Playable races2626
SpecializationsBeast Mastery (DPS), Marksmanship (DPS), Survival (DPS)Arcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)
Beginner friendly5/53/5
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

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 ›

Mage

The Mage is the classic ranged caster with arcane, fire and frost magic and big burst damage. It only deals damage, brings portals and food and is fragile in cloth.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Hunter or Mage?

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 Mage?

Both can deal damage. The Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Mage fights at range. The Hunter wears mail, the Mage cloth.

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