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Mage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magicDemon Hunter: Demon hunter with horns, a glowing blindfold and green fel fire

Mage vs. Demon Hunter

First class

Mage

Second class

Demon Hunter

Key differences

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

At a glance

At a glanceMageDemon Hunter
RolesDPSTank, DPS
ArmorClothLeather
Combat styleRangedMelee and ranged
Playable races263
SpecializationsArcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)Havoc (DPS), Vengeance (Tank), Devourer (DPS)
Beginner friendly3/54/5
Solo play3/54/5

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

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 ›

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 ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Mage or Demon Hunter?

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

What is the difference between Mage and Demon Hunter?

Only the Demon Hunter can tank. The Mage fights at range. The Demon Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Mage wears cloth, the Demon Hunter leather.

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