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Mage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magicMonk: Pandaren monk with a straw hat

Mage vs. Monk

First class

Mage

Second class

Monk

Key differences

  • Only the Monk can tank and heal.
  • The Mage fights at range.
  • The Monk fights in melee.
  • The Mage wears cloth, the Monk leather.
  • The Mage is more beginner friendly.
  • The Monk does better solo.
  • More races can play the Mage (26 instead of 25).

At a glance

At a glanceMageMonk
RolesDPSTank, Healer, DPS
ArmorClothLeather
Combat styleRangedMelee
Playable races2625
SpecializationsArcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)Brewmaster (Tank), Mistweaver (Healer), Windwalker (DPS)
Beginner friendly3/52/5
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 ›

Monk

The Monk is a highly mobile martial artist in leather that can play all three roles: Brewmaster tanks, Mistweaver heals, Windwalker deals melee damage. Its mechanics suit players with some experience.

Learn more about the Monk ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Mage or Monk?

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

What is the difference between Mage and Monk?

Only the Monk can tank and heal. The Mage fights at range. The Monk fights in melee. The Mage wears cloth, the Monk leather.

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