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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorDeath Knight: Hooded death knight with a glowing blue eye and dark plate armor

Paladin vs. Death Knight

First class

Paladin

Second class

Death Knight

Key differences

  • Only the Paladin can heal.
  • Both fight in melee.
  • Both wear plate.
  • Both are similarly beginner friendly.
  • Both do similarly well solo.
  • More races can play the Death Knight (23 instead of 9).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinDeath Knight
RolesTank, Healer, DPSTank, DPS
ArmorPlatePlate
Combat styleMeleeMelee
Playable races923
SpecializationsHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Blood (Tank), Frost (DPS), Unholy (DPS)
Beginner friendly4/54/5
Solo play5/55/5

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

Paladin

The Paladin is a plate wearer wielding holy Light and, alongside Druid and Monk, can play all three roles: Holy heals, Protection tanks, Retribution deals damage. Plenty of emergency abilities make it very beginner friendly.

Learn more about the Paladin ›

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 ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Death Knight?

Neither class is better in general. Both are similarly beginner friendly. Both do similarly well solo. In the end, what matters is which playstyle you enjoy more.

What is the difference between Paladin and Death Knight?

Only the Paladin can heal. Both fight in melee. Both wear plate.

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