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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorHunter: Night elf woman with long blue hair and face markings in green armor

Paladin vs. Hunter

First class

Paladin

Second class

Hunter

Key differences

  • Only the Paladin can tank and heal.
  • The Paladin fights in melee.
  • The Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Paladin wears plate, the Hunter mail.
  • The Hunter is more beginner friendly.
  • Both do similarly well solo.
  • More races can play the Hunter (26 instead of 9).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinHunter
RolesTank, Healer, DPSDPS
ArmorPlateMail
Combat styleMeleeMelee and ranged
Playable races926
SpecializationsHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Beast Mastery (DPS), Marksmanship (DPS), Survival (DPS)
Beginner friendly4/55/5
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 ›

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 ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Hunter?

Neither class is better in general. The Hunter is more 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 Hunter?

Only the Paladin can tank and heal. The Paladin fights in melee. The Hunter fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Paladin wears plate, the Hunter mail.

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