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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorShaman: Orc shaman with braids, surrounded by lightning

Paladin vs. Shaman

First class

Paladin

Second class

Shaman

Key differences

  • Only the Paladin can tank.
  • The Paladin fights in melee.
  • The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Paladin wears plate, the Shaman mail.
  • The Paladin is more beginner friendly.
  • The Paladin does better solo.
  • More races can play the Shaman (15 instead of 9).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinShaman
RolesTank, Healer, DPSHealer, DPS
ArmorPlateMail
Combat styleMeleeMelee and ranged
Playable races915
SpecializationsHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Elemental (DPS), Enhancement (DPS), Restoration (Healer)
Beginner friendly4/53/5
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

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 ›

Shaman

The Shaman uses totems and elemental magic and can play ranged damage (Elemental), melee damage (Enhancement) or healing (Restoration). It brings Bloodlust and lots of group utility.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Shaman?

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

What is the difference between Paladin and Shaman?

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

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