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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorWarlock: Hooded figure with glowing red eyes, chains and spikes

Paladin vs. Warlock

First class

Paladin

Second class

Warlock

Key differences

  • Only the Paladin can tank and heal.
  • The Paladin fights in melee.
  • The Warlock fights at range.
  • The Paladin wears plate, the Warlock cloth.
  • The Paladin is more beginner friendly.
  • The Paladin does better solo.
  • More races can play the Warlock (26 instead of 9).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinWarlock
RolesTank, Healer, DPSDPS
ArmorPlateCloth
Combat styleMeleeRanged
Playable races926
SpecializationsHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Affliction (DPS), Demonology (DPS), Destruction (DPS)
Beginner friendly4/53/5
Solo play5/54/5

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

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 ›

Warlock

The Warlock is a ranged caster with curses and demon companions. It only deals damage but is very tough for a cloth class and comfortable to play solo.

Learn more about the Warlock ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Warlock?

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 Warlock?

Only the Paladin can tank and heal. The Paladin fights in melee. The Warlock fights at range. The Paladin wears plate, the Warlock cloth.

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