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Priest: Priestess with braided hair in white and gold armorShaman: Orc shaman with braids, surrounded by lightning

Priest vs. Shaman

First class

Priest

Second class

Shaman

Key differences

  • Both can heal and deal damage.
  • The Priest fights at range.
  • The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Priest wears cloth, the Shaman mail.
  • Both are similarly beginner friendly.
  • The Shaman does better solo.
  • More races can play the Priest (26 instead of 15).

At a glance

At a glancePriestShaman
RolesHealer, DPSHealer, DPS
ArmorClothMail
Combat styleRangedMelee and ranged
Playable races2615
SpecializationsDiscipline (Healer), Holy (Healer), Shadow (DPS)Elemental (DPS), Enhancement (DPS), Restoration (Healer)
Beginner friendly3/53/5
Solo play2/53/5

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

Priest

The Priest is the classic healing class with two healing specs (Discipline, Holy) and Shadow as a ranged damage spec. In cloth it is strong in groups but vulnerable solo.

Learn more about the Priest ›

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 ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Priest or Shaman?

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

What is the difference between Priest and Shaman?

Both can heal and deal damage. The Priest fights at range. The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Priest wears cloth, the Shaman mail.

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