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Rogue: Worgen in dark armor, crouching in the shadowsDeath Knight: Hooded death knight with a glowing blue eye and dark plate armor

Rogue vs. Death Knight

First class

Rogue

Second class

Death Knight

Key differences

  • Only the Death Knight can tank.
  • Both fight in melee.
  • The Rogue wears leather, the Death Knight plate.
  • The Death Knight is more beginner friendly.
  • The Death Knight does better solo.
  • More races can play the Rogue (26 instead of 23).

At a glance

At a glanceRogueDeath Knight
RolesDPSTank, DPS
ArmorLeatherPlate
Combat styleMeleeMelee
Playable races2623
SpecializationsAssassination (DPS), Outlaw (DPS), Subtlety (DPS)Blood (Tank), Frost (DPS), Unholy (DPS)
Beginner friendly2/54/5
Solo play3/55/5

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

Rogue

The Rogue is a melee fighter with stealth, poisons and lots of crowd control. It only deals damage, is strong in PvP and rewards experience, but it is more demanding for beginners.

Learn more about the Rogue ›

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: Rogue or Death Knight?

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

What is the difference between Rogue and Death Knight?

Only the Death Knight can tank. Both fight in melee. The Rogue wears leather, the Death Knight plate.

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