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Rogue: Worgen in dark armor, crouching in the shadowsMage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magic

Rogue vs. Mage

First class

Rogue

Second class

Mage

Key differences

  • Both can deal damage.
  • The Rogue fights in melee.
  • The Mage fights at range.
  • The Rogue wears leather, the Mage cloth.
  • The Mage is more beginner friendly.
  • Both do similarly well solo.
  • Both are open to the same number of races (26).

At a glance

At a glanceRogueMage
RolesDPSDPS
ArmorLeatherCloth
Combat styleMeleeRanged
Playable races2626
SpecializationsAssassination (DPS), Outlaw (DPS), Subtlety (DPS)Arcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)
Beginner friendly2/53/5
Solo play3/53/5

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

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 ›

Mage

The Mage is the classic ranged caster with arcane, fire and frost magic and big burst damage. It only deals damage, brings portals and food and is fragile in cloth.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Rogue or Mage?

Neither class is better in general. The Mage 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 Rogue and Mage?

Both can deal damage. The Rogue fights in melee. The Mage fights at range. The Rogue wears leather, the Mage cloth.

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