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Paladin: Draenei with glowing eyes, a large shield and golden armorMage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magic

Paladin vs. Mage

First class

Paladin

Second class

Mage

Key differences

  • Only the Paladin can tank and heal.
  • The Paladin fights in melee.
  • The Mage fights at range.
  • The Paladin wears plate, the Mage cloth.
  • The Paladin is more beginner friendly.
  • The Mage does better solo.
  • More races can play the Mage (6 instead of 3).

At a glance

At a glancePaladinMage
RolesTank, Healer, DPSDPS
ArmorPlateCloth
Combat styleMeleeRanged
Playable races36
Talent treesHoly (Healer), Protection (Tank), Retribution (DPS)Arcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)
Beginner friendly4/53/5
Solo play3/54/5

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 sturdy healer and support in plate in WoW Forever. New: with the Undead, the Horde can play Paladins for the first time.

Learn more about the Paladin ›

Mage

The Mage is a ranged caster in WoW Forever with lots of damage and control that conjures its own food and water. New: the Orc Mage for the Horde.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Paladin or Mage?

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

What is the difference between Paladin and Mage?

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

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