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Shaman: Orc shaman with braids, surrounded by lightningMage: Mage with brown hair casting purple arcane magic

Shaman vs. Mage

First class

Shaman

Second class

Mage

Key differences

  • Only the Shaman can heal.
  • The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Mage fights at range.
  • The Shaman wears mail, the Mage cloth.
  • Both are similarly beginner friendly.
  • Both do similarly well solo.
  • More races can play the Mage (6 instead of 5).

At a glance

At a glanceShamanMage
RolesHealer, DPSDPS
ArmorMailCloth
Combat styleMelee and rangedRanged
Playable races56
Talent treesElemental (DPS), Enhancement (DPS), Restoration (Healer)Arcane (DPS), Fire (DPS), Frost (DPS)
Beginner friendly3/53/5
Solo play4/54/5

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

Shaman

The Shaman is a versatile totem hybrid in WoW Forever that can heal or deal ranged or melee damage. New: with the Dwarf, the Alliance gets Shamans for the first time.

Learn more about the Shaman ›

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 ›
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Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Shaman or Mage?

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

What is the difference between Shaman and Mage?

Only the Shaman can heal. The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization. The Mage fights at range. The Shaman wears mail, the Mage cloth.

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