Skip to content
WoW Class PickerFind Your Main
Shaman: Orc shaman with braids, surrounded by lightningWarlock: Hooded figure with glowing red eyes, chains and spikes

Shaman vs. Warlock

First class

Shaman

Second class

Warlock

Key differences

  • Only the Shaman can heal.
  • The Shaman fights in melee or at range, depending on the specialization.
  • The Warlock fights at range.
  • The Shaman wears mail, the Warlock cloth.
  • Both are similarly beginner friendly.
  • The Warlock does better solo.
  • Both are open to the same number of races (5).

At a glance

At a glanceShamanWarlock
RolesHealer, DPSDPS
ArmorMailCloth
Combat styleMelee and rangedRanged
Playable races55
Talent treesElemental (DPS), Enhancement (DPS), Restoration (Healer)Affliction (DPS), Demonology (DPS), Destruction (DPS)
Beginner friendly3/53/5
Solo play4/55/5

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

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 ›

Warlock

The Warlock is a ranged caster with curses and demon companions in WoW Forever and one of the strongest classes for solo leveling. New: the Troll Warlock.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which is better: Shaman or Warlock?

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

What is the difference between Shaman and Warlock?

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

Popular comparisons

All comparisons (36)