Only 3 months left until World of Warcraft Classic will reach players across the globe. While some are already enjoying the sentimental experience by playing in WoW Classic beta, others are creating plans and patiently waiting for the live game to come out. We’ve already posted our class selection guide rounding out all the classes of vanilla WoW. However, there’s another important choice for you to make while creating your character – choosing a race. Here’s our World of Warcraft: Classic race guide.

But before we hop right into listing all the races of the game, with both racial abilities and perks included, you’ll have to make a decision that will define your entire game experience. World of Warcraft has two major factions which are at war – Horde, and Alliance. If you choose Horde, you’ll be able to play, group up, and communicate only with other Horde players, while Alliance will only serve as the antagonist of your personal story. Same with the Alliance – if you pick this faction, Hordies will become your arch enemies.

Whatever you choose, choose wisely… World of Warcraft: Classic race guide features short overviews of race lore, available classes, and unique racial abilities.

For the Horde!

Orc

We begin our WoW: Classic race guide with orcs. The orc race in the World of Warcraft has a very compelling story. Technically, all orcs are aliens from another world called Draenor. The big bad of Warcraft universe, The Burning Legion, destroyed their homeworld, seduced them into drinking demon blood and corrupted them. However, orcs managed to free themselves from corruption and return to their shamanistic roots.

Available classes: Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior.

Racials:

Axe Specialization – Skill with Axes and Two-Handed Axes increased by 5.

Blood Fury – Increases base melee attack power by 25% for 15 sec and reduces healing effects on you by 50% for 25 sec.

Command – Damage dealt by Hunter and Warlock pets increased by 5%.

Hardiness – Chance to resist Stun effects increased by an additional 25%.

Tauren

Tauren is another iconic race of the horde. They are the natives of Kalimdor that joined the reformed horde after the second war. Even though their lore indicates that the huge and beasty Tauren, by their looks are fairly dangerous, in reality, they are a peace loving race trying to find a balance between the elements.

Available classes: Druid, Hunter, Shaman, Warrior.

Racials:

Cultivation: Herbalism skill increased by 15.

Endurance: Total Health increased by 5%.

Nature Resistance: Nature Resistance increased by 10.

War Stomp: Stuns up to 5 enemies within 8 yds for 2 sec.

Troll

Another race in our World of Warcraft Classic race guide is Troll. While Trolls have many different tribes scattered across the world, one tribe, in particular, agreed to join the Horde after the warchief Thrall saved it from certain destruction. The Darkspear Tribe, led by its leader Vol’Jin, made their home in Durotar next to their orc allies.

Available classes: Hunter, Mage, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior.

Racials:

Beast Slaying: Damage dealt versus Beasts increased by 5%.

Berserking: Increases your casting and attack speed by 10% to 30%. At full health, the speed increase is 10% with a greater effect up to 30% if you are badly hurt when you activate Berserking. Lasts 10 sec.

Bow Specialization: Skill with Bow Weapons increased by 5.

Regeneration: Health regeneration rate increased by 10%. 10% of total Health regeneration may continue during combat.

Throwing Specialization: Skill with Throwing Weapons increased by 5.

Undead

Probably the most interesting ones in our Horde’s side of this World of Warcraft: Classic race guide are the Undead. Technically, they are humans that broke free from the Lich King’s control, called themselves the Forsaken and now serve their queen Sylvanas. The game tells us that the Forsaken hold no real loyalty to the horde and their main focus is to claim vengeance against the Lich King.

Available classes: Mage, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior.

Racials:

Cannibalize: When activated, regenerates 7% of total health every 2 sec for 10 sec. Only works on Humanoid or Undead corpses within 5 yds. Any movement, action, or damage taken while Cannibalizing will cancel the effect.

Shadow Resistance: Shadow Resistance increased by 10.

Underwater Breathing: Underwater breath lasts 300% longer than normal.

Will of the Forsaken: Provides immunity to Charm, Fear and Sleep while active. May also be used while already afflicted by Charm, Fear or Sleep. Lasts 5 sec.

For the Alliance!

Dwarf

Technically, dwarfs are not a mortal race. According to their lore, they are the creation of titans that found themselves mortal after a long hibernation that followed The Sundering. But for the sake of our World of Warcraft Classic class guide, let’s call them regular dwarves which holds many similarities to dwarfs in other works of fantasy fiction. They’re known for their love of alcohol, craftsmanship and the good old Irish accent.

Available classes: Hunter, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warrior.

Racials:

Find Treasure: Allows the dwarf to sense nearby treasure, making it appear on the minimap

Frost Resistance: Increases Frost Resistance by 10.

Gun Specialization: Guns skill increased by 5.

Stoneform: While active, grants immunity to Bleed, Poison, and Disease effects. In addition, Armor increased by 10%. Lasts 8 sec.

Gnome

Gnomes are probably the cutest of the bunch in our World of Warcraft: Classic race guide. However, don’t let their cute and quirky appearance fool you – gnomes might be the smartest race on Azeroth. Originally based in technological city Gnomeregan, gnomes were invaded by the army of troggs. This led them to join the Alliance, providing gadgets and technology for their endeavors.

Available classes: Mage, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior.

Racials:

Arcane Resistance: Arcane Resistance increased.

Expansive Mind: Intelligence increased by 5%.

Engineering Specialization: Engineering skill increased by 15.

Escape Artist: Escape the effects of any immobilization or movement speed reduction effect.

Human

Humans are the founders of the Alliance and the race with the greatest population in the game. Throughout World of Warcraft lore, humans have been involved in all major events in the history of the world. Humans are loyal and noble, building their civilization based on their faith towards the light.

Available classes: Mage, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior.

Racials:

Diplomacy: Reputation gains increased by 10%.

Mace Specialization: Skill with Maces and Two-Handed Maces increased by 5.

Perception: Dramatically increases stealth detection for 20 sec.

Sword Specialization: Skill with Swords and Two-Handed Swords increased by 5.

The Human Spirit: Spirit increased by 5%.

Night Elf

The last race on our World of Warcraft: Classic race guide is Nigh Elves. Elves in Warcraft are a weird bunch. In fact, it was the elven thirst of magic that led to The Sundering and the destruction of the world. Nigh Elves are the remnants of their ancestors who abandoned their magic addiction and decided to live in harmony with nature, in exchange sacrificing their immortality.

Available classes: Druid, Hunter, Priest, Rogue, Warrior.

Racials:

Nature Resistance: Nature Resistance increased by 10.

Wisp Spirit: Transform into a wisp upon death, increasing movement speed by 50%.

Quickness: Dodge chance increased by 1%.

Shadowmeld: Activate to slip into the shadows, reducing the chance for enemies to detect your presence. Lasts until canceled or upon moving. Night Elf Rogues and Druids with Shadowmeld are more difficult to detect while stealthed or prowling.