Races of
Azeroth
Find out more about the diverse races that make up the two primary factions in World of Warcraft.
Each race brings unique cultures, histories, and racial abilities to your adventure.
Read more and explore which race fits you best!
The Alliance
The Alliance includes the Humans of Stormwind, known for their resilience and leadership; the Night Elves, ancient guardians of nature and balance; the Dwarves, skilled craftsmen and warriors from the mountain halls of Ironforge; the Gnomes, inventive and intelligent engineers; and the Draenei, a noble people guided by the Light who fled their shattered home world. The Worgen, cursed humans who can transform into werewolves, also fight for the Alliance. Together, these races value order, honor, and cooperation, often uniting to defend Azeroth from external threats and to preserve the peace among their own kingdoms.
Human
Humans are the backbone of the Alliance, known for their diplomacy and principles of honor and justice. They serve as the primary leaders of the faction from Stormwind, the capital city.
Night Elf
Ancient guardians of nature, Night Elves, also known as the Kaldorei, have existed on Azeroth for Thousands of years and have played a pivotal role in shaping the world's history.
Dwarf
Master craftsmen and fierce warriors from the mountain halls of Ironforge, Dwarves descend from the Earthen, ancient beings created by the Titans from when Azeroth was first formed.
Gnome
Inventive and master engineers; Gnomes are a clever race of small stature, known for their curiosity and endless creativity.
Draenei
Noble people who fled the shattered world of Outland, once known as Draenor, they hail from the same homeworld of the Orcs. the Draenei sought to destroy the Burning Legion, and now look for a new destiny through the Light.
Worgen
Humans who can transform into werewolves due to a curse; Worgens come from the kingdom of Gilneas. They are fierce fighters, and joined the Alliance after the Night Elves assisted them in controlling their curse.
The Horde
The Horde represents strength, survival, and unity among races with diverse origins. It includes the Orcs, once corrupted by demonic influence but now striving for redemption and honor; the Tauren, peaceful nomadic hunters who revere the Earth Mother; and the Trolls, cunning and spiritual warriors of the Darkspear tribe. The Forsaken, undead humans seeking freedom from the Lich King's control, and the Blood Elves, magic-wielding survivors of a destroyed homeland, also belong to the Horde. The Goblins, clever merchants and inventors, round out the faction. Bound by loyalty and necessity, the Horde's races work together despite their differences, forging their strength through hardship and shared purpose.
Orc
Orcs once lived a Shamanic lives on their homeworld Draenor, until they were corrupted by the Burning Legion. After being tricked into destroying their homeworld and invading Azeroth, they broke free from the Legion, and seek to find their place in Azeroth.
Tauren
Peaceful, once nomadic hunters who revere the Earth Mother and nature, Tauren are natives to Kalimdore who joined the Horde after the Orcs saved them from being wiped out at the hands of the Centaur.
Troll
Spiritual warriors and witch doctors, the Trolls once were outcast themselves, until they met the Orc Warchief Thrall, and were welcomed into the Horde, saving them from extinction.
Undead (Forsaken)
Former humans cursed with undeath at the hands of the Lich King. After obtaining freedom from the Lich King's control, they joined the Horde to create a place for themselves in a world that wishes them gone.
Blood Elf
Once called High Elves, the Blood Elves were renamed after their homeland was destroyed and they turned to fel magic to survive. They joined the Horde, seeking to rebuild their homeland, and help lead the faction forward.
Goblin
Known in the world as being as crafty as they are greedy, Goblins joined the horde creating new inventions, and hoping to expand their influence while making a profit.
Neutral Faction
The Pandaren are a unique neutral faction that can choose to align themselves with either the Horde or The Alliance. Originating from the mystical land of Pandaria, the Pandaren are known for their wisdom, martial arts prowess, and deep connection to nature.
Pandaren
Wise martial artists from Pandaria who can choose either faction, both sides having their own beliefs. The followers of the path of Houjin joined the Horde for they believe that in pursuit of the greater good, only inaction is wrong. While those that follow the path of Tushui, joined the Alliance and believe that there is one correct path of right and wrong.