Alliance vs Horde in WoW Forever
Which faction should you play? In Forever the honest answer is: whichever your friends play. Both factions can play every class and level at the same speed. Here is what actually differs: races, racials, starting zones and the new race and class combinations.
Updated October 10, 2026 · based on the beta, may change at launch
Short answer
- Pick the faction your friends play: the two factions can't group together.
- Every class is open to both factions, so you never have to choose a faction for your class.
- Leveling speed is the same. Both factions have their own route up to level 30 and share most zones after that.
- Choose by race: the racials and look of your race matter more than the faction.
Side by side
| Alliance | Horde | |
|---|---|---|
| Races | Human, Dwarf, Night Elf, Gnome | Orc, Undead, Tauren, Troll |
| Skyborne option | High Order | Windshaper |
| Starting zones | Elwynn Forest, Dun Morogh, Teldrassil | Durotar, Mulgore, Tirisfal Glades |
| Capital cities | Stormwind, Ironforge and Darnassus | Orgrimmar, Thunder Bluff and Undercity |
| Classes | All 9 | All 9 |
| City dungeon | The Stockade (Stormwind) | Ragefire Chasm (Orgrimmar) |
Follow the full route for your side: Alliance leveling · Horde leveling.
Alliance races and classes
| Human | Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock | Sword Specialization · The Human Spirit · Perception · Will to Survive |
|---|---|---|
| Dwarf | Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Shaman | Find Treasure · Stoneform · Mace Specialization · Big Game Hunter |
| Night Elf | Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Druid | Shadowmeld · Quickness · Wisp Spirit · Elune's Light |
| Gnome | Warrior, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock | Escape Artist · Expansive Mind · Engineering Specialization · Eureka! |
Horde races and classes
| Orc | Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Shaman, Mage, Warlock | Blood Fury · Hardiness · Axe Specialization · Shatter Curse |
|---|---|---|
| Undead | Warrior, Paladin, Rogue, Priest, Mage, Warlock | Underwater Breathing · Will of the Forsaken · Cannibalize · Touch of the Grave |
| Tauren | Warrior, Hunter, Shaman, Druid | War Stomp · Endurance · Cultivation · Plainsrunning |
| Troll | Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Shaman, Mage, Warlock | Berserking · Regeneration · Beast Slaying · Rapid Regeneration |
New race and class combinations
Forever opens six combinations that weren't possible in Classic. Three are on each side.
- Orc MageHorde
- Undead PaladinHorde
- Troll WarlockHorde
- Human HunterAlliance
- Dwarf ShamanAlliance
- Gnome PriestAlliance
How to choose
- Playing with friends: copy their faction. This matters more than anything else.
- Want a specific race and class combo: check the table above, then pick that race's faction.
- Want something new: try the Skyborne, which can join either side.
- Still unsure: the Class Picker and Best Class pages help you choose the class first, since every class is available on both sides.
FAQ
Is Alliance or Horde better in WoW Forever?
Neither is stronger. Both factions can play all nine classes, level at the same speed and share most zones from level 30. Pick the faction your friends play, or the race and look you like most.
Can both factions play every class?
Yes. Every class is available to both Alliance and Horde in Forever, including Paladins for the Horde (Undead) and Shamans for the Alliance (Dwarf).
Does the Skyborne belong to a faction?
Both. The Skyborne start on Zephras Isle and join the Alliance as High Order or the Horde as Windshaper.
Can I play with friends on the other faction?
Not in the same group. Factions can't group, so pick the same faction as the people you want to play with.