What's the best WoW class for a beginner in 2026?

If you’re new to WoW in 2026, picking the right beginner class has to be a daunting experience. There are so many classes, specs, and now with the addition of Hero Talents thrown into the mix, it can be hard to figure out exactly where you should start. Ultimately, I think the best choice is whatever looks like it’s going to be fun, and going from there, but that’s not necessarily helpful.

While there are three classes I think are the best for a beginner in WoW for a beginner in 2026, we’re going to just focus on one: The Paladin. I also want to highlight as honorable mentions the Hunter (Beast Mastery) and Warlock (Demonology) as incredibly powerful, easy pet classes.

They offer a ton of damage, support from animal/demon pals, and prevent you from taking a lot of direct damage, allowing you more time to learn the game. While those are fantastic picks, I think the Paladin is the best choice.

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Paladin is one of the best classes for a beginner in WoW in 2026

Paladin is certainly one of the easiest classes and best for a beginner in WoW in 2026, that’s for sure. I know I often bring it up in class articles, most recently for Legion Remix, but there are several great reasons you should consider starting with a Paladin. Like the Druid, it’s incredibly flexible, but it’s also much easier to manage than the Druid.

Whether Timewalking or in current content, Paladin is easy to play and fun to boot (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Its heals are more direct, it doesn’t require a lot of shapeshifting forms, and no matter what spec you’re playing, you’re going to be able to get started easily. Protection Paladin is incredibly easy, and it’s fun.

Not to mention, it also feels kind of like Captain America with the Shield Throw. Retribution is an incredibly easy dps spec, with a decent ceiling for skill. I played Holy Paladin for years as well, and while it’s had ups and downs, it’s in a really good spot right now.

Paladin is a flexible, easy to learn class for WoW, making it the perfect beginner class. It offers you all three roles, lots of high-defense armor, healing powers no matter what spec you’re in, and tons of melee damage. If you’re looking to play a ranged class, well, then you’d be out of luck, but that’s the only thing it truly lacks.

Other fantastic options: Beast Mastery Hunter and Demonology Warlock (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

None of the specs are especially complex, they’re all incredibly good, in terms of doing their job, and are a solid intro into the game. Then, from there, you can branch out into other classes without much stress.

If you’re looking to be a ranged character, the two mentioned earlier (Beast Mastery Hunter, Demonology Warlock) are the best beginner-friendly classes in WoW. They’re powerful, easy, and there’s something satisfying about finding all the really aesthetically pleasing pets (Undead Dinosaur), or swarming people down with waves of demons! It’s just fun.

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Edited by Jason Parker