World of Warcraft Classic Races & Racial Passives

WoW Classic “only” has 8 races, which is a pretty small number when compared to the retail version’s 24 races, but on the bright side, we’re getting the actual vanilla versions (based on patch 1.12, Drums of War, released on August 22, 2006), where many racial abilities and passives are quite different, or even not existent in retail WoW!

Race Selection Screen, World of Warcraft Classic

Alliance

The Alliance consists of four races: the noble humans, the adventurous dwarves, the enigmatic night elves, and the ingenious gnomes. Bound by a loathing for all things demonic, they fight to restore order in this war-torn world.

Dwarf

Dwarf (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: In ages past the dwarves cared only for riches taken from the earth’s depths. Then records surfaced of a god-like race said to have given the dwarves life… and an enchanted birthright. Driven to learn more, the dwarves devoted themselves to the pursuit of lost artifacts and ancient knowledge. Today dwarven archaeologists are scattered throughout the globe.

Racial Passives

• May take on a stone form.
• Skill with Guns increased.
• Resistant to Frost.
• Treasure finding.

Gnome

Gnome (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: Though small in stature, the gnomes of Khaz Modan have used their great intellect to secure a place in history. Indeed, the subterranean kingdom, Gnomeregan, was once a marvel of steam-driven technology. Even so, due to a massive trogg invasion, the city was lost. Now its builders are vagabonds in the dwarven lands, aiding their allies as best they can.

Racial Passives

• May escape from speed altering effects.
• Increased Intelligence.
• Resistant to Arcane Damage.
• Engineering skill increased.

Human

Human (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: Humans are a young race, and thus highly versatile, mastering the arts of combat, craftsmanship, and magic with stunning efficiency. The humans’ valor and optimism have led them to build some of the world’s greatest kingdoms. In this troubled era, after generations of conflict, humanity seeks to rekindle its former glory and forge a shining new future.

Racial Passives

• Stealth detection increased.
• Increased Spirit.
• Bonus to reputation gains.
• Skill with Swords and Maces increased.

Night Elf

Night Elf (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: Ten thousand years ago, the night elves founded a vast empire, but their reckless use of primal magic brought them to ruin. In grief, they withdrew to the forests and remained isolated there until the return of their ancient enemy, the Burning Legion. With no other choice, the night elves emerged at last from their seclusion to fight for their place in the new world.

Racial Passives

• May fade into the shadows.
• Dodge chance increased.
• Wisp form while dead.
• Resistant to Nature damage.

Horde

Four races comprise the Horde: the brutal orcs, the shadowy undead, the spiritual tauren, and the quick-witted trolls. Beset by enemies on all sides, these outcasts have forged a union they hope will ensure their mutual survival.

Orc

Orc (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: The orc race originated on the planet Draenor. A peaceful people with shamanic beliefs, they were enslaved by the Burning Legion and forced into war with the humans of Azeroth. Although it took many years, the orcs finally escaped the demons’ corruption and won their freedom. To this day they fight for honor in an alien world that hates and reviles them.

Racial Passives

• May enrage, increasing damage but diminishing ability to be healed.
• Resistant to stun effects.
• Damage done by pets increased.
• Skill with Axes increased.

Tauren

Tauren (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: Always the tauren strive to preserve the balance of nature and heed the will of their goddess, the Earth Mother. Recently attacked by murderous centaur, the tauren would have been wiped out, save for a chance encounter with the orcs, who helped defeat the interlopers. To honor this blood-debt, the tauren joined the Horde, solidifying the two races’ friendship.

Racial Passives

• May stomp, stunning nearby opponents.
• Maximum health increased.
• Herbalism skill increased.
• Resistant to Nature damage.

Troll

Troll (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: Once at home in the jungles of Stranglethorn Vale, the fierce trolls of the Darkspear tribe were pushed out by warring factions. Eventually the trolls befriended the orcish Horde, and Thrall, the orcs’ young warchief, convinced the trolls to travel with him to Kalimdor. Though they cling to their shadowy heritage, the Darkspear trolls hold a place of honor in the Horde.

Racial Passives

• Berserk, increasing attack and casting speed.
• Regeneration increased.
• Damage increased versus beasts.
• Throwing and Bow Weapon skills increased.

Undead

Undead (Male & Female), World of Warcraft Race

Race Description: Free of the Lich King’s grasp, the Forsaken seek to overthrow his rule. Led by the banshee Sylvanas, they hunger for vengeance against the Scourge. Humans, too, have become the enemy, relentless in their drive to purge all undead from the land. The Forsaken care little even for their allies; to them the Horde is merely a tool that may further their dark schemes.

Racial Passives

• May become immune to fear, sleep, and charm.
• May consume corpses to regain health.
• Underwater breathing increased.
• Resistant to Shadow damage.