The Most Popular Race in World of Warcraft, Ranked

Choose the race you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:46
Choosing a race in World of Warcraft can significantly shape a player's experience and strategy. With each race offering unique traits and a distinct cultural background, players often find themselves debating which is superior or more enjoyable. A ranked list of the most popular races allows players to see communal preferences and insights, aiding in decision-making or simply fueling friendly debates. Every vote on this dynamic list affects the rankings, reflecting the current consensus of the gaming community. Such a system not only enhances engagement by allowing players to have their say but also keeps the list fresh and relevant. Whether you're a veteran player or someone new to the world of Azeroth, your vote helps paint a clearer picture of the game's evolving cultural landscape.

What Is the Most Popular Race in World of Warcraft?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    Known for their versatile abilities and reputation as the game's "default" race, Humans tend to be the most popular choice among players. They also have a rich lore and history in the game.
    The Human is one of the most complex creations in the game of Little Alchemy. It represents a sentient being with a unique combination of biological and intellectual qualities.
    • Genus: Homo
    • Average Height (Adult): Around 1.7 meters
    • Number of Limbs: 4 (2 arms, 2 legs)
    • Life Span: 70-80 years on average
    • Intelligence: High cognitive abilities
  2. 2
    61
    votes

    Night Elf

    Blizzard Entertainment
    Known for their agility, elven abilities, and connection to nature, Night Elves are a popular choice for players who enjoy the game's lore and aesthetics.
    Night Elves are one of the most popular races in the fantasy MMORPG World of Warcraft. Originally, they resided in the heart of Kalimdor, but due to the events of the Cataclysm, they also established a presence in the Eastern Kingdoms. Known for their physical grace and spiritual connection with nature, Night Elves embrace a harmonious way of life.
    • Racial Traits: Shadowmeld, Quickness, Wisp Spirit, Nature Resistance, Elusiveness
    • Classes: Druid, Hunter, Priest, Rogue, Warrior, Mage
    • Starting Zone: Teldrassil, Shadowglen
    • Capital City: Darnassus
    • Mounts: Saber Cat (Land), Nightsaber (Land), Flying Gryphon (Flight Paths)
  3. 3
    38
    votes

    Orc

    Known for their strength and prowess in combat, Orcs are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a noble warrior race. They also have a rich history and culture in the game.
    Orcs, also known as Orsimer, are a fierce and tenacious race in Skyrim. They are renowned for their strength, stamina, and relentless combat skills. With a rich and unique culture, Orcs are known for their craftsmanship in blacksmithing and their expertise in heavy armor. They can be found throughout Skyrim, but their stronghold strongholds in the province serve as their primary settlements.
    • Race Name: Orc
    • Height: 6.5 - 7 feet
    • Weight: 210 - 250 lbs
    • Health: 50 points
    • Stamina: 50 points
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    Known for their dark and mysterious nature, Undead are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a unique and distinct race. They also have a rich backstory and unique abilities.
    The Undead is one of the playable races in World of Warcraft, representing the Forsaken, a faction of undead beings who broke free from the control of the Lich King. These skeletal beings seek to reclaim their freedom and avenge their former lives.
    • Race: Undead: Playable race in World of Warcraft
    • Faction: Forsaken: Part of the Horde faction
    • Appearance: Skeletal: Undead creatures with exposed bones and decay
    • Starting Location: Tirisfal Glades: Undead starting zone
    • Racial Ability: Will of the Forsaken: Allows the Undead to break fear, sleep, and charm effects
  5. 5
    8
    votes
    Known for their connection to the Light and their unique physical features, Draenei are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a noble race with a rich history and lore.
    The Draenei is a race in the popular online game World of Warcraft. They are a noble and resilient species hailing from the planet Argus. With their distinct blue skin, calm demeanor, and ancient knowledge, the Draenei possess a rich and fascinating lore within the game's universe.
    • Homeland: Argus
    • Appearance: Blue skin, hooves, and tails
    • Faction: Alliance
    • Class Options: Warrior, Paladin, Hunter, Priest, Death Knight, Shaman, Mage, Monk
    • Spiritual Connection: Deeply connected to the Holy Light
  6. 6
    25
    votes

    Blood Elf

    Blizzard Entertainment
    Known for their magical abilities and connection to the Sunwell, Blood Elves are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a powerful and elegant race. They also have a unique backstory and culture in the game.
    Blood Elves are a playable race in World of Warcraft. They are a proud and magical race hailing from the kingdom of Quel'Thalas. Blood Elves are known for their striking appearance, with fair skin, elegant features, and glowing green eyes. They are also recognized for their affinity for magic, particularly in the disciplines of arcane and fire magic. The Blood Elves have a rich and tragic history, as they were once High Elves until they were nearly decimated during the Scourge invasion. Now, they seek to reclaim their former glory and protect their homeland.
    • Affiliation: Horde
    • Leaders: Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron
    • Starting Zone: Eversong Woods
    • Capital City: Silvermoon City
    • Racial Traits: Arcane Torrent, Arcane Acuity, Ancient History, Arcane Affinity, Fel Resistance
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Known for their strength and connection to nature, Tauren are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a noble and peaceful race. They also have a rich cultural heritage and backstory.
    The Tauren is a race in World of Warcraft known for their large, muscular bodies, strong connection to nature, and immense spiritual beliefs. They are a bovine-like race with hooved feet and large horns. Tauren are native to the grassy plains of Mulgore and have a close affiliation with the Earth Mother, a deity they hold in high regard. They often live in harmony with nature and strive to maintain a balanced and sustainable environment.
    • Size: Tauren are one of the largest playable races in World of Warcraft, standing over 8 feet tall.
    • Strength: They possess incredible physical strength, making them formidable warriors and capable of wielding heavy weapons.
    • Nature Affinity: Tauren have a deep connection with nature and possess skills related to herbalism and alchemy.
    • Heritage: They have a rich tribal culture and take pride in their spiritual traditions and values.
    • Shamanism: Many Tauren are skilled shamans, capable of harnessing the power of the elements.
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Known for their intelligence and ingenuity, Gnomes are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a small and quirky race. They also have a rich technological and magical history in the game.
    The Gnome is a fantasy race commonly found in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. They are small humanoid creatures known for their affinity for tinkering, magic, and mischief. Gnomes are typically about 3 to 4 feet tall and have a slender build. They have fair skin, often with a hint of ruddiness, and their hair comes in a wide range of vibrant colors. Their eyes are bright and glisten with curiosity. Gnomes have a lifespan of around 350 years.
    • Size: Small
    • Ability Score Increase: Gnomes have a natural aptitude for intellect, granting them an increase in Intelligence.
    • Age: Gnomes mature at the same rate as humans, but they live much longer.
    • Alignment: Gnomes tend to lean towards chaotic alignments, valuing their freedom and spontaneity.
    • Gnomish Cunning: Gnomes have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Known for their regenerative abilities and connection to voodoo, Trolls are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a unique and exotic race. They also have a rich culture and history in the game.
    The Troll is a character from the Disney movie Enchanted. It is a mystical creature with a humanoid appearance, known for its large size and robust physical features. Trolls are depicted as having a friendly and jovial nature, with a mischievous streak. They play a significant role in the film's storyline, aiding the main characters in their quest.
    • Size: Large
    • Appearance: Humanoid
    • Personality: Friendly, mischievous
    • Role: Aid the main characters
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    Known for their peaceful nature and connection to the land, Pandaren are a popular choice for players who enjoy playing as a laid-back and friendly race. They also have a unique backstory and culture in the game.
    Pandaren is a race in the popular MMORPG World of Warcraft. They are anthropomorphic pandas known for their love of good food, drink, and martial arts. The Pandaren race was created by Blizzard Entertainment.
    • Faction: Can choose to align with either the Alliance or the Horde
    • Starting Zone: Wandering Isle (initially neutral) or Orgrimmar/Stormwind (after choosing a faction)
    • Passive Bonus: Inner Peace - Increases the effect of food consumed and grants rested experience bonus
    • Racial Ability 1: Epicurean - Increased stat benefits from eating food
    • Racial Ability 2: Bouncy - Reduces falling damage

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Ranking factors for popular race

  1. Character creation statistics
    How frequently a specific race is chosen during the character creation process can also indicate its popularity among both new and experienced players.
  2. In-game assets and abilities
    Each race has unique abilities, racial traits, and aesthetics that can affect their popularity. Consider looking at the various assets (armor, mounts, etc.) available to each race and how desirable or popular those assets might be.
  3. Lore and storyline
    For many players, the lore and backstory of a race can significantly impact their decision to choose that race. Assess the depth and popularity of the race's storyline in the game's world and how it might inspire players to identify with that race.
  4. Representation in-game events and promotions
    Analyzing official in-game events, promotions, and trailers that highlight specific races can give an idea about which ones are being prioritized or presented as popular choices by the game's developers.
  5. Compatibility with classes
    The range of classes available to each race and their synergy with the race's unique abilities could influence a race's popularity among players who prioritize gameplay and mechanics.
  6. Popularity in external media
    Crossover appearances in other games, movies, or literature related to the Warcraft universe might also contribute to a race's popularity outside of World of Warcraft.
  7. Existing player preferences
    The overall gaming community has its preferences, which might tilt the popularity of a race. For example, some gamers gravitate towards big and mighty characters, while others prefer more agile exemplars.
  8. In-game economy
    The impact of the specific race on the game economy, such as desirable racial crafting skills, may increase the popularity of a race among gold-making players.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular race in World of Warcraft. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or racing is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 6569 views
  • 201 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each racing once every 24 hours. The rank of each racing is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular race in world of warcraft

World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that has attracted millions of players from all around the world. In this game, players can choose to play as one of the many different races available, each with their own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. The game has been around for over 15 years and has seen many different races come and go, but some have remained consistently popular throughout the years. In this article, we will explore what the most popular race in World of Warcraft is and what makes it so appealing to players.

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