The Ultimate Tauren Class Guide: Unleashing the Power of the Plains
The question isn’t just “What class can a Tauren be?” but “What class truly harmonizes with the Tauren’s spirit and strengths?” While personal preference always reigns supreme, some classes resonate with the Tauren’s lore, racial abilities, and overall feel more than others. Ultimately, the best class for Tauren in World of Warcraft is arguably the Druid. This choice is steeped in lore, gameplay advantages, and the undeniable coolness factor of being a shapeshifting behemoth. However, Warrior, Shaman, and Hunter also stand out as excellent, lore-rich choices that leverage the Tauren’s unique attributes.
Tauren Druid: The Obvious Choice?
A Deep Connection to Nature
The Tauren’s connection to nature is undeniable. As the text above mentions, Tauren were the first to be taught Druidic magic by Cenarius. The very land of Mulgore breathes with the spirit of the Earth Mother, and the Tauren’s reverence for balance makes the Druid class a natural fit. The fact that, for a long time, they were the only Horde race capable of being Druids cemented this association.
Gameplay Synergies
Beyond the lore, Tauren Druids benefit from a few key gameplay advantages. While the specific racials may shift with each expansion, the Tauren’s generally higher health pool provides extra survivability, particularly useful for tanking (Bear Form) and healing (Restoration) specializations. Their passive “Cultivation” racial, which increases Herbalism skill and increases gathering speed, also synergizes perfectly with the Druid’s ability to gather herbs in animal forms.
The Cool Factor
Let’s be honest: a massive Tauren transforming into a bear, cat, or moonkin is just plain awesome. The visual impact of a Tauren Druid is unmatched, and the combination of size and shapeshifting abilities creates a unique and compelling character.
Honorable Mentions: Other Great Tauren Classes
Tauren Warrior: The Stalwart Protector
The text explicitly mentions Warriors as a strong fit, referencing iconic leaders like Cairne and Baine Bloodhoof. The Tauren’s sheer size and strength make them formidable Warriors. While some racials might lean towards tanking, a Fury Warrior Tauren wielding a massive two-handed weapon is a sight to behold. The increased health pool is also beneficial for staying alive in the thick of battle.
Tauren Shaman: The Spirit Walker
Shamanism is deeply ingrained in Tauren culture. Communicating with the elements, channeling ancestral spirits, and wielding the power of the earth aligns perfectly with the Tauren’s spiritual beliefs. Tauren Shaman excel in all specializations, whether they are healing as Restoration, dealing damage as Enhancement or Elemental, or protecting their allies using the Earth as Protection.
Tauren Hunter: The Wilderness Guide
While perhaps not the first class that comes to mind, the Highmountain Tauren are great Hunters, particularly Survival Hunters. The synergy with animals, tracking skills, and knowledge of the wilderness are all traits shared by both Tauren and Hunters. Furthermore, the mention of the Survival Hunter’s artifact weapon being a Highmountain weapon seals the deal for many.
Why Not Other Classes?
While Tauren can be other classes like Paladin, Priest, Monk, Death Knight, Mage, Warlock, Demon Hunter or Rogue, these options often feel less thematic or don’t fully utilize the Tauren’s racial strengths. A Tauren Rogue, while humorous in its absurdity (“They’re so good you never see them!”), doesn’t align with the Tauren’s traditional values of honor and straightforward combat. Some of the other classes have other races that are just generally stronger or more synergistic. This is not to say that they are bad or can’t be fun, but for those looking for the most immersive and effective class for their Tauren, the Druid, Warrior, Shaman, and Hunter stand out as clear choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tauren Classes
1. Are Tauren good for tanking?
Absolutely! Tauren racial traits like increased health and passive damage reduction make them sturdy tanks, particularly as Druids (Bear Form) and Warriors (Protection). Their larger size can also be an advantage in positioning enemies.
2. What is the best Tauren class for PvP?
This depends on the current meta and your playstyle. However, Tauren Warriors and Shaman can be formidable in PvP, utilizing their strength, crowd control abilities, and healing/support options.
3. Do Tauren racials significantly impact gameplay?
While racials offer minor advantages, they are not game-breaking. Skill and knowledge of your class are far more important. Choose a class you enjoy playing, and the racial benefits will simply enhance your experience.
4. Are Highmountain Tauren different from regular Tauren in terms of class choices?
Highmountain Tauren share most of the same class options as regular Tauren. However, their racials are slightly different, focusing more on mobility and versatility. This makes them great hunters, but also any class that requires a quick getaway option.
5. Is there a “best” specialization for a Tauren Druid?
Each specialization (Balance, Feral, Guardian, Restoration) is viable and enjoyable. The “best” specialization depends on your preferred playstyle and the needs of your group. Guardian (Tank) and Restoration (Healer) may benefit slightly more from the Tauren’s increased health.
6. Can Tauren be rogues, even if it seems silly?
Yes, Tauren can be rogues. They are just so good you never see them. But in reality, the Rogue class is the worst choice for Tauren as their racials are mostly wasted.
7. What are the lore reasons for Tauren being Druids?
The text mentions that Tauren were the first to be taught Druidic magic by Cenarius, establishing a deep connection between the race and the natural world. This connection is reflected in their reverence for the Earth Mother and their commitment to balance.
8. Is Tauren Warrior a good choice for a beginner?
Yes, Warrior is a relatively straightforward class, making it a good option for new players. The Tauren’s increased health provides a buffer against mistakes, and the Warrior’s simple rotation is easy to learn.
9. How do Tauren look on mounts?
Due to their size, Tauren can sometimes appear awkward on smaller mounts. However, they look impressive on larger mounts like Kodos, Mammoths, and Dragons. They are fine riding the swift brewfest ram or the swift lovebird.
10. Does race choice matter for competitive raiding?
While racials can provide a slight edge, skill, gear, and teamwork are far more important for success in raiding. Choose a race and class you enjoy playing, and focus on improving your performance.
11. What is the best Horde race for Warrior if not Tauren?
The text suggest Orcs are the best choice for horde warrior, offering amazing bonuses that are helpful to the class.
12. Are there any Tauren-specific quests or storylines related to certain classes?
Yes, there are quests and storylines that explore the Tauren’s connection to nature and the elements, particularly for Druids and Shaman. These quests often involve communing with spirits, protecting the land, and upholding the Tauren’s values.
13. How does the Tauren’s size affect gameplay in confined spaces?
The Tauren’s large size can sometimes be a disadvantage in dungeons and raids with tight corridors or small rooms. However, this is usually a minor inconvenience and can be mitigated with careful positioning.
14. Where can I learn more about the lore of the Tauren and their classes?
You can explore the rich lore of the Tauren and their classes through in-game quests, books, and online resources like the World of Warcraft website and various fan wikis. Connecting with other players and participating in roleplaying communities can also enhance your understanding of the Tauren culture. You can also find other scholarly articles at Games Learning Society.
15. Does playing a Tauren require any special considerations?
Beyond aesthetics and lore, playing a Tauren doesn’t require any significantly different gameplay strategies. Simply embrace the Tauren’s spirit, choose a class that resonates with you, and enjoy your journey through Azeroth!
Choosing the right class for your Tauren is a personal decision, but considering the lore, racial advantages, and overall feel can help you create a character that is both powerful and deeply connected to the world of Warcraft. So, whether you choose to become a shapeshifting Druid, a stalwart Warrior, or a spiritually attuned Shaman, embrace the power of the plains and forge your own legend!