Which Classes Can Dual-Wield in Classic WoW? A Comprehensive Guide

In the world of Classic World of Warcraft, the ability to dual-wield weapons is a coveted combat style, allowing certain classes to unleash a flurry of attacks. The straightforward answer to the question “Which classes can dual-wield in Classic WoW?” is: Rogues, Warriors (specifically Fury-specced), Hunters (as of Patch 2.0.1), and Shamans (with the Enhancement talent). However, there’s more to this than a simple list, as the specifics of dual-wielding vary considerably among these classes. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and limitations for each class capable of this combat style.

The Dual-Wielding Classes: A Closer Look

Rogues

Rogues are the quintessential dual-wielding class in Classic WoW. They possess the innate ability to dual wield from the moment they are created, making it a core part of their gameplay. Whether you’re playing as a Combat, Subtlety, or Assassination Rogue, you’ll always have the option to equip a weapon in each hand. This provides them with the potential for constant damage output, punctuated by their various abilities that make effective use of dual wielding.

Rogues have a wide range of one-handed weapons at their disposal, allowing them to take advantage of weapon skills. They can equip 1H Swords, Daggers, 1H Maces, and Fist Weapons. Rogues will often gear towards maximizing their poison application and melee damage, making dual-wielding an essential component of their playstyle.

Warriors

Warriors are a classic melee class, and while they don’t automatically start with dual-wield capabilities, their Fury specialization enables them to embrace this combat style. Fury-specced Warriors learn the ability to dual wield at level 20.

Their talent tree also gives them the Titan’s Grip passive ability at level 10. This ability allows Fury Warriors to take the concept of dual-wielding to the next level by dual-wielding two-handed weapons, instead of being limited to one-handed weapons. This comes with a slight hit penalty, but the trade-off of having higher weapon damage makes it worth it for many players. It is important to note that dual-wielding is only allowed for axes, daggers, fist weapons, maces, polearms, staves, and swords. This versatility allows them to adapt their weapon choice based on the loot available to them at any given time. In fact, dual-wield Arms is considered by some to be the best spec for leveling a warrior.

Hunters

Hunters, primarily known for their ranged combat with bows and guns, were given the ability to dual-wield with the release of patch 2.0.1, though it is typically not used in the main hunter rotations. This capability allows them to use weapons in each hand in melee combat.

Hunters aren’t as reliant on their melee weapons as rogues or fury warriors. They will primarily use bows, crossbows, or guns as their primary means of damage dealing. However, should the situation require, they can use a variety of one and two handed melee weapons such as 1H Axes, 2H Axes, Daggers, Staves, Polearms, 1H Swords, and 2H Swords. This versatility does give them some flexibility in combat.

Shamans

Shamans, specifically those who choose the Enhancement talent tree, can also dual-wield. This ability does not come naturally to the Shaman class, instead requiring a specific talent to be unlocked. They gain the ability to dual wield weapons through a level 40 Enhancement talent.

Enhancement Shamans focus on melee combat infused with elemental magic. Dual-wielding is vital to their playstyle, and allows them to take advantage of abilities which synergize well with a fast attack rate. Shaman can utilize one handed maces, axes, and fist weapons in each hand.

Dual-Wielding: What it Means in Classic WoW

Dual-wielding in Classic WoW isn’t just about equipping two weapons; it’s about the tactical and strategic implications it has for combat. It enables faster attack rates, and the chance for special weapon procs to occur more frequently. It can also be a tool for optimizing damage per second (DPS) for classes that rely on melee attacks. It’s worth noting that not all one-handed weapons are equally suited for dual-wielding. Often players will try to find a weapon with a higher average damage for their main hand weapon and a faster hitting weapon in the off-hand to maximize damage output.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Druids dual-wield in Classic WoW?

No, Druids cannot learn dual-wielding at all. They can use one-hand weapons with an off-hand item for extra stats, or they can use two-handed weapons. However, they cannot dual-wield.

What level do Warriors learn to dual-wield?

Fury-specced Warriors learn to dual-wield at level 20. However, the Titan’s Grip talent, which allows them to dual-wield two-handed weapons, is learned at level 10.

Can Paladins dual-wield in Classic WoW?

No, Paladins cannot dual-wield in Classic WoW. They are restricted to using one-handed weapons and shields or two-handed weapons. They are not a dual-wielding class.

Can Hunters use two-handed weapons in Classic WoW?

Yes, Hunters can use two-handed weapons such as two-handed axes and two-handed swords, though they are primarily ranged damage dealers and typically use bows, crossbows or guns.

What weapons can Rogues use in Classic WoW?

Rogues can use 1H Swords, Daggers, 1H Maces, and Fist Weapons for melee combat. They can also use bows, crossbows, and guns as ranged weapons.

Who can use Daggers in Classic WoW?

Hunters, Rogues, Warlocks, and Warriors all start with the ability to use daggers. Druids, Mages, Priests, and Shamans can learn to use daggers from a Weapon Master.

What is the best two-handed weapon for Warriors in Classic WoW?

Bonereaver’s Edge is often cited as one of the best two-handed weapons for Warriors in Classic WoW. Dark Edge of Insanity is also considered a very good two-handed weapon.

Are Rogues good in Classic WoW?

Yes, Rogues are one of the best damage dealing classes in the game in Classic WoW. Their high damage output makes them a valuable addition to raid groups.

Are Rogues easy to level in Classic WoW?

Rogues are considered one of the fastest solo-leveling classes due to their high damage output and utility. Their ability to stealth, and deal damage, allows them to complete many quests quickly and safely.

Can Paladins use 2H Axes in Classic WoW?

Yes, Paladins can equip 2H Axes as well as 1H axes, maces, swords, polearms, and shields.

What is the best race for a Rogue in Classic WoW?

For PvE, Humans and Night Elves are strong choices for Alliance Rogues. For PvP, Night Elves are often favored for their stealth-related racial.

Is Rogue hard to play in Classic WoW?

Rogues are considered a hard class to master as they require tactical and situational awareness to use their abilities effectively and maximize damage. Smart play is needed to utilize the rogue toolkit correctly.

Who teaches 2 handed axes in Classic WoW?

Buliwyf, the dwarven weapon master at the Timberline Arms in Ironforge, teaches fist weapons, guns, one- and two-handed axes, and one- and two-handed maces.

What 2 handed weapon would a Paladin use?

A Moon-Touched Sword is a popular starting weapon for Paladins. It is a two-handed greatsword that deals 2d6 slashing damage.

What is the Wanderers best weapon?

For Scaramouche (Wanderer) in Genshin Impact, the best weapons include Catalysts like Tulaytullah’s Remembrance, The Widsith, and others.

Conclusion

In summary, while only Rogues, Fury-specced Warriors, Hunters, and Enhancement Shamans can dual-wield in Classic WoW, each class brings their own unique approach and strategy to this popular combat style. Understanding these differences can help players make informed choices when creating or playing these classes. The game’s mechanics offer flexibility and allow different roles and strategies to be explored, depending on the class in question.