The Unwritten Rules of Playing a Druid Explained

Highlights

• Embrace the flexibility of the druid class in World of Warcraft, capable of filling any role in a group to adapt to all situations.
• Druid players find themselves captivated by the magical world of Azeroth’s nature, embracing the beauty and mystery of the wilds.
• While druid players excel in Capture the Flag scenarios and offer unique advantages in PvP, they may face expectations to fill different roles in raids.

Druids are truly unique among World of Warcraft’s vast roster of playable classes. With their ability to shapeshift into a range of wild creatures, they can adapt to every situation the game throws at them. Aside from this, there are some special reasons why players may consider playing as one of nature’s stalwart guardians.

Versatility is the name of the game when one plays as a druid in World of Warcraft. Whether it’s dealing damage closeup or far away, pumping out serious healing, or crashing down on enemies as an invulnerable tank, a druid can do it all. But doing everything is seldom why players choose this class; the real reason is far simpler than that.

Nature is a Way of Life for World of Warcraft’s Druids

Even the most opportunistic druid players will find themselves encapsulated within the magical world of Warcraft’s nature. Azeroth’s wilds and the fantastical beasts within have touched the hearts of so many real-world nature lovers. Being one with the life around them and galloping free through the verdant forests and rolling plains is a feeling that’s difficult to describe. Those who appreciate the boundless mystery and beauty of nature revel in being one of its dedicated protectors.

There’s Nothing a Druid Can’t Do

There are some extra perks to playing such a versatile class, such as being able to fill any role in a group. Druids are the only class in World of Warcraft with four specializations, and even in WoW: Classic, they can come equipped to handle any situation.

In bear form, druids make for sturdy yet mobile tanks. As moonkin, they can rain down the fury of the sun and moon on enemies from afar. As stealthy big cats, a druid can tear enemies to shreds and are especially vicious in PvP. But perhaps the most famous and consistently performing spec for druids is their healing. With their focus on spells that heal a great deal over time, WoW‘s restoration druids are brilliant at seeing their team through sustained area damage.

The Raid Inevitably Needs A Different Spec

The only problem with having so many roles to fill, however, is that expectations quickly follow. It’s one thing to be able to play each druid specialization, but quite another to have acquired both the gear and motivation to do so effectively.

Many druids have joined raids or dungeon groups with the expectation of finally playing Feral or Balance. That said, the team inevitably needs them to play as a healer or tank. It’s not easy for druids to explain that they either can’t or won’t be a different specialization, but it’s a common occurrence nonetheless.

It’s difficult for raid leaders to pass up a geared bear or healer, but unfortunately, many other classes are simply more effective regarding raw damage output.

Druids Are Champions of Capture the Flag

All that being said, the one place where all druids, regardless of their specialization, are more than welcome, is Battlegrounds. Druids are incredible allies in Capture the Flag situations and capable of stealthily infiltrating enemy bases. Once they have the flag, they can morph into a stag and run much faster than anyone else could on foot. The act of shapeshifting also automatically makes druids immune to other players trying to root them. In this way, a clever, quick-thinking druid can turn the tides of entire matches.

Be it in PvP, PvE, or hunting for obscure achievements, druids are a boon to any group. Their mobility is also nothing to scoff at, and much like Windwalker monks or Evokers, all druid specializations can bestow speed boosts to all their allies at once, which is a true lifesaver in many boss encounters.