Overview and Key Conclusions
Battle for Azeroth added new allied race options for both the Horde and the Alliance, each with distinct mechanical traits and story-driven requirements. This evergreen reference explains every subrace introduced by the expansion and the base game additions tied to it, focusing on faction restrictions, class availability, and the narrative prerequisites you must satisfy. Understanding these requirements helps you choose a character that fits your playstyle and progression approach without chasing fleeting trends.
Alliance Subraces in Battle for Azeroth
Lightforged Draenei
Lightforged Draenei are available to the Alliance as a premium allied race. To unlock them, you must first complete the Broken Shore mission and raise your character to level 110. They offer the abilities Gift of the Naaru and Strength of the Naaru, providing consistent survivability and a reliable damage reduction cooldown. They remain restricted to Alliance factions and require a premium purchase unless obtained through special promotional offers.
Highmountain Tauren
Highmountain Tauren joined the Alliance in Battle for Azeroth and come with a distinct visual and mechanical identity. They include the ability Berserker Stomp, which taunts nearby enemies, and Stonewall, which reduces incoming damage for you and nearby allies. Like other Alliance premium allied races, they require completion of the Broken Shore questline and level 110 before you can select them.
Horde Subraces in Battle for Azeroth
Zandalari Troll
The Zandalari Trolls are a Horde-only allied race introduced in Battle for Azeroth. Their traits include Berserking, which increases attack speed and movement speed, and Regeneration, which restores health over time. You must finish the Horde campaign on the Broken Shore, reach level 110, and complete prerequisite storylines before training this option from a trainer in Dazar’alor.
Vulpera
Vulpera are a small, cunning Horde allied race available after unlocking the Allied Race feature. They trade traditional durability for mobility and evasion-like mechanics, with traits such as Nimble and Pack Mentality. Like other allied races, they require story progression to unlock and are limited to the Horde faction.
Class and Spec Availability
Most subraces from Battle for Azeroth are open to a wide range of classes, though certain restrictions apply based on role and spec. For example, Lightforged Draenei are commonly seen on paladins, monks, and priests due to their strong defensive cooldowns. Highmountain Tauren can suit warriors and guardians who value threat generation and team utility. On the Horde side, Zandalari Trolls are popular with death knights, brewmasters, and enhancement shamans for their versatility, while Vulpera work well for rogues and other mobility-focused specs. The following table summarizes verified availability across common archetypes.
| Subrace | Faction | Primary Class Archetypes | Key Defensive Ability | Availability Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightforged Draenei | Alliance | Paladin, Monk, Priest | Gift of the Naaru, Strength of the Naaru | Complete Broken Shore, level 110 |
| Highmountain Tauren | Alliance | Warrior, Guardian | Berserker Stomp, Stonewall | Complete Broken Shore, level 110 |
| Zandalari Troll | Horde | Death Knight, Brewmaster, Enhancement Shaman | Berserking, Regeneration | Horde campaign on Broken Shore, level 110 |
| Vulpera | Horde | Rogue, Mobility-focused specs | Nimble, Pack Mentality | Unlock Allied Race feature, story progression |
Story and Faction Requirements
All Battle for Azeroth subraces are gated by narrative milestones rather than simple reputation grinds. For most options, you need to complete the Broken Shore mission, which is a one-time experience that every character on an account must finish independently. After that, you must continue leveling to 110 and follow the expansion’s campaign lines to earn the right to train the allied race from a faction-specific trainer. These requirements ensure that your choice aligns with the progression of your main story and reflects the commitment involved in adopting these new identities.
Mechanical Identity and Gameplay Impact
Each subrace emphasizes a different aspect of survivability, mobility, or group utility. Lightforged Draenei bring strong single-target damage reduction and a powerful group healing spell, making them a staple for many support and tank specs. Highmountain Tauren add group-wide defensive cooldowns and reliable threat generation, which can simplify dungeon and raid encounters. Zandalari Trolls offer versatile tools for both damage and survivability, with haste-based mechanics that synergize well with burst-oriented rotations. Vulpera focus on mobility and self-sustain, providing tools that help you evade danger or reposition quickly. Understanding these traits allows you to align your subrace choice with your preferred playstyle rather than chasing temporary meta shifts.
Purchase, Account-Wide Unlock, and Availability Notes
Subraces introduced in Battle for Azeroth are typically purchased with in-game currency and unlocked account-wide once acquired on a character. This means that after you buy and unlock the option on one toon, you can select the same subrace on other eligible characters without repeating story requirements, provided they meet the level and faction criteria. Keep in mind that promotional or event-driven offers may temporarily alter pricing or availability, so it is wise to verify current patch notes before making a purchase decision.
Summary and Practical Guidance
Battle for Azeroth subraces expand your character options while tying progression to meaningful story milestones. Each option is tied to a specific faction, has distinct abilities, and requires you to complete the expansion’s foundational quests and reach level 110. By aligning your choice with your class, spec, and preferred gameplay strengths, you can make a durable decision that remains relevant across future content cycles.