Overview of Allied Races in Battle for Azeroth
Allied Races in World of Warcraft Battle for Azeroth are faction-specific unlockable races that expand your character options once you meet cultural and reputation requirements. They include the Nightborne, Highmountain Tauren, and Void Elf for the Alliance, and the Lightforged Draenei, Zandalari Troll, and Kul Tiran Humans for the Horde. Unlocking an Allied Race typically advances your Artifact or Warfront story, raises a faction reputation to Exalted, and grants access to unique appearances, mounts, and names. This overview focuses on evergreen account and progression details relevant across expansions and patches.
Nightborne (Allied Race)
Unlock Requirements and Available Classes
The Nightborne are a night elf subfaction unlocked through the Suramar story. You raise your reputation with the Nightfallen to Exalted, complete the associated questline, and meet item level and world quest thresholds. Nightborne characters can choose from multiple classes and often emphasize spellpower and agility aesthetics.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Race | Nightborne (Night Elf) | In-game Faction |
| Allied Faction | Nightfallen | Quest Giver Reputation |
| Reputation Required | Exalted | Quest Reward Threshold |
| Unlock Location | Suramar City and allied zones | Quest Giver Location |
| Typical Level at Unlock | 110 with Artifact or Warfront progression | Level Scaling |
Highmountain Tauren (Allied Race)
Unlock Requirements and Available Classes
Highmountain Tauren become available after you aid the Tauren tribes in Feralas and Felwood. You complete a multi-stage quest chain building their reputation and earn the ability to play this robust, hulking version of Tauren. Highmountain Tauren emphasize strength and endurance and offer distinct voice and animation sets.
Void Elf (Allied Race)
Unlock Requirements and Available Classes
Void Elves unlock through the Army of the Light storyline introduced in later phases of Battle for Azeroth. You assist the Naaru and other allies in the war against the Burning Legion, raise your associated faction reputation to Exalted, and gain access to this elegant, void-touched option for Alliance characters. Void Elf aesthetics lean into shimmering void effects and customization flexibility.
Lightforged Draenei (Allied Race)
Unlock Requirements and Available Classes
Lightforged Draenei are unlocked as you support the Army of the Light in the Battle for Crucible Prime and other major story arcs. You raise your faction standing within this draenei subfaction to Exalted and complete key quest gates. Lightforged Draenei emphasize resilience and radiant power, with visual themes of light and crystalline armor.
Zandalari Troll (Allied Race)
Unlock Requirements and Available Classes
Zandalari Trolls require you to raise the Zandalari Empire faction to Exalted by aiding them through world events and story quests. Once unlocked, you can play a Zandalari Troll character with access to troll-specific visuals, runic themes, and cultural motifs. Tribal aesthetics and alternate forms distinguish this option within the Horde.
Kul Tiran Humans (Allied Race)
Unlock Requirements and Available Classes
Kul Tiran Humans become available after you build your reputation with the Kul Tiran Navy and complete a chain of nautical and civic quests. This unlock emphasizes naval warfare, maritime culture, and rugged island aesthetics. Kul Tiran Humans offer distinct hairstyle and facial customization, along with navy-themed gear visuals.
Summary Comparison Table
Use this comparison to weigh options based on unlock difficulty and visual themes.
| Race | Faction | Primary Region | Key Visual Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nightborne | Nightfallen | Suramar | Arcane, night elven elegance |
| Highmountain Tauren | Tauren Tribes | Feralas, Felwood | Bulk, tribal earth tones |
| Void Elf | Army of the Light | Vindicaar, Dalaran | Void shimmer, smooth contours |
| Lightforged Draenei | Army of the Light | Crucible Prime | Radiant light, crystalline armor |
| Zandalari Troll | Zandalari Empire | Zandalar | Runic tribal aesthetics |
| Kul Tiran Humans | Kul Tiran Navy | Kul Tiras | Nautical, naval regalia |
Unlock Process and Account Considerations
Allied Race unlocks are character-bound after completing the quest chain, but many cosmetic rewards, such as mounts, toys, and tabards, are account-wide once earned. Boosting services can accelerate reputation gains and quest completion, though most players prefer leveling the associated reputations organically through dailies, world quests, and story missions. Check your current reputation standing in the in-game reputation window to plan efficient grinding paths.
Picking the Right Allied Race for You
When choosing which Allied Race to unlock first, consider class availability, preferred zone exploration, and visual style. If you value AOE damage and tanking, Highmountain Tauren or Lightforged Draenei may suit you. If you prefer spell damage, Nightborne or Void Elf are strong options for casters. For roleplay and animation distinctiveness, Zandalari Troll and Kul Tiran Humans stand out. Align your choice with your main progression goals and preferred aesthetics.