Does size matter? If so, consider playing a Tauren, the largest race in World of Warcraft: Classic. Despite their massive size and somewhat awkward, slow-looking run, Tauren are creatures who strive to serve nature, wanting balance in all things related to the elements. They also make for excellent Warrior tanks and are the only race capable of being Druids for the Horde.

Lore

The Tauren call the barrens of Kalimdor home, and are led by their chief, Cairne Bloodhoof. During the events of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, the Tauren found themselves allied with the Orcs to repel the Burning Legion.

It is presumed that the Tauren are as old as the Night Elves, having both become awakened during the creation of the world. As such, both races feel a connection to nature and the elemental spirits, and therefore both revere nature in such similar fashions. Like Night Elves, the connection to druidism once taught by Cenarius further demonstrates their collective connection to all things relating to nature.

Racials

Each race has its own unique benefits in to passive and active racial abilities, and Taurens find themselves best suited for combat that is up close and personal.

  • Cultivation — Increases your Herbalism skill by 15. Endurance — Passively increases your total health by 5%. Nature Resistance — Your Nature Resistance is increase by 10. War Stomp — When used, this will stun up to 5 enemies within an 8-yard radius. This has a 2-minute cooldown.

The Endurance trait is what provides an edge to Taurens in melee range, especially those tanking in PvE or fighting in a PvP battleground. Combined with War Stomp, Taurens have an edge that keeps them alive for longer than other races.

Available Classes

Tauren only have access to four classes in World of Warcraft: Classic.

  • Druid — As Tauren is the only race capable of playing a Horde Druid, one must play this race. As stated, the Endurance trait naturally lends itself to making for strong Druid tanks, and the AoE stomp assists in crowd controlling a group of opponents, maintaining aggro, and mitigating damage by stopping attacks for a brief moment. Unfortunately, there are no racial abilities available make them better healers, though this is also true of the Alliance Druids, who are Night Elves. Hunter — One should play Tauren only for the aesthetic and lore, because they are the weakest choice for Hunters in PvE and PvP. While War Stomp is useful for tanking, that is because we want our opponents to be in our face. Hunters meanwhile do their best work at a distance, and War Stomp is at best a situation panic button. Shaman — Tauren are not particularly strong as Shamans compared to other races, but the deficiencies are not nearly as bad at the Hunter differences pointed out above. War Stomp can be a great tool in PvE or PvP to land a final blow on an opponent who may be preparing to flee, and Endurance is always a nice little bonus. Warrior — As either an Arms or Fury Warrior, Tauren are not as strong as Orcs in terms of raw DPS potential. However, Taurens are a probably the best choice for tanking. Similar to Druid tanks, the increased health from Endurance keeps us alive longer, and War Stomp controls the crowd and stops incoming damage for a moment.

The points above are meant to be considered with some flexibility. While these points may come off as implying that Taurens are not an ideal choice for certain classes, Hunter being highlighted above all, it must be considered that these pros and cons affect only the most elite levels of play. Most players are not likely to ever have an issue with a Tauren and will be able to progress through most of the game without even noticing any problems.

Racial Mount

The largest race in the game obviously needs the largest mounts, and the Kodos from Mulgore do not disappoint. Kodo’s are some of the most relaxed looking mounts in the game, and their personality fits well with the nature loving Taurens.

  • Brown Kodo — 80 gold, 72 with reputation discount Gray Kodo — 80 gold, 72 with reputation discount Great Brown Kodo — 1000 gold, 900 with reputation discount Great Gray Kodo — 1000 gold, 900 with reputation discount Great White Kodo — 1000 gold, 900 with reputation discount

Ultimately, each race has their own flair and lore that can add to a player’s experience. If you are looking for a race that is both loving of nature but ready to fight when the need arises, the Tauren may be a perfect fit.