Allied races

Allied races are one of the principal character-creation additions associated with Battle for Azeroth. Rather than introducing a wholly new class or an entirely new base race, the expansion presents them as variant forms of races already present in the game, pairing familiar identities with distinct abilities and a separate progression path.

Definition and Place in the Expansion

Allied races extend the existing racial structure without replacing it. The expansion is described as adding no new class and no completely new race specific to the release; its innovation lies in making variant versions of established races available as playable choices. This makes the system an extension of World of Warcraft’s existing character roster rather than a break from it.

The system belongs to the wider transition into Battle for Azeroth, an expansion announced for August 14 with a raised level cap of about 120, new zones, raids, dungeons, and features. In that context, allied races are part of a broader package of additions that changes how players begin and develop characters while preserving many established game modes, including battleground PvP, arena PvP, raids, standard dungeons, and Mythic+ dungeons.

Variants and Available Choices

The source describes four allied races as already present and identifies two more expected to arrive with Battle for Azeroth: Mag'har Orcs and Dark Iron Dwarves. It gives examples of the variant principle by describing Void Elves as a version of Night Elves and Highmountain Tauren as a version of Tauren. The exact presentation is therefore based on recognizable racial foundations altered into distinct allied forms, rather than on wholly unrelated peoples.

Each allied race has its own specific or unique abilities. The system consequently offers more than a visual variation: the selected race can affect the character’s available identity and capabilities. The account also leaves open the possibility that additional allied races might be added later, while stressing that only six can be counted in the described lineup at that point.

Progression and Heritage Armor

Allied races normally begin at level 20. This starting point sharply distinguishes them from the majority of classes, which begin at level 1, while Demon Hunter starts at level 98 and Death Knight at level 55. The higher starting levels of those two classes can shorten their personal leveling route, but allied races instead enter the game with an established early-game progression already completed.

Leveling an allied race also connects character advancement to Heritage Armor. Reaching the expected level cap makes it possible to unlock that race’s Heritage Armor set. The reward gives the leveling process a visible racial culmination: progression is not only a route toward stronger statistics, but also a means of completing a distinctive appearance associated with the chosen allied race.

Relation to Other Systems

Allied races appear alongside a larger reorganization of progression in Battle for Azeroth. Artifact weapons from the Legion era, which provided unique abilities and specialization-based skill trees, are being replaced by the Heart of Azeroth, upgraded with Azerite and used to unlock traits on other armor pieces. The new system is intended to create additional class customization, while allied races create additional racial choice and identity.

The expansion also introduces War Mode as a PvP switch usable on any server, replacing the former distinction of dedicated PvP servers while rewarding participants with increased quest rewards and experience. Together with allied races, this shows the expansion working through selectable modes and differentiated progression: players can choose a racial variant, pursue its leveling milestone, and decide whether to accept the risks and rewards of War Mode.

Significance for Character Creation

The allied-race system changes the threshold at which a player begins a new character. The choice is not simply between class roles; it also involves selecting a variant of an existing race, accepting a level-20 starting point, using that race’s unique abilities, and pursuing its Heritage Armor through continued advancement. Its significance lies in controlled expansion: Battle for Azeroth broadens the range of playable identities without adding another class and without abandoning the racial framework that preceded it.