Druids in World of Warcraft are versatile shapeshifters, capable of fulfilling various roles such as healing, tanking, and dealing damage. But their weapon proficiency is more limited than some other classes. This article definitively answers the question: Can Druids Learn Axes? We’ll also explore which weapons druids can use and where to learn these weapon skills.
Druids cannot wield axes in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. Their weapon choices are restricted to:
- Daggers: Often used by Balance Druids for their spellpower enhancing properties.
- Fist Weapons: Can be utilized by Balance Druids as caster weapons.
- Staves: Favored by Balance and Restoration Druids for their spellpower and healing power bonuses.
- Maces: Often beneficial for healers due to their stats, but can also have stats for Feral or Balance Druids.
- Polearms: Primarily used by Feral Druids due to their agility and strength stats. Available after learning from a Weapon Master.
- Off-hands: Provide additional stats for healers and casters.
- Idols: Unique to Druids, these ranged slot items offer minor throughput boosts for all specializations.
Learning Druid Weapon Skills in Wrath Classic
Newly created Druids start with basic weapon proficiencies depending on their race:
- Night Elves: Begin with Daggers and Staves.
- Tauren: Begin with Maces and Staves.
To expand their arsenal, Druids must visit Weapon Masters located in major cities across Azeroth.
Alliance Weapon Master Locations:
- Darnassus: Teaches Daggers, Fist Weapons, and Staves.
- Ironforge: Offers training in Fist Weapons, Daggers, and Maces.
- Stormwind: Provides instruction in Daggers, Staves, and Polearms.
- Exodar: Specializes in Daggers and Maces.
Horde Weapon Master Locations:
- Orgrimmar: Trains in Staves, Daggers, and Fist Weapons.
- Thunder Bluff: Offers expertise in Staves and Maces.
- Undercity: Focuses on Daggers and Polearms.
- Silvermoon City: Specializes in Daggers.
Why Can’t Druids Use Axes?
The inability of Druids to use axes stems from their lore and class design. Druids are deeply connected to nature, favoring weapons that align with their harmonious philosophy. Axes, often associated with more aggressive warfare, don’t fit the Druidic theme. This restriction also helps balance the class, preventing them from becoming overly powerful by wielding every weapon type.
Choosing the Right Weapon for Your Druid Specialization
While weapon damage is normalized for Feral Druids in their animal forms, the specific weapon type still matters for stats.
- Feral Druids: Prioritize weapons with high Agility and Strength for both DPS and tanking. Polearms are a strong choice due to their stat allocation.
- Balance Druids: Seek weapons with Intellect and Spell Power to maximize damage output. Daggers, Fist Weapons, and Staves are common options.
- Restoration Druids: Focus on weapons with Intellect, Spirit, and bonus healing or mana regeneration. Maces and Staves are generally preferred.
Conclusion
While Druids cannot learn to use axes, they have a diverse selection of other weapons to choose from. Understanding these weapon proficiencies and selecting the appropriate weapon for your chosen specialization is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. Remember to visit the appropriate Weapon Master to expand your weapon skills!