Warrior

What changed in Forever

• Blocks provide rage and enable Revenge; the loop becomes available with Shield Block at 16.
• Vanguard at 25 allows Charge in Defensive Stance.
• Victory Rush restores health after a kill from level 20.
• Bastion 5/5 adds 10% damage with a shield equipped; this route finishes it by 39.

Leveling 1–60

The primary configuration consists of a one-handed weapon and shield. Protection converts blocks into rage and opportunities to use Revenge. Shield Slam is acquired at 40, followed by offensive Fury talents.

1–9: weapons and rage

Weapon upgrades are assessed by damage per second, with Battle Shout maintained during combat. From level 4, Charge initiates combat and Rend provides damage against sufficiently durable targets. Heroic Strike replaces a normal swing and consumes rage; its use therefore depends on surplus resources. Remaining rage contributes to the next encounter.

10–24: talents supporting Revenge

At 10, completion of the character’s racial class quest chain unlocks Defensive Stance, Taunt and Sunder Armor. The first five points are allocated to Shield Specialization. Improved Revenge reaches 3/3 at 15–17, Improved Thunder Clap 2/3 at 18–19, and Master of Defense 2/2 at 20–21. Improved Thunder Clap is completed at 22. Last Stand at 23 provides temporary health during high incoming damage; the first Defiance point at 24 increases dungeon threat.

Revenge is trained at 14 and Shield Block at 16. With a shield equipped, Shield Block enables Revenge, which receives priority when available. Demoralizing Shout reduces incoming physical damage; Thunder Clap supports longer encounters and two-target combat. From 20, Victory Rush restores health after a kill. Effective use requires activation before expiry and a health deficit sufficient to benefit from the healing.

25–39: Charge in Defensive Stance

Vanguard at 25 enables Charge in Defensive Stance. Defiance reaches 3/3 at 26–27. Improved Shield Bash reaches 2/2 at 28–29 and adds a three-second silence. The effect allows a caster to approach the group when the target is susceptible to silence. Concussion Blow at 30 provides a five-second stun.

Focused Rage reaches 3/3 at 31–33 and reduces offensive ability costs by 3 Rage. Improved Shield Wall 1/2 at 34 reduces its cooldown to 9.5 minutes. Bastion reaches 5/5 at 35–39 and increases damage by 10% while a shield is equipped.

One-handed weapon and shield upgrades remain important. Weapon damage, Strength and Stamina are the principal equipment criteria. A ranged weapon permits selective engagement. Between encounters, Bloodrage helps retain rage and bandages reduce health recovery time.

40–60: Shield Slam and Fury damage

Shield Slam and plate armor become available at 40. Shield Slam and Revenge receive priority in rage expenditure; remaining resources support Heroic Strike against one target or Cleave against two. Blocks generate rage for these abilities. The appropriate number of simultaneous targets depends on equipment and incoming attack types, since enemy spells provide few opportunities to block.

Cruelty reaches 5/5 at 41–45. Lingering Rage reaches 5/5 at 46–50 and delays rage decay between encounters by ten seconds. Blood Craze 3/3 at 51–53 provides recovery after a critical or particularly heavy hit. Unbridled Wrath reaches 2/5 at 54–55, followed by Enrage 5/5 at 56–60 for physical damage while under attack. The final allocation is 0/20/31. Frequent PvP encounters may justify transferring one Unbridled Wrath point to Piercing Howl for an area slow. Separate damage and tanking allocations are available at 60.

During leveling, each dungeon is visited once for quest experience when a group is available and the entrance is on the route. Equipment drops provide supplementary upgrades. Repeated visits are reserved for pre-raid equipment at 60.

Class quests

1–2 · Class trainer introduction

A short starting-zone quest directs the character to the class trainer. Availability depends on race.

Orcs and Trolls: Gornek → Frang, Valley of Trials. Tauren: Grull → Harutt Thunderhorn, Mulgore. Undead: Sarvis → Dannal Stern, Deathknell.

Quest chain

1. Simple Parchment / Simple Tablet / Simple Note / Simple Scroll

   The introductory task requires reading the note and speaking with the relevant racial trainer. These are separate racial referrals.

Humans: McBride → Llane Beshere, Northshire. Dwarves and Gnomes: Sten → Thran Khorman, Dun Morogh. Night Elves: Ilthalaine → Alyissia, Shadowglen.

Quest chain

1. Simple Letter / Simple Rune / Simple Memorandum / Simple Sigil

   The introductory task requires reading the note and speaking with the relevant racial trainer. These are separate racial referrals.

Skyborne: Rorian the Dayseeker → Blademaster Ren, Thendal Village watchtower, Zephras Isle.

Quest chain

1. The Warrior's Path

   The introductory task requires reading the note and speaking with the relevant racial trainer. These are separate racial referrals.

10: Defensive Stance · Humans

Unlocks Defensive Stance, Taunt and Sunder Armor. Completion is recommended before the first dungeon in the tank role.

Harry Burlguard, Pig and Whistle, Old Town, Stormwind City.

Quest chain

1. A Warrior's Training

   The trainer’s referral concludes with Harry Burlguard.

2. Bartleby the Drunk

   The next stage begins with Bartleby in the same tavern.

3. Beat Bartleby

   Completion requires defeating Bartleby in the duel.

4. Bartleby's Mug

   Bartleby’s mug is delivered to Harry.

10: Defensive Stance · Dwarves and Gnomes

Unlocks Defensive Stance, Taunt and Sunder Armor. Completion is recommended before the first dungeon in the tank role.

Muren Stormpike, Military Ward, Ironforge.

Quest chain

1. Muren Stormpike

   The stage begins with Muren.

2. Vejrek

   Completion requires defeating Vejrek south of Frostmane Hold in Dun Morogh and delivering his head to Muren.

10: Defensive Stance · Night Elves

Unlocks Defensive Stance, Taunt and Sunder Armor. Completion is recommended before the first dungeon in the tank role.

Elanaria, Warrior’s Terrace, Darnassus, 57.3, 34.6.

Quest chain

1. Elanaria

   The stage begins with Elanaria.

2. Vorlus Vilehoof

   Completion requires defeating Vorlus at the moonwell southeast of Ban’ethil Barrow Den in Teldrassil and delivering his horn to Elanaria.

10: Defensive Stance · Orcs, Trolls and Tauren

Unlocks Defensive Stance, Taunt and Sunder Armor. Completion is recommended before the first dungeon in the tank role.

Uzzek, Far Watch Post, The Barrens, 61.4, 21.1.

Quest chain

1. Veteran Uzzek

   The trainer’s referral concludes with Uzzek.

2. Path of Defense

   Uzzek requires 5 Singed Scales from thunder lizards at Thunder Ridge in Durotar.

10: Defensive Stance · Undead

Unlocks Defensive Stance, Taunt and Sunder Armor. Completion is recommended before the first dungeon in the tank role.

Deathguard Dillinger, Brill, Tirisfal Glades, 58.2, 51.4.

Quest chain

1. Speak with Dillinger

   The stage begins with Dillinger.

2. Ulag the Cleaver

   The skull stone by the mausoleum north of Brill summons Ulag. The quest is completed after his defeat and a return to Dillinger.

10: Defensive Stance · Skyborne

Unlocks Defensive Stance and rewards Stormforged Protector.

Seena Skybreaker, Zephras Isle, 59.8, 72.8.

Stormforged Protector

Quest chain

1. The Skybreaker Bulwark

   The bulwark obtained from Zaal Stormshield at the Shrine of Akir is delivered to Seena.

10–12: early weapon · Humans

An optional continuation after the stance chain. Its value depends on whether the reward improves the equipped weapon.

After the stance quest: Harry Burlguard → Marshal Haggard, Eastvale Logging Camp, Elwynn Forest.

Haggard's AxeHaggard's HammerHaggard's DaggerHaggard's Sword

Quest chain

1. Marshal Haggard → Dead-tooth Jack

   After the conversation with Haggard, his badge is retrieved from Dead-tooth Jack’s camp and returned to him.

10–12: early weapon · Dwarves and Gnomes

An optional continuation after the stance chain. Its value depends on whether the reward improves the equipped weapon.

After Vejrek: Muren → Tormus Deepforge, Ironforge.

Umbral AxeUmbral MaceUmbral DaggerUmbral Sword

Quest chain

1. Tormus Deepforge → Ironband's Compound → Grey Iron Weapons

   Umbral Ore from the chest in Ironband’s Compound, Dun Morogh, is delivered to Tormus for a weapon choice.

10–12: early weapon · Night Elves

An optional continuation after the stance chain. Its value depends on whether the reward improves the equipped weapon.

After Vorlus: Elanaria, Darnassus.

Elunite AxeElunite HammerElunite DaggerElunite Sword

Quest chain

1. The Shade of Elura → Smith Mathiel → Weapons of Elunite

   Required materials are 8 Elunite Ore and Elura’s Medallion. The case is delivered to Smith Mathiel for a weapon choice.

10–12: early weapon · Orcs, Trolls and Tauren

An optional continuation after the stance chain. Its value depends on whether the reward improves the equipped weapon.

After Path of Defense: Uzzek → Thun’grim Firegaze, The Barrens, 57.2, 30.3.

Thun'grim's AxeThun'grim's MaceThun'grim's DaggerThun'grim's Sword

Quest chain

1. Thun'grim Firegaze → Forged Steel

   Forged Steel Bars from the Stolen Iron Chest are delivered to Thun’grim.

10–12: early weapon · Undead

An optional continuation after the stance chain. Its value depends on whether the reward improves the equipped weapon.

After Ulag: Dillinger → Coleman Farthing, Brill, Tirisfal Glades.

Heirloom AxeHeirloom HammerHeirloom DaggerHeirloom Sword

Quest chain

1. Speak with Coleman → Agamand Heirlooms → Heirloom Weapon

   The four family weapons from racks at Agamand Mills are delivered to Coleman for a reward choice.

20–22: Furen’s Favor shield

An early shield for Protection leveling. It leads into the armor material quests.

Trainer → Yorus Barleybrew, Lakeshire, Redridge Mountains.

Furen's Favor

Quest chain

1. Yorus Barleybrew

   The stage begins with Yorus.

2. The Rethban Gauntlet

   Completion requires reaching the first fork in Rethban Caverns and returning before the timer expires.

3. The Shieldsmith

   The cask is delivered to Furen Longbeard in Stormwind City.

20: Ruga’s Bulwark

A shield from a short Barrens trial, followed by the Brutal Armor chain.

Sorek, Orgrimmar → Ruga Ragetotem, Camp Taurajo.

Ruga's Bulwark

Quest chain

1. Speak with Ruga

   The stage begins with Ruga at Camp Taurajo.

2. Trial at the Field of Giants

   Ruga requires 5 Twitching Antennae from silithids in the Field of Giants.

3. Speak with Thun'grim

   The continuation is available from Thun’grim Firegaze in The Barrens.

25–30: Fire Hardened armor

An optional mail set, available from 20. Its materials and Razorfen Kraul objective fit a later leveling visit.

After the shield: Furen Longbeard, Stormwind City.

Fire Hardened HauberkFire Hardened CoifFire Hardened GauntletsFire Hardened Leggings

Quest chain

1. Fire Hardened Mail → Furen's Armor

   The hauberk requires 50 spider fangs, 12 charred horns, a Galvanized Horn and Phlogiston from Roogug in Razorfen Kraul.

2. In parallel: Grimand Elmore → Burning Blood → Grimand's Armor

   Grimand’s branch: 20 Burning Blood and a Burning Rock. Rewards a coif.

3. In parallel: Klockmort Spannerspan → Iron Coral → Klockmort's Creation

   Klockmort’s branch: 20 Searing Coral. Rewards gauntlets.

4. Mathiel → Sunscorched Shells → Mathiel's Armor

   Mathiel’s branch requires 20 Sunscorched Shells and rewards leggings. The material branches can be prepared independently; access depends on the referral’s racial restriction.

25–30: Brutal Armor

Optional mail armor. Starts at 20; Phlogiston requires a Razorfen Kraul run.

Thun’grim Firegaze, The Barrens, 57.2, 30.3. Follow-up to Ruga’s trial.

Brutal HauberkBrutal GauntletsBrutal HelmBrutal Legguards

Quest chain

1. Brutal Armor → Brutal Hauberk

   The hauberk requires 15 Smoky Iron Ingots, 10 Powdered Azurite, 10 Iron Bars and Phlogiston from Roogug.

2. In parallel: Ula'elek and the Brutal Gauntlets → Satyr Hooves → Brutal Gauntlets

   Ula’elek in Sen’jin Village: 7 Uncloven Satyr Hooves for gauntlets.

3. In parallel: Orm Stonehoof and the Brutal Helm → Chimaeric Horn → Brutal Helm

   Orm Stonehoof in Thunder Bluff: a Galvanized Horn for the helm.

4. In parallel: Velora Nitely and the Brutal Legguards → Dragonmaw Shinbones → Brutal Legguards

   Velora Nitely in Undercity: 8 Sturdy Dragonmaw Shinbones for legguards.

30: Berserker Stance

Unlocks Berserker Stance and Intercept, adding options to the main Protection route.

Trainer → Klannoc Macleod, Fray Island, The Barrens.

Quest chain

1. The Islander

   The stage begins with Klannoc on the island.

2. The Affray

   Completion requires the arena fights and victory over Big Will.

30–40: Whirlwind Weapon

One two-handed weapon is available after the Berserker Stance chain. In the Protection route, it serves as equipment for a subsequent role change. The final enemy is a level-40 elite.

Klannoc → Bath’rah the Windwatcher, Alterac Mountains, 80.5, 66.9.

Whirlwind AxeWhirlwind SwordWhirlwind Warhammer

Quest chain

1. The Windwatcher

   The continuation is available from Bath’rah after the arena.

2. Cyclonian

   Required materials are 8 Liferoot, 30 Bloodscalp Tusks and an Essence of the Exile.

3. Essence of the Exile

   The essence requires 8 each of Burning, Thundering and Cresting Charms from Arathi Highlands elementals. Bath’rah’s cauldron combines them as part of the previous quest’s preparation.

4. The Summoning

   Material delivery is followed by the encounter with Cyclonian. Completion at level 30 requires assistance.

5. Whirlwind Weapon

   The reward is one two-handed weapon of choice.

50+: Diamond Flask

A Strength trinket with an active effect. Preparation precedes a single Sunken Temple visit; the reward can be selected once.

Trainer → Fallen Hero of the Horde, Swamp of Sorrows, 34.3, 66.1. Both factions.

Fury VisorDiamond FlaskRazorsteel Shoulders

Quest chain

1. A Troubled Spirit

   The stage begins with the Fallen Hero.

2. Warrior Kinship

   Completion requires defeating 7 Helboar in the Blasted Lands and returning to the Fallen Hero.

3. War on the Shadowsworn

   The targets are the listed Shadowsworn in the Blasted Lands.

4. Voodoo Feathers

   The quest requires feathers from the six balcony trolls in the Sunken Temple. The recommended reward is Diamond Flask.

Pre-raid · 60

At 60, equipment is selected for the intended specialization. Required drops may justify repeated dungeon visits. One-time quest rewards are allocated to the primary role.

Sources

ForeverChanges: patch notes · Talents · Spellbook · Items · Wowhead Forever

Talent data and spell tooltips: Talents Forever, CC BY 4.0. Game names, icons and tooltip text © Blizzard Entertainment.

Class artwork — Horde: Blizzard Entertainment; Alliance: James Ryman.