Want a Mage as Alliance? Go a Gnome, of course. Want a Marksman Hunter as Horde? Go the ranged happy Trolls.



But for Warriors on the Horde side, race choice is difficult, so here's my thoughts on the Tauren for those of you on the fence.

Before I begin - let me say this:

It doesn't matter which race you choose - you'll be effective in any spec. Just choose a race you like!

You power gaming stat counters out there that just want pure power, read on... and anyone who is torn between two (or three) choices, and want help with a decision, you'll find what you need here, too.

Defining Features of the Tauren Class:

1. Physically the largest class in the game

2. May Stomp

3. Increased Health

4. Herbalism Bonus

5. Nature Resistance

These are the major features of the class that are worth discussing.

Point 1: Largest Warrior Race.

This feature of Taurens is obviously moot for PvE & running instances, but for PvP my personal experience shows it makes a big difference.

Who are you going to attack in PvP? A Tauren wielding two monstrous double handed weapons or an undead warrior? A Tauren with a shield as big as 4 gnomes stacked up, or an Orc? Physical size will simply draw more attention to you, and there's not much you can do about it!

* Negative for PvP Players

Point 2: War Stomp!

One of the finer racial attributes in the game, War Stomp can be very handy in many different situations, but it generally won't turn the tide of battle for a Tauren Warrior. Tauren Shamans, Tauren Druids though? Yes... a stomp might give them time for a heal, while a Warrior is merely giving himself one extra attack. Nothing to sneeze at, but not exactly exciting.

War Stomp can be used to interrupt spell casts, stunning up to 5 targets within 8 yards for 2 seconds. So I see War Stomp best utilized in leveling and raids, while in PvP its nice, but the 2 second stun is very weak compared to other stunning abilities Rogues and Paladins have.

* Good for dungeons and raids,

* Good for leveling,

* So-so for PvP

Point 3: Increased Health

This racial trait is the one reason you see so many Horde tanks rolling a Tauren Warrior - extra health means taking more damage before you die, which means a more desirable and capable tank. If you're a power gamer, or simply want a Warrior with the most health in World of Warcraft, this is the race for you.

This trait is versatile and will help you out in any setting, especially if you choose a Protection Warrior.

* Great for dungeons and raids,

* Great for leveling,

* Great for PvP.

Point 4: Herbalism Bonus

Despite the fact a +15 herbalism bonus is pretty much useless in the long term, taking herbalism as a Tauren Warrior means two great things, especially when stacked with other racial traits.

1. You get a healing spell that will help you last out even longer, and

2. You'll get plenty of healing pots if you choose alchemy to go with it!

Together with your huge health, these two professions can make you seem practically unstoppable. I like that!

So, considering the fact I think the Herbalism buff in of itself is useless, using Herbalism & alchemy is:

* Great for dungeons and raids,

* Great for leveling,

* Great for PvP.

Point 5: Nature Resistance

Nature resistance is nice - while obviously only making up a small amount of damage caused against you, either in the Pve environment, or by Shamans & Druids in PvP, any resistance is a good thing to further enhance your lastability in combat.

* So-so for dungeons and raids,

* So-so for leveling,

* So-so for PvP (almost edging towards good).

My Final Thoughts:

Tauren Warriors are without question one of the best tanks in World of Warcraft, taking a protection specced Tauren with herbalism/alchemy, or herbalism/mining (for the stamina boost) is not the "I win button", but its a super effective combination.

There's one other thing though... they sorta appear to be cows that stand up right... I hope you like that kinda thing...!

Personally? I think Undead are the beez kneez - but who cares what I think, its what you like! Choose accordingly!