If you’re new to playing a Druid, you’re new to shapeshifting. Today, I’m going to break down the various forms that Druid gets while leveling up, what their uses are and how they’re unique compared to other forms. Here we go!

Humanoid Form.

This, as you can probably guess, is the standard form that you start in, just like all characters. Why did I include it? Well, because it’s important to realize that you’re not restricted to just one form that you’ll acquire as you go. It’s useful to switch back into this form because you can do anything while in it, though your other forms are more specialized. For instance, when I was raiding Feral DPS, I’d often jump back into caster form to cast Tranquility and other spells when needed. Always keep in mind that this form has it’s value too on shape shifting yoga .

Bear Form

Bear Form is gained at level 10, though it’s not going to be optimal for leveling until around level 25-30 when you’re tanking multiple mobs. Bear Form gives you an increase to your armor class and makes you like a defensive warrior. Even at level 10, one can already see that the Druid in World of Warcraft is a versatile opponent.

Aquatic Form

Aquatic Form is gained at level 16 and performs one simple function. It let’s you breathe and swim fast underwater. This can be useful for travel and also some underwater quests and dungeons. Don’t forget about this at level 16. It has many applications. It can even be useful during PvP like Arathi Basin when swimming!

Cat Form

Cat form is a huge benchmark for the druid. Melee DPS is now possible, and with a little work and information about the correct builds and ability rotations, you can even start to compete with Rogues for damage. When you hit level 20, Cat Form is automatically given to you and should be used to level all the way to 80 if you’re looking for the fastest and most efficient path.

Travel Form

With the recent patch, Travel form is now learned at level 16. Damn you young kids! When I leveled my druid i had to wait until level 30 to run fast! Anyway, this form allows you to travel faster on land and makes up for the fact that you don’t have a mount yet. If you’ve ever played a Shaman, this form is very similar to Ghost Wolf and should be used when turning in quests, running to new locations, etc. However, unlike Ghost Wolf, this form is undispellable by casters so this makes for optimal flag running vehicle for Warsong Gulch as well.

Dire Bear Form

A bigger, badder Bear Form. =) achieved at level 40.

These are all of the basic druid forms you can achieve in World of Warcraft. Other forms are available, like Flight Form at level 60 (let’s you fly!), Moonkin Form (end of balance tree) and Tree of Life form (end of restoration tree), but those are explained with tool tips in your talent tree. Have fun with your druid in World of Warcraft!