Druid • Balance • PVE

Balance Druid (PVE)

Caster DPS specializing in spell burst, control, and ranged pressure.

DPSPVE

Aldor vs Scryer

When you first reach Shattrath City at level 60 or higher, you are given a choice between two factions: The Aldor and the Scryers. This decision affects which rewards you can purchase, which quest lines you can pursue, and which faction strongholds you can access in Shadowmoon Valley. While it is possible to switch later, it is best to avoid making a haphazard choice. For Balance Druids, choosing between Aldor and Scryer is perfectly viable either way. The decision mainly comes down to how you want to handle Spell Hit early on and whether you value immediate gearing convenience or long-term scaling.

Before you choose

Here are the only things you need to know before picking a side.

Hit rating requirements

Balance Druids aim for roughly 12% Spell Hit, accounting for 4% gained from talents. You may be able to run less depending on group composition, but having a self-sufficient hit set is recommended.

Early convenience versus long-term power

Scryer makes early hit capping easier, while Aldor offers slightly better long-term scaling through enchants and future trinkets.

Tailoring is not a deal-breaker

Runic Spellthread can be traded freely, so faction choice should not be dictated by tailoring alone.

Future phases matter

Later content reduces the value of early hit items, making Aldor more attractive over time.

Aldor vs Scryer

Side-by-side comparison of early highlights, pros, and cons.

Neither choice is permanent, but your early gearing experience can feel very different depending on which faction you choose

Aldor

Recommended

Better shoulder enchantStronger long-term valueBest overall scaling

Highlights

Greater Inscription of Discipline is slightly stronger than the Scryer alternative
Provides more raw Spell Power, which scales very well for Balance Druids
Synergizes better with later phases, including Shattered Sun Pendant of Acumen

Cons

Does not provide early Spell Hit items
Requires making up hit rating through gems or other gear choices

Best if you are comfortable managing Spell Hit through gearing and want stronger long-term scaling.

Scryer

Early hit supportConvenient gearingStrong Phase 1 option

Highlights

Provides Scryer's Bloodgem, which helps reach early Spell Hit caps in Phase 1
Allows easier early gearing if you are short on hit rating
Scryer Tailors can craft Runic Spellthread themselves

Cons

Greater Inscription of the Orb is slightly weaker than the Aldor enchant
Early hit advantages diminish as gear improves

A strong early option if you want easier Phase 1 hit cap management.

Recommendation for Balance Druid PvE

We recommend choosing Aldor as a Balance Druid in TBC Classic. - Greater Inscription of Discipline is slightly stronger than Greater Inscription of the Orb. - Aldor scales better into later phases, including Phase 5. Scryer is a perfectly valid early option if you want easier hit capping in Phase 1, but Aldor offers the better long-term value.