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    ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan or ShadowClan: Which Clan to Pick

    Updated

    Your Clan is the biggest choice in Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest. It decides your home territory, your starting stats and which of the four Sagas you play. Here are ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan and ShadowClan side by side, with the book cats you meet and our pick for a first run. Checked on October 23, 2026.

    The four Clans compared

    ClanTraitTerritorySaga achievementBook cats shown
    ThunderClanCourageousDense forestThunderClan SaviorBrightheart and Ivypool appear in the reveal art
    RiverClanGracefulMarshlandRiverClan SaviorNone named yet
    WindClanSwiftOpen moorlandWindClan SaviorTallstar appears in the reveal art
    ShadowClanCunningDark pine swampShadowClan SaviorTawnypelt appears on the cover and in the reveal art

    The traits are the publisher's own one-word descriptions. IGN's developer interview confirms your Clan shapes your base stats, along with your level and training, while the moves you learn come from your choices on the journey.

    ThunderClan

    • Trait: Courageous
    • Territory: Dense forest
    • Saga: finishing it unlocks ThunderClan Savior
    • Book cats: Brightheart and Ivypool appear in the reveal art

    The Clan of the first books (Firestar's Clan). Forest hunters who stalk prey through undergrowth and climb trees.

    Pick ThunderClan if you want the classic story feel and a forest full of trees to climb (Agile Cat asks for 20 different trees).

    RiverClan

    • Trait: Graceful
    • Territory: Marshland
    • Saga: finishing it unlocks RiverClan Savior
    • Book cats: None named yet

    Swimmers and fishers. In the books they are the only Clan comfortable in water.

    Pick RiverClan if you like water and marsh scenery and a less obvious Clan for your first run.

    WindClan

    • Trait: Swift
    • Territory: Open moorland
    • Saga: finishing it unlocks WindClan Savior
    • Book cats: Tallstar appears in the reveal art

    Fast moor runners who chase rabbits in the open, with little cover.

    Pick WindClan if you like speed and wide-open maps where you can see threats coming.

    ShadowClan

    • Trait: Cunning
    • Territory: Dark pine swamp
    • Saga: finishing it unlocks ShadowClan Savior
    • Book cats: Tawnypelt appears on the cover and in the reveal art

    Night hunters of the pines, known for cunning and for being the least trusted Clan.

    Pick ShadowClan if you want a darker story and like sneak attacks (Shadow Hunter asks for 10 sneak-attack pounces).

    A white cat splashing across a shallow forest stream
    Shallow streams and marshes run through the Lake Territories. Image: TRAILMARK Games, from the game's Steam page

    Which Clan to start with

    If you've read the books, start with your favourite: the Sagas are new stories, so nothing is spoiled. If you haven't, ThunderClan is the natural first pick: it's the Clan the series starts with, and its forest has plenty of trees for Agile Cat. Pick ShadowClan second if you enjoyed sneak attacks, then RiverClan and WindClan.

    Whichever you choose, do the “same cat” achievements (20 trees, 16 sunning spots) on your first cat so you don't have to repeat them. The beginner guide covers ranks, combat and herbs.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the best Clan in Warrior Cats: Clans of the Forest?

    There is no best Clan: each has its own Saga and achievement, so 100% means playing all four. Your Clan sets your base stats and home territory. For a first run, pick the story and territory you like: ThunderClan for the classic forest, RiverClan for marshes and water, WindClan for open moors, ShadowClan for a darker, sneakier story.

    Can you change Clans in Clans of the Forest?

    You choose your Clan when you start a story. To play another Clan's Saga, start a new story with a new cat.

    Is SkyClan in the game?

    No. Only the four original Clans are playable: ThunderClan, RiverClan, WindClan and ShadowClan.

    Which book characters are in Clans of the Forest?

    Nine cats from the books appear. The official reveal art showed Brightheart, Tawnypelt, Tallstar and Ivypool; Tawnypelt and Brightheart are on the cover. The other five haven't been named officially yet.

    Where is Clans of the Forest set?

    Around the lake, in the Lake Territories from the later books: the four Clan territories plus the Moonpool and the Island, where the Gatherings take place.

    Sources

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