In the world's blockbuster of an MMORPG, World of Warcraft, there exists 2 types of classes: role-specific classes and hybrid classes. Dedicated classes are those characters that are focused on satisfying a particular function in the game. Hybrid classes, on the other hand, are those classes who can satisfy multiple roles, in accordance with their desired playing style as well as the requirements of a given situation.
There are merely 3 classes which are empowered with skill sets to become hybrids: pallies, shamans, and druids.
Of these 3 classes, druids are the most efficient when it comes to fulfilling diverse roles. Druids are, truth to say, so effective, it may appear that the term "hybrid" was formulated especially for them.
Druids, specced as feral, make great tanks. In fact, when it comes to mob control, druids are comparable to warriors, warriors being a role-specific tanking class. Though druids cannot wear shields, they enjoy a 400% increase in armor rating once in dire bear form. Armor, stamina, defense and dodge rating are the main numbers that a tanking druid will have to focus on.
Druids specced as feral are likewise fantastic damage dealing characters. The melee damage they unleash are only second to rogues, rogues being a dedicated melee damage dealing class. Druids in cat form possess similar skills with rogues. Druids can hide in shadows and attack enemies from behind for utmost damage. The attack system is likewise similar to a rogue's, with a hundred energy points alloted for several combo strikes.
Druids specced as balance are likewise fantastic damage dealers. In moonkin form, druids can unleash DPS like a mage, a role-specific spell DPS character. Though moonkins don't have the mana efficiency of mages, they can use a special move called innervate to make them regenerate mana quickly.
Druids specced as restoration are very much in demand these days, what with fantastic HOTs, or heals over time, they can cast. HOTs are essential in many end game situations, and druids cast the best HOTs in the MMORPG. Because HOTs empower druids to heal one target and proceed to the next, druids are comparable shamans when it comes to group healing.
In WoW, you will eventually have to make a decision whether you want to be a tank, a healer or a the firepower of the group in taking down mobs before they take down your party.