Shades are disembodied spirits and are similar to ghosts in that they are the spectral remains of a once-living person. They are far more chaotic and bestial than ghosts however, and more dark and spectral, with their original race being impossible to determine. These often restless spirits are mostly found in the Plaguelands, other undead-infested areas, and the village surrounding the mysterious tower of Karazhan. Because they do not have a real body, some shades are immune to physical damage.

Due to their invisibility, shades are employed by the Scourge as spies and scouts. They are created from the sacrifice of acolytes of the Cult of the Damned.

In Warcraft III, they can’t attack, but in World of Warcraft, they attack with shadow-based spells and melee attacks.