Every World of Warcraft Expansion in Chronological Order
World of Warcraft (WoW) has been a titan in the world of MMORPGs since its launch in 2004. Over the years, Blizzard Entertainment has built out the game’s universe with a series of expansion packs, each introducing new regions, enemies, and adventures. Here's a look at every World of Warcraft expansion, listed in chronological order. Paysafecard is an online payment method as secure as using cash and can be used purchase WoW expansion packs from the Blizzard Store.
1. The Burning Crusade (2007)
Release Date: 16 January 2007
The Burning Crusade was WoW’s first expansion, marking the arrival of two new playable races: the Blood Elves for the Horde and the Draenei for the Alliance. Players journeyed to Outland, a shattered world home to demons and powerful new foes, most notably Illidan Stormrage, the expansion’s primary antagonist. The level cap was raised from 60 to 70, and flying mounts were introduced, transforming how players explored the game.
2. Wrath of the Lich King (2008)
Release Date: 13 November 2008
Wrath of the Lich King took players to Northrend, the frozen continent, to confront one of Warcraft’s most iconic villains, Arthas Menethil, the Lich King. This expansion added the first hero class, the Death Knight, and raised the level cap to 80. Wrath is remembered for its rich lore, epic raids like Icecrown Citadel, and its focus on Arthas’s tragic descent into darkness.
3. Cataclysm (2010)
Release Date: 7 December 2010
In Cataclysm, the ancient dragon Deathwing shattered Azeroth, causing massive changes to the game’s original world. The expansion revamped many of the old zones, giving them a fresh look and new quests. Two new playable races, the Worgen for the Alliance and Goblins for the Horde, were introduced, while the level cap was increased to 85. Cataclysm brought significant updates to the game's mechanics and a complete overhaul of the world players were familiar with.
4. Mists of Pandaria (2012)
Release Date: 25 September 2012
Mists of Pandaria introduced the Pandaren, a previously neutral race, and the Monk class. The expansion focused on the mysterious continent of Pandaria, which had been hidden for millennia. The level cap was raised to 90, and a greater emphasis was placed on exploration and adventure, with players engaging in a more whimsical and philosophical narrative compared to previous expansions. Though divisive at launch, Mists gained appreciation for its vibrant landscapes and unique storylines.
5. Warlords of Draenor (2014)
Release Date: 13 November 2014
In Warlords of Draenor, players travelled back in time to an alternate version of Draenor, where the orcish Warlords sought to create their own destiny. The level cap was raised to 100, and the expansion introduced the Garrison system, allowing players to build and customise their own strongholds. Warlords of Draenor also brought graphical improvements, updating character models for the first time since WoW’s launch.
6. Legion (2016)
Release Date: 30 August 2016
Legion brought back the Burning Legion as Azeroth’s primary threat, with the return of Illidan and the introduction of the new Demon Hunter class. Set in the Broken Isles, players worked to defeat the Legion and prevent Sargeras’s dark forces from conquering Azeroth. The level cap was raised to 110, and the expansion introduced Artifact Weapons, which became powerful tools that players could customise and empower throughout their journey.
7. Battle for Azeroth (2018)
Release Date: 14 August 2018
Battle for Azeroth returned to the core conflict between the Alliance and Horde. The expansion explored themes of factional warfare, with players delving into new zones such as Kul Tiras and Zandalar. The level cap increased to 120, and new features like Warfronts and Island Expeditions were introduced. Allied Races also made their debut, allowing players to unlock and play new variations of existing races.
8. Shadowlands (2020)
Release Date: 23 November 2020
Shadowlands took players beyond the veil into the realm of the afterlife. The expansion introduced four Covenants, each with unique abilities and storylines. Players explored zones such as Bastion, Maldraxxus, and the Maw while trying to stop the Jailer, a sinister force threatening all of existence. Shadowlands also introduced a new level scaling system, with the level cap reduced to 60, streamlining the levelling experience.
9. Dragonflight (2022)
Release Date: 28 November 2022
Dragonflight returned to Azeroth, focusing on the Dragon Isles and the awakening of powerful dragonflights. The new playable race and class, the Dracthyr Evoker, was introduced, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay. Dragonflight raised the level cap to 70, reintroduced talent trees, and brought a revamped flying system called Dragonriding, which gave players dynamic new ways to traverse the world.
10. The War Within (2024)
Release Date: 26 August 2024
The War Within is the first entry in The Worldsoul Saga series. It reacquaints players with Earthen (a Titan-created race that was also in Northrend), and there’s several new zones and endgame content. Harbinger of the Void is the main villain, whose plan is to use his sizable army of deadly arachnids to conquer all of Azeroth.
World of Warcraft Expansions: A Legacy of Adventure
Over the years, each expansion has added to World of Warcraft’s ever-expanding universe, keeping its community engaged with new content, mechanics, and stories. Whether you’re nostalgic for the battles of Northrend or excited to explore the Dragon Isles, WoW’s expansions have shaped one of the most iconic MMORPGs of all time. With new adventures always on the horizon, the World of Warcraft journey is far from over.
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