World of Warcraft (WoW) Expansions

World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) from Blizzard Entertainment that came out in November 2004. Since then, the developers have pushed out multiple expansions to extend the main storyline and add more content than what was seen on launch day. Here is our detailed list of all expansions for WoW in production order.

• Read more: The Most Popular MMOs In 2024

Note that if you subscribe to WoW, you instantly gain access to all previous expansions and their content.

The Burning Crusade

Expansion number: 1

Release: January 16, 2007

The Burning Crusade (TBC) is WoW’s first expansion. It sees the heroes of Azeroth journeying beyond the Dark Portal to venture into the planet Draenor (Outland), the homeworld of the once-Shamanistic orcs, to directly take on the threat of the demonic Burning Legion.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in The Burning Crusade expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 60 to 70).
  
• New planet – Outland (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • Hellfire Peninsula (new zone).
  • Terokkar Forest (new zone).
  • Zangarmarsh (new zone).
  • Nagrand (new zone).
  • Blade’s Edge Mountains (new zone).
  • Shadowmoon Valley (new zone).
  • Shattrath City (new Sanctuary).
    
• New playable races:
  • Draenei (Alliance) – The exiled Eredar from Argus that followed the path of the Prophet Velen join the Alliance. They are the first Alliance race that can fill the role of the Shaman class.
  • Blood Elf (Horde) – Also known as the Sin’dorei, the Blood Elves worship the mighty Sunwell and join the Horde. They are the first Horde race that can fill the role of the Paladin class.
    
• New PvP Battleground:
  • Eye of the Storm (Netherstorm).
    
• Arenas – a new PvP system separate from battlegrounds that have players fighting in teams of 2v2, 3v3, or 5v5 deathmatches.
  • Ruins of Lordaeron (new arena stage in the Undercity).
  • Circle of Blood (new arena stage in the Blade’s Edge Mountains).
  • Ring of Trials (new arena stage in Nagrand).
    
• Flying mounts – rather than simply traveling at increased speed anywhere on the ground, players can now take to the skies on flying mounts exclusively in Outland.
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives five to six new abilities, with major revisions and additions to talents.
  
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids, many with separate wings, have been added to Azeroth and Outland.
  • Karazhan (Deadwind Pass, Azeroth) – Raid
  • Caverns of Time (Tanaris, Azeroth) – Dungeons and Raids
    • Escape from Durnhole Keep (Dungeon)
    • Opening the Dark Portal (Dungeon)
    • Battle for Mount Hyjal (Raid)
  • Zul’Aman (Ghostlands, Azeroth) – Raid
  • Isle of Quel’Danas (Quel’Thalas, Azeroth) – Dungeons and Raids
    • Magister’s Terrace (Dungeon)
    • Sunwell Plateau (Raid)
  • Hellfire Citadel (Hellfire Peninsula, Outland)
  • Coilfang Reservoir (Zangarmash, Outland)
  • Auchindoun (Terokkar Forest, Outland)
  • Tempest Keep (Netherstorm, Outland)
  • Gruul’s Lair (Blade’s Edge Mountains, Outland)
  • Black Temple (Shadowmoon Valley, Outland)
    
• Higher gear – Vanilla WoW ended with Naxxramas at Tier 3. The item/power level of gear in TBC has been increased to include Tier 4, Tier 5, and Tier 6 sets.
  
• Higher level professions – The level cap for professions has been increased (from Artisan/300 to Master/375).
  
• New profession (Jewelcrafting) – players can now craft necklaces, rings, trinkets, and various special jewels for socketed items.

Wrath of the Lich King

Expansion number: 2

Release: November 13, 2008

Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) is WoW’s second expansion. It sees the heroes of Azeroth journeying up to the snowy, brutally cold continent of Northrend to take on Arthas Menethil, the Lich King, and the endless threat of the undead Scourge.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 70 to 80).
  
• New continent – Northrend (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • Howling Fjord (new zone).
  • Borean Tundra (new zone).
  • Dragonblight (new zone).
  • Grizzly Hills (new zone).
  • Zul’Drak (new zone).
  • Sholazar Basin (new zone).
  • The Storm Peaks (new zone).
  • Crystalsong Forest (new zone).
  • Hrothgar’s Landing (new zone).
  • Icecrown (new zone).
  • Dalaran (new Sanctuary).
    
• New class:
  • Death Knight – a new Hero class available for any race/faction. Starts at level 55 in Acherus, the Ebon Hold (requires a previous character that has reached level 55 to unlock). Death Knights are former servants of the Lich King who have broken free of his control and now serve the ranks of the Horde and the Alliance.
    
• New spells and talents – Each class receives an additional 10 talent points, with several new abilities for each to learn.
  
• Duel Talent Specialization – Players can instantly swap between an alternative talent spec for a one-time fee of 1000g.
  
• Barber shops – Players can change the hairstyles of existing toons using barber shops, but not alter their toons’ bodies or sizes.
  
• Higher gear – The Burning Crusade ended with Sunwell Plateau at Tier 6. The item/power level of gear in WotLK has been increased to include Tier 7, Tier 8, Tier 9, and Tier 10 sets.
  
• Higher level professions – The level cap for professions has been increased (from Master/375 to Grand Master/450).
  
• New profession (Inscription) – players can now create scrolls, glyphs, vellum, and more.
  
• Achievements – for the first time in WoW, players will be able to accrue achievements that showcase their various accomplishments throughout their journey.
  
• Looking For Group Finder – for the first time in WoW, players can use a new group finder tool that will automatically set up a 5-man party with configurations for necessary roles and instantly teleport to a dungeon upon completion. This saves tremendous time asking chat channels to find players for group content.
  
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids, many with separate wings, have been added to Azeroth and Northrend.
  • Utgarde Keep (Howling Fjord, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Utgarde Pinnacle (Howling Fjord, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • The Nexus (Coldarra, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Oculus (Coldarra, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Drak’Tharon Keep (Zul’Drak, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Gundrak (Zul’Drak, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Azjol-Nerub (Dragonblight, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom (Dragonblight, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Violet Hold (Dalaran, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Caverns of Time: Culling of Stratholme (Tanaris, Azeroth) – Dungeon
  • Onyxia’s Lair (Dustwallow Marsh, Azeroth) – Raid
  • Naxxramas (Dragonblight, Northrend) – Raid
  • Eye of Eternity (Coldarra, Northrend) – Raid
  • Vault of Archavon (Wintergrasp, Northrend) – Raid
  • Obsidian Sanctum (Dragonblight, Northrend) – Raid
  • Halls of Stone (The Storm Peaks, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Halls of Lightning (The Storm Peaks, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Ulduar (The Storm Peaks, Northrend) – Raid
  • Trial of the Champion (Icecrown, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Trial of the Crusader (Icecrown, Northrend) – Raid
  • Forge of Souls (Icecrown, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Pit of Saron (Icecrown, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Halls of Reflection (Icecrown, Northrend) – Dungeon
  • Icecrown Citadel (Icecrown, Northrend) – Raid
    
• New PvP Battlegrounds:
  • Strand of the Ancients (Dragonblight, Northrend) features siege warfare, with players able to mount massive engines and turret cannons.
  • Isle of Conquest (Northrend) has teams of up to 40 players each engaging in battle to capture critical points on the map including oil refineries, siege workshops, and a gunship.
    
• New PvP Arenas – two new locations feature moving objects like waterfalls and pillars with the ability to damage objects to create line-of-sight strategies.
  • Orgrimmar Arena
  • Dalaran Sewers Arena
    
• New World PvP – a zone called Wintergrasp in the center of Northrend allows players to engage in combat against the opposing faction in the open world with multiple bosses spread throughout. These bosses drop tokens that let you purchase gear.
  
• Cold Weather Flying – pay 1,000g to be able to use flying mounts in Northrend from as early as level 77.
  
• Mounts no longer take up space in your bag.

Cataclysm

Expansion number: 3

Release: December 7, 2010

Cataclysm (Cata) is WoW’s third expansion. After being twisted into insanity and corruption by the Old Gods, Neltharion the Earth Warder has reawakened to terrorize Azeroth. Players of both factions must band together to take on the new threat that is Deathwing the Destroyer.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Cataclysm expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 80 to 85).
  
• Players return to Azeroth to face new threats in the following zones:
  • Mount Hyjal (new zone)
  • Vash’jir (new zone)
  • Deepholm (new zone)
  • Uldum (new zone)
  • Twilight Highlands (new zone)
  • Gilneas (new zone)
  • Kezan (new zone)
  • Lost Isles (new zone)
  • Molten Front (new zone)
    
• New playable races:
  • Worgen (Alliance) – The legendary kingdom of Gilneas has reopened its doors, with the mighty Worgen joining the ranks of the Alliance.
  • Goblin (Horde) – From the isle of Kezan, the Goblins of the Bilgewater Carter join the ranks of the Horde.
    
• Tol Barad is a new daily quest hub and PvP zone.
  
• Azeroth World Changes
  • Due to the ruthless destruction caused by Deathwing’s return, much of the world of Azeroth has been dramatically altered. This has resulted in major environmental changes.
  • These environments see revisions to quests and progression for every single zone, with new leveling experiences.
  • Gnomes and Darkspear Trolls have new starting areas.
    
• Flying Mounts can now be used in Azeroth, save for zones introduced in TBC such as Eversong Woods and Azuremyst Isle.
  
• Dungeon Journal – a new tool for players that lists the abilities, phases, and loot of bosses for dungeons, raid instances, and outdoor raids. It also suggests playable content for your character’s current level.
  
• Transmogrification – for the first time in WoW, players can change the appearance of their weapons and armor without actually equipping it, thereby maintaining the equipment stats of their higher-level gear.
  
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been added to Azeroth. Deadmines and Shadowfang Keep have been updated and synced with current content. Zul’Gurub and Zul’Aman, previously raids, have been made into dungeons.
  • Blackrock Caverns (Blackrock Mountain) – Dungeon
  • Throne of the Tides (Vash’jir) – Dungeon
  • Halls of Origination (Uldum) – Dungeon
  • Vortex Pinnacle (Uldum) – Dungeon
  • Stonecore (Deepholm) – Dungeon
  • Lost City of the Tol’vir (Uldum) – Dungeon
  • Grim Batol (Twilight Highlands) – Dungeon
  • Baradin Hold (Tol Barad) – Raid
  • Blackwing Descent (Blackrock Mountain) – Raid
  • Bastion of Twilight (Twilight Highlands) – Raid
  • Throne of the Four Winds (Uldum) – Raid
  • Firelands (Mount Hyjal) – Raid
  • Dragon Soul (Dragonblight) – Raid
    
• New PvP Battlegrounds:
  • Battle for Gilneas – players fight to take control of the northwest part of Gilneas similar to Arathi Basin.
  • Twin Peaks – a capture-the-flag battleground similar to Warsong Gulch.
    
• Higher gear – Wrath of the Lich King ended with Icecrown Citadel at Tier 10. The item/power level of gear in Cata has been increased to include Tier 11, Tier 12, and Tier 13 sets.
  
• Higher level professions – The level cap for professions has been increased (from Grand Master/450 to Illustrious Grand Master/525).
  
• New secondary profession – Archaeology encourages players to explore zones all across Azeroth to survey digs and collect fragments to progress field research.
  
• Reforging is a new form of gear progression that allows players to further fine-tune equipment stats by converting percentages of secondary stats into another (e.g., Crit > Hit).
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents, but trees have been cut down to 31 points.
  
• Race and class combinations have been extended for both the Horde and Alliance.

Mists of Pandaria

Expansion number: 4

Release: September 25, 2012

Mists of Pandaria (MoP) is WoW’s fourth expansion. After a naval skirmish between the Alliance and Horde, it sees the heroes of Azeroth washed ashore on to the continent of Pandaria to deal with the threat of the Sha. These are ephemeral, dark entities that have appeared in the wake of the conflict.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Mists of Pandaria expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 85 to 90).
  
• New continent – Pandaria (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • The Wandering Isle (new starting zone).
  • The Jade Forest (new zone).
  • Valley of the Four Winds (new zone).
  • Krasarang Wilds (new zone).
  • Kun-Lai Summit (new zone).
  • Townlong Steppes (new zone).
  • The Veiled Stair (new zone).
  • Vale of Eternal Blossoms (new zone).
  • The Veiled Stair (new zone).
  • Isle of Thunder (new zone).
  • Isle of Giants (new zone).
  • Timeless Isle (new zone).
    
• New playable race:
  • Pandaren (Horde/Alliance) – The enigmatic Pandaren, once slaves of the cruel Mogu warlords, have achieved independence and forged their own empire. After the protective mists around Pandaria dissipate, followers of the Tushui and Huojin disciplines decide to join the ranks of either the Horde or Alliance.
    
• New class:
  • Monk – a hybrid melee class that wears leather gear and comes with three specializations including Brewmaster (tank), Windwalker (melee DPS), and Mistweaver (healer).
    
• Scenarios – players can queue for micro-dungeons called Scenarios that allow for the progression of end-game content in parties of three without the need for a tank or healer.
  
• Challenge Mode – players can take on specialized versions of dungeons on a timer for unique rewards.
  
• Pet Battle System – inspired by franchises like Pokémon, pets have now been expanded to be more than simple follower companions.
  
• Account-wide achievements, mounts, and pets.
  
• Area of Effect (AoE) looting – rather than having to loot each individual enemy in large mobs, players can now loot a single body to grab all loot nearby (provided it fits in bags).
  
• Farms – in the Valley of the Four Winds, players receive their own phased areas to progress arable farmland while receiving rewards and reputation.
  
• Cross-Realm Zones – players can meet and group up with players in other less populated zones flagged for CR.
  
• Black Market Auction House – players can bid on special items not normally sold by NPCs or on the traditional AH.
  
• Additional character slots – players can now have up to 11 toons per server.
  
• Proving Grounds – a special solo challenge that allows players to learn and demonstrate their prowess with a specific role (tank/DPS/healer).
  
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids, many with separate wings, have been included with the addition of Pandaria. Classic dungeons including Scholomance, Scarlet Monastery (with Scarlet Halls), and Ragefire Chasm have been updated.
  • Temple of the Jade Serpent (The Jade Forest) – Dungeon.
  • Stormtout Brewery (Valley of the Four Winds) – Dungeon.
  • Shado-Pan Monastery (Kun-Lai Summit) – Dungeon.
  • Mogu-shan Palace (Vale of Eternal Blossoms) – Dungeon.
  • Gate of the Setting Sun (Serpent’s Spine) – Dungeon.
  • Siege of Niuzao Temple (Townlong Steppes) – Dungeon.
  • Mogu’shan Vaults (Kun-Lai Summit) – Raid.
  • Heart of Fear (Dread Wastes) – Raid.
  • Terrace of Endless Spring (The Veiled Stair) – Raid.
  • Throne of Thunder (Isle of Thunder) – Raid.
  • Siege of Orgrimmar (Vale of Eternal Blossoms) – Raid.
    
• New PvP Battlegrounds:
  • Deepwind Gorge – players capture bases and seize resources in the Valley of the Four Winds.
  • Silvershard Mines – players capture mine carts and seize resources below Stranglethorn Vale.
  • Temple of Kotmogu – players capture resources and seize Orbs in Pandaria.
    
• New PvP Arenas:
  • Tiger’s Peak (Kun-Lai Summit).
  • Tol’vir Proving Rounds (Uldum).
    
• Higher gear – Cataclysm ended with Dragon Soul at Tier 13. The item/power level of gear in MoP has been increased to include Tier 14, Tier 15, and Tier 16 sets.
  
• Higher level professions – The level cap for professions has been increased (from Illustrious Grand Master/525 to Zen Master/600).
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents. Point-based talent trees have been removed in favor of player class specializations with six levels and three choices per tier.

Warlords of Draenor

Expansion number: 5

Release: November 13, 2014

Warlords of Draenor (WoD) is WoW’s fifth expansion. In the aftermath of the Siege of Orgrimmar, Horde Warchief Garrosh Hellscream used the Sha of Pride to create an alternate timeline. On the planet Draenor, the orcs refuse the blood of the Pit Lord Mannoroth and establish the Iron Horde.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Warlords of Draenor expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 90 to 100).
  
• New planet – Draenor (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • Frostfire Ridge (new zone).
  • Talador (new zone).
  • Nagrand (new zone).
  • Spires of Arak (new zone).
  • Gorgrond (new zone).
  • Shadowmoon Valley (new zone).
  • Tanaan Jungle (new zone).
    
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been added with the addition of Draenor. The classic dungeon/mini-raid Upper Blackrock Spire (UBRS) has been updated.
  • Auchindoun (Talador) – Dungeon.
  • Bloodmaul Slag Mines (Frostfire Ridge, Draenor) – Dungeon.
  • The Everbloom (Gorgrond, Draenor) – Dungeon.
  • Grimrail Depot (Gorgrond, Draenor) – Dungeon.
  • Iron Docks (Gorgrond, Draenor) – Dungeon.
  • Shadowmoon Burial Grounds (Shadowmoon Valley, Draenor) – Dungeon.
  • Skyreach (Spires of Arak, Draenor) – Dungeon.
  • Upper Blackrock Spire (Blackrock Mountain, Azeroth) – Dungeon.
  • Highmaul (Nagrand, Draenor) – Raid.
  • Blackrock Foundry (Gorgrond, Draenor) – Raid.
  • Hellfire Citadel (Tanaan Jungle, Draenor) – Raid.
    
• Adventure Guide – formerly known as the Dungeon Journal, the Adventure Guide offers tons of new and improved features to guide players.
  
• Higher gear – Mists of Pandaria ended with Siege of Orgrimmar at Tier 16. The item/power level of gear in WoD has been increased to include Tier 17 and Tier 18 sets.
  
• Higher level professions – The level cap for professions has been increased (from Zen Master/600 to Draenor Master/700).
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents.
  
• New character models – old textures and 3D models of player characters and NPCs have been updated with modern graphics while retaining the soul of the original designs.
  
• Garrisons – a form of player housing in which the heroes of Azeroth can set up a base in Frostfire Ridge (Horde) or Shadowmoon Valley (Alliance).
  
• Ashran – a large-scale zone for world PvP in which players can come together to engage in thrilling combat.
  
• New PvP Battleground:
  • Tarren Mill vs. Southshore – in honor of the glory days of vanilla WoW world PvP, the areas of Tarren Mill and Southshore have been turned into a limited-time deathmatch 100v100 battleground.
    
• Mercenary Mode – in unrated PvP battlegrounds, players can queue up as a member of the opposite faction in a bid to reduce queue times.

Legion

Expansion number: 6

Release: August 30, 2016

Legion is WoW’s sixth expansion. The orc warlock Gul’dan from Draenor’s alternate timeline arrives in the main timeline Azeroth. He steals the body of Illidan Stormrage and uses the Tomb of Sargeras to open a new Dark Portal that allows the Burning Legion to invade.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Legion expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 100 to 110).
  
• New continent – The Broken Isles (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • The Broken Shore (new zone).
  • Val’sharah (new zone).
  • Azsuna (new zone).
  • Stormheim (new zone).
  • Highmountain (new zone).
  • Suramar (new zone).
  • Argus (new planet/zone).
    • Krokuun (new zone).
    • Mac’Aree (new zone).
    • Antoran Wastes (new zone).
      
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been included with the addition of The Broken Isles. The classic dungeon Violet Hold and raid Karazhan have been updated.
  • Darkheart Thicket (Val’sharah) – Dungeon.
  • Black Rook Hold (Val’sharah) – Dungeon.
  • Vault of the Wardens (Azsuna) – Dungeon.
  • Eye of Azshara (Azsuna) – Dungeon.
  • Neltharion’s Lair (Highmountain) – Dungeon.
  • Maw of Souls (Stormheim) – Dungeon.
  • The Arcway (Suramar) – Dungeon.
  • Court of Stars (Suramar) – Dungeon.
  • Assault on Violet Hold (Dalaran) – Dungeon.
  • Return to Karazhan (Deadwind Pass) – Dungeon.
  • Cathedral of Eternal Night (Broken Shore) – Dungeon.
  • Seat of the Triumvirate (Argus) – Dungeon.
  • The Emerald Nightmare (Val’sharah) – Raid.
  • Trial of Valor (Stormheim) – Raid.
  • The Nighthold (Suramar) – Raid.
  • The Tomb of Sargeras (The Broken Shore) – Raid.
  • Antorus, The Burning Throne (Argus) – Raid.
    
• New class:
  • Demon Hunter – in a desperate attempt to stop Gul’dan and the threat of the Burning Legion, the wardens have opened the prison gates housing the Illidari. Demon Hunters join the ranks of the Alliance (Night Elves) and Horde (Blood Elves).
    
• Artifact Weapons: Players will wield an exclusive new weapon based on their class/talent spec for the entirety of the expansion. Each Artifact is customizable by appearance and talent specs, and known to be some of the most powerful items in the storyline.
  • Death Knight artifacts
    • Maw of the Damned (Blood).
    • Blades of the Fallen Prince (Frost).
    • Apocalypse (Unholy).
  • Demon Hunter artifacts
    • Twinblades of the Deceiver (Havoc).
    • Aldrachi Warblades (Vengeance).
  • Druid artifacts
    • Scythe of Elune (Balance).
    • Fangs of Ashamane (Feral).
    • Claws of Ursoc (Guardian).
    • G’Hanir, the Mother Tree (Restoration).
  • Hunter artifacts
    • Titanstrike (Beast Mastery).
    • Thas’dorah, Legacy of the Windrunners (Marksmanship).
    • Talonclaw (Survival).
  • Mage artifacts
    • Aluneth (Arcane).
    • Felo’melorn and Heart of the Phoenix (Fire).
    • Ebonchill (Frost).
  • Monk artifacts
    • Fu Zan, the Wanderer’s Companion (Brewmaster).
    • Sheilun, Staff of the Mists (Mistweaver).
    • Fists of the Heavens (Windwalker).
  • Paladin artifacts
    • The Silver Hand (Holy).
    • Truthguard and Oathseeker (Protection).
    • Ashbringer (Retribution).
  • Priest artifacts
    • Light’s Wrath (Discipline)
    • T’uure, Beacon of the Naaru (Holy).
    • Xal’atath, Blade of the Black Empire and Secrets of the Void (Shadow).
  • Rogue artifacts
    • Anguish and Sorrow (Assassination).
    • Fate and Fortune (Outlaw).
    • Gorefang and Akaari’s Will (Subtlety).
  • Shaman artifacts
    • The Fist of Ra-den and The Highkeeper’s Ward (Elemental).
    • Doomhammer and Fury of the Stonemother (Enhancement).
    • Sharas’dal, Scepter of Tides and Shield of the Sea Queen (Restoration).
  • Warlock artifacts
    • Ulthalesh, the Deadwind Harvester (Affliction).
    • Skull of the Man’ari and Spine of Thal’kiel (Demonology).
    • Scepter of Sargeras (Destruction).
  • Warrior artifacts
    • Strom’kar, the Warbreaker (Arms).
    • Odyn’s Fury and Helya’s Wrath (Fury).
    • Scale of the Earth-Warder and Scaleshard (Protection).
      
• Class Order Halls – Each class will have a unique base of operations in the form of a Class Order Hall. These areas have questlines, vendors, and upgrades related to Artifact Weapons.
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents.
  
• World Quests – a new form of Daily objectives arrive in Legion with World Quests, which visibly appear on the map and give players a preview of the rewards that scale by level/item level.
  
• Mythic+ – a new form of endgame progression that allows players to run higher-difficulty heroic dungeons in 5-man groups on a timer in order to acquire rewards that rival that of raiding and PvP.
  
• New PvP Battleground:
  • Seething Shore – players must quickly gather Azerite while battling members of the opposing faction.
    
• New Arenas:
  • Ashamane’s Fall (Val’sharah).
  • Black Rook Hold (Val’sharah).
    
• Higher gear – Warlords of Draenor ended with Hellfire Citadel at Tier 18. The item/power level of gear in Legion has been increased to include Tier 19, Tier 20, and Tier 21 sets.
  
• Higher level professions – The level cap for professions has been increased (from Draenor Master/700 to Legion Master/800). Professions also have their own questlines with an improved UI.
  
• Mage Tower – a series of high-end challenges await players who ascend the Mage Tower, complete with unique, exclusive rewards and achievements.

Battle for Azeroth

Expansion number: 7

Release: August 14, 2018

Battle for Azeroth (BfA) is WoW’s seventh expansion. Despite imprisoning Sargeras the Betrayer, the Dark Titan managed to plunge his mighty sword into Azeroth, releasing Azerite. Sylvanas Windrunner, the Horde Warchief, launches a surprise attack on Teldrassil against the will of other leaders, inciting a new war between the Horde and Alliance.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Battle for Azeroth expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 110 to 120).
  
• New continent – Kul Tiras (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • Tiragarde Sound (new zone).
  • Drustvar (new zone).
  • Stormsong Valley (new zone).
    
• New continent – Zandalar (new storyline, daily missions, and rewards).
  • Zuldazar (new zone).
  • Nazmir (new zone).
  • Vol’dun (new zone).
    
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been included with the addition of Kul Tiras and Zandalar.
  • Freehold (Tiragarde Sound, Kul Tiras) – Dungeon.
  • Atal’Dazar (Atal’Dazar, Zandalar) – Dungeon.
  • Tol Dagor (Tiragarde Sound, Kul Tiras) – Dungeon.
  • Waycrest Manor (Drustvar, Kul Tiras) – Dungeon.
  • Shrine of the Storm (Stormsong Valley, Kul Tiras) – Dungeon.
  • Siege of Boralus (Tiragarde Sound, Kul Tiras) – Dungeon.
  • Temple of Sethraliss (Skycallers’ Spire, Vol’dun) – Dungeon.
  • The Underrot (Nazmir, Zandalar) – Dungeon.
  • Kings’ Rest (Zuldazar, Zandalar) – Dungeon.
  • THE MOTHERLODE!! (Isle of Kezan) – Dungeon.
  • Operation: Mechagon (Mechagon Island, Kul Tiras) – Dungeon.
  • Uldir (Nazmir, Zandalar) – Raid.
  • Battle of Dazar’alor (Zuldazar, Zandalar) – Raid.
  • Crucible of Storms (Stormsong Valley, Kul Tiras) – Raid.
  • Eternal Palace (Nazjatar, Kul Tiras) – Raid.
  • Ny’alotha, the Waking City (Vale of Eternal Blossoms/Uldum) – Raid.
    
• New Allied Races – in the wake of a war-torn world, various new races join the ranks of the Horde and Alliance. Their designs are based on reskins and updated character models of existing races.
  • Dark Iron Dwarf (Alliance) – Many former servants of Ragnaros the Firelord, this clan now unites with the Alliance.
  • Kul Tiran (Alliance) – Fearless human explorers who sailed uncharted waters. After the restoration of House Proudmoore, the Kul Tirans join the Alliance once again.
  • Lightforged Draenei (Alliance) – The most dedicated of Eredar that fought against the Burning Legion underwent rituals to become Lightforged. Since their victory on Argus, they have undertaken the mission to aid the Alliance and protect Azeroth.
  • Mechagnome (Alliance) – Though they once tried to fully embrace technology, the mechagnomes now seek a balance between steel and flesh. After years of isolation on Mechagon, they join the ranks of the Alliance.
  • Highmountain Tauren (Horde) – These brave heroes honor the spirits of the sky, earth, and river. The tribes of Highmountain unite once more to stand beside their kin that hails from Kalimdor and join the ranks of the Horde.
  • Mag’har Orc (Horde) – The Draenor orc clans once fought against each other in endless war. When Gul’dan presented them with the blood of Mannoroth, the tribes of Mag’har rejected the bargain and took up arms against the Burning Legion. For aiding their cause, the Mag’har Orcs now join the ranks of the Horde.
  • Nightborne (Horde) – Protected for 10,000 years by a powerful barrier, the elves of Suramar became entirely dependent upon the arcane magic that lay within the Nightwell. After fighting against their demonic masters, the Nightborne join the ranks of the Horde to reclaim their place in world affairs.
  • Vulpera (Horde) – The resourceful and clever creatures of Vol’dun known as the Vulpera have survived in their land for generations. Their caravans have left the dunes to join the ranks of the Horde in search of adventure.
  • Zandalari Troll (Horde) – The proud trolls of the Zandalari tribe offer one of the most formidable naval fleets across Azeroth. With the foundations of their kingdom threatened, they join the ranks of the Horde to bring stability to their people.
    
• Heart of Azeroth – after relinquishing Artifact Weapons, players have a new progression path for a neckpiece, called the Heart of Azeroth. This item is powered up through the collection of Azerite.
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents.
  
• Island Expeditions – players can queue up to go on expeditions with procedurally generated enemies, rewards, and objectives to gather as much Azerite as possible.
  
• Warfronts – a new queueable PvE mode designed for 20 players, members of the Horde and Alliance must push through large-scale battles against trash mobs and bosses, securing objectives along the way.
  • Battle for Stromgarde (Arathi Highlands, Eastern Kingdoms).
  • Battle for Darkshore (Darkshore, Kalimdor).
    
• New PvP Arenas:
  • Hook Point (Boralus, Kul Tiras).
  • Mugambala (Zuldazar, Zandalar).
  • The Robodrome (Mechagon City, Kul Tiras).
    
• Higher gear – Legion ended with Antorus, The Burning Throne at Tier 21. The item/power level of gear in BfA has been increased but no longer includes tiers or traditional set bonuses.
  
• Professions squish – Skill levels for professions have been revised with a level cap of 100 per expansion. Rather than increase the max level to 950, there are 8 separate progress bars for each of the professions (except Archaeology).
  • 1 to 300 (Classic)
  • 1 to 75 (Outland)
  • 1 to 75 (Northrend)
  • 1 to 75 (Cataclysm)
  • 1 to 75 (Pandaren)
  • 1 to 100 (Draenor)
  • 1 to 100 (Legion)
  • 1 to 175 (Kul Tiran / Zandalari)

Shadowlands

Expansion number: 8

Release: November 23, 2020

Shadowlands is WoW’s eighth expansion. Former Horde Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner fights Bolvar Fordragon, the Lich King, on the top of Icecrown Citadel at the Frozen Throne. By shattering the Helm of Domination, a portal to the Shadowlands, the realm of death containing a new nemesis known as the Jailer, opens.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Shadowlands expansion set:

• Level squish – Blizzard reduced the level cap for player characters from 120 to 50 while maintaining a similar power progression.
  
• Level cap increased (from 50 to 60).
  
• New characters receive an introductory voyage through the start of the game in a new tutorial-like experience and start on Exile’s Reach.
  
• Pick Your Era – depending on your level, you can follow Chromie back through time and progress through any expansion of your choosing. Challenges and rewards scale appropriately.
  
• New realm – Shadowlands: For the first time ever in WoW, players have the opportunity to cross into the afterlife and explore the realm of death across five new zones. Players can pick and choose which zones they want to go through at any time as they level.
  • Bastion (new zone).
  • Maldraxxus (new zone).
  • Ardenweald (new zone).
  • Revendreth (new zone).
  • The Maw (new zone).
  • Exile’s Reach (new starting zone).
  • Zereth Mortis (new zone).
    
• Covenants – players will experience a brand new form of customization with the ability to claim the power of one of four different covenants ruling the various zones in the Shadowlands.
  • Kyrian (Bastion).
  • Night Fae (Ardenweald).
  • Venthyr (Revendreth).
  • Necrolords (Maldraxxus).
    
• Sanctums serve as this expansion’s equivalent to Class Order Halls, but for Covenants.
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents.
  
• Torghast, Tower of the Damned – a new endgame dungeon with infinite procedurally generated floors, players can progress the halls and chambers to battle the Jailer’s minions to receive unique rewards and achievements.
  
• The Death Knight class is more accessible, extending to Pandaren and all allied races.
  
• Improved character customization options – During character creation, there are tons of new appearance options for all races. In addition, the barber shop has been expanded with many of these new options.
  
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been included with the addition of the Shadowlands.
  • The Necrotic Wake (Bastion) – Dungeon.
  • Plaguefall (Maldraxxus) – Dungeon.
  • Mists of Tirna Scithe (Ardenweald) – Dungeon.
  • Halls of Atonement (Revendreth) – Dungeon.
  • Spires of Ascension (Bastion) – Dungeon.
  • Theater of Pain (Maldraxxus) – Dungeon.
  • The Other Side (Ardenweald) – Dungeon.
  • Sanguine Depths (Revendreth) – Dungeon.
  • Tazavesh, the Veiled Market (In-Between) – Dungeon.
  • Darkmaul Citadel (Exile’s Reach) – Dungeon.
  • Castle Nathria (Revendreth) – Raid.
  • Sanctum of Domination (The Maw) – Raid.
  • Sepulcher of the First Ones (Zereth Mortis) – Raid.
    
• Runecarving allows for the creation of your own Legendary Armor in Torghast.
  
• Cross-Faction Instances allow players of both factions to group up for dungeons and raids.
  
• Higher gear – Battle for Azeroth ended with Ny’alotha, the Waking City. The item/power level of gear in Shadowlands has been increased but does not include tiers or traditional set bonuses.
  
• Professions in Shadowlands have recipes, most with only a single rank, that can be learned from a trainer. The rest of the few are gated behind reputations.

Dragonflight

Expansion number: 9

Release: November 28, 2022

Dragonflight (DF) is WoW’s ninth expansion. Some 10,000 years after the War of the Ancients, the land of the Dragon Aspects, known as the Dragon Isles, reveals itself to the heroes of Azeroth.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in the Dragonflight expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 60 to 70).
  
• New race – Dracthyr: after being put in storage for 20,000 years by Neltharion in fear of operating out of his control, the dragon warriors known as the Dracthyr awaken to join the ranks of the Alliance and Horde.
  
• New class – Evoker: a new Hero class exclusive to the Dracthyr race, Evokers are ranged DPS casters with two specializations.
  
• New continent – Dragon Isles:
  • The Waking Shores (new zone).
  • Ohn’ahran Plains (new zone).
  • The Azure Span (new zone).
  • Thaldraszus (new zone).
  • The Forbidden Reach (new starting zone).
  • Zaralek Cavern (new zone).
    
• Dragon Riding – players can take to the skies very shortly into their journey through the Dragon Isles. A new skill called Dragon Riding allows players to fly at up to 830% increased speed (from the previous base cap of 410%).
  • By completing time trials and other challenges, players can improve the flight capability of their dragons and customize their appearance.
    
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been included with the addition of the Dragon Isles. The classic dungeon Uldaman has been updated.
  • Algeth’ar Academy (Thaldraszus) – Dungeon.
  • The Azure Vault (Azure Span) – Dungeon.
  • Brackenhide Hollow (Azure Span) – Dungeon.
  • Halls of Infusion (Thaldraszus) – Dungeon.
  • Neltharus (Waking Shores) – Dungeon.
  • The Nokhud Offensive (Ohn’ahran Plains) – Dungeon.
  • Ruby Life Pools (Waking Shores) – Dungeon.
  • Uldaman: Legacy of Tyr (Badlands) – Dungeon.
  • Vault of the Incarnates (Thaldraszus) – Raid.
  • Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible (Zaralek Cavern) – Raid.
  • The Seat of the Aspects (Thaldraszus) – Raid.
  • Amirdrassil, the Dream’s Hope (Ohn’ahran Plains) – Raid.
    
• Higher gear – Shadowlands ended with Sepulcher of the First Ones. The item/power level of gear in DF has been increased but does not include tiers or traditional set bonuses.
  
• New spells and talents – Each class receives new abilities and talents.
  
• Race and class combinations have been extended to include Priest, Mage, Rogue, and Warlock for all playable races except the Dracthyr.
  
• Transmogrification has been extended to include Uncommon and Common items.

The War Within

Expansion number: 10

Release: August 26, 2024

The War Within (TWW) is WoW’s tenth and current expansion. It represents the first part of the Worldsoul Saga trilogy. Numerous individuals across Azeroth suddenly experience visions of the Radiant Song and are attempting to communicate with the planet’s world soul.

Below is an overview of the new features introduced in The War Within expansion set:

• Level cap increased (from 70 to 80).
  
• New Allied Race – Earthen: Imbued with Azeroth’s worldsoul, the Earthen are a titan-forged race available to members of both the Horde and the Alliance.
  
• New continent – Khaz Algar:
  • The Isle of Dorn (new zone).
  • The Ringing Deeps (new zone).
  • Hallowfall (new zone).
  • Azj-Kahet (new zone).
    
• Warbands – A new account-wide progression system that introduces a variety of systems designed to make progression across characters much easier to manage. Below are some of the features:
  
  • Warband Bank: A reagent bank that allows ease of transfer of items between characters.
    
  • Transferrable Gear: Certain gear, marked as Warbound, will be transferrable between characters.
    
  • Transferrable Currencies: Players can directly transfer currencies to the current character they are playing within the User Interface.
    
  • General Account-Wide Progression: Some progression systems that were once specific to individual characters will soon become integrated into an account-wide system. These include Reputation, Transmog collections, Achievements, Flight paths, and Delves.
    
• New Class-Fantasy System: Hero Talents – Hero Talents are an in-depth class-fantasy system that allows players additional customization for their characters. The trees themselves are built on top of the current talent system, but add class-fantasy flavor inspired by iconic Warcraft archetypes.
  • Hero Talent Trees unlock automatically at level 71.
  • Players will earn 1 talent point per level from levels 71-80.
  • Each Hero Talent tree comes with 10 talents in total, with each tree offering several choice nodes for players to choose between.
  • There are 3 trees in total per class with 2 trees that can be swapped between the specs.
    
• Skyriding – Skyriding expansions upon the Dragonriding feature introduced in the Dragonflight expansion, giving players multiple methods of transportation.
  • Skyriding becomes available once players immediately arrive at Khaz Algar.
  • The Skyriding Talent Tree is being adapted to an evergreen system.
  • Dragonriding Glyphs are now called Skyriding Glypths and will become available throughout Khaz Algar for players to collect.
  • Players can earn Skyriding Proficiency as they level up, which can be spent to unlock new talents in the Skyriding Tree.
  • Players can swap between Skyriding or Steady Flight (old-school TBC flying) depending on their personal preference.
  • 464 Mounts will support Skyriding (as of the start of the expansion).
    
• Delves – A new form of endgame content composed of 1-5 players.
  • Delves are role-agnostic, which means players can complete Delves using any specialization.
  • Delves will be integrated into Seasonal content, which allows players to earn exclusive rewards, mounts, pets, etc. for a given season. Seasonal NPCs will assist players.
  • Great Vault rewards will be available for players who complete Delves each week.
    
• New dungeons and raids – Multiple new dungeons and raids have been included with the addition of Khaz Algar.
  • The Rookery (Isle of Dorn) – Level-up Dungeon.
  • The Stonevault (The Ringing Deeps) – Level-up Dungeon.
  • Priory of the Sacred Flame (Hallowfall) – Level-up Dungeon.
  • City of Threads (Azj-Kahet) – Level-up Dungeon.
  • Cinderbrew Meadery (Isle of Dorn) – Max-level Dungeon.
  • Darkflame Cleft (The Ringing Deeps) – Max-level Dungeon.
  • The Dawnbreaker (Hallowfall) – Max-level Dungeon.
  • Ara-Kara, City of Echoes (Azj-Kahet) – Max-level Dungeon.
  • Nerub’ar Palace (Azj-Kahet) – Raid.
    
• Higher gear – Dragonflight ended with Amirdrassil. The item/power level of gear in TWW has been increased, including tiers and traditional set bonuses.
• Cross-Realm Guilds – Guilds can now invite characters across different realms/servers. Bank functionality will be added in patch 11.0.2.

---

World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Blizzard Entertainment and initially released in 2004 for PC and Mac.