The World of Warcraft expansions have had a significant impact on the MMORPG genre since its release in 2004. This game has completely transformed the role-playing experience by introducing players to the expansive and dangerous world of Azeroth.
Within this open world, players can embark on countless adventures with their unique characters. World of Warcraft offers not only immersive storytelling and intricate gameplay mechanics but also a progressive leveling system that truly makes it more than just a game – it becomes a way of life.
The World of Warcraft game has seen several expansions since its initial release. Each expansion has introduced new and exciting content to the already extensive game. In this article, we will go through the World of Warcraft expansions in the order they were released, highlighting the enhancements they brought to the game and their respective release dates.
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World of Warcraft expansions in order
When using Chromie Time for levelling in World of Warcraft, players have the option to choose which expansion they want to play through.
This feature was implemented before the release of the Shadowlands expansion, and it has greatly improved the leveling experience by making it more efficient. After reaching level 10, players can visit Chromie near the embassy of either Orgrimmar or Stormwind City, depending on their faction.
If you’re looking for a quick way to choose a World of Warcraft expansion, this method will help you make a speedy decision. However, if you’re in a rush and want to level up quickly, the recommended expansion for fast leveling is Warlords of Draenor.
This is especially true if you complete the bonus objectives in the different zones within the expansion. For those who are new to World of Warcraft and are interested in immersing themselves in the game’s storyline, there is the option to embark on quests in each area.
Although you may out-level these areas too quickly to progress efficiently, it is still possible to unravel the history of Azeroth firsthand through questing. In fact, there are even rewards, like the Loremaster achievement, that provide additional incentives for undertaking this approach.
You can find the details for each expansion further down the page but here is a quick list of the WoW expansions in chronological/release order:
| Expansion | Date |
| World of Warcraft (original game) | November 2004 |
| The Burning Crusade | January 2007 |
| Wrath of the Lich King | November 2008 |
| Cataclysm | December 2010 |
| Mists of Pandaria | September 2012 |
| Warlords of Draenor | November 2014 |
| Legion | August 2016 |
| Battle for Azeroth | August 2018 |
| World of Warcraft Classic (legacy servers) | August 2019 |
| Shadowlands | November 2020 |
| The Burning Crusade Classic (legacy servers) | June 2021 |
| Wrath of the Lich King Classic (legacy servers) | September 2022 |
| Dragonflight | November 2022 |
| The War Within | TBD 2024 |
| Midnight | TBD |
| The Last Titan | TBD |
1. The Burning Crusade
The initial expansion that kickstarted the phenomenon of World of Warcraft was called The Burning Crusade. It was first launched on January 16, 2007, and brought numerous significant enhancements to the game.
This expansion introduced two new playable races, the Draenei and Blood Elves. Additionally, it raised the level cap from 60 to 70, and featured the addition of various dungeons, quests, raids, cities, and zones.
PvP gameplay was also revamped with the introduction of new death-match modes to provide more exciting options for players.
2. Wrath of the Lich King
The second expansion of World of Warcraft, known as Wrath of the Lich King, revolves around the notorious character Arthas, also known as the Lich King. It was launched on November 13, 2008, and quickly gained immense popularity, becoming one of the top-selling PC games ever.
This expansion introduced several noteworthy features, including the addition of the hero class Death Knight, an increase in the level cap from 70 to 80, the inclusion of a vast new area named Northrend, and an abundance of PvP (player versus player) content.
3. Cataclysm
On August 21, 2009, the third expansion of World of Warcraft was released. This expansion focused on the character Deathwing the Destroyer and his danger to the game’s realms.
It introduced various updates, such as raising the level cap to 85, enhancing the appearance of Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms with new landscapes and non-player characters (NPCs), and introducing a fresh storyline.
4. Mists of Panderia
Mists of Panderia, the fourth expansion of World of Warcraft, brings a delightful and humorous touch to the game. Released on September 25, 2012, this expansion draws inspiration from the popular movie Kung Fu Panda, introducing a new panda race and a panda world.
With the release of Mists of Panderia, players can now reach a higher level cap of 90 and enjoy playing as the new playable race called Pandaren. Additionally, a Monk class and new instances are also introduced in this expansion.
5. Warlords of Draenor
The fifth expansion of World of Warcraft is called Warlords of Draenor and it was released on November 13, 2014. This expansion takes place in Draenor, the homeworld of orcs.
Apart from increasing the level cap to 100, players are able to control and enhance their own garrisons, which is a new feature introduced in this expansion. Additionally, the game underwent a visual improvement.
6. Legion
On August 30, 2016, World of Warcraft released its sixth expansion called Legion. This expansion introduced various exciting features, including an increased level cap of 110.
Players were given the opportunity to explore the captivating Broken Isles, a brand-new region within the World of Warcraft universe.
Additionally, a new hero class known as the Demon Hunter was introduced, offering players a unique gameplay experience.
7. Battle for Azeroth
The latest expansion pack for the game World of Warcraft, called Battle for Azeroth, was released on November 3, 2017. This expansion raised the maximum level players can reach to 120 and introduced two new continents, Zandalar and Kul Tiras.
Additionally, four new playable races were included, along with a variety of new raids, dungeons, and uncharted islands. The main focus of the expansion’s storyline revolves around an artifact known as the Heart of Azeroth, which poses a threat of triggering a war.
8. Shadowlands
Blizzard released the eighth expansion pack, Shadowlands, on November 1, 2019. This expansion introduced a unique feature known as the “level squish,” which reset the maximum level of characters to 50 and set the new cap at 60.
It was similar to starting a new game with additional challenges. The storyline of this expansion revolved around the prominent character Sylvanas, who served as the final boss for players to confront. Additionally, a new class called the Death Knight was introduced for players to explore and utilize.
9. Dragonflight
The latest expansion pack for World of Warcraft, known as Dragonflight, was released on November 28, 2022. This expansion focuses on introducing dragons to the game. A new dragon race, called the Dracthyr, was included in this expansion.
Players now have the opportunity to acquire Dragonriding skills and can customize and nurture their own personal dragon. Additionally, the level cap has been increased to 70.
10. The War Within
The first expansion of The Worldsoul Saga, called The War Within, was revealed at Blizzcon in 2023. Although the exact release date is still unknown, it is expected to launch sometime in 2024.
The War Within will take place in an underground realm that is inhabited by the Earthen race, who consider it their homeland. While there is limited information available about this expansion, it is highly anticipated by World of Warcraft players.
11. Midnight
There is limited information available about the second installment of The Worldsoul Saga. However, it has been confirmed that the expansion, titled Midnight, will take place in the realm of Quel’Thalas.
The storyline of Midnight will primarily focus on exploring the origins of High Elves, Blood Elves, and Night Elves.
12. The Last Titan
The last part of the upcoming Worldsoul Saga is still shrouded in mystery. It has been revealed that the Titans, ancient beings, will have some involvement, and the Northrend will be included as a new location.
Although there is limited information available, World of Warcraft players can anticipate exciting new content to come.
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