Warcraft Timeline ( Real )

game_release
November 15, 1994

Release of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans

Blizzard Entertainment released the first game in the Warcraft series, introducing players to the conflict between orcs and humans in the world of Azeroth.

game_release
December 9, 1995

Release of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness

The sequel to the original game, featuring improved graphics and gameplay mechanics, expanding the Warcraft universe and gaining critical acclaim.

game_release
April 30, 1996

Launch of Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal expansion

An expansion pack for Warcraft II that continued the storyline and added new content to the game.

game_release
1999

Release of Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition

The enhanced version of Warcraft II which included online multiplayer through Blizzard's Battle.net platform, significantly boosting the game's popularity.

game_release
July 1, 2003

Release of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne expansion

An expansion to Warcraft III adding new campaigns, units, and features, further developing the story and gameplay.

game_release
November 23, 2004

Launch of World of Warcraft (WoW)

The highly anticipated MMORPG set in the Warcraft universe was released, becoming one of the most popular and influential online games in history.

game_release
January 16, 2007

Release of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion

The first expansion for WoW, introducing new continents, races, and increased level cap, enhancing the game's content significantly.

game_release
November 13, 2008

Release of World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King expansion

The second major expansion pack focusing on the undead Scourge and the Lich King, widely praised for its story and gameplay.

game_release
December 7, 2010

Release of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm expansion

The third expansion which drastically altered the game world and introduced new zones and races.

media_announcement
August 24, 2006

Opening of Blizzard Entertainment Warcraft Movie Project

Blizzard announced production on the Warcraft movie adaptation, aiming to bring the franchise to the big screen.

film_release
June 10, 2016

Release of Warcraft (film)

The Warcraft film directed by Duncan Jones was released, bringing the Warcraft universe to cinema audiences worldwide.

game_release
August 30, 2016

Release of World of Warcraft: Legion expansion

The sixth expansion pack, focusing on the return of the Burning Legion and introducing new gameplay elements like artifact weapons.

game_release
August 14, 2018

Release of World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth expansion

The seventh expansion centering on faction conflict and world war, adding new continents and gameplay features.

game_announcement
November 3, 2017

Announcement of World of Warcraft Classic

Blizzard announced the upcoming release of World of Warcraft Classic, a version of the game emulating the original 2004 experience.

game_release
August 26, 2019

Launch of World of Warcraft Classic

World of Warcraft Classic was officially released, allowing players to experience the original game environment as it was at launch.

game_release
November 23, 2020

Release of World of Warcraft: Shadowlands expansion

The eighth expansion focusing on the afterlife in the Warcraft universe, introducing new zones and a new leveling system.

Warcraft Timeline ( Fictional )

war
~10,000 years before present

The War of the Ancients

A major conflict where the Night Elves fought against the Burning Legion's first invasion of Azeroth, resulting in the sundering of the world.

political
~3,000 years before present

Rise of the Kingdom of Stormwind

The establishment of Stormwind as a major kingdom of Humans on Azeroth.

war
Year 0 (start of Warcraft timeline)

First War: Orcs Invade Azeroth

Orcs from Draenor invade Azeroth through the Dark Portal, leading to the fight between orcs and humans.

war
Year 4-5

Second War: Alliance vs. Horde

The conflict between the Alliance of Lordaeron and the orcish Horde leads to major battles across Azeroth.

war
Year 10-11

Third War: Rise of the Scourge and Burning Legion

The combined threat of the undead Scourge and the Burning Legion invades Azeroth, culminating in the Battle of Mount Hyjal.

political
Year 15

Founding of Durotar

Thrall establishes the orcish homeland of Durotar on Azeroth after the fall of Draenor.

magical
Year 20

The Opening of the Shattered Sun Portal

A portal is opened to the Sunwell, facilitating new magical threats and adventures.

cataclysm
Year 30

The Cataclysm

Deathwing returns, causing massive destruction throughout Azeroth and reshaping the world.

war
Year 40

The Siege of Orgrimmar

An uprising against the Warchief Garrosh Hellscream, leading to his ultimate defeat.