Vanilla Era · 2004
Return to the dawn of Azeroth. Rediscover the world as it first was — untamed, unforgiving, and alive with the legends that shaped an age.
The Story Begins
Azeroth stands divided. The Horde, forged from orc, tauren, troll, and the forsaken dead, seeks a home and a future free of chains. The Alliance — human, dwarf, night elf, and gnome — guards the old kingdoms and the light they still believe in. Between them lies a fragile peace that could shatter with a single spark.
Yet the true peril sleeps beneath the earth. The Old Gods, ancient and maddening, whisper from their prisons of stone. Their corruption seeps into molten depths and shadowed groves alike. In Classic, every zone is a frontier, every dungeon a wound in the world, and every hero an answer to a question the world has not yet dared to ask.
Iconic Heroes
Four names echo through the founding of Azeroth. Hover a portrait to uncover their deeper story.
The young shaman who united the Horde and led his people out of slavery toward a homeland of their own.
Raised in captivity, Go'el rose to become Warchief and founder of Durotar. His mastery of the elements and his hard-won wisdom set the Horde on a path of honor rather than conquest.
The brilliant archmage who founded Theramore and dared to seek peace between two sworn enemies.
A student of Antonidas and heir to Kul Tiras, Jaina led the survivors of Lordaeron across the sea. Her belief in coexistence made her one of the most powerful — and most tested — figures of the age.
High Priestess of Elune and guardian of the ancient forests of Kalimdor.
For ten thousand years Tyrande watched over her people from Darnassus. Chosen of the moon goddess, she leads the Sentinels and awakens the slumbering Druids when the world's need is greatest.
The prince who sacrificed everything to save his people — and lost his soul in the attempt.
Once a paladin of the Silver Hand, Arthas took up the runeblade Frostmourne and fell into shadow. His descent casts a long shadow over Azeroth's founding age, a warning of what devotion can become.
The World of Azeroth
From the ancient kingdoms of the Eastern Kingdoms to the wild frontier of Kalimdor. Select a marker to learn what lurks there.
What Came Next
Classic was only the beginning. The story of Azeroth would grow far beyond its first horizon.
The founding era. Azeroth as it first was — raw, dangerous, and legendary.
The Dark Portal reopens. Heroes step through into the shattered world of Outland.
The frozen north calls. A fallen prince's shadow finally falls across the world.
Every expansion built upon the world these founding stories first gave shape.
The Journey Begins
The founding legends are yours to explore. Walk the old roads, learn the old names, and remember the world as it first was.