In What Order Should I Play Warcraft?
World of Warcraft, one of the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), has a rich history with multiple expansions and storylines. If you’re new to the game or looking to start from scratch, it can be overwhelming to determine the best order to play the game. In this article, we’ll guide you through the recommended order to play World of Warcraft, including the original game, expansions, and even the Warcraft real-time strategy (RTS) games.
The Original Game: Classic WoW
The original World of Warcraft, released in 2004, is a great starting point. While it’s not necessary to play the original game to understand the story, it provides a solid foundation for the game’s lore and setting. Classic WoW is available as a separate game client, allowing you to play the original game without interfering with your current WoW experience.
The Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King
The first two expansions, The Burning Crusade (2007) and Wrath of the Lich King (2008), are considered some of the best expansions in WoW’s history. They introduced new playable races, zones, and game mechanics, which are still relevant today. These expansions are a must-play for any WoW enthusiast.
Cataclysm and Mists of Pandaria
The next two expansions, Cataclysm (2010) and Mists of Pandaria (2012), brought significant changes to the game’s mechanics and story. Cataclysm revamped the game’s old zones, while Mists of Pandaria introduced a new continent and a fresh storyline.
Warlords of Draenor and Legion
The following two expansions, Warlords of Draenor (2014) and Legion (2016), introduced new features, such as the Garrison system and the Demon Hunter class. Warlords of Draenor took the game to the next level with its vast new continent, Draenor, while Legion brought a new storyline and a revamped character model.
Battle for Azeroth and Shadowlands
The latest two expansions, Battle for Azeroth (2018) and Shadowlands (2020), have continued to evolve the game’s story and mechanics. Battle for Azeroth introduced a new continent, Kul Tiras, and a fresh storyline, while Shadowlands took the game to the afterlife, exploring the realms of the dead.
Warcraft RTS Games
If you’re interested in playing the Warcraft RTS games, you can start with Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002) and its expansion, The Frozen Throne (2003). These games provide a great introduction to the Warcraft universe and its characters. Warcraft III is a classic RTS game that laid the foundation for the MMORPG, World of Warcraft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recommended order to play World of Warcraft is:
- Classic WoW (2004)
- The Burning Crusade (2007)
- Wrath of the Lich King (2008)
- Cataclysm (2010)
- Mists of Pandaria (2012)
- Warlords of Draenor (2014)
- Legion (2016)
- Battle for Azeroth (2018)
- Shadowlands (2020)
If you’re interested in playing the Warcraft RTS games, start with Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002) and its expansion, The Frozen Throne (2003).
Tips and Tricks
- Start with the original game: Playing the original game will give you a solid understanding of the game’s lore and setting.
- Play the expansions in order: Each expansion builds upon the previous one, so it’s essential to play them in order to understand the story and mechanics.
- Take your time: WoW is a vast game with a rich history, so take your time to explore each expansion and storyline.
- Join a guild: Joining a guild can help you connect with other players and provide a sense of community.
- Experiment with different classes and specs: Try out different classes and specs to find what suits you best.
Table: WoW Expansions in Order
| Expansion | Release Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic WoW | 2004 | Original game |
| The Burning Crusade | 2007 | New playable races, zones, and game mechanics |
| Wrath of the Lich King | 2008 | New playable race, zones, and game mechanics |
| Cataclysm | 2010 | Revamped old zones, new game mechanics |
| Mists of Pandaria | 2012 | New continent, fresh storyline |
| Warlords of Draenor | 2014 | New continent, Garrison system |
| Legion | 2016 | New playable class, Demon Hunter |
| Battle for Azeroth | 2018 | New continent, fresh storyline |
| Shadowlands | 2020 | New continent, afterlife storyline |
By following this order, you’ll be able to experience the game’s rich history and storylines, while also getting a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics and setting. Happy gaming!
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