World of Warcraft: List of Every Expansion in Chronological Order (2024)

There are currently nine World of Warcraft expansions; let's delve into their details below.

World of Warcraft, the iconic MMORPG by Blizzard Entertainment, has undergone numerous expansions over the years, each introducing new content, storylines, and gameplay features. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through every WoW expansion in chronological order, highlighting their release years, Metacritic scores, notable features, and much more.

Understanding the various World of Warcraft expansions in a list is essential for both newcomers and veteran players. It provides a historical perspective on the game's evolution, showcasing how it has grown and changed over time. Each expansion has brought unique elements, be it in the form of new races, classes, gameplay mechanics, or narrative arcs.

By knowing them in a list, players can appreciate the breadth of content and experiences that have been added to the game, making it easier to choose which expansion to explore, understand the game's lore, or simply reminisce about the journey so far. It's a valuable resource to help players navigate the vast World of Warcraft universe and make informed decisions about their gameplay experience.

Every WoW Expansion in Order (Full List)

The Burning Crusade (TBC)

• Year Released: 2007
• Metacritic Score: 91
• Raids: Karazhan, Black Temple, Sunwell Plateau
• Level Cap: Raised to 70
• Notable Dungeons: The Mechanar, Shadow Labyrinth, Magisters' Terrace
• New Races: Blood Elves and Draenei
• TBC Classic: Released

Story & New Features

The Burning Crusade" expansion for World of Warcraft, released in 2007, ushered players into the shattered world of Outland, the remnants of the once-mighty Draenor. This expansion introduced a new dimension of gameplay, as players confronted the malevolent Illidan Stormrage, a complex character who had fallen from grace to become a formidable antagonist.

Outland itself was a chaotic and otherworldly landscape, a collection of floating landmasses and fractured terrain resulting from powerful magical forces. The expansion's central narrative revolved around the struggle against Illidan and his demonic allies, offering players a captivating storyline set in a visually stunning and perilous environment. "The Burning Crusade" marked a pivotal moment in the World of Warcraft universe and remains a cherished chapter in the game's history

Wrath of the Lich King

• Year Released: 2008
• Metacritic Score: 91
• Raids: Naxxramas, Ulduar, Icecrown Citadel
• Level Cap: Raised to 80
• Notable Dungeons: Halls of Lightning, The Oculus, Trial of the Champion
• New Races: None
• Wrath Classic: Released

Story & New Features

Wrath of the Lich King," released as the second expansion for World of Warcraft in 2008, plunged players into the icy continent of Northrend, delivering an epic narrative centered around the malevolent Lich King, Arthas Menethil. Northrend was a frigid, desolate land, shrouded in an atmosphere of dread, featuring unique zones like the Howling Fjord and Icecrown Glacier.

The expansion's primary antagonist, Arthas, was a tragic figure turned villain, and his quest for power and vengeance was a central theme. As players journeyed through the expansion's content, they encountered a rich and immersive storyline that delved deep into Warcraft lore. "Wrath of the Lich King" was celebrated not only for its engrossing narrative but also for introducing the Death Knight class and a variety of challenging raids, making it a pivotal moment in World of Warcraft history

Cataclysm

• Year Released: 2010
• Metacritic Score: 90
• Raids: Blackwing Descent, Firelands, Dragon Soul
• Level Cap: Raised to 85
• Notable Dungeons: The Stonecore, Vortex Pinnacle, Hour of Twilight
• New Races: Goblins and Worgen

Story & New Features

Cataclysm, the third expansion for World of Warcraft, was unleashed upon players in 2010, reshaping Azeroth itself and plunging adventurers into a world torn asunder by the malevolent dragon Aspect, Deathwing. The expansion marked a dramatic change in the game's landscape, as players witnessed the sundering of classic zones, introducing them to the shattered terrain of Azeroth.

The primary antagonist, Deathwing, was a corrupted and immensely powerful dragon, whose reemergence wreaked havoc across the world. This expansion also saw the introduction of two new playable races, the Goblins for the Horde and the Worgen for the Alliance, adding fresh elements to the game's storytelling and faction dynamics. Cataclysm brought with it new dungeons and raids, creating challenging content for players to conquer. It was a significant chapter in the World of Warcraft's evolution, both in terms of its narrative and its gameplay

Mists of Pandaria

• Year Released: 2012
• Metacritic Score: 82
• Raids: Mogu'shan Vaults, Throne of Thunder, Siege of Orgrimmar
• Level Cap: Raised to 90
• Notable Dungeons: Temple of the Jade Serpent, Gate of the Setting Sun, Shado-Pan Monastery
• New Races: Pandaren (available for both factions)

Story & New Features

Mists of Pandaria," the fourth expansion for World of Warcraft, was released in 2012, introducing players to the previously unseen continent of Pandaria. This expansion marked a departure from the grim and cataclysmic themes of previous expansions, offering a more serene and introspective journey. Pandaria was a lush and vibrant land, home to the enigmatic Pandaren, a race known for their philosophical wisdom and martial arts prowess.

The central storyline revolved around the conflict between the Alliance and the Horde, who discovered Pandaria and its valuable resources. The expansion introduced the Pandaren as a playable race, and the Monk class, a versatile and agile addition to the game's class roster. "Mists of Pandaria" also featured innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the Pet Battle system, which allowed players to engage in Pokemon-style pet battles. With its unique blend of beauty, serenity, and martial arts-inspired gameplay, "Mists of Pandaria" offered a refreshing change of pace in the World of Warcraft universe

Warlords of Draenor (WOD)

See Also

World of Warcraft Expansions in Order of Release

• Year Released: 2014
• Metacritic Score: 87
• Raids: Highmaul, Blackrock Foundry, Hellfire Citadel
• Level Cap: Raised to 100
• Notable Dungeons: Bloodmaul Slag Mines, Iron Docks, Grimrail Depot
• New Races: None
• Warlords of Draenor Review: Hardcore Gamer

Story & New Features

Warlords of Draenor, the fifth expansion for World of Warcraft, was released in 2014, taking players back in time to an alternate version of the shattered world of Draenor. This expansion followed the story of the warlords of the Orc clans, who were brought together by the time-traveling Warlock, Gul'dan, and his demonic masters, the Burning Legion. The expansion introduced the concept of player-built garrisons, which allowed adventurers to establish and customize their own bases in the game world. Additionally, players encountered a range of new features, including the introduction of the Demon Hunter class, which brought agile and fel-infused gameplay to the game.

"Warlords of Draenor" also featured several new zones and dungeons, rich in lore and challenges. The expansion's storyline was marked by epic battles and interactions with iconic characters from Warcraft lore, such as Grommash Hellscream and Kilrogg Deadeye. While "Warlords of Draenor" received mixed reviews, it brought unique gameplay elements and memorable moments to the World of Warcraft experience, making it a notable chapter in the game's history.

Legion

• Year Released: 2016
• Metacritic Score: 88
• Raids: The Emerald Nightmare, The Nighthold, Tomb of Sargeras
• Level Cap: Raised to 110
• Notable Dungeons: Vault of the Wardens, Eye of Azshara, Court of Stars
• New Races: None
• Legion Review: Hardcore Gamer

Story & New Features

Legion, the sixth expansion for World of Warcraft, was launched in 2016, immersing players in a dark and epic narrative revolving around the return of the malevolent Burning Legion. The expansion introduced the Broken Isles, a continent teeming with ancient and mystical powers, as well as a renewed demonic invasion threatening Azeroth. Players joined forces with the Order Halls, each tailored to their character class, and embarked on a quest to obtain the powerful artifact weapons needed to combat the Legion's forces.

One of the expansion's standout features was the introduction of the Demon Hunter class, which offered a unique playstyle with high mobility and demonic abilities. "Legion" also delivered challenging content, including a wide array of dungeons, raids, and the ever-popular Mythic+ system, keeping both casual and hardcore players engaged.

The narrative of "Legion" delved deep into Warcraft lore, revisiting key characters like Illidan Stormrage and delivering a compelling storyline that struck an emotional chord with players. With its intense focus on the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil, "Legion" reinvigorated World of Warcraft and was celebrated as one of the expansion's most engaging chapters.

Battle for Azeroth (BFA)

• Year Released: 2018
• Metacritic Score: 80
• Raids: Uldir, Battle of Dazar'alor, Ny'alotha, the Waking City
• Level Cap: Raised to 120
• Notable Dungeons: Freehold, Waycrest Manor, Mechagon
• New Races: Allied Races for each faction

Story & New Features

Battle for Azeroth (BFA), the seventh expansion for World of Warcraft, was released in 2018 and plunged players into a world divided by the ongoing conflict between the Alliance and the Horde. The expansion's central theme revolved around the conflict ignited by the discovery of Azerite, a powerful substance with immense potential for destruction and manipulation.

Players were introduced to two new continents: Kul Tiras for the Alliance and Zandalar for the Horde. Each offered a unique storyline, quests, and zones, adding depth and variety to the gameplay experience. "Battle for Azeroth" also introduced Allied Races, allowing players to unlock and play as various sub-races within the existing factions, further enhancing the game's storytelling and character customization.

One of the most notable features of BFA was the Warfronts, large-scale cooperative PvE scenarios where players collaborated to reclaim key locations in a persistent tug-of-war battle. Additionally, the expansion continued to provide challenging content with a range of dungeons and raids, including the Battle of Dazar'alor and the Crucible of Storms.

While "Battle for Azeroth" was met with mixed reactions, it added a significant layer of depth to the game's lore and further developed the intricate relationship between the Alliance and the Horde, setting the stage for future expansions and events in the World of Warcraft universe.

Shadowlands

• Year Released: 2020
• Metacritic Score: 88
• Raids: Castle Nathria, Sanctum of Domination
• Level Cap: Raised to 60 (with level squish)
• Notable Dungeons: Spires of Ascension, Sanguine Depths, Theater of Pain
• New Races: None

Story & New Features

Shadowlands, the eighth expansion for World of Warcraft, was released in 2020 and brought a bold departure from the previous expansions by exploring the realms of the afterlife. The expansion introduced players to the Shadowlands, a plane of existence where souls journey after death and where the cosmic order of the universe is maintained. The central plotline revolved around the mysterious disappearance of souls from the mortal realm, leading to chaos in the Shadowlands.

Players encountered four new zones in the Shadowlands, each representing a different aspect of the afterlife, such as Bastion, Maldraxxus, Ardenweald, and Revendreth. These zones featured unique visuals, gameplay mechanics, and engaging storylines. The expansion also brought the Covenants system, allowing players to align with one of the four ruling factions of the Shadowlands, offering unique abilities, cosmetics, and a Covenant-specific campaign.

"Shadowlands" offered a more flexible leveling system, known as "level squish," reducing the level cap and making character progression smoother and more accessible. The expansion introduced Torghast, Tower of the Damned, a roguelike-style dungeon offering challenging solo or group content. The "Covenant Campaigns" and a wide array of dungeons and raids, including Castle Nathria, provided a diverse range of activities for players.

Overall, "Shadowlands" was praised for its fresh take on the game's themes and mechanics, as it ventured into the mysteries of the afterlife and introduced compelling stories and gameplay elements that expanded the World of Warcraft experience.

Dragonflight

• Year Released: 2022
• Metacritic Score: 82
• Raids: Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible, Vault of the Incarnates, The Seat of the Aspects
• Level Cap: 70
• Notable Dungeons: Halls Of Infusion, Algeth'ar Academy, The Nokhud Offensive
• New Races: Dracthyr

Story & New Features

The dragonflights of Azeroth have been summoned back to safeguard their ancient sanctuary, the Dragon Isles. Brimming with elemental magic and infused with Azeroth's life force, the isles are reawakening, and the task of unraveling their age-old mysteries and exploring their primeval beauty falls upon you.

In Dragonflight, there's an overhauled profession system that enables players to initiate work orders for the crafting of items. Additionally, the game introduces a novel aspect known as Dragonriding, enabling players to nurture and personalize their very own dragon, which can be employed in a dynamic flight system based on momentum and aerial skills. Importantly, flying is accessible right from the beginning of the expansion, eliminating the requirement to reach the maximum level.

Unfolding Azeroth's Epic Saga: WoW Expansions in Retrospect

In this journey through World of Warcraft's expansions, we've witnessed Azeroth's evolution, from the "Burning Crusade" to "Dragonflight." Understanding this history empowers players, new and old, to make informed choices within the vast World of Warcraft universe. As the game continues to grow, there's always more to explore and experience.