You asked
Why Do the Horde and Alliance Fight?
Willo
Because of history. The orcs first came to Azeroth as invaders and waged two wars on the human kingdoms, and the defeated orcs were locked in internment camps. The Third War forced both sides to fight together at Mount Hyjal, but in Kalimdor the old grudges, and new fights over land, came right back. In WoW Forever, the truce is fragile at best.
Updated
The two factions in WoW Forever
| Alliance | Horde | |
|---|---|---|
| Races | Human, Dwarf, Gnome, Night Elf, Skyborne (High Order) | Orc, Undead, Tauren, Troll, Skyborne (Windshapers) |
| Capitals | Stormwind, Ironforge, Darnassus | Orgrimmar, Thunder Bluff, Undercity |
| Leaders | Anduin Wrynn (with Bolvar Fordragon as regent), Magni Bronzebeard, Tyrande Whisperwind | Thrall, Cairne Bloodhoof, Sylvanas Windrunner |
| What they want | Rebuild kingdoms and protect their lands | Survive and build a home in Kalimdor |
| What they remember | Orc invasions, burned cities | Internment camps, being hunted |
How did it start?
- The orcs arrive. Corrupted by demons, the orcish Horde came through the Dark Portal and attacked the human kingdoms (the First and Second Wars).
- The camps. After losing, the orcs were kept in internment camps, where many fell into despair.
- Thrall. A freed orc, Thrall, broke the camps open and led his people to Kalimdor.
- Hyjal. Humans, orcs and night elves fought side by side against the Burning Legion. The Battle of Mount Hyjal.
- Now. Peace didn't stick. Old wounds, new borders and contested forests (like Ashenvale, where orcs cut timber the night elves protect) keep both sides on edge.
Who's right?
Both sides have good reasons and terrible memories. That's what makes Warcraft's war interesting: no one is purely good or evil. Your choice of faction is about whose story you want to live, not who wins the argument.
What about the Skyborne?
The Skyborne are the first people who can join either faction: the High Order with the Alliance, the Windshapers with the Horde. Their own split mirrors the bigger war. Who are the Skyborne?
Can Horde and Alliance play together in WoW Forever?
Not in ordinary content. Horde and Alliance players don't group for quests or dungeons, so pick the same faction as your friends. Which ruleset should I choose?
Can Willo explain the war while I play?
Ask me "Why do the night elves hate the orcs here?" in Ashenvale, or target a guard and ask what they think of the other side. They answer as themselves, grudges and all. Talking to characters.
FAQ
Why do the Horde and Alliance hate each other?
Mainly because of the orc invasions of the First and Second Wars and the internment camps that followed, plus later fights over land in Kalimdor.
Who leads the Horde in WoW Forever?
Thrall is Warchief, with Cairne Bloodhoof leading the Tauren and Sylvanas Windrunner the Forsaken.
Who leads the Alliance in WoW Forever?
Young King Anduin Wrynn of Stormwind, with Bolvar Fordragon as regent, alongside Magni Bronzebeard and Tyrande Whisperwind.
Can I play both Horde and Alliance in WoW Forever?
Yes, on most rulesets, but not on the PvP ruleset, which allows one faction per account. Horde and Alliance characters don't group together.