You asked
What's the WoW Forever Story So Far?
Willo
WoW Forever starts a few years after the Third War. Orcs came to Azeroth through the Dark Portal, the undead Scourge destroyed the kingdom of Lordaeron, and the Burning Legion was stopped at Mount Hyjal. Now the Alliance and the Horde rebuild, the Forsaken claim Lordaeron's ruins, and the new Skyborne face a crisis of their own.
Updated
When does WoW Forever take place?
In the first year of World of Warcraft: a few years after the Third War, after the Forsaken founded their kingdom, and before Molten Core. From there, WoW Forever follows its own developing story, so it doesn't copy modern WoW.
The story in five steps
- Ancient Azeroth. Elves, trolls, Titans and elemental powers shape the world. Old ruins everywhere are their leftovers.
- The orcs arrive. The orcish Horde comes through the Dark Portal and wars with the human kingdoms. Defeated orcs are held in internment camps until Thrall leads them to freedom and a new homeland, Durotar.
- The Third War. The undead Scourge spreads a plague, and the human kingdom of Lordaeron falls, betrayed by its own prince, Arthas.
- Mount Hyjal. On Kalimdor, old enemies (humans, orcs and night elves) unite against the Burning Legion, and the demon Archimonde is defeated at Mount Hyjal.
- Now: WoW Forever. The Alliance and the Horde rebuild and distrust each other. The Forsaken rule Lordaeron's ruins. And the new Skyborne of Zephras Isle find that the wind spirits who guarded them have vanished.
Who leads whom right now?
| Faction | Who's in charge |
|---|---|
| Stormwind (Alliance) | Boy-king Anduin Wrynn, with Highlord Bolvar Fordragon as regent while King Varian is missing |
| Ironforge (Alliance) | King Magni Bronzebeard |
| Night elves (Alliance) | High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind |
| Orcs (Horde) | Thrall, Warchief of the Horde |
| Forsaken (Horde) | Lady Sylvanas Windrunner, from the Undercity |
What's new in WoW Forever's story?
Four places raise brand-new questions:
- Zephras Isle: why did the Skyborne's protective spirits vanish?
- The Riverglades: who builds the frontier?
- Shen'dralas: what remains of forgotten Highborne history?
- Mount Hyjal: what happens after a great victory? The new raids there open later, on the December 9 roadmap.
More on the new content: What's new in WoW Forever.
Do I need to know all this before I play?
Nope! Learn the story of wherever you're standing. In Westfall, ask why the farmers suffer. In Silverpine, ask how the Forsaken got there. At a strange ruin, ask who built it.
That's exactly what I'm for. Hold your talk key and ask "What happened here?" With the free Lore Forever add-on, I know where you are, and the add-on can even read the zone's story aloud. Lore Forever's lore explained guide goes deeper.
FAQ
When is WoW Forever set?
In the first year of World of Warcraft, a few years after the Third War and before Molten Core. It then follows its own storyline.
Do I need to play Warcraft III before WoW Forever?
No. Knowing the Third War helps, but you can learn the story as you go, and Willo can explain any place you reach.
Who is the leader of the Horde in WoW Forever?
Thrall is Warchief of the Horde, ruling from Orgrimmar in Durotar.
Who rules Stormwind in WoW Forever?
The young King Anduin Wrynn, with Highlord Bolvar Fordragon as regent while King Varian Wrynn is missing.
Is WoW Forever's story the same as modern WoW?
No. It returns to an early-game foundation and develops its own continuity.