World Of Warcraft: Every Expansion In Chronological Order

With World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion already here, many less experienced players are wondering which WoW expansion is the most worth playing for faster leveling and which one is the best starting point.

Ten expansions are a lot to take in. Because of this, both veteran and new MMORPG players often feel unsure about how to begin their adventure in World of Warcraft.

Since Blizzard has always divided the lore of Azeroth into distinct chapters, understanding the full storyline can feel overwhelming. Luckily, this list of WoW expansions is the perfect way to make sense of it all.

What to Choose?

We recommend playing World of Warcraft expansions in the order listed below if you want to experience Azeroth’s story exactly how players have been doing since the game’s earliest days.

Your progression may be slower compared to other methods, but the overall experience is far more immersive and rewarding. If you already have at least one level 60 character, you can use the Chromie Time feature. Reach level 10, travel to Stormwind or Orgrimmar, and find Chromie near the embassy.

This allows you to play expansions in almost any order you like. However, it’s worth noting that Warlords of Draenor currently offers the fastest leveling experience. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what each expansion brings.

Guide on World of Warcraft Expansions in Release Order

The Burning Crusade

Released in 2007, The Burning Crusade became the very first expansion in World of Warcraft history. It increased the level cap from 60 to 70, introduced the shattered world of Outland, and added multiple new dungeons and raids.

The story focuses on a recovering Azeroth, as both the Horde and the Alliance attempt to rebuild after defeating the Burning Legion, their long-time enemy whose previous invasion took place during the events of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.

As players explore, they uncover a portal leading to Outland, where the Burning Legion remains a serious threat. Alongside this new region, the expansion introduced flying mounts, one new profession, and two iconic races: the Draenei for the Alliance and the Blood Elves for the Horde.

Wrath of the Lich King

Released one year after The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King follows the rise of the undead Scourge, led by the terrifying Lich King, as they launch devastating attacks on Azeroth.

The Horde and Alliance once again join forces and venture into the frozen continent of Northrend to put an end to this threat.

Widely regarded as one of the best expansions in World of Warcraft history, Wrath of the Lich King introduced hundreds of quests, over a dozen dungeons, nine raids, and the massive continent of Northrend.

The expansion’s most revolutionary addition was the Death Knight hero class, available to both factions. Players choosing this class begin at level 55, provided they already have at least one level 55 character on their account. Death Knights can specialize as either DPS or tanks.

The level cap increased from 70 to 80, Inscription was added as a new profession, and Death Knights became playable by every race. PvP players gained access to Wintergrasp, a zone dedicated entirely to large-scale PvP combat. This expansion also introduced barbers, allowing players to customize their character’s appearance.

Cataclysm

When the ancient dragon Deathwing awakens from his long slumber, his destructive power reshapes Azeroth forever.

Entire regions are transformed: Darkshore and Thousand Needles are flooded, the Barrens are split in two, Auberdine is destroyed, and Ashenvale falls under Horde control.

New zones are introduced, including Deepholm, Tol Barad, Mount Hyjal, Uldum, the Twilight Highlands, Kezan, the underwater city of Vashj’ir, and Gilneas City.

These massive changes come alongside two new playable races: Worgen for the Alliance and Goblins for the Horde. The level cap increases to 85, and the character progression system becomes more streamlined and intuitive.

One of Cataclysm’s biggest changes is the ability to fly across all of Azeroth, including revamped and damaged regions, dramatically altering exploration.

Mists of Pandaria

As tensions between the Horde and Alliance grow, both factions discover the hidden continent of Pandaria.

Inspired by Eastern fantasy themes, Pandaria is home to the Pandaren, a peaceful yet capable race drawn into the ongoing faction conflict.

The Pandaren become World of Warcraft’s first neutral playable race, able to choose between the Alliance and the Horde. The expansion also introduces the Monk class, capable of tanking, healing, or dealing damage.

The level cap rises to 90, and Pandaria’s five zones are filled with exploration, rich storytelling, and diverse combat encounters. The expansion also expands PvP systems, revamps talents, adds scenarios, new dungeons and raids, mounts, and introduces the Pokémon-inspired pet battle system.

Warlords of Draenor

After the events of Pandaria, Garrosh Hellscream escapes captivity and travels back in time to Draenor, the original home of the orcs.

This creates an alternate timeline where players must confront the Iron Horde and prevent a catastrophic future.

The expansion raises the level cap to 100 and introduces Draenor as a new continent with seven zones, including a dedicated PvP area. One of its defining features is the garrison system, which allows players to build and manage their own stronghold.

Warlords of Draenor also delivers major visual upgrades, improved character models, iconic raids, and eight new dungeons.

Legion

Gul’dan escapes to the Broken Isles and reopens the Tomb of Sargeras, unleashing the Burning Legion once more.

Players must unite to stop Azeroth’s most dangerous enemy before total destruction becomes inevitable.

Legion introduces the Demon Hunter hero class, available exclusively to Night Elves and Blood Elves. Starting at level eight, Demon Hunters can specialize as tanks or DPS.

The expansion increases the level cap to 110, adds artifact weapons, PvP honor talents, significant class identity updates, and expansive new zones across the Broken Isles.

Battle for Azeroth

After the defeat of the Burning Legion, a powerful substance known as Azerite appears across Azeroth.

The Horde and Alliance begin fighting over this resource, triggering the Fourth War.

The expansion raises the level cap to 120, introduces Kul Tiras and Zandalar, adds War Mode for PvP, and brings ten allied races into the game. Players also gain access to the Heart of Azeroth, a powerful artifact that enhances abilities.

Shadowlands

When Sylvanas Windrunner shatters the Lich King’s crown, the barrier between life and death collapses.

Players journey into the Shadowlands to stop the Jailer and his forces.

The expansion compresses the level cap to 60, introduces five new zones, expands Death Knight race options, and features the return of many familiar characters, making it especially appealing to long-time fans.

Dragonflight

After thousands of years of slumber, the Dracthyr awaken as the Dragon Isles rise once again.

Dragonflight introduces the Dracthyr race and Evoker class, dragon riding, four new zones, and increases the level cap from 60 to 70.

The War Within

The tenth expansion begins the Worldsoul Saga and sends players into the underworld realm of Khaz Algar.

The expansion introduces the Earthen allied race, increases the level cap to 80, adds Delves as new endgame content, expands account-wide progression with the Warband System, and refines Dragon Riding.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

In what order should you play the expansions in World of Warcraft as a new player?

This depends on your personal preferences. If you care about story continuity, playing expansions in release order is the best approach. This allows you to experience Azeroth’s evolving narrative as it was originally told.

However, there is no wrong way to play. World of Warcraft encourages exploration and freedom, so feel free to follow whatever path feels right.

Do I need all WoW expansions to play?

All expansions released before the current one are included with a standard subscription. To access the latest content, you only need an active subscription and the newest expansion.

Conclusion

World of Warcraft is a vast universe filled with legendary stories, conflicts, and unforgettable characters. Now that you understand what each expansion offers, you can choose whether to follow the chronological path or use Chromie Time for flexible leveling.

In the end, the most important thing is having fun. Whether you carefully follow the lore or simply explore dangerous lands for the thrill of it, Azeroth always has something waiting for you.

Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment