Underdev

The Under Development (or "underdev") was a section of the official site. It often contained lore information and articles to go along with the patch notes. Brief introductions to each patch were also listed, and the patches were in inverse release order.

In the 2010 revamp of the Official Site, they added a Patch Notes section that acted as the successor of the Underdev articles. They still referred to the overviews of this section as "Under dev" up until the end of Mists of Pandaria, with the lore-based "Under dev" sections and links being discontinued beginning with Warlords of Draenor.

2010-2013 Version

Patch 5.4 Siege of Orgrimmar

Garrosh Hellscream's treacherous excavation of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms has finished with sinister results – not just for Pandaria, but for all Azeroth.

In a compound beneath Ragefire Chasm, Garrosh has infused his followers – the ‘true Horde' – with the pilfered essence of the Old God Y'shaarj. With the power of a primordial world-twisting force at his command, Garrosh can rebuild the Horde in his image: strong, obedient, and, most importantly, ‘pure'.

Vol'jin's attempts to lead Horde rebels into the capital of Orgrimmar haven't gone unnoticed – and the mightiest heroes of the Alliance have stepped in to siege one of their enemies' most prized cities. Will the Alliance be content with overthrowing a despot, or will they crush the Horde at one of the most vulnerable points in its history?

Patch 5.3 Escalation

The battle for Pandaria is approaching a fever pitch. Her resources are plundered. Her earth is scoured. The Alliance and the Horde are at each other's throats – but great dangers lurk within their own ranks.

While Warchief Garrosh Hellscream's excavation squads bore deep into Pandaria's Vale of Eternal Blossoms in search of chthonic power, Taran Zhu, lord of the Shado-Pan, grows increasingly concerned about the presence of outsiders in his homeland. Meanwhile, in search of new soldiers to shore up his war in Pandaria, King Varian Wrynn has been forced to turn to the Dark Iron Dwarf Princess Moira for aid.

The struggle for Pandaria threatens to engulf all Azeroth, and you're at the forefront of the conflict.

Patch 5.2 The Thunder King

Lei Shen, the ancient mogu Thunder King, once loomed over the continent of Pandaria, uniting the mogu clans under his rule. Were it not for his downfall, the pandaren, jinyu, hozen and more might still serve the mogu – and they may again. Now awakened from his tomb by his old allies, Lei Shen has returned, promising to reclaim his ancient empire.

Beside the heroes of the Shado-Pan and the champions of your faction, you'll assault Lei Shen's island to prevent the returned Thunder King from using his destructive powers against Pandaria, and claim his forgotten engines of war – quickly – before the enemy's faction can turn them on you.

Patch 5.1 Landfall

Along the beaches of the Krasarang Wilds, the massed armies of the Alliance and Horde arrive to support their expeditionary forces on Pandaria. They can't finish raising camps and building fortresses fast enough, because their landing sites are about to erupt into full-blown battlefields.

As part of Patch 5.1: Landfall, you'll be introduced to two new factions who will be a crucial part of your struggle for control of the Krasarang Wilds, and you'll take part in 5 new scenarios.

You'll also encounter a reclusive and mysterious underground fighting ring with an exclusive membership process and interests throughout Azeroth.

Patch 5.0 Mists of Pandaria Pre-Patch

With the release of Patch 5.0.4, a number of features and changes that aren't connected to the continent of Pandaria have been added to World of Warcraft, including major revisions to the talent system and the abilities of every class in the game. We've also added several brand-new features: AoE looting; account-wide mounts, pets, and achievements; cross-realm play in certain zones; and even more!

Meanwhile, Azeroth's faint hope for peace is about to be shaken by a vicious attack -- the new scenario "Theramore's Fall" will be available beginning the week of September 17.

The lost continent of Pandaria is almost visible on the horizon.

Patch 4.3 Hour of Twilight

In the wake of the Cataclysm, Azeroth's champions rose up to thwart the forces of the maddened black Dragon Aspect, Deathwing. Thus far the world's defenders have shattered the power base of the Twilight's Hammer cult and defeated the raging elemental lords Al'Akir and Ragnaros. Yet despite these victories, as long as Deathwing is free to pursue his twisted goals, Azeroth will remain under threat.

No one is more aware of this fact than the great Dragon Aspects Alexstrasza, Nozdormu, Ysera, and Kalecgos. Together with the wise shaman Thrall, they have devised a plan to vanquish Deathwing with a weapon of his own design: the infamous Dragon Soul.

In patch 4.3, Thrall and the noble Aspects will call upon the Horde and the Alliance to help them retrieve the artifact — no longer in existence — from the distant past. Those brave enough to face the challenge will embark on a perilous journey from Azeroth's apocalyptic End Time to the Dragon Soul's point of origin during the catastrophic War of the Ancients.

If the heroes succeed, an even more harrowing battle awaits them in the present....

Patch 4.2 Rage of the Firelands

In the days immediately following the Cataclysm, the Firelord Ragnaros and his minions attempted to ravage the world even further, pushing a damaged Kalimdor over the brink of oblivion. Their invasion was turned away at Mount Hyjal, but the threat of their presence lingers. It is not enough to simply deflect the danger posed to Hyjal, Nordrassil and all of Azeroth – it must be ended.

In patch 4.2, it's up to you to push the conflict back from the peaks of Mount Hyjal into the endless blaze of the Firelands – to lead a full-scale invasion of the elemental plane of Fire, and do battle with Ragnaros and his minions in their very lair.

Prepare yourself for war.

Patch 4.1 Rise of the Zandalari

The days when great troll empires stretched across ancient Kalimdor are long past. Millennia of war and internal strife have stripped these nations of their power, lands, and glory. As Azeroth recovers from the destruction of the Cataclysm, the world's divided troll populations face a bleak future. These dark times have spurred the trolls of the Zandalar, the historically wise and scholarly tribe from which all trolls originated, to take drastic action. They have embarked on a bold crusade to save their race by uniting trolls into a single mighty empire. With the Zandalari's aid, the fallen capitals of the Gurubashi and Amani nations—Zul'Gurub and Zul'Aman—are already rebuilding, replenishing their forces for a bloody campaign to expand their territories.

Yet Vol'jin and his Darkspear trolls are not aligned with the Zandalari. They have sworn to stand with their Horde comrades—and even work with the Alliance—should the trolls ignite a new war on Azeroth. Soon, Vol'jin might be forced to act on his promise, for if the Gurubashi and Amani are left to their own devices, the world will know the legendary strength and savagery of the ancient troll empires once again.

Patch 4.0 Cataclysm

Without warning, the corrupted Dragon Aspect, Deathwing, erupts from the stone heart of Deepholm, the domain of earth within the Elemental Plane. Jagged fissures are torn across the earth, and monstrous waves pummel coastal regions. From Thousand Needles to the Blasted Lands, the surface of Azeroth is reforged through violent upheavals. Now, the Horde and the Alliance must defend their homes against Deathwing and his minions, burdened by the unsettling fact that the world as they know it has changed… forever.

Original (2004-2010) Article content and Sub-Articles

The World of Warcraft is constantly evolving. The people of Azeroth have discovered new lands, battled strange new creatures, and uncovered more and more of the complex history woven within the world as they adventure and explore. Interested in learning about the many ways the world has changed and grown? Read on below!

Patch 4.0.1

Take the opportunity to experience major class and talent changes, all-new user interface options, and other systems improvements setting the framework for World of Warcraft's third expansion.

Patch 3.3 Fall of the Lich King

At last. In the Fall of the Lich King content update (3.3), the great doors of Icecrown Citadel will be forced open. The mightiest heroes of the Horde and Alliance will confront and finally defeat Arthas, the Lich King -- but the lord of the Scourge will not easily part with his sword, his life, or his frozen kingdom.

This update includes an all-new raid and winged five-player dungeon; numerous interface improvements, including detailed quest tracking and instant cross-realm dungeons; scores of new quests and achievements; the epic tier-10 armor sets, and numerous class and system updates. You can find specific info, patch notes, and extensive details on all of the additions below.

Patch 3.2 Call of the Crusade

Since the opening of the Argent Tournament in northeastern Icecrown, adventurers have journeyed from across Azeroth and beyond to prove their worth in the heart of the Lich King's domain. Under thundering skies the tournament's participants hone the arts of war and face off in bone-shattering jousting matches to earn the right to be called champions. Yet these heroes have yet to face the greatest challenge of all: the Crusaders' Coliseum. Formidable Horde and Alliance champions, ferocious beasts, and Scourge lieutenants are just some of the opponents awaiting adventurers in this gladiatorial arena. Few will survive the coliseum's perils, but the Argent Crusade is confident that the worthy heroes who do emerge victorious will be ready to join the offensive against Icecrown Citadel and end the Lich King's reign of terror.

Patch 3.1 Secrets of Ulduar

For millennia, Ulduar has remained undisturbed by mortals, far away from their concerns and their struggles. Yet since its recent discovery, many have wondered what the structure's original purpose may have been. Some thought it a city built to herald the glory of its makers; some thought it a vault containing innumerable treasures, perhaps even relics of the mighty Titans themselves. Such speculations were wrong....

Ulduar's gates have swung open, allowing heroes of the Horde and the Alliance to venture into the titan Pantheon's ancient halls. In addition to an all-new raid dungeon, this content patch will introduce the dual-talent specialization system, new quest lines, and the epic tier-8 armor sets.

EU version

For millennia, Ulduar has remained undisturbed by mortals, far away from their concerns and their struggles. Yet since its recent discovery, many have wondered what the structure's original purpose may have been. Some thought it a city built to herald the glory of its makers; some thought it a vault containing innumerable treasures, perhaps even relics of the mighty titans themselves. Such speculations were wrong.

Beyond Ulduar's gates lies no city, no treasure vault, no final answer to the titan's mysteries. All that awaits those who dare set foot in Ulduar is a horror even the titans could not, would not destroy -- an evil they merely... contained.

Beneath ancient Ulduar, the Old God of death lies, whispering.... Tread carefully, or its prison will become your tomb.

3.0.2 Echoes of Doom

You've mastered the challenges of Outland, but are you ready for what's yet to come? From the frozen north come tidings of a dormant evil awakening, filling the hearts and minds of Azeroth's citizens with unease. Heroes across the land are preparing for the harsh journey ahead with a sense of anticipation and purpose.

Echoes of Doom, the last major content patch for World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, lays the groundwork for the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion. It adds a wealth of improvements and entirely new gameplay features to World of Warcraft

Patch Notes

Patch 2.4.0 Fury of the Sunwell

You have traveled through the Dark Portal and braved the perils of Outland; you faced off against the might of the Burning Legion itself, and you prevailed. Now the journey that began with the arrival of the draenei on Azeroth and the blood elves' inclusion into the Horde is about to come full circle as a mighty army gathers to purge evil from one of Azeroth's most important loci of power: the ancient, magical Sunwell.

Patch 2.3.0 The Gods of Zul'Aman

The stronghold of Zul'Aman has stood for millennia as the Amani trolls' seat of power and bastion of the fearless, cunning warlord Zul'jin.

Zul'jin has spent several years plotting behind Zul'Aman's walls. Furious at the Horde for allowing his hated enemies, the blood elves, to join its ranks, he eagerly embraced a scheme that the witch doctor Malacrass recently proposed: to seal the power of the animal gods within the bodies of the Amani's strongest warriors.

Now Zul'Aman's army grows more powerful by the day, hungry to exact vengeance in the name of its fearless leader, Zul'jin.

Patch 2.2.2 Voice Chat!

Azeroth is alive with the sound of voices. For the first time, players are able to talk to each other in game with the use of the new Voice Chat feature. Also in this patch, aspiring moviemakers can now use their Mac to capture all the in-game action and share it with their friends.

Patch Notes

Patch 2.1.0 The Black Temple

The Temple of Karabor was the center of draenei worship until its priests were slaughtered by demonically corrupted orcs. In the massacre's aftermath the warlocks of the Shadow Council seized the structure and gave it a new name: The Black Temple.

When the Alliance invaded Draenor after the Second War, the orc shaman Ner'zhul hastily opened several dimensional portals in order to escape. The resulting magical backlash ripped the world apart. Drawn by these portals, the pit lord Magtheridon arrived in what had come to be known as Outland and took the temple as his seat of power.

His dominion over Outland remained unchallenged until the arrival of Illidan the Betrayer. The pit lord proved no match for the wielder of the Twin Blades of Azzinoth. Today Illidan occupies the temple, awaiting any and all who would challenge his rule.

Patch 2.0.1 Before the Storm

The biggest storms are often preceded by a sudden calm, as if the whole world stands still for a moment while the winds gather all their strength. This patch includes many important changes and improvements leading up to the release of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade, including the new PvP Honor and Arena systems. Prove your worth on the Battlegrounds and earn new, powerful PvP Honor rewards, or take the ultimate test of your team PvP skills in the new Arena System. Also, you can already learn the new class talents that will help you brave the many challenges awaiting you in Outland and beyond.

There are many new, groundbreaking features to be found in this patch, but always remember - this is nothing but the calm... before the storm.

Patch Notes

Patch 1.12 Drums of War

For the first time in the history of World of Warcraft, you can take on players from other realms in the battlegrounds. Replenish your mana, sharpen your blades, and get ready for some brand-new challengers! Also, this patch introduces world PvP objectives to Silithus and the Eastern Plaguelands. The stage is set for intense, objective-based land battles as Horde and Alliance vie for control over important strategic positions and resources around Azeroth.

Patch Notes

Patch 1.11 Shadow of the Necropolis

Floating above the Plaguelands, the necropolis known as Naxxramas serves as the seat of one of the Lich King's most powerful officers, the dreaded lich Kel'Thuzad. Horrors of the past and new terrors yet to be unleashed are gathering inside the necropolis as the Lich King's servants prepare their assault. The Scourge marches again... Naxxramas is the new 40-man raid dungeon that will present even the most experienced and powerful players with an epic challenge.

Once, Kel'Thuzad was not very different from the other magi of Dalaran. Ambitious, maybe, perhaps more radical in his convictions, but certainly not more powerful than his peers. Yet it was Kel'Thuzad the Lich King made into a key figure of the Scourge's remorseless assault on the lands of the living. Now, the man named Kel'Thuzad is gone, and all that remains is Kel'Thuzad the lich, right hand of the Lich King and ruler of the necropolis Naxxramas. What evil was it that led him down this path? Learn more about the events that darkened the fate of Kel'Thuzad, and ultimately of all Azeroth, in Road to Damnation, a short story preview of the upcoming content patch for World of Warcraft.

Patch 1.10 Storms of Azeroth

Weather has at last arrived across the continents of the land. Priests' abilities have been further tuned, and many high-level raid instances have undergone significant changes, with adjustments to difficulty, rewards, and the number of players allowed to venture together into the depths of the darkest, most dangerous places of Azeroth. Prepare yourselves for the coming storm!

Patch Notes

Patch 1.9 The Gates of Ahn'Qiraj

The Gates of Ahn'Qiraj will house two massive, unique dungeons - the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj, a 20 -man raid dungeon, and the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj, a 40-man raid dungeon. As players delve deeper into the mysteries of Ahn'Qiraj, they will discover revelations of the Silithid infestation and their shadowy masters, the Qiraji, Players will have to complete a world event of massive proportions before they can open the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj on their realm.

The Gates of Ahn'Qiraj will house two massive, unique dungeons - the Ruins of Ahn'Qiraj, a 20-man raid dungeon, and the Temple of Ahn'Qiraj, a 40-man raid dungeon. As players delve deeper into the mysteries of Ahn'Qiraj, they will discover revelations of the Silithid infestation and their shadowy masters, the Qiraji. Players will have to complete a world event of massive proportions before they can open the Gates of Ahn'Qiraj on their realm.

Read The War of the Shifting Sands and learn about the history of Silithus and Ahn'Qiraj.

Patch 1.8 Dragons of Nightmare

The Great Trees of the world have been shaken to their roots; a new menace has come from the portals to the Emerald Dream. Four green dragons, once proud lieutenants of Ysera now corrupted by the Emerald Nightmare, have appeared in Azeroth to destroy the life they once dearly protected. Adventurers must ride forth and defend the land from this new threat. . .

Meanwhile in Silithus. the Cenarion Circle gathers at its Hold to research the strange goings-on both above and underneath the shifting sands. Something dangerous is stirring beyond the Scarab Wall. The Twilight's Hammer are extremely active in the area, working to uncover some unnamed evil. Can you uncover the mysteries therein?

Patch 1.7 Rise of the Blood God

Venture into Zul'Gurub, ancient city of the Gurubashi trolls, and do battle against the minions of the Blood God Hakkar. Aid the Zandalar tribe in restoring the proper order to the world, for they will reward your efforts with both knowledge and armor to help you in your quest.

In the Arathi Highlands, a resource-rich vale lies nestled within the mountains. There, the League of Arathor fights against the undead Defilers to gather these vital supplies for their armies. Join the battle in the name of the Horde or Alliance and take control over the Basin!

Patch 1.6 Assault on Blackwing Lair

Lord Victor Nefarius has long taunted the defenders of the land during their adventures in Blackrock Spire - now, at last, his lair lies open, awaiting those daring enough to set foot within. Do battle against the black dragonflight and face off against Nefarian himself within the treacherous Blackwing Lair.

For those less inclined to do battle with dragons. the mysterious. mischievous Darkmoon Faire has been sighted around the areas of Elwynn Forest and the plains of Mulgore. Indulge in less-than-healthy faire food, enjoy the strange and wonderful games, get your fortune told by a gnoll, and imbibe cheap booze. Who could ask for more?

Patch 1.5 Battlegrounds

The troops again lusting for battle, all eyes now turn to two prime spots in Azeroth. In the formerly pristine Alterac Valley. the Stormpike dwarves and the Frostwolf clan of orcs fight over the rights to the strategic piece of land. Huge armies clash upon the slopes of the snowy vale. Over in Kalimdor, the Silverwing Sentinels of Ashenvale and the Warsong orcs battle for the forest - the night elves to save their ancestral land. the orcs to chop it down for valuable war supplies. Both battles require the most stalwart of soldiers; it is time to fight for lord and land!

Patch 1.4 The Call to War

There was no help for it; the seasoned troops on both the Horde and Alliance were becoming beleaguered. The fierce light of battle was fading from their eyes. Leaders feared retaliation by their enemy, assured that they would strike any day. Something had to be done to rekindle that fire, to return vigor to their valiant soldiers. The cities of Azeroth now grant ranks to their fighters, and the craftsmen of both sides have been working feverishly to provide their armies with new items for use in the war effort. Fight on, brave and noble adventurers, and achieve glory!

Patch Notes

Patch 1.3 Ruins of Dire Maul

Built long ago by Queen Azshara's followers, the ancient, magical city of Eldre'Thalas was the center for the highborne's arcane research. Thousands of years have passed since the destruction of the Well of Eternity. and the broken city's three wings have been overrun by ghostly Highborne, satyr and ogres. Now known as the Dire Maul, only the most daring party of adventurers can enter this dungeon and face the ancient evils within.

New Dungeon: Dire Maul (56-60 level Dungeon in Feralas)

Cautiously I crept through the verdant growth of Feralas, edging ever closer to the towering walls I could make out through the trees. I remained hidden, careful to keep the horns of my feline shape from tangling in the undergrowth. There, dusky skin stark against the lush green of the wood, stood the Gordok ogres...

Dire Maul is a new high-level dungeon encounter featured in World of Warcraft's next content patch!

Patch 1.2 Mysteries of Maraudon

Intrepid adventurers first discovered the depths of Maraudon, a dungeon that revealed much of the mystery behind the marauding centaur clans. Denizens of Azeroth also celebrated the Feast of Winter Veil. Trading gifts, munching on cookies and eggnog, and chatting with Greatfather Winter kept both Alliance and Horde in high spirits throughout the holiday.

Patch Notes

References

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