World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth

From Warcraft Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This article is about the expansion itself. For the conflict and lore of the expansion, see Fourth War.
Battle for Azeroth logo.png
World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth
Developer(s) Blizzard Entertainment
 Team 2
Publisher(s) Blizzard Entertainment
Director(s) Ion Hazzikostas
Alex Afrasiabi
Chris Robinson
Producer(s) Ray Cobo
Shani Edwards
Designer(s) Matt Goss
Jeremy Feasel
Steve Burke
Platforms Microsoft Windows, macOS
Release
Latest release 8.3.7
Genre(s) Expansion pack
Mode(s) Multiplayer
Expansion packs chronology

Legion
(2016) 		Battle for Azeroth
(2018) 		Shadowlands
(2020)

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth (abbreviated as Battle or BfA) was the seventh expansion for World of Warcraft. It was announced at BlizzCon 2017 on November 3, 2017.

The idea of the expansion came up after recognizing the heroes of Azeroth have dealt with so many large, external threats like the Burning Legion. Alex Afrasiabi said, "So when we talk about what's the biggest threat in this world, is it the Titan or is it the Dwarf Paladin that put a hammer in that Titan's head"? As such, at the expansion's start, the enemy was the opposite faction; a "vast army of world-destroying forces".[4]

On January 30, 2018 Battle for Azeroth was made available for preorder, and unlocked the four first allied races. With the announcement of the Collector's Edition and release date for Battle for Azeroth on April 5, 2018,[3][5] Legion was the first expansion to be offered for free with a preorder.[6] Battle for Azeroth was the first expansion to launch in the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, Korea, and Australia/New Zealand at the same time.[1] Battle for Azeroth set a new day-one sales record for a World of Warcraft expansion with more than 3.4 million units sold on day-one.[7] Battle for Azeroth would later be merged with the base game on 8 October 2020 with patch 9.0.1, thus only requiring game time to access its content.[8]

Battle for Azeroth was offered in three versions: Standard Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition and Collector's Edition.

Story

Declare Your Allegiance (original website)

Azeroth paid a terrible price to end the apocalyptic march of the Legion's crusade—but even as the world's wounds are tended, it is the shattered trust between the Alliance and Horde that may prove hardest to mend. As this age-old conflict reignites, join your allies and champion your faction's cause—Azeroth's future will be forged in the fires of war.[9]

Preorder pitch

Azeroth paid a terrible price to end the apocalyptic march of the Legion's crusade—but even as the world's wounds are tended, it is the shattered trust between the Alliance and Horde that may prove the hardest to mend. In Battle for Azeroth, the fall of the Burning Legion sets off a series of disastrous incidents that reignites the conflict at the heart of the Warcraft saga. As a new age of warfare begins, Azeroth's heroes must set out on a journey to recruit new allies, race to claim the world's mightiest resources, and fight on several fronts to determine whether the Horde or Alliance will lead Azeroth into its uncertain future.[10]

Whoever wins the coming war will likely win a dying world thanks to the Burning Legion. Magni Bronzebeard reached out to the faction leaders and was rebuffed. So Magni turns to the adventurers, needing help to save the world, and these chosen ones will receive a gift from the titan herself.

An epic War Campaign arc is woven throughout entire questing areas.

The expansion pack takes place 33 years ADP.[11]

Features

  • New continents:
  • Ten new allied races who start at level 20:
    • Alliance:
      • Lightforged draeneiLightforged draenei Lightforged draenei (7.3.5) - "For untold millennia, the Army of the Light waged war against the Burning Legion throughout the Twisting Nether. The draenei most committed to their long crusade would undergo a ritual to become Lightforged, infusing their bodies with the very essence of the Holy Light. After finally achieving victory on Argus, the Lightforged Draenei have undertaken a new mission: protecting Azeroth from rising threats and helping the Alliance push back against Horde aggression."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Warrior
      • Void elfVoid elf Void elf (7.3.5) - "Many have sought to harness the corruptive magic of the Void. Most who tried have fallen into madness. Determined to use this power for the good of Azeroth, Alleria Windrunner is the first mortal to succeed at defying the shadow's whispers. Coming to the aid of a group of her kin who nearly gave in to the darkness, Alleria has vowed to train these Void Elves to control the shadows within them and pledge their newfound powers to the Alliance."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Monk, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior
      • Dark Iron dwarfDark Iron dwarf Dark Iron dwarf - "Known for their fiery tempers and fierce determination, Dark Iron dwarves have a turbulent history with the other clans. A failed coup in Ironforge ignited the War of the Three Hammers, and many of the Dark Iron once fought in the service of Ragnaros the Firelord. Though one faction is pledged to Queen-Regent Moira Thaurissan, others refuse to stand alongside their kin. The Alliance seeks a united Dark Iron clan to harness the power of Azerite and aid their struggle against the Horde."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Monk, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior
      • Kul TiranKul Tiran Kul Tiran (8.1.5) - "Kul Tiras was founded by fearless explorers who sailed uncharted waters in search of adventure. As a key member of the Alliance of Lordaeron, the Kul Tiran navy dominated the seas of Azeroth with its legendary fleet. But after years of turmoil and hardship, the kingdom grew isolated and vulnerable to dark influences. Thanks to the help of brave heroes, House Proudmoore has been restored and Kul Tiras is poised to fight alongside the valiant Alliance once more."
        Classes: Druid, Hunter, Mage, Monk, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior
      • MechagnomeMechagnome Mechagnome (8.3.0) - "Though they once sought to mechanize themselves completely, the mechagnomes now seek a balance between flesh and steel. Emerging from years of isolation on Mechagon, they bring both ingenuity and aptitude to the Alliance."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Monk, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior
    • Horde:
      • Highmountain taurenHighmountain tauren Highmountain tauren (7.3.5) - "Descended from Huln, brave hero of the War of the Ancients, the Highmountain tauren honor the spirits of earth, river, and sky. Though the Legion invaded their lands and sowed seeds of distrust between them, the tribes of Highmountain stand united once more. At long last they are ready to venture beyond their sacred mountain and stand beside their kin from Kalimdor, lending their nobility and strength to the mighty Horde."
        Classes: Druid, Hunter, Monk, Shaman, Warrior
      • NightborneNightborne Nightborne (7.3.5) - "Isolated behind a protective barrier for 10,000 years, the elves of Suramar grew increasingly dependent upon the arcane magic of the Nightwell. To protect this font of power, the leaders of the Nightborne struck a bargain with the Burning Legion that plunged their kingdom into civil war. After fighting for freedom from their demonic masters, the Nightborne seek allies in the Horde to help them reclaim their place in the world."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Monk, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior
      • Mag'har orcMag'har orc Mag'har orc - "For untold generations, the orc clans of Draenor battled one another in endless war. But when Gul'dan offered them the blood of his demonic masters, the disparate tribes of Mag'har—the orcish word for "uncorrupted"—refused the dark bargain and banded together to drive out the Burning Legion. United under the leadership of Grommash Hellscream, the Mag'har pledged to one day repay Azeroth's heroes for aiding their cause. As war against the Alliance intensifies, the Horde must call upon the might of the Mag'har to seize victory."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Monk, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior
      • Zandalari trollZandalari troll Zandalari troll (8.1.5) - "The Zandalari are a proud people whose origins date back to the early days of Azeroth's history. Their fierce warriors ride dinosaurs into battle, and they possess one of the most formidable naval fleets in the known world. But enemy attacks on their borders—as well as unrest within the king's council—have threatened the kingdom's foundations. By returning stability to Zandalar, the heroes of the Horde can gain a powerful new ally.."
        Classes: Druid, Hunter, Mage, Monk, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warrior
      • VulperaVulpera Vulpera (8.3.0) - "Clever and resourceful, the vulpera of Vol'dun have survived amidst the sands for generations. Eager to join the ranks of the Horde, their caravans have departed from the dunes in search of adventure."
        Classes: Hunter, Mage, Monk, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock, Warrior
The Island Expedition menu.

In addition to those, a new battleground, the Seething Shore, as well as embassies in Stormwind City and Orgrimmar were added early in patch 7.3.5 in order to prepare the coming of the expansion.

Zones

Nazjatar first appeared in a Warcraft map back in 1999, but only in this expansion players were able to visit it.

Players leveled up in their faction's respective zones, and accessed the zones of the other faction at the maximum level of 120 through world quests and emissaries. The scaling technology introduced in Legion comes back, and players were allowed to do the zones in any order.

Old world changes

The War of the Thorns left the Horde in control of most of Kalimdor, and the Alliance most of the Eastern Kingdoms. For a low-level character the quests and storylines don't change, but for high-level players several zones will see changes via phasing. Both phases can be accessed via Zidormi.

Dungeons and raids

In the Eternal Palace, champions of the Horde and the Alliance face Queen Azshara.

Dungeons

Raids

Prominent figures

Main characters

BlizzCon 2017 BfA What's Next.jpg
BfA 8.2 The Story Continues.jpg

Protagonists

Antagonists

Others

New creatures

Humanoids
Undead
Dragonkin
Beasts
Mechanical
Elemental
Giants
Aberration
Unique

Tie-in literature

Novels
Comics
Animated shorts
Novellas

Gallery

Official art

See also War of the Thorns#Gallery and Battle for Lordaeron#Gallery

Screenshots

Concept art

Creatures and people
  • Sethrak spellcaster

    Sethrak spellcaster

  • Creature concepts

    Creature concepts

  • Creature concepts

    Creature concepts

  • Kul Tiran monster hunter and Pirate Queen

    Kul Tiran monster hunter and Pirate Queen

  • Kul Tiran armor

    Kul Tiran armor

  • Wicker beast

    Wicker beast

  • Arathi Warfront plate armor set 1

    Arathi Warfront plate armor set 1

  • Arathi Warfront plate armor set 2

    Arathi Warfront plate armor set 2

  • Darkshore Warfront armor

    Darkshore Warfront armor

  • BFA Map Sketch 1.jpg
  • BFA Map Sketch 2.jpg
  • BFA Map Sketch 3.jpg
  • BFA Map Sketch 4.jpg
  • BFA Map Sketch 5.jpg
Locations

Miscellaneous

Videos

System requirements

Main article: System requirements

Notes and trivia

  • Just like the "World of Warcraft" name already appeared in Warcraft: Orcs & Humans ("welcome to the world of Warcraft"), the "Battle for Azeroth" one was already used in Warcraft II ("The battle for Azeroth continues over land, sea and air"). Patch 8.1.0, "Tides of Vengeance", was later named this way to reference Tides of Darkness.[12]
  • The box art for Battle for Azeroth appears to be a callback to the box art for Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, which depicts an orc grunt and a human footman staring each other down, and which later received a reimagined wallpaper version with modernized grunt and footman designs.
  • Battle for Azeroth incorporates a lot of material from previously non-canon content:
  • Jesse Cox and Jeremy Feasel have joked on the acronym for "Battle for Azeroth" stating that from now on "BfA" should be pronounced "Beefa".[13][14]
  • In a 2021 interview with Warcraft Radio, Chris Kaleiki, former PvP Developer and Game Designer for Shadowlands, revealed that the feeling among the developer team was that Battle for Azeroth was too random and they conceded that it went too far.[15]

See also

References

 
  1. ^ a b Battle for Azeroth™: One Launch to Rule Them All. Blizzard Entertainment (2018-06-07). Retrieved on 2018-06-07.
  2. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHo_WscmbHA
  3. ^ a b Battle for Azeroth™ Arrives August 14. Blizzard Entertainment (2018-04-05).
  4. ^ PC Gamer: Blizzard answers some of our biggest questions about World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth
  5. ^ Battle for Azeroth™: Collector’s Edition. Blizzard Entertainment (2018-04-05). Retrieved on 2018-04-16.
  6. ^ https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/product/world-of-warcraft-legion
  7. ^ Battle for Azeroth™ Becomes Fastest-Selling World of Warcraft® Expansion Ever. Activision Blizzard (2018-08-23). Retrieved on 2018-08-23.
  8. ^ Shop Updates: Appearance Change Service and Battle for Azeroth. Blizzard Entertainment (2020-10-08). Archived from the original on 2020-10-08.
  9. ^ Official site - Battle for Azeroth. Retrieved on 2017-11-05.
  10. ^ MMO-Champion: Battle for Azeroth Pre-Purchase Now Available
  11. ^ Alex Afrasiabi on Twitter - "@Kynmarcher I believe we'd be going into 33 with BFA" (Dead link)
  12. ^ Neryssa 2018-11-07. LATAM Content Creators Interview with Jeremy Feasel and Paul Watkins - Flying in Nazjatar, PvP Information. Wowhead. Retrieved on 2018-11-07.
  13. ^ Jesse Cox on Twitter: "ANNOUNCEMENT: It is official, my chat has decided that @Warcraft Battle For Azeroth, known as BFA or "beefa" is now to be called "Beef". Cause we have it. That is all. You may continue your day."
  14. ^ Jeremy Feasel on Twitter: "Beefa is served"
  15. ^ TPVP Interview with Chris Kaleiki Highlight

External links

Warcraft games and products
Warcraft
Authorized addons
World of Warcraft
Editions
Standard
Battle Chests
Collectors
Digital
Other
Misc.
Demos
Remakes
Other
Non-computer
Board Games
Card Games
Movies
Other
Games and products followed by  † were canceled, are no longer being produced, or just no longer available.
Retrieved from "https://warcraft.wiki.gg/index.php?title=World_of_Warcraft:_Battle_for_Azeroth&oldid=6006622"