World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth (abbreviated as Battle or BfA) is 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 the heroes of Azeroth dealt with so much external threats like the Burning Legion. In their own words, "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, the enemy (at least during the early parts of the scenario) will be the opposite faction, a "vast army of world-destroying forces".

On January 30, 2018 Battle for Azeroth was made available for preorder, coming with the unlocking of the four first allied races. With the announcement of the Collector's Edition and release date for Battle for Azeroth on April 5, 2018, Legion was the first expansion to be offered for free with a preorder. Battle for Azeroth is the first expansion to launch in the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, Korea, and Australia/New Zealand at the same time. 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.

Battle for Azeroth comes 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.

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.

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 now 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 will be woven throughout entire questing areas.

The expansion pack takes place 33 years ADP.

Features

 * New continents:
 * Kul Tiras
 * Drustvar - Primary arms (and sausage) supplier of Kul Tiras and ancient home of the drust.
 * Mechagon Island - New land added in patch 8.2.0. Home to a ancient lost city of the gnomes.
 * Stormsong Valley - Home of the tidesages and primary ships supplier of Kul Tiras.
 * Tiragarde Sound - Where Boralus, the capital of Kul Tiras, is located.
 * Zandalar
 * Nazmir - Swampland, home to the blood trolls and location of the titan facility of Uldir.
 * Vol'dun - Desert area where the criminals of Zandalar are exiled and home of the sethrak and the vulpera.
 * Zuldazar - The capital of the Zandalari Empire. In its center lies the palace of Dazar'alor.
 * Nazjatar - New land added in patch 8.2.0. Home of the naga at sea bottom where a hole in the ocean opens with a parting of the seas.
 * Ten new allied races who start at level 20:
 * Alliance:
 * (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
 * (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
 * - "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
 * (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
 * (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:
 * (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
 * (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
 * - "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
 * (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
 * 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
 * Island expedition 3-player scenarios - Set sail for the previously unmapped isles of Azeroth. Battle in groups of three as you race against cunning rival intruders—or enemy players—to collect the island's resources. Constantly evolving challenges await as you traverse frozen landscapes near Northrend, open the gates of an abandoned Gilnean castle, navigate a war between elementals and more. Can be done either in PvP or PvE against advanced AIs.
 * 11 island locations in rotation of 3 per week: Crestfall, Dread Chain, Havenswood, Jorundall, Molten Cay, Rotting Mire, Skittering Hollow, Snowblossom Village, Un'gol Ruins, Verdant Wilds and Whispering Reef.
 * 2 Warfronts a new 20-player PvE mode: Battle for Stromgarde and Battle for Darkshore.
 * Heroic difficulty for Battle for Stromgarde added in patch 8.2.0. Heroic difficulty for Battle for Darkshore to be added in patch 8.3.0.
 * New dungeons and raids
 * War Campaigns for each faction
 * Level 110 Character Boost
 * Level cap raised to 120
 * Items
 * Heritage armor - Race specific cosmetic armor sets.
 * Heart of Azeroth and Azerite Armor are powered by the Azerite Power.
 * Cloth, leather, mail and plate themed sets, no more armor sets themed after each class.
 * Player vs. Player
 * 3 new arenas: Hook Point, Mugambala and The Robodrome.
 * Toggleable PvP mode, removing the PvE/PvP servers distinction. Playing with War Mode activated applies the Enlisted buff. Also adds the new bounty hunting and air drop systems.
 * Honor talent system revamped
 * Communities
 * Others
 * Second stat squish with an item level squish
 * First Aid profession removed; bandages and anti-venoms that were in the profession were move to Tailoring and Alchemy and will need to be relearned.
 * Mount equipment slot and mount equipment items added in patch 8.2.0.
 * Model updates for worgen and goblins in patch 8.2.5.

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
You will level up in your faction's zones, and access the zones of the other faction at 120 through world quests and emissaries. The scaling technology introduced in Legion comes back, and you can do the zones in any order.


 * Kul Tiras
 * Drustvar
 * Stormsong Valley
 * Tiragarde Sound
 * Mechagon Island


 * Zandalar
 * Nazmir
 * Vol'dun
 * Zuldazar


 * Nazjatar

Old world changes
Lore-wise, the Horde will control most of Kalimdor, and the Alliance most of the Eastern Kingdoms. For a low-level character the quests and storylines won't change, but for high-level players several zones will see changes via phasing.


 * Magni's Encampment added to Silithus.
 * Teldrassil is burned and Undercity is in ruins with parts of Tirisfal Glades as the story progresses by phasing.
 * At max level, Arathi Highlands and Darkshore are phased to be updated to reflect their status as locations for Warfronts.
 * Echo Isles has a dock added for a ship to Zuldazar.
 * In Swamp of Sorrows the Misty Reed Farm was added in place of Misty Reed Post.
 * Portal rooms were added in Stormwind and Orgrimmar.
 * Darkmoon Faire added a rollercoaster ride.
 * Warsong Gulch and Arathi Basin battlegrounds were remastered. Deepwind Gorge battleground is re-imagined/updated to be a capture point map.
 * In patch 8.3.0, Vale of Eternal Blossoms has been restored and there are assaults in Uldum and the Vale of Eternal Blossoms.

Dungeons

 * Freehold
 * Atal'Dazar
 * Tol Dagor
 * Waycrest Manor
 * Shrine of the Storm
 * Siege of Boralus
 * Temple of Sethraliss
 * The Underrot
 * Kings' Rest
 * The MOTHERLODE!!
 * Operation: Mechagon in patch 8.2.0

Raids

 * Uldir
 * Battle of Dazar'alor in patch 8.1.0
 * Crucible of Storms in patch 8.1.5
 * The Eternal Palace in patch 8.2.0
 * Ny'alotha, the Waking City in patch 8.3.0

Protagonists

 * Sylvanas Windrunner
 * Anduin Wrynn
 * Jaina Proudmoore
 * Inv misc urn 01.png Vol'jin
 * Varok Saurfang
 * Baine Bloodhoof
 * Thrall
 * Katherine Proudmoore
 * Taelia Fordragon
 * Derek Proudmoore
 * Rastakhan
 * Princess Talanji

Antagonists

 * Prophet Zul
 * Lady Priscilla Ashvane
 * Gorak Tul
 * G'huun
 * Emperor Korthek
 * Lord Stormsong
 * Queen Azshara
 * N'Zoth
 * King Mechagon

Others

 * Magni Bronzebeard
 * Genn Greymane
 * Turalyon
 * Alleria Windrunner
 * Moira Thaurissan
 * Gelbin Mekkatorque
 * Nathanos Blightcaller
 * First Arcanist Thalyssra
 * Lor'themar Theron
 * Jastor Gallywix
 * Gazlowe
 * Mayla Highmountain
 * Bwonsamdi
 * Vorrik
 * Lucille Waycrest
 * Brother Pike
 * Flynn Fairwind
 * Tandred Proudmoore
 * Daelin Proudmoore
 * Tyrande Whisperwind
 * Malfurion Stormrage
 * Shandris Feathermoon
 * Master Mathias Shaw
 * Delaryn Summermoon
 * Xal'atath
 * Prince Erazmin
 * Wrathion

New creatures

 * Unique
 * Inv demongoat.png Baa'l (a demonic goat)
 * Fetid Devourer
 * Grong, the Revenant (undead gorilla)
 * Inv hearthstonepet.png Hearthy
 * Hir'eek
 * Inv encrypted06.png Hogrus, Swine of Good Fortune (as a Shop mount)
 * Priscilla Ashvane transformed
 * Inv marmosetpet.png Rikki (unique marmoset monkey type as a Recruit-A-Friend pet)
 * Lord Arthur Waycrest
 * Inv mummypet.png Miimii
 * Opulence and Neglected Guild Bank
 * Taloc
 * Yazma

Tie-in literature

 * Novels
 * Before the Storm


 * Comics
 * Jaina: Reunion
 * Magni: The Speaker
 * Windrunner: Three Sisters
 * Mechagon


 * Animated shorts
 * Warbringers


 * Novellas
 * Elegy & A Good War

Official art

 * See also War of the Thorns and Battle for Lordaeron

Concept art

 * Creatures and people

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.
 * 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:
 * Boralus, Tandred Proudmoore, the surname Waycrest, and Queen Azshara having octopus tentacles instead of a typical naga tail all originated in the Warcraft RPG. The Nazjatar zone also takes cues from the RPG Eye area.
 * Skycap'n Kragg and tortollans first appeared in Hearthstone. Fungarians, brutosaurs, and Azerothian riverbeasts may also have been inspired by various similar creatures first introduced in Hearthstone.
 * Jesse Cox and Jeremy Feasel have joked on the acronym for "Battle for Azeroth" stating that from now on "BfA" should be pronounced "Beefa".
 * 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.