WOW Timeline

Prehistoric Era

-147,000 Years Ago: The universe comes into existence, and the Titans form the Pantheon with the purpose of bringing order to worlds across the cosmos. Among them is Sargeras, a mighty Titan warrior tasked with defeating evil creatures and maintaining cosmic balance. The Titans visit Azeroth, the planet that would become central to their cosmic mission. They establish ancient laboratories to study and shape the world, endowing it with life and potential before leaving it to develop on its own. However, Azeroth is soon invaded by parasitic beings known as the Old Gods. These malevolent entities corrupt the elemental beings of the world and establish their rule, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Ancient History

-10,000 Years Ago: The War of the Ancients erupts. The night elves, a race gifted with immense arcane power, recklessly use this magic, drawing the attention of Sargeras and his Burning Legion. A catastrophic war ensues, culminating in the destruction of the Well of Eternity. This event causes the Great Sundering, splitting the continent of Kalimdor into the various landmasses seen today. In the aftermath, the World Tree Nordrassil is created as a symbol of healing and a source of balance for the world.

-6,800 Years Ago: Quel'Thalas is founded. The Highborne sorcerers, exiled from Kalimdor due to their arcane practices, transform into high elves. They establish the kingdom of Quel'Thalas and create the Sunwell, a font of mystical power that becomes central to their culture and survival.

-2,800 Years Ago: The Troll Wars rage across the land. The high elves of Quel'Thalas find themselves in a brutal conflict with the native Amani trolls. During this time, the human tribes unite to form the nation of Arathor and forge an alliance with the high elves. Together, they defeat the trolls, an event that would shape the political landscape of the region for millennia to come.

-230 Years Ago: The War of the Three Hammers shakes the dwarven society. A civil war breaks out among the Bronzebeard, Wildhammer, and Dark Iron clans following the death of High King Modimus Anvilmar. The Bronzebeard clan ultimately emerges victorious and takes control of Ironforge, their ancient stronghold, marking a new chapter in dwarven history.

First War

Year 0: The First War begins. Sargeras, seeking to corrupt and dominate Azeroth, uses the orcs of Draenor as his pawns. Orcish forces pour through the Dark Portal, initiating a campaign of widespread devastation and setting the stage for future conflicts between races and factions.

Modern Era

Year 31: The present day of the Warcraft universe is showcased in the book "World of Warcraft: War Crimes," which presents an alternate timeline of Warcraft history. In the same year, the game expansion "World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor" introduces players to a reality where the Alliance faces the 'Iron Horde'—a Horde from a parallel universe. This expansion explores the consequences of altered timelines and the impact of historical events on the present.

Year 32: The game expansion "World of Warcraft: Legion" unfolds. It involves an orc from the alternate universe being sent to our universe, where he opens a portal to allow the Burning Legion to invade Azeroth once again. This expansion delves into the ongoing struggle against the Legion's forces and the efforts of various factions to defend their world.

From the ancient times of the Titans to the modern conflicts that shape Azeroth, this timeline captures the essence of World of Warcraft's rich and complex history. Each event and era contributes to the intricate tapestry of stories, battles, and alliances that define the World of Warcraft universe.