List of WoW expansions in chronological order. Explore story progression and gameplay changes, plus the best order to play for the ultimate WoW experience.
If you’re just stepping into the vast universe of Azeroth or thinking about diving back in, you’re probably wondering where to start. With over a dozen expansions released over nearly two decades, World of Warcraft has grown into a massive, ever-evolving world. Each expansion brings its own storylines, zones, gameplay systems, and memorable moments. But which one should you play first? In this guide, we’ll walk you through all WoW expansions in the order they were released and help you figure out the best playing order.
Also read: 10 Games Like WoW- Best MMORPG Alternatives
The WoW expansions released in chronological order: The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, Legion, Battle for Azeroth, Shadowlands, Dragonflight, and most recently, The War Within.
Released in 2007, The Burning Crusade was the first expansion for World of Warcraft. It introduced Outland, a new zone where players fight against the demonic forces of the Burning Legion.
This expansion also increased the level cap to 70 and added two new playable races, including Blood Elves (Horde) and Draenei (Alliance). These races allowed access to previously faction-exclusive classes: Paladins became available to the Horde, and Shamans to the Alliance.
Released in 2008, Wrath of the Lich King is the second expansion for World of Warcraft. It sends players to the frozen continent of Northrend to face Arthas Menethil and his undead army invading Azeroth.
This expansion raises the level cap from 70 to 80, introduces the Death Knight hero class starting at level 55 and available to all races, and adds the new Inscription profession. Players can explore new zones and dungeons, participate in expanded PvP and world PvP content, and take part in the Argent Tournament event, which offers unique mounts and pets.
Released in 2010, Cataclysm drastically changed the world of Azeroth, reshaping many zones such as splitting The Barrens and flooding Thousand Needles. The expansion raised the level cap to 85 and introduced two new playable races: Goblins for the Horde and Worgen for the Alliance.
It also allowed new race and class combinations, like Human Hunters and Dwarf Shamans. Along with seven new zones and new starting areas, players could explore challenging dungeons and the Firelands raid. Cataclysm also brought the Transmogrification system, allowing players to customize their gear’s appearance.
Released in 2012, Mists of Pandaria introduced the new continent of Pandaria, a lush land inhabited by the Pandaren, the first neutral race available to both the Horde and Alliance.
The expansion added the Monk class, which can fill roles as a healer, tank, or damage dealer. The level cap was raised to 90. New features included the pet battle system, challenge mode dungeons, a revamped talent system, and account-wide achievements. The expansion also brought several new zones, raids like the Throne of Thunder, and increased PvP content.
Released in 2014, Warlords of Draenor takes players to the orc’s homeworld, Draenor, through an alternate timeline created by Garrosh Hellscream.
The expansion raised the level cap to 100 and introduced Garrisons, personalized bases where players can build and upgrade structures for resources and rewards. It added eight new dungeons, three raids, and a new PvP zone called Ashran. The expansion also included refined quests, a group finder system for easier multiplayer activities, permanent ability bonuses, and quality-of-life improvements.
Released in 2016, Legion is not only the sixth but also the second-best expansion of WoW’s history. It raised the level cap to 110 and introduced the Broken Isles as a new playable continent. The expansion added the Demon Hunter, a new hero class available to Night Elf and Blood Elf races, starting at level 8.
It also introduced powerful Artifact Weapons that grow stronger as players progress through the story. Legion revamped the leveling experience by allowing players to choose the order of zones they want to explore. New content included five dungeons, two raids, a new honor system, class orders, and additional social features, enhancing both gameplay variety and progression.
Released in 2018, Battle for Azeroth, increased the level cap to 120 and focused on reigniting the war between the Alliance and Horde following the discovery of Azerite, a powerful new resource. The expansion introduced three main zones, including Kul Tiras for the Alliance, Zandalar for the Horde, and later Nazjatar. Players could explore new storylines through War Campaigns and Island Expeditions, along with two large-scale PvE Warfronts.
It added the Heart of Azeroth, an upgradable amulet powered by Azerite, and replaced PvP servers with the War Mode system. Ten new allied races became playable, and the expansion featured new dungeons, raids, and changes to PvP balancing. While the core theme centered on faction conflict, the narrative gradually shifted toward threats like the Old Gods, creating a mixed reception around its overall direction.
Released in 2020, Shadowlands is the eighth expansion of World of Warcraft. Unlike previous expansions, it reduced the level cap from 120 to 60 and introduced a new leveling system starting at 50. The story takes players into the afterlife, exploring six distinct zones that each represent a different aspect of death.
Players align with one of four Covenants, each offering unique abilities, storylines, and progression systems. The expansion also adds new character customization options, dungeons, raids, and Torghast, an endlessly replayable dungeon designed for solo or group play. While the gameplay was often criticized for relying on too many layered power systems, Shadowlands still provided a fresh take on the world of Azeroth by shifting the focus to life beyond death.
Dragonflight is the ninth expansion of World of Warcraft released in 2022. It brings players back to Azeroth to explore the long-lost Dragon Isles, the ancestral homeland of the dragonflights. The story follows the awakening of the Dracthyr, a dragonkin race once created by Deathwing, and their role in an emerging threat that endangers all dragonkind.
This expansion increases the level cap to 70 and introduces the Dracthyr as a new playable race with an exclusive class called the Evoker. A major gameplay feature is Dragonriding, a new form of flying that allows players to ride customizable dragons with advanced movement mechanics. Dragonflight also updates the talent system, adds eight new dungeons, three raids, and makes broad improvements to class design and world exploration. While it aimed to fix core gameplay issues rather than impress with spectacle, it laid a solid foundation for the game's future.
The War Within is World of Warcraft’s tenth expansion and the first part of the Worldsoul Saga. It takes players underground to explore ancient Titan secrets and stop the Harbinger of the Void, who try to raise an army from beneath the surface, pushing both the Alliance and Horde to act.
This expansion introduces several new underground zones, endgame content, and the return of the Earthen, a Titan-forged race. It also debuts Warbands, a system designed to improve progression across multiple characters, and adds Delves, small-scale adventures tailored for solo or casual players. The War Within continues Blizzard’s efforts to improve the player experience while setting the stage for the next parts of the saga.
The best order to play WoW expansions is by their release order. This way, you follow the storyline and timeline closely while experiencing the natural progression of gameplay.
However, if you want to experience quickly or focus on your favorite part, the Chromie Time system is a very convenient choice. Introduced just before Shadowlands, it makes leveling more flexible and appropriate for each expansion. You activate Chromie Time by talking to Chromie, an NPC found in major cities like Orgrimmar or Stormwind, once your character reaches level 10.
Alternatively, you can buy a WoW account that is already leveled up, allowing you to experience the game without level restrictions.
Also read: Is It Safe To Buy WoW Accounts?
Following the chronological order of WoW release offers the clearest path to understanding the evolving story and gameplay. Each expansion builds on the last, enriching the world and deepening character development. Chromie Time lets players have the flexibility to jump into any expansion they prefer without losing progression flow. Whether you choose the full story experience or focus on your favorite parts, WoW’s vast universe ensures there is always something new to discover.
World Of Warcraft
