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World of Warcraft

Blizzard Entertainment and Blizzard Entertainment | Released on Nov 23, 2004

9.0
GW Score
86
Metacritic
84%
Community

About World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is the quintessential massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) from Blizzard Entertainment, a living cornerstone of the genre that invites millions to inhabit its high-fantasy universe. Set in the war-torn world of Azeroth, this persistent online realm offers an unparalleled scale of adventure, where every player's journey contributes to a sprawling, ever-evolving narrative.

At its core, the game is a deep and accessible cycle of character progression and social interaction. Players create a hero, choosing from a diverse array of races and classes like the stalwart Warrior or mystical Mage, then embark on a journey of leveling through questing, exploring, and mastering unique abilities. The true heart of the experience lies in its cooperative and competitive endgame loops: banding together in challenging dungeons and epic raids to defeat iconic bosses, or testing skills against others in structured Player vs. Player (PvP) battlegrounds and arenas. Continuous character customization is driven by acquiring powerful gear, pursuing professions, and chasing vast collections of mounts and achievements.

What truly sets World of Warcraft apart is the breathtaking scope and rich history of its setting, brought to life through major expansion narratives that have spanned nearly two decades. Players align with the noble Alliance or the resilient Horde, exploring continents from the classic lands of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms to the cosmic afterlife of the Shadowlands. This is a world defined by its legendary lore figures, faction warfare, and world-ending threats, all experienced alongside a global community where forming guilds and forging friendships is integral.

As a foundational pillar of online gaming, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to cater to a vast spectrum of playstyles, from the hardcore raider to the casual explorer and collector. For anyone seeking a definitive, socially-driven fantasy epic with unparalleled depth and a constantly expanding horizon, World of Warcraft remains the benchmark by which all other MMORPGs are measured.

9.0/ 10

Review Verdict

The definitive MMORPG remains a masterpiece of accessibility and depth. While the endgame grind and aging tech show some wear, its peerless world-building and class design are still unmatched.

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Time to Beat

4124hMain Story
6616h 40mStory + Sides
14780hEverything

Codex

53 entries
  • The AllianceA coalition of noble races including Humans, Dwarves, and Night Elves, dedicated to order and tradition.
  • The HordeA faction of outcast and proud races, such as Orcs, Undead, and Tauren, bound together for survival.

Screenshots

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