Key recommendations
- The conflict between the Alliance and the Horde was central to Warcraft, with various battles and betrayals over resources.
- The Battle for Azeroth marked a major turning point, ending the conflict but leaving a legacy of bloody battles.
- Different story arcs, such as the Battle for Azeroth and the Siege of Lordaeron, featured pivotal moments in the ongoing war between the factions.
One of the central stories and themes of Warcraft The universe is the conflict between two major factions of the world: the Alliance and the Horde. The Horde was first composed of orc clans on Draenor as they sought to conquer a new world, while the Alliance was a pact formed between humans, dwarves, and high elves to defend their lands against the Horde. However, the composition of those factions has changed over the years.
Above all Warcraft games, these two pacts have been part of a never-ending battle for dominance, whether due to resources, differing ideals, or outside manipulation. In The Battle for Azeroth, the conflict seems to have come to an end and has not continued since. Still, the factions left a trail of battles as bloody and decimating as they were epic and grand in their scope.
Related
What are your predictions for WoW: Midnight?
We know that we will return to Quel'Thalas in some way in World of Warcraft: Midnight, that the powers of the void seek to corrupt the Sunwell, and that the scattered elven humans will come together in some way. Based on all of this, I think Xal'atath will win one way or another at the end of the War Within, and since the Sunwell is essentially made from a vial taken from the original Well of Eternity, it could be a catalyst for Xal 'atath to become greater than she is – she may become powerful enough to completely corrupt the World Soul of Azeroth, or at least powerful enough to accomplish her goals, whatever they may be. I think Xal'atath will be the final boss of WoW: Midnight and because “things don't always go according to plan” she will be successful in her goals in some way and the final expansion will see us team up with the Titans. to save the Soul of the World from being fully corrupted.
11 The Stormheim Expedition
Genn's quest for revenge
The Legion the expansion began with tragedy for both factions. Despite the united front between the Alliance and the Horde on the Broken Shore, the retreat of the Horde due to the mortal wounding of their warlord resulted in the death of Varian Wrynn, King of the Alliance. Genn Greymane and his associates sought revenge against the new warlord, Sylvanas.
Genn's sudden attack on Stormheim interrupted the hunt for the Aegis of Aggramar and turned the ancient land into a war zone between two factions. Eventually, Genn was able to engage Sylvanas in a quick but ferocious duel, stealing her offer of immortal existence for herself and others forsaken right before her eyes.
10 Battle of the Black Temple
Torn Draenor
The Alliance expedition to Draenor was a bold attempt to destroy the Horde before launching a counterattack. It was led by Paladin Turalyon, Archmage Khadgar, and Alleria Windrunner. Their army clashed with the remnants of the Horde led by Ner'zhul from all over Draenor, until the climactic battle in the Valley of the Shadow.
This battle was approaching a decisive victory for the Alliance. However, Ner'zhul unleashed his last trick: magical earthquakes that arose from countless portals opening simultaneously around Draenor. This resulted in the destruction of the world and its transformation into Outland, as well as blocking the Alliance army on the other side of the Portal.
9 Krasarang Wilds campaign
Offensive on a new continent
The moment Pandaria was discovered, the leaders of both the Alliance and the Horde saw an opportunity, as this land was full of resources, secrets, and potential allies. This led Varian Wrynn and Garrosh Hellscream to launch offensives into the southernmost part of the continent, the Krasarang Wilds.
The campaign spread across Pandaria, with members of various races participating, but the Wilds became the epicenter of the battle. Soldiers from both factions clashed with each other mercilessly, forever staining the once peaceful land with bloodshed and war.
8 Siege of the Storm
A destroyed city
The First War ended with a devastating conquest of Stormwind. The Horde, still under the influence of the Legion's demonic forces, entered the city, annihilating all in its path. The storm was destroyed to the ground. There were countless casualties, including King Llane Wrynn, who was killed by the assassin Garona.
However, this desecration paved the way for the birth of the Alliance. Anduin Lothar was responsible for defending the city and bringing the survivors to Lordaeron. After showing how dire the threat of the Horde had become, the remaining kingdoms united into an Alliance, which became a major opposing force to the Horde.
7 The Battle for Gilneas
The Undead vs. The Cursed
While this conflict began with the Horde attacking a neutral kingdom, it eventually became part of the larger conflict. Genn Greymane and his men hid behind a large wall that separated their peninsula from the rest of the world, but the Cataclysm damaged it, creating an opportunity for the Forsaken to attack.
At first, Sylvanas' Armin drove the Gilneans from their home, which brought the latter into the Alliance with the help of the Night Elves. After a counterattack, Gilneas became a battleground for many years between the forces of the Alliance and the Forsaken, a conflict that was not resolved until after the Battle for Azeroth.
6 Battle For Dazar'alor
Alliance Counterattack
The The Battle for Azeroth it began with the devastating defeats of the Alliance, especially the burning of Teldrassil. However, the faction was preparing a counterattack. In patch 8.1, Tides of Vengeance, the Alliance forcefully attacked the Zandalari city of Dazar'alor. The battle began with the destruction of the Zadalari fleet and the advance of the Kul Tiran navy into the harbor.
This battle is unique because it is turned into a raid with different perspectives depending on the faction the player belongs to. It includes a climactic battle against King Rastakhan in the throne room and one against Jaina Proudmoore as she secures a safe escape for her fleet.
5 The Battle for Ashenvale
An endless struggle for resources
Kalimdor remained a peaceful continent for 10,000 years, but this changed once the Orcs set foot on its land. They lived in a harsh region of Durotar with few resources, while the Kaldorei had fertile forests at their disposal. This led to a prolonged conflict between those factions, which became more prominent in the Cataclysm.
Most of the conflict took place between Orcs and Night Elves, with the two races fighting for control of Ashenvale. The Horde used various technological marvels such as chippers to cut down trees, while the Night Elves relied on the power of nature and druidism to protect their lands.
4 The fall of Theramore
Garrosh's Assault
At the time of its announcement, Mists of Pandaria It seemed like a light expansion to contrast with Cataclysm, but its introduction painted a very different picture. He had Garrosh march his armies to Theramore, the city that belonged to Jaina Proudmoore and was established as a significant location back then. Warcraft 3.
Players of both factions were given a playable scenario showing the fall of Theramore, with distinct versions for the Horde and Alliance. This battle shows how ruthless Garrosh can be, setting him up as the expansion's antagonist, while also showing Jaina's transition from being an idealistic pacifist.
3 War of the Thorns
A Declaration of War
The War of Thorns was a quick and bloody start to the Battle for Azeroth. Sylvanas Windrunner launched her campaign against the night elves to secure Kalimdor for the Horde. While her motives were later revealed to be selfish, most of the Horde went along with this plan and fought in the conflict.
As the Horde soldiers made their way through Ashenvale, they had to battle the night elves, including their powerful leaders such as Malfurion Stormrage. Eventually, Sylvanas ordered the burning of Teldrassil, which enraged Varok Saurfang and sparked the last major war between the two enemy factions.
2 The Battle of the Dark Portal
Fall of the Old Horde
The Second War ravaged the Eastern Kingdoms as the Horde pushed north, trying to conquer everything. His winning streak was interrupted by Gul'dan's betrayal, leaving the Horde open to a counterattack by Alliance forces. They were led by Anduin Lothar, who lost his life in battle against Orgrim Doomhammer.
After Lothar's death, his protégé Turalyon took over. He led the Horde south back to the Dark Portal, where an all-out battle between the factions ensued. Despite heavy losses on both sides, the Alliance won crushing the armies of the Horde and bringing Doomhammer to his knees.
1 The Siege of Lordaeron
A devastating collision
After Teldrassil burned, it was only a matter of time before the Alliance mounted a response. It led to a full-scale assault on Lordaeron to end Sylvanas' reign. The battle destroyed the Underground City and resulted in the nearby lands being poisoned with the plague, and only Jaina was able to make her way through it.
The siege incorporated numerous technologies such as siege towers, gnome constructions, and abandoned defenses. Leaders such as Jaina, Alleria, and Sylvanas achieved notable feats during the battle. A battle between Saur Fangs and the heroes of the Alliance served as the climax of the epic battle between the factions.
