Hey there gamers! We’ve all been around long enough to know that World of Warcraft (WoW) has gone through some changes over the years. It’s time for us to rank the WoW expansions from worst to best and see which ones have stood the test of time. I’m a video game journalist with a passion for control, so join me as we take a journey back in time to examine each expansion and determine where it belongs on our list.
We’ll start off by examining what made each expansion great or awful. Some were revolutionary, while others had their own unique set of issues. From Cataclysm to Burning Crusade, let’s dive into how they stack up against one another in terms of content, gameplay experience, and overall impact on the community.
Finally, we’ll come to an agreement on which expansion reigns supreme. Whether you’re looking for nostalgia or something fresh and new, this ranking will help you decide which WoW expansion is right for you! So without further ado, let’s get started!
Overview Of World Of Warcraft Expansions
World of Warcraft is one of the most iconic MMO games ever created, and Blizzard Entertainment has released a plethora of expansions that have taken players on an incredible journey. From The Burning Crusade to Battle for Azeroth, WoW’s massive multiplayer experience continues to captivate gamers from around the world. Each expansion offers something unique, with new zones, dungeons, raids, items, and more added into the mix. Players can explore these vast virtual worlds filled with adventure and danger at every turn – it feels like you’re in another world!
The sheer number of wow expansions available gives players plenty to choose from when deciding which ones are their favorites. With so many options out there, ranking them all can be quite a challenge; but we’ve got you covered! In this article we’ll take a look at each expansion in order to determine which ones reign supreme as being the best (and worst) World of Warcraft experiences.
The Burning Crusade
The Burning Crusade was the first expansion of World of Warcraft, Blizzard Entertainment’s popular MMORPG game. It added a lot to the core game and allowed players to explore new territories such as Outland, an alternate universe that could be reached via portals located in various areas around Azeroth. This expansion also gave players two new playable races: Blood Elves and Draenei. Players were able to level up their characters all the way to 70, making it possible for them to participate in more difficult raids and dungeons.
Overall, The Burning Crusade offered a great deal of content for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. Its plethora of features, including two new playable races, extended character levels, and expanded zones made it one of the best expansions released by Blizzard Entertainment since its launch in 2004. While some may argue that other expansions have surpassed it in terms of overall quality, The Burning Crusade still stands out as one of the most successful WOW expansions ever released – setting a benchmark for future releases from Blizzard Entertainment. With that said, let’s move onto Wrath of the Lich King – another WWW expansion with even more exciting content!
Wrath Of The Lich King
What a coincidence! I was just thinking about the Wrath of the Lich King expansion while writing this article. This beloved second expansion to World of Warcraft brought players northrend content and plenty of new adventures. Fans hailed it as one of the greatest WoW expansions ever made, myself included.
The dungeons were challenging enough for even experienced raiders, with bosses like Malygos, Sartharion, Anub’arak and many more offering unique challenges that required player skill rather than gear-grinding. The raids such as Naxxramas and Ulduar are some of my favorite memories from playing the game, since they offered amazing rewards if successful but weren’t too difficult for casual players. The Lich King himself is still considered one of the most iconic villains in gaming today—the fight against him at Icecrown Citadel remains an unforgettable experience to this day!
My love affair with Northrend began when Wrath was released, and it’s been going strong ever since then! With its deep lore surrounding Arthas Menethil, its epic battles against powerful foes, and its legendary loot drops—it’s no surprise why fans consider Wrath one of their favorites. Whether you’re a hardcore raider or a solo adventurer looking for some fun content to explore, there’s something here for everyone. Now onto Cataclysm…
Cataclysm
Cataclysm was an expansion for the game World of Warcraft released back in 2010. It made a huge impact on the game, shaking up the world and introducing many new features. This expansion focused heavily on revamping old content, such as rebalancing class abilities and adding in improved raid dungeons. Here are some of the highlights Cataclysm had to offer:
- A whole new continent filled with exciting zones like Mount Hyjal and Vash’jir
- Revamped raids featuring epic battles against Ragnaros and Deathwing
- New races to choose from, including Worgen and Goblin
- Class changes that allowed players to customize their characters even further
Overall, Cataclysm offered a lot of excitement and unique challenges for WoW players. Its focus on reworking older content gave veterans something fresh and new to experience while also providing them with an easier way to get into raiding. While it may not have been one of the most popular expansions at first, its legacy lives on through its influence over later releases like Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King.
Mists Of Pandaria
Mists of Pandaria was the fourth expansion for World of Warcraft and it is like a breath of fresh air to this classic game. It introduced players to new zones, mounts, raids, and gameplay that made WoW feel new again.
The first thing players notice when playing Mists of Pandaria are its beautiful environments. The misty mountains, lush jungles, and breathtaking vistas make you want to jump in and explore every inch of the world. You can also find plenty of interesting creatures such as pandas, hozen, jinyu, mantids, quilen and more! These animals bring life to the lands allowing for even more exploration opportunities.
| Zone | Type |
|---|---|
| Kun-Lai Summit | Mountainous |
| Valley of the Four Winds | Plains & Farmland |
| Townlong Steppes | Grasslands & Deserts |
| Dread Wastes | Tropical Jungle & Swamplands |
| Vale of Eternal Blossoms | Ancient City Ruins & Temples |
Players were also given access to a variety of different mounts including tigers, cloud serpents, yaks, moths and much more! This gave players an exciting way to traverse their newfound terrains without having to rely on walking or riding a mount they had found earlier in other expansions. Additionally, Mists of Pandaria featured some challenging yet rewarding raid content which allowed players to really put their skills to the test against powerful bosses with unique mechanics.
All in all Mists of Pandaria brought something special back into World Of Warcraft; it’s an experience worth reliving again and again if you get the chance. With so many incredible features packed into one expansion set it’s no wonder why Mists Of Pandaria remains one of the most beloved Wow Expansions ever released by Blizzard Entertainment. Now we move onto Warlords Of Draenor – another amazing addition from Blizzards’ library!
Warlords Of Draenor
Warlords of Draenor is the fifth expansion for World of Warcraft, and it offered an array of fresh content for players to explore. The highlight was undoubtedly the Garrisons feature which allowed players to build their own stronghold in Draenor. It provided a sense of control that many gamers crave, as they had complete power over how their garrison looked and what activities went on there. Meanwhile, the new zones featured spectacular draenor lore and creative quests with rewarding rewards – all designed to draw players further into the world of Azeroth.
The Warlords of Draenor expansion also delivered some brilliant end-game raids and dungeons, perfect for those looking for more challenging content. Overall, Warlords of Draenor was well received by fans; a solid addition to WoW’s expansive catalogue that breathed life back into the game after a few stagnant years prior. As such, it sits comfortably at middle tier among its peers when ranked from worst to best. Moving onto Legion…
Legion
Legion, the sixth expansion of World of Warcraft, is an incredibly popular one. Released on August 30th 2016, it was met with much enthusiasm from fans. With Legion came a plethora of content updates and patch notes that had players captivated for hours at a time.
The main draws to Legion were:
- The new class specializations including demon hunter and artifact weapons
- Increased level cap up to 110
- New zones such as Suramar and Broken Isles
- Class Order Halls allowing greater freedom in character customization
- Mythic+ dungeons introducing difficulty scaling mechanics
- Extensive PvP changes providing more engaging battlegrounds and arenas
Players have been able to experience some truly exceptional gaming moments through this expansion. From exploring the lush verdant hillsides of Val’sharah to tackling challenging bosses in Black Rook Hold – every second spent in Legion has provided something unexpected. Players have also been able to take part in world events like the Burning Legion Invasion which offers unique rewards not available elsewhere. And if you’re looking for something different there are plenty of fun activities like fishing or pet battles that can provide endless entertainment. All these features combined make Legion an unforgettable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Each Expansion Cost?
When it comes to the cost of World of Warcraft (WoW) expansions, there is a wide range. Depending on where you buy them, and whether or not you are an existing player, the price can vary significantly. As an experienced WoW journalist, I’ve taken some time to analyze the expansion costs for all current WoW editions. Let’s dive into my findings!
The most expensive edition is Shadowlands at $39.99 USD when purchased from Blizzard directly – that’s almost double what Wrath of The Lich King used to cost back in 2008 ($29.99). On the other hand, if you’re an existing player looking to upgrade your account with new content then expect discounts ranging between 10-20%. In this case, Battle for Azeroth could be yours at just under $30 USD. Other digital stores like Amazon also offer discount prices but these tend to change often so keep an eye out!
It’s important to note that purchasing multiple expansions will help reduce the overall cost per expansion; many players opt for this approach because they want access to more features while keeping their budget low. For example, buying both Legion and Warlords of Draenor together would save around $10 compared to buying each separately – ultimately leading up to over 30% off total purchase price depending on where you shop. With such great savings available, it’s no wonder why savvy gamers take advantage of bundle deals whenever possible!
Is There A Free Trial Version Of Each Expansion?
Are you looking to try out some of the best World of Warcraft (WoW) expansions without breaking your wallet? If so, you may be wondering if there is a free trial version of each expansion. The good news is that there are some options available! Here’s what you need to know about finding a free trial expansion or trial version WoW.
When it comes to trying out new expansions for WoW, many players assume they must pay full price in order to do so. However, Blizzard Entertainment offers plenty of ways for gamers to get their hands on a free trial version of an expansion. For instance, from time-to-time Blizzard will offer special promotions and giveaways that include access codes for specific expansions. Similarly, other retailers such as Amazon may also provide customers with promotional deals that include free trials. Furthermore, those who are considering subscribing to WoW can often find discounts or bundle packages that come with one or more free expansions included in the subscription plan.
In addition to these official sources for acquiring a free trial expansion or trial version WoW, gamers can also find third party websites offering downloads of certain expansions at no cost whatsoever – though we advise against using any unofficial sites due to potential security risks associated with downloading files from unknown sources. Ultimately, while it may require some digging around online – especially when looking for older versions – it is possible to experience various WoW expansions without having to spend too much money upfront.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Each Expansion?
When it comes to video games, time is of the essence. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, knowing how long it takes to complete an expansion can help you plan your gaming sessions accordingly. The World of Warcraft series has some of the most expansive expansions in all of gaming and each one requires its own set of completion times. So just how long does it take to finish any given WoW expansion?
The answer varies based on several factors such as individual skill level, playstyle and commitment rate. However, there are certain benchmarks that players should expect when tackling these massive expansions. For instance, the Battle for Azeroth expansion took between 60-80 hours for completionists who were aiming for 100%, while those looking to simply beat the story could do so in around 25-30 hours. Burning Crusade was another lengthy affair, taking at least 50-60 hours to fully explore its content with completionist goals in mind; whereas light gamers might only need about 10-20 hours for basic playthroughs. And lastly Wrath of the Lich King had a 40-50 hour minimum requirement for completionists but could easily be finished by casual fans within 15-25 hours depending on their speed.
So no matter what type of player you are – whether you’re looking to achieve maximum progress or just experience the game’s storyline– understanding how much time is needed to complete various WoW expansions can give you an edge over your foes and make sure your gaming session runs smoothly. Knowing this information allows players to budget their time wisely and create realistic expectations before they embark on their virtual adventures!
Are There Any Additional In-Game Items Or Bonuses That Come With Each Expansion?
Are you ready to see what exclusive rewards come with each World of Warcraft expansion? With tens of millions of players worldwide, WoW continues to be one of the top-played MMOs around. That means there are plenty of in-game items and bonuses available for gamers looking to experience all that Blizzard Entertainment’s beloved franchise has to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the content that comes with purchasing each expansion, as well as any additional cost associated with them.
Each expansion offers its own set of unique benefits depending on your subscription plan. For example, if you purchase an annual pass for Battle for Azeroth, you’ll get access to bonus mounts, character services, pet crates and more! Even better, these special goodies don’t just include in-game items – they also include exclusive rewards like game time and discounts on merchandise from the Blizzard shop. Plus, many expansions provide free trial periods so you can try out the new content before committing to it fully.
What’s even cooler is that most expansions come with their own unique storyline and questlines which add extra depth and replayability value on top of the usual gameplay elements such as raids and dungeons. As far as pricing goes, each expansion varies but generally ranges between $40-$60 USD depending on whether or not you decide to purchase an annual pass along with it – though keep in mind that this may change over time due to inflation or other external factors. So make sure to check out the official website before making your final decision. All things considered, no matter which way you choose to play WoW there will always be exciting new rewards waiting for you!
How Often Are New Updates Released For Each Expansion?
When it comes to WoW expansions, one of the most important questions players have is: how often are new updates released for each expansion? Depending on which expansion you’re playing and your gaming experience level, knowing when to expect an update can make all the difference.
From cost to trial access and completion bonuses, there are a few factors that determine the frequency of updates for any given expansion. Here’s a list of what you should consider before committing to an expansion:
- Expansion Cost: Expansions vary in price depending on their content and release date. The more recent or expansive an expansion pack is, the higher its cost will be.
- Expansion Updates: Before investing in an expansion, check out its patch notes history. Knowing how many updates have been released since launch allows you to better gauge the frequency with which they come out.
- Expansion Trial Access: Many expansions offer free or limited trial periods so gamers can decide if they want to fully commit to them. During this period, users may receive additional bonus content or preview upcoming patches as incentives for purchasing full versions later on down the line.
- Expansion Completion Bonuses: To encourage people who finish entire expansions, developers sometimes offer exclusive rewards such as in-game items and cosmetic features as well as discounts on future purchases.
All these elements give players insight into what type of commitment is required from both a financial and time investment standpoint when deciding whether or not to purchase an expansion pack—and ultimately play it through until completion!
Conclusion
When it comes to deciding which World of Warcraft expansion is the best, everyone has their own opinion. Some may prefer a more action-packed experience while others might prefer an expansive new world filled with interesting stories and characters. In the end, what really matters is that you find an expansion that fits your style and offers something unique that will keep you engaged for hours on end.
That being said, there are some universal truths when it comes to rating WoW expansions from worst to best. The cost of each expansion should be taken into consideration as well as how long it takes to complete and any additional in-game items or bonuses offered. It’s also important to consider how often updates are released so you can continue enjoying the content without having to wait too long for new features or bug fixes.
Ultimately, with all these factors in mind, most players would agree that there’s no single “best” WoW expansion – only opinions based upon personal preference. To give yourself the best chance of picking out the right one for you, take time to research each option thoroughly before committing! A handy chart showing comparison points between different expansions (price point vs completion times vs bonus items) could help make this decision easier by providing a visual representation of ideas at a glance.
Join the community and learn with our interactive blog.
Leave a Reply