Warcraft is a powerful franchise that began in 1994. It was the third game launched by the newly formed Blizzard Entertainment studio. This title quickly became a fan favourite, paving the way for not only the series itself, but also for the developer’s subsequent success with hits like StarCraft and Diablo.
Today, the Warcraft franchise includes 6 main titles and numerous expansions (a total of 23 games), as well as several books and short stories, card games, tabletop RPGs, comics, mangas, and even a film! If you’re new to this franchise but want to try out one of its games, you’re probably wondering which one is the best and most worth your time.
Today, we present a brief ranking of Warcraft games, featuring titles from classic to modern!
6. Warcraft: Orcs and Humans
| Release date: | November 15, 1994 |
The last spot on our list goes to the first, in release order, game in the series, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, released in 1994 for MS-DOS and Classic macOS.
In this game, players take control of one of two factions — Humans from Azeroth or invading Orcs. Tasks include building and developing a town, gathering resources, engaging in small skirmishes, and ultimately creating an army to dominate the land.
While it undoubtedly surpassed its era and captured players’ hearts, it has aged rather poorly. The mechanics are simple, and there are only two factions that differ mostly in appearance. Base development and unit behaviour in combat are similar across factions. However, its straightforward graphics and gameplay, along with nostalgia, still attract fans to this title.
5. Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness
| Release date: | December 9, 1995 |
The second game in the series takes the second-to-last spot on our list. Released in 1995, it was made available for the same platforms as Orcs & Humans, with additional releases for the first PlayStation and the legendary Sega Saturn.
This time, the factions consist of The Alliance (Humans and allied races) and The Horde (Orcs, Goblins, and more). While there are still only two sides to the conflict, the differences in gameplay mechanics between the factions are more visible. New mechanics were introduced (e.g., moving larger numbers of units across the map), and graphics were improved. The game also received an interesting expansion, Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal, which takes players to the swampy world of Draenor.
Though not vastly different from its predecessor, Warcraft II is a refined and visually improved version with better mechanics and graphics. It remains a cherished title for fans of the series.
4. Hearthstone
| Release date: | March 11, 2014 |
The next game on our list is Hearthstone, released in 2014 for PC and mobile devices. While no longer an RTS, the game is set in the familiar Warcraft universe and uses the same characters, items, artefacts, and lore.
Hearthstone is a turn-based card game in a free-to-play model. Players build 30-card decks and engage in battles against either real opponents or AI. Players can select heroes from one of 11 available classes, each with unique abilities. Using their skills and the stats of their cards, players aim to reduce the opponent’s health to zero.
This title enjoys a good reputation among players and is widely accessible across platforms. However, due to its distinct gameplay style and mechanics, it doesn’t appeal to all fans of classic Warcraft.
3. Warcraft Rumble
| Release date: | December 10, 2024 |
Released in early access for PC in 2023, Warcraft Rumble is a free-to-play title blending tower defence and action strategy genres.
The gameplay is intriguing, requiring players to build and defend their fortifications while simultaneously trying to destroy the opponent’s and ultimately defeat them. Players deploy units called “minis” to explore the map, collect resources, and fight smaller enemies. Additionally, heroes with unique abilities are available, whose skills can turn the tide of battles.
This game is a return to the roots of Warcraft, presented in a modern, somewhat humorous, and colourful art style. It has been well-received by players and shows significant potential – its mobile release is scheduled on December 10, 2024.
2. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos
| Release date: | July 3, 2002 |
The third instalment in the Warcraft series was released in 2002 for PC.
This title brought significant changes compared to earlier games. The battle for Azeroth now involves Humans, Orcs, Night Elves, and the mysterious Undead scourge. Players can choose from four factions, each tasked with defeating its enemies. The game saw major improvements in graphics and mechanics and spawned the excellent expansion Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, as well as a remaster in 2020.
To this day, Warcraft III remains a fan favourite and is often revisited. It consistently holds exquisite ratings, such as 9/10 on many gaming platforms.
1. World of Warcraft
| Release date: |
World of Warcraft was released in 2004 as an MMORPG. To date, it has received 10 expansions, with two more announced.
The story takes place about four years after the events of Warcraft III. Players once again explore Azeroth, but this time as individual characters. The game offers both third-person and first-person perspectives, a variety of quests, an open world filled with puzzles and enemies, and the ability to team up with or compete against other players.
While it departs significantly from the strategy genre in favour of RPG mechanics, it remains a fan favourite. Rated 9/10, it continues to thrive with nearly 150 million players worldwide, maintaining its popularity for 20 years!
