Blizzard’s Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct aired on November 13, 2024, with announcements spanning the classic real-time strategy games, Hearthstone, Warcraft Rumble, World of Warcraft, and WoW Classic. The biggest reveals were the release of remasters for Warcraft I and II, Warcraft III: Reforged Patch 2.0, and a tease of player housing for the future expansion Midnight.
The dates and plans below reflect Blizzard’s announcements at the time; they do not establish what is currently available. The details are from Blizzard Entertainment’s official 2024 roundup.
Warcraft I, II, and III: remasters, a patch, and the Battle Chest
Blizzard said Warcraft III: Reforged Patch 2.0 was available on the day of the Direct. The update overhauled environments, lighting, and the user interface, added HD versions of classic assets that players can mix with other assets, and introduced quality-of-life updates including in-game hotkey customization and an updated ladder.
Blizzard also announced that remastered versions of Warcraft I and Warcraft II were released. Both let players switch between original and remastered graphics in real time and include interface improvements such as tooltips, health bars, a mission select screen, and increased unit selection.
#1 Best Overall
- System: Core i9 Unlocked OC CPU | Premium Chipset | 64GB Ram (Twice the high end average of 32GB in other systems) | 5TB Storage Total: 1TB M.2 NVMe up to 7000MB/s speeds SSD + 4TB 7200RPM HDD (Ultra Fast Storage), Extra M.2 NVME and HDD Port for additional Storage | Windows 11 PRO preinstalled for Advanced security and device control.
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 OC 12GB | Factory overclocked for higher and more consistent frame rates | Real-time ray tracing for realistic lighting and reflections | DLSS 4.0 support for smoother performance at higher resolutions | Improved efficiency and lower power draw | Stronger support for multi-monitor setups with 1x HDMI and 3x DisplayPort | Better stability for long gaming sessions and GPU-accelerated tasks | VR and AI Deeplearning Ready
- Cooling & Design: 360mm Liquid Cooling | Intelligently controlled Fan Speeds for whisper quiet performance | ARGB Lighting (Software Control for thousands of options) | Dragon Front Panel | Total of 11 Fans (3 on GPU, 1 on Power supply, 8 on Overall temperature control)
- Connectivity: 1 x USB-C 3.2 | 8 x USB 3 |1 x LAN / Ethernet up to 2.5GB/s | WiFi up to 2.4GB/s | Bluetooth Enabled | Game and VR Ready | 850W 80+ GOLD Power Supply With x6 Extra SATA Connectors
- Build Quality & Support: Premium components chosen for long-term reliability | Thorough quality testing before shipment | 3-year parts warranty and 5-year labor warranty | Access to specialists with over 20 years of experience for hardware, software, and performance support | Quiet and dependable operation for everyday and extended use || As of August 17, 2026, all firmware and software components are fully updated before shipment. Fast, free 10 minute firmware update assistance is now available through our support team (Note: Firmware only needs to be updated once every 2-3 years)
- Warcraft I: Modernized controls include right-click movement and box selection, alongside faster game speed.
- Warcraft II: Multiplayer functionality remains, and legacy custom maps are compatible.
The Direct also marked the return of the Warcraft Battle Chest, a bundle of the three RTS games sold through Blizzard’s shop. Blizzard said players who had already bought specified games in the Battle.net shop would receive a discount on the bundle. The announcement did not establish a physical edition or Amazon availability.
Which RTS option fits?
| Game | What Blizzard highlighted | Useful distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Warcraft I | Remastered and original graphics can be switched in real time; modernized controls, faster game speed, and interface updates. | Its announced control changes include right-click movement and box selection. |
| Warcraft II | Remastered and original graphics can be switched in real time; interface updates, multiplayer, and legacy custom-map compatibility. | The roundup specifically confirmed multiplayer and custom-map support for this game. |
| Warcraft III: Reforged | Patch 2.0 updates environments, lighting, and the interface; adds HD classic assets, customizable asset mixing, hotkey customization, and an updated ladder. | The announcement was a major patch to Reforged, not a separate remaster release. |
Hearthstone: StarCraft heroes, Arena changes, and expansion themes
Blizzard announced the Heroes of StarCraft mini-set for January 2025, with 49 cards across the Zerg, Protoss, and Terran factions. Sarah Kerrigan, Artanis, and Jim Raynor were named as the respective faction leaders. The announcement also called out Grunty, a Murloc in Terran armor, and outlined faction-specific mechanics. January 2025 was the announced release timing, not confirmation of present availability.
Arena was slated for a major redesign. Blizzard described the overhaul as the mode’s first in 10 years and planned two queues:
Rank #2
- New Pointstreak system that rewards players both for landing kills and completing objectives
- Weapons proficiency system that allows you to customize your favorite weapons, making them more effiecent in any map or mode
- Online/offline 2-player co-op Special Ops Survival mode that earns you experience through 16 frantic objective-based missions
- New play modes, including: Kill Confirmed mode, Team Defender mode and user generated match modes
- Integration with 'Call of Duty: Elite,' an online multiplayer oriented service launched simultaneously with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Normal Arena: Shorter runs and skill-based matchmaking.
- Underground Arena: Longer runs with higher stakes. Its planned Re-Draft on Loss feature would let a player revise a deck after losing and continue the run.
Both modes were to have ratings. Blizzard said the Arena overhaul was coming in the first half of 2025; that was the Direct’s announced schedule.
For the coming Year of the Raptor, Blizzard previewed three expansion themes: the Emerald Dream, a return to Un’Goro Crater, and an alternate-realities story featuring Chromie and Warcraft heroes. These were theme previews, not a complete release calendar.
Warcraft Rumble: anniversary content, Split Leaders, and PC beta
For Warcraft Rumble’s first anniversary, Blizzard announced daily login rewards, avatars, and cosmetics. It also announced Split Leaders, beginning with Sylvanas Windrunner in Season 10. Malfurion Stormrage, Orgrim Doomhammer, and Anub’arak were named as later additions.
Rank #3
- Brand new in original factory-sealed packaging!
- 1 Reusable Storage Box..Card Dividers to be Used with your Storage Box 1 Icecrown Playmat..1 Icecrown Deck Box 6 Icecrown Boosters..1 Icecrown Pocket Guide..5 Random Foil Heroes from Icecrowwn..and 1 Common Loot Card.
A PC beta was announced for December 10, 2024. That date describes Blizzard’s plan at the time of the Direct; the roundup does not verify current beta or PC-release status.
World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary and Classic updates
For modern World of Warcraft’s 20th anniversary, Blizzard highlighted updated Tier 2 appearance sets, Classic Timewalking, world bosses, and Trading Post rewards. It also described the Reven Pack as supporting CureDuchenne, a nonprofit focused on people affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Season of Discovery and Cataclysm Classic
For Season of Discovery, Blizzard previewed the War Effort and Ahn’Qiraj, followed by a phase involving Naxxramas, Scarlet Crusade content, and Deadwind Pass. For Cataclysm Classic, the Direct described a Firelands phase and previewed Hour of Twilight and the Dragon Soul raid for early 2025. These were forward-looking plans in the November 2024 announcement.
Rank #4
- Empire Total War Complete Edition
Mists of Pandaria Classic and fresh 20th Anniversary realms
Blizzard announced Mists of Pandaria Classic for summer 2025. It also announced fresh WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Edition realms for November 21, 2024. The realm choices described at the Direct were:
| Realm type | What Blizzard announced |
|---|---|
| PvP | A fresh journey to level 60, with progression to Burning Crusade Classic planned. |
| Normal PvE | A fresh journey to level 60, with progression to Burning Crusade Classic planned. |
| Hardcore | A fresh realm option; the roundup did not say it would progress to Burning Crusade Classic. |
Blizzard said Molten Core was planned for a few weeks after the fresh realms launched. November 21, 2024, and the Molten Core timing are announcement-time details, not a statement of present realm status.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The War Within: Siren Isle, Plunderstorm, and upcoming content
Blizzard presented The War Within as the opening chapter of the Worldsoul Saga and previewed Siren Isle. The island’s announced features included an epilogue for Dalaran and the Kirin Tor, a new outdoor environment, and catch-up rewards. The Direct also announced Plunderstorm’s return, with a Plunderstore and quality-of-life changes.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Other forthcoming content described in the roundup included:
- Undermine(d): A visit to the goblin city of Undermine, its four cartels, and an earnable customizable vehicle.
- Operation: Floodgate: A new dungeon.
- Delves: Two new additions.
- Liberation of Undermine: An eight-boss raid.
These were previews and announcements in November 2024; the roundup does not establish their current availability.
Midnight: a brief player-housing tease
The Direct closed with a short tease of player housing for World of Warcraft: Midnight. Blizzard’s roundup said: “And yes, in World of Warcraft: Midnight, your next adventure begins at home. A house to call your very own.” It did not provide a launch date or detailed housing specifications.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
