1999 WoW map reveals drastic changes in Azeroth’s landscape
1999 WoW map reveals drastic changes in Azeroth's landscape
Unveiling Azeroth’s Mysterious Past: Early Concepts and Hidden Gems

Hey, fellow adventurers! Grab your swords, gather your friends, and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of World of Warcraft history. Our time-traveling journey takes us back to the late ’90s, where an unexpected treasure awaits.
Imagine a World of Warcraft before World of Warcraft was even a twinkle in gamers’ eyes. A true gem from the archives, dating all the way back to 1999, has recently resurfaced. Thanks to a dedicated WoW fan named Oyku, we now have the honor of peeking at an ancient map of Azeroth lovingly crafted by the legendary Chris Metzen himself.
This rare map, displayed at the Blizzard headquarters, reveals a vastly different Azeroth than the one we know and love today. It’s like stumbling upon an alternate universe where Eastern Kingdoms stand tall, albeit further north, while Kalimdor is a miniature version of its majestic self. But wait, there’s more! Ulduar takes center stage as its own continent south of Kalimdor, instead of being a tiny part of Northrend as we know it in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion.
We’re not done unearthing treasures just yet. There are even more delightful surprises waiting for us. Early maps had the Tomb of Sargeras positioned much closer to Kalimdor, and brace yourself, Northrend was spelled as “Northrond.” We also uncover the secret identity of the Night Elves—drumroll, please—they were originally known as Dark Elves! These savage telepathic warriors once wielded mighty axes, built fortresses amidst the mountains, and carried vials filled with the mystical water from the Well of Eternity.

For young adventurers out there, this ancient concept art is older than you are, giving you a glimpse into the rich history of World of Warcraft. With awe and wonder, we can compare the past and present versions of this fantastical world, appreciating how it has evolved over the years. It’s both exciting and bittersweet to imagine what could have been if some of these early ideas had come to fruition. But fear not, for Azeroth continues to grow, surprising us at every turn!
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Get ready, weary travelers, as the Dragonflight Patch 10.1.7 is on its way, opening the gates to Patch 10.2 and an all-new zone. But that’s not all! The whispers of BlizzCon in early November reveal whispers of a new expansion pack for World of Warcraft. Who could have guessed the incredible direction this virtual universe would take? The anticipation is real, folks, and adventurers who have been by Azeroth’s side for the past 25 years cannot wait to uncover what awaits them next!
So, don your virtual armor, sharpen your virtual weapons, and get ready to embark on another epic journey through the ever-changing landscape of World of Warcraft—a world we thought we knew, but continue to discover anew at every turn.
World of Warcraft is available now for PC.
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