How Many Years Between Vanilla WoW and Dragonflight? A Comprehensive Timeline
The world of World of Warcraft is vast and ever-evolving, with a rich history spanning numerous expansions. One common question among players, both veterans and newcomers, revolves around the passage of time within the game’s lore. Specifically, how much time has elapsed between the original release of Vanilla WoW and the current expansion, Dragonflight?
The answer is not as straightforward as a simple date calculation, as Blizzard uses a specific calendar system tied to the in-game universe. To answer the central question directly: there is approximately 36 years that have passed in the lore from the start of Vanilla WoW to the beginning of Dragonflight.
This number is derived by understanding that Vanilla WoW takes place roughly 4 years after the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, and Dragonflight begins in Year 40 after the opening of the Dark Portal.
Unpacking the Timeline
To fully grasp this, let’s delve deeper into the timeline of Azeroth.
The Dark Portal as a Reference Point
The in-game calendar for Warcraft is based on the opening of the Dark Portal in the first Warcraft game. This pivotal event is considered Year 0, and all subsequent years are measured from this point.
- Warcraft III: Set roughly 2-3 years before the start of Vanilla WoW.
- Vanilla WoW: Begins approximately 4 years after the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.
- Shadowlands: The expansion Shadowlands began in the year 35 after the opening of the Dark Portal, spanning two years in game time.
- Dragonflight: Dragonflight begins in Year 40 after the opening of the Dark Portal.
The Significant Time Skip
A crucial aspect that contributes to the large gap between Vanilla and Dragonflight is the significant time skip of three years that happened between the end of Shadowlands and the beginning of Dragonflight. This is the first time a major time skip has been officially implemented between expansions. This time skip not only advances the timeline but allows for character growth and significant shifts in the world.
Calculating the Total Time
- Vanilla WoW begins roughly around Year 4, accounting for the 4 years after the conclusion of Warcraft III.
- Dragonflight starts in Year 40.
- Therefore, the time passed between the beginning of Vanilla WoW and the beginning of Dragonflight is 40 – 4 = 36 years.
Why This Matters
Understanding the timeline of World of Warcraft adds another layer of richness to the game. It provides context to character development, world changes, and overarching narrative arcs. The decisions characters make are all within this timeline which influences the state of the world in following expansions, making the timeline key to understanding why things are they way that they are. The introduction of time skips, like the one between Shadowlands and Dragonflight, are significant points that allow the narrative to advance at a faster pace, facilitating drastic shifts that otherwise would take a longer time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further solidify your understanding, here are some commonly asked questions regarding the timeline of World of Warcraft:
How many years passed between Warcraft 3 and WotLK?
The events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne conclude approximately 4 years before the start of Vanilla WoW, placing it between the Warcraft 3 and World of Warcraft Timeline. Following the release of Vanilla WoW, the expansion Wrath of the Lich King (WotLK) occurred roughly 3 years after, based on real-world time. So within the game, between Warcraft III and WotLK, there is an approximate passing of 7 years.
How many years passed in Shadowlands?
The events of the Shadowlands expansion take place over a span of two in-game years, however, it is important to note that this is also within the two year period of the actual release of the expansion, in real time.
Is there a time skip between Shadowlands and Dragonflight?
Yes, there is a three-year time skip between the end of Shadowlands and the start of Dragonflight. This was officially confirmed by Blizzard narrative leads.
What year is Dragonflight set in?
Dragonflight is set in the year 40 after the opening of the Dark Portal, which is a pivotal reference point in the Warcraft universe.
What year did Vanilla WoW start?
Vanilla WoW started approximately 4 years after the events of Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, effectively starting in approximately year 4 after the opening of the Dark Portal.
How old is Wrathion in Dragonflight?
Wrathion was 6 years old during the events of Mists of Pandaria. With the several year gap passing between expansions, in Dragonflight, he is approximately 15 years old.
How old is Anduin Wrynn in Dragonflight?
At the time of Battle for Azeroth (BfA), Anduin was around 17-18 years old. With the addition of a few more years passing, by Dragonflight, Anduin is likely to be somewhere around 18-19 years old.
How old is Arthas in WC3?
Arthas Menethil was 24 years old during the events of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos.
How old is Jaina Proudmoore in Dragonflight?
As of Battle for Azeroth, Jaina was calculated to be approximately 36 years old. Given a few years have passed since then, she would be in her late 30s or even early 40s. While a concrete age in Dragonflight is not officially confirmed, it is clear she has aged a few more years.
How long did the Shadowlands expansion last?
The events of the Shadowlands expansion took place over the course of two in-game years.
What are the major events that occurred between Vanilla and Dragonflight?
Between Vanilla WoW and Dragonflight, several expansions and world-altering events took place. These include Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, Legion, Battle for Azeroth, and Shadowlands. Each expansion brought forth its own conflicts, world changes and character developments that led to the current state of Dragonflight.
Did Dragonflight sell more than Shadowlands?
No. Dragonflight sold less at launch than the previous expansion, Shadowlands. However, metrics indicate that Dragonflight is outperforming Shadowlands in a key metric.
How long did the Battle for Azeroth expansion last?
Battle for Azeroth lasted for 2 years, 2 months, and 12 days, making it one of the longest-running expansions in WoW history.
Are there Old Gods in Dragonflight?
While there aren’t new Old Gods directly featured, the influences of the Old Gods, particularly in relation to the downfall of Neltharion and the presence of Galakrond are a part of the story, hinting that their presence is still within the world.
Will there be Legendaries in Dragonflight?
Yes, players are able to collect a new Legendary weapon introduced in Dragonflight Patch 10.2, Guardians of the Dream.
Conclusion
The timeline of World of Warcraft is complex and fascinating. Understanding that approximately 36 years have passed between the beginning of Vanilla WoW and the start of Dragonflight provides a meaningful context for the game’s lore and the evolution of its characters and world. The introduction of time skips is a narrative tool that Blizzard uses to enhance the story, allowing the game to continue to evolve and keep players engaged and invested in the world of Azeroth. This knowledge deepens our appreciation of the journey through Azeroth and helps us look forward to what is yet to come.