20 years of World of Warcraft: I was young, the world was huge

I still vividly remember that feeling of awe as I wandered through Elwynn Forest in February 2005 with my newly minted Paladin, eyes wide at all the wonders to be discovered. The cosy crackling fire in the jolly Goldshire Inn, for example. Or the distant howl of a dreaded gnoll called Hogger – every moment was filled with an almost tangible magic I’d never experienced before.

I can hardly believe that almost 20 years have passed since I first entered the world of Azeroth. Time to reminisce and celebrate a game that influenced the MMO genre in infinite ways – and still does.

When travelling was still an adventure

One time, for example, a guildmate and I set our minds to travelling from Goldshire to Ashenvale. From the world of Humans to the Night Elf realm, which we were told was the most beautiful area in the whole game.

A trip into the unknown awaited us: we hadn’t even reached level 15 of the maximum 60 at the time. There were barely any videos around to spoil the surprise on 2005 internet – YouTube was only founded that year. And simply creating a Night Elf character would’ve been too simple. After all, we were adventurers!

Driven by our curiosity, the call of the wild was the only travel guide we needed. In our imagination, we were the companions from Lord of the Rings. The goal: there and back again. What could possibly go wrong?

First, we took the tram ride north from Stormwind to Ironforge. There, we had an experienced dwarf warrior explain to us that we first had to cross the snow-peaked hills of Dun Morogh, then take the mountain pass at Loch Modan into the marshland. Somewhere along the way we’d find a ship that would take us to the other continent. From then on, we’d be on our own. Our path would lead us through dangerous lands where monsters and beasts far above our level lurked – we’d even enter enemy Horde territory!

Undaunted and amazed, we hiked through the breathtaking landscape. Snow-covered gorges and massive lakes passed us by for hours. We admired the majestic, dwarf-built dam of the loch. Then again, we also fled from spiders and other terrifying creatures whose level was so high that instead of a number, only a skull was displayed.

When we reached the savannah-like wasteland of Kalimdor, things got really dicey. Initially, we never wanted to go off the beaten track. The risk of inadvertently attracting evil creatures that could wipe the floor with us was too great. But then our path led us through the middle of a Horde settlement – the Crossroads.

Giving up wasn’t an option, we’d already come too far. Then, disaster! While trying to slip past the settlement unnoticed, a group of orcs and trolls discovered us. My guildmate and I, connected via Teamspeak voice chat, both screamed:

«RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!»

We ran for all we were worth, praying that we wouldn’t smack blindly into a group of monsters or – worse – even more terrifying Horde riff-raff. But we were lucky. With what felt was the «last» of our strength, we reached the first foothills of an enchanted forest: Ashenvale, the realm of the Night Elves.

We’d reached our destination.

Moonlight and magic: in the realm of whispering spirits

Ashenvale, the ancient heart of Kalimdor, a realm of emerald twilight and whispering winds. It was already well past midnight. Moonbeams danced on the canopy and painted shimmering patterns on the mossy ground, where ancient trees dug their gnarled roots deep into the earth. Mysterious moon wells shimmered in hidden clearings, their waters flowing with the magic of dreams. That Horde scum? They didn’t dare to cross the borders of the sacred forest.

But for my guildmate and me, the spirits of the forest sang in every rustling leaf and babbling brook. We could almost smell the scent of pine and damp earth filling the air as the paths wound their way through a maze of towering trees and flowers. We were safe – for now. After all, beneath the peaceful beauty lurked a deep wildness.

Shadows flit through the undergrowth, and the whispering of the night winds carried the cries of hunters and the hunted to us. Hidden in the depths of the forest were ancient ruins that told of forgotten battles and secrets of the past. Ashenvale was a place of magic and wonder, where nature reigned in all its splendour – and cruelty.

For a while, we roamed the mystical forests of the Elven kingdom, gathering experience, Night Elf equipment and weapons. When we finally returned to the towns and villages of Stormwind at level 25, we felt transformed. Our eyes reflected the wisdom of the old forests, our memories the adventures of Ashenvale – experiences still hidden from those young adventurers in the peaceful Elwynn Forest.

Ah, if only they knew what was in store for them!

A legendary anniversary: 20 years of World of Warcraft

Yep, World of Warcraft has always been able to spark my imagination like no other game. It used to be my second home, a place where I made friends and experienced adventures I’d never thought possible. From epic raids with my first guild in Molten Core to cosy evenings in front of the auction house at Ironforge – every memory is a precious treasure I’ll carry in my heart forever.

And so, two decades ago, a portal opened to another world – a world full of magic, adventure and endless possibilities. Since then, World of Warcraft has captivated millions of players and shaped a generation. It’s a game that taught us to work together, overcome challenges and never give up – even when the odds are stacked against us.

We fought side by side with brave heroes and iconic legends, defeated ancient dragons and explored the darkest corners of Azeroth. We made friendships to last a lifetime and experienced unforgettable moments that’ll connect us forever. For me, World of Warcraft is still more than just a game.

It’s an epic we’re all helping to write.