Exploring the Worlds of Warcraft

Author: Luxrah
Date: March 28, 2023
Updated: August 16, 2024
Expansion: World of Warcraft

After nine expansion packs, there are well over 100 zones to explore in World of Warcraft today. These zones span multiple continents and worlds. Getting around can be quite challenging, especially for new players or if you skipped a particular expansion. But we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of all the zones in Azeroth. When you’re ready to head to a particular place, check out our individual “How to Get to” guides in the menu above.

Azeroth

Azeroth is the world on which most of the Warcraft series takes place. The world has several continents as well as some underwater zones and islands.

Eastern Kingdoms

Eastern Kingdoms is the eastern-most continent of Azeroth, and one of the original continents in the game. The continent has traditionally been dominated by the Alliance as the home of the human kingdoms. Over the years, the landscape has been altered and added to by the Burning Crusade and Cataclysm expansions.

Starting Zones in Eastern Kingdoms

Elwynn Forest (humans)
Dun Morogh (dwarves and gnomes)
Tirisfal Glades (undead)
Eversong Woods (blood elves)
Gilneas (worgen)
Plaguelands: The Scarlet Enclave (death knights)

Major Cities in Eastern Kingdoms

Stormwind (Alliance hub and human capital, Elwynn Forest)
Ironforge (dwarf capital, Dun Morogh)
Undercity (undead capital, Tirisfal Glades)
Silvermoon City (blood elf capital, Eversong Woods)

Zones of Eastern Kingdoms

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Elwynn Forest	1-30	Alliance	None
Dun Morogh	1-30	Alliance	None
Tirisfal Glades	1-30	Horde	None
Eversong Woods	1-30	Horde	Burning Crusade
Gilneas	1-20	Alliance	Cataclysm
Westfall	5-30	Alliance	None
Loch Modan	5-30	Alliance	None
Silverpine Forest	5-30	Horde	None
Ghostlands	1-30	Horde	Burning Crusade
Ruins of Gilneas	1-20	Alliance	Cataclysm
Redridge Mountains	7-30	Alliance	None
Hillsbrad Foothills	7-30	Horde	None
Plaguelands: The Scarlet Enclave	8-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Duskwood	10-30	Alliance	None
Wetlands	10-30	Alliance	None
Arathi Highlands	10-30	Contested	None
Northern Stranglethorn	10-30	Contested	None
The Cape of Stranglethorn	10-30	Contested	None
The Hinterlands	10-30	Contested	None
Western Plaguelands	15-30	Contested	None
Eastern Plaguelands	15-30	Contested	None
Badlands	15-30	Contested	None
Searing Gorge	15-30	Contested	None
Burning Steppes	15-30	Contested	None
Deadwind Pass	10-30	Contested	None
Swamp of Sorrows	15-30	Contested	None
Blasted Lands	15-30	Contested	None
Isle of Quel’Danas	25-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Vashj’ir: Kelp’thar Forest*	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Vashj’ir: Shimmering Expanse*	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Vashj’ir: Abyssal Depths*	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Twilight Highlands	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Tol Barad	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Tol Barad Peninsula	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm

*Vashj’ir is an underwater zone off the western coast of Dun Morogh.

exploration guide eastern kingdoms map — Map of the Eastern Kingdoms

Kalimdor

Kalimdor is the western-most continent of Azeroth, and one of the original continents in the game. The continent has been dominated by the Horde ever since the orcs came to Azeroth. Over the years, the landscape has been altered and added to by the Burning Crusade and Cataclysm expansions.

Starting Zones in Kalimdor

Durotar (orcs and trolls)
Mulgore (tauren)
Teldrassil (night elves)
Azuremyst Isle (draenei)

Major Cities in Kalimdor

Orgrimmar (Horde hub and orc capital, Durotar)
Thunder Bluff (tauren capital, Durotar)
Darnassus (night elf capital, Teldrassil)
The Exodar (draenei capital, Azuremyst Isle)

Zones of Kalimdor

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Durotar	1-30	Horde	None
Mulgore	1-30	Horde	None
Teldrassil	1-30	Alliance	None
Azuremyst Isle	1-30	Alliance	Burning Crusade
Azshara	5-30	Horde	None
Darkshore	5-30	Alliance	None
Northern Barrens	5-30	Horde	None
Bloodmyst Isle	5-30	Alliance	Burning Crusade
Ashenvale	7-30	Contested	None
Stonetalon Mountains	10-30	Contested	None
Desolace	10-30	Contested	None
Southern Barrens	10-30	Contested	None
Feralas	15-30	Contested	None
Dustwallow Marsh	15-30	Contested	None
Thousand Needles	15-30	Contested	None
Felwood	15-30	Contested	None
Tanaris	15-30	Contested	None
Un’goro Crater	15-30	Contested	None
Winterspring	15-30	Contested	None
Silithus	15-30	Contested	None
Ahn’Qiraj: The Fallen Kingdom	15-30	Contested	None
Moonglade	1-30	Contested	None
Mount Hyjal	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Molten Front*	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Uldum	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm

*Molten Front is not physically on Kalimdor, but is accessible from Mount Hyjal.

exploration guide kalimdor map — Map of Kalimdor

Northrend

Northrend is the northern-most continent of Azeroth. The continent is the home to the Lich King and his Scourge army. Northrend was added to the game by the Wrath of the Lich King expansion.

Navigating Northrend

How to Get to Northrend

Major Cities in Northrend

The primary city in Northrend is Dalaran, which is floating high above Crystalsong Forest. It is a neutral city that is accessible to both Alliance and Horde.

Zones of Northrend

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Borean Tundra	10-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Howling Fjord	10-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Dragonblight	15-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Grizzly Hills	15-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Zul-Drak	20-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Sholazar Basin	20-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Storm Peaks	25-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Crystalsong Forest	25-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Icecrown	25-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Hrothgar’s Landing	25-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King
Wintergrasp	25-30	Contested	Wrath of the Lich King

exploration guide northrend map — Map of Northrend

The Maelstrom

The Maelstrom is a vortex of water in the middle of the Great Sea. The region was added to the map in the Cataclysm expansion.

Starting Zones in The Maelstrom

There are two starting zones located in The Maelstrom:

Kezan (goblins)
Wandering Isle (pandaren)

Zones of The Maelstrom

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Kezan	1-20	Horde	Cataclysm
Lost Isles	1-20	Horde	Cataclysm
Maelstrom	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Deepholm	30-35	Contested	Cataclysm
Wandering Isle	1-20	Contested	Mists of Pandaria

exploration guide maelstrom map — Map of the Maelstrom

Pandaria

Pandaria is the southern-most continent of Azeroth. The continent is home to the pandaren. Pandaria was added to the game by the Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Navigating Pandaria

Major Cities in Pandaria

There are two main hubs in Pandaria, one for each faction. Both are located in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. They are:

Shrine of Seven Stars (Alliance)
Shrine of Two Moons (Horde)

Zones of Pandaria

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
The Jade Forest	10-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Valley of the Four Winds	15-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Krasarang Wilds	15-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Kun-Lai Summit	20-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Townlong Steppes	25-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Dread Wastes	30-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Vale of Eternal Blossoms	30-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
The Veiled Stair	30-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Isle of Thunder	32-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Isle of Giants	35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria
Timeless Isle	30-35	Contested	Mists of Pandaria

exploration guide pandaria map — Map of Pandaria

Broken Isles

The Broken Isles is a chain of islands near the center of the map of Azeroth. The continent is home to the nightborne elves and houses the Tomb of Sargeras. The Broken Isles were added to the game by the Legion expansion.

Navigating the Broken Isles

Starting Zones in the Broken Isles

Mardum is the starting zone for demon hunters and the location of their class order hall. It is not technically a part of the Broken Isles, but is accessible from New Dalaran.

Major Cities in the Broken Isles

The primary city in the Broken Isles is Dalaran, which is floating high above the sea between Azsuna, Suramar, and The Broken Shore. This version of Dalaran is often referred to as “New Dalaran” so as not to confuse it with the version of the city that floats above Northrend. It is a neutral city that is accessible to both Alliance and Horde.

Zones of the Broken Isles

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Dalaran	10-45	Neutral	Legion
Val’sharah	10-45	Contested	Legion
Stormheim	10-45	Contested	Legion
Helheim*	10-45	Contested	Legion
Azsuna	10-45	Contested	Legion
Highmountain	10-45	Contested	Legion
Suramar	45	Contested	Legion
The Broken Shore	45	Contested	Legion
Eye of Azshara	10-45	Contested	Legion
Mardum, the Shattered Abyss**	8-45	Contested	Legion
Argus: Antoran Wastes**	45	Contested	Legion
Argus: Krokuun**	45	Contested	Legion
Argus: Eredath**	45	Contested	Legion

*Helheim is not physically part of the Broken Isles, but is accessible from Stormheim.
**Mardum and Argus are not physically part of the Broken Isles, but are accessible from New Dalaran.

exploration guide broken isles map — Map of the Broken Isles

Kul Tiras

Kul Tiras is located between the Broken Isles and the Eastern Kingdoms on the map of Azeroth. The continent is home to kul tiran humans and mechagnomes. Kul Tiras was added to the game with the Battle for Azeroth expansion.

Navigating Kul Tiras

Major Cities in Kul Tiras

The Alliance hub city of Boralus is located in Tiragarde Sound. Horde have no major cities in Kul Tiras.

Zones of Kul Tiras

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Tiragarde Sound	10-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Drustvar	20-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Stormsong Valley	30-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Tol Dagor	10-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Mechagon Island	50	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Nazjatar*	50	Contested	Battle for Azeroth

*Nazjatar is not physically part of the Kul Tiras continent, but is accessible from Kul Tiras for Alliance characters.

exploration guide kul tiras map — Map of Kul Tiras

Zandalar

Zandalar is located between the Broken Isles and Pandaria on the map of Azeroth. The continent is home to zandalari trolls and vulpera. Zandalar was added to the game with the Battle for Azeroth expansion.

Navigating Zandalar

Major Cities in Zandalar

The Horde hub city of Dazar’alor is located in Zuldazar. Alliance have no major cities in Zandalar.

Zones of Zandalar

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Zuldazar	10-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Nazmir	20-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Vol’dun	30-60	Contested	Battle for Azeroth
Nazjatar*	50	Contested	Battle for Azeroth

*Nazjatar is not physically part of the Zuldazar continent, but is accessible from Zuldazar for Horde characters.

exploration guide zandalar map — Map of Zandalar

Dragon Isles

The Dragon Isles are located in the northeast of the map of Azeroth. They are the broodlands of the dragonflights and the home of the dracthyr. The Dragon Isles were added to the game by the Dragonflight expansion. This continent is now the default leveling experience for characters from level 10-70.

Navigating Dragon Isles

Starting Zones in the Dragon Isles

There is one starting zone in the Dragon Isles: the Forbidden Reach for evokers.

Major Cities in the Dragon Isles

The primary city for the Dragon Isles is Valdrakken, which is located within the Thadraszus zone. It is a neutral city that is accessible to both Alliance and Horde.

Zones of the Dragon Isles

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Waking Shores	10-70	Contested	Dragonflight
Ohn’ahran Plains	20-70	Contested	Dragonflight
Azure Span	30-70	Contested	Dragonflight
Thaldraszus	40-70	Contested	Dragonflight
Forbidden Reach	70	Contested	Dragonflight
Zaralek Cavern	70	Contested	Dragonflight
Amirdrassil	70	Contested	Dragonflight
The Emerald Dream	70	Contested	Dragonflight

exploration guide dragon isles map — Map of the Dragon Isles

Khaz Algar

Khaz Algar can be found in the southwest of the world map, between Kalimdor and Pandaria. On the surface this land consists only of the Isle of Dorn, with three more zones buried deep beneath it. This continent is home to the Earthen people and was added to the game in The War Within.

Navigating Khaz Algar

How to Get to Khaz Algar

Starting Zones in Khaz Algar

The Earthen Allied Race starts their journey in the Khaz Algar capital city of Dornogal.

Major Cities in Dornogal

The primary city for Khaz Algar is Dornogal, which is located within the Isle of Dorn zone. It is a neutral city that is accessible to both Alliance and Horde.

Zones of Khaz Algar

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Isle of Dorn	70-73	Contested	The War Within
The Ringing Deeps	73-75	Contested	The War Within
Hallowfall	75-78	Contested	The War Within
Azj-Kahet	78-80	Contested	The War Within

Beyond Azeroth

While most of the action takes place on Azeroth, there are some other worlds and realms that you can access in the game.

exploration guide cosmic map — Map of the Cosmos

Outland

Outland is the shattered remains of the world Draenor, the original home of the orcs. There is another version of Draenor in the game that exists in a parallel universe. Typically, the alternate universe version is known as Draenor while the shattered version is referred to as Outland. Outland was added to the game with the Burning Crusade expansion.

Navigating Outland

How to Get to Outland

Major Cities in Outland

The primary city in Outland is Shattrath City, which is located in Terokkar Forest. It is a neutral city that is accessible to both Alliance and Horde.

Zones of Outland

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Hellfire Peninsula	10-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Zangarmarsh	10-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Terokkar Forest	15-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Nagrand	15-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Blade’s Edge Mountains	20-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Netherstorm	25-30	Contested	Burning Crusade
Shadowmoon Valley	25-30	Contested	Burning Crusade

exploration guide outland map — Map of Outland

Draenor

Draenor is a parallel universe version of Outland from 35 years ago. This version of Draenor has not been shattered like Outland. Draenor was added to the game in the Warlords of Draenor expansion.

Navigating Draenor

How to Get to Draenor

Major Cities in Draenor

There are two main hubs in Draenor, one for each faction. Both are located in Ashran. They are:

Stormshield (Alliance)
Warspear (Horde)

Zones of Draenor

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
Frostfire Ridge	10-40	Horde	Warlords of Draenor
Shadowmoon Valley	10-40	Alliance	Warlords of Draenor
Gorgrond	15-40	Contested	Warlords of Draenor
Talador	20-40	Contested	Warlords of Draenor
Spires of Arak	30-40	Contested	Warlords of Draenor
Nagrand	35-40	Contested	Warlords of Draenor
Tanaan Jungle	40	Contested	Warlords of Draenor
Ashran	40	Contested	Warlords of Draenor

exploration guide draenor map — Map of Draenor

The Shadowlands

The Shadowlands is the realm of death in World of Warcraft. It is ruled over by the Eternal Ones. The Shadowlands was added to the game by the Shadowlands expansion.

Navigating the Shadowlands

How to Get to the Shadowlands

Major Cities in The Shadowlands

The primary city in The Shadowlands is Oribos, which is its own zone in the center of the realm. It is a neutral city that is accessible to both Alliance and Horde.

Zones of The Shadowlands

Zone	Level	Faction	Expansion
The Maw	60	Contested	Shadowlands
Bastion	10-53	Contested	Shadowlands
Maldraxxus	10-55	Contested	Shadowlands
Ardenweald	10-58	Contested	Shadowlands
Revendreth	10-60	Contested	Shadowlands
Oribos	10-60	Contested	Shadowlands
Zereth Mortis	60	Contested	Shadowlands

exploration guide shadowlands map — Map of The Shadowlands

About the Author

Luxrah

I've been playing World of Warcraft on and off since vanilla, usually as a healer or caster and often as a guild leader. I play both retail and classic. I also love RPGs, sandboxes, and sims.