Warcraft 1 and 2 Remasters Shadow-Dropped With Improved Graphics, Quality-of-Life Improvements, and Other New Features

[DogOfViolence]

It’s the 30th anniversary of Warcraft, and to celebrate, Blizzard is bringing back a couple of bonafide classics. Today, Blizzard announced it’s releasing remasters of both the original Warcraft and Warcraft 2, and they’re both out today.


During today’s Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct stream, Blizzard unveiled both remasters, which will include fully updated graphics as well as an option to revert back to original visuals, a number of quality of life features, and improved UI and UX features. Warcraft II will also include multiplayer, with all legacy custom maps being compatible and playable.


Critically, these are both being billed as remasters rather than full-blown “reimaginings” like Warcraft III: Reforged. Fans of the original game widely panned Warcraft III: Reforged due to the many changes made from the original, technical issues, and features that were missing or degraded from the original. Our own reviewer gave it a 7/10, but described it as "uninspired." Upon its release, many fans expressed frustration that Blizzard had not simply remastered the original Warcraft III, which may be why Blizzard opted for a lighter touch with Warcraft I and II.


That said, Warcraft III: Reforged is also receiving an update today that will include a graphics overhaul and various other quality of life changes that may improve the experience. These include the ability to toggle between the game’s new graphics, old graphics, and a new remastered look that’s reminiscent of the classic look but has a higher resolution. Reforged players will also get the ability to mix and match certain UI elements in all three graphic options.


Warcraft III: Reforged will join the remasters of Warcraft 1 and 2 in a revamped “Battle Chest” hearkening back to the classic, popular bundle. The bundle’s pricing will adjust based on what games players already own, meaning if you already own Reforged, you can add the two remasters at a discount.


Warcraft I and II Remastered, Warcraft III: Reforged 2.0, and the new Battle Chest are out today. You can catch up with everything announced from today’s Warcraft Direct right here, including upcoming updates to World of Warcraft and World of Warcraft: Classic, and teases of the next retail expansion, Midnight.


Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. You can find her posting on BlueSky @duckvalentine.bsky.social. Got a story tip? Send it to [email protected].