Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled remastered versions of Warcraft: Orcs and Humans and Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, along with a major 2.0 update for Warcraft III: Reforged. Released in celebration of the Warcraft franchise’s 30th anniversary, these updates bring new life to the classic real-time strategy, RTS, games.

The remasters and updates are available individually or as part of the Warcraft Remastered Battle Chest bundle for $39.99, which includes Warcraft: Remastered, Warcraft II: Remastered, and Warcraft III: Reforged. For players who already own Warcraft III: Reforged, the 2.0 update is accessible at no additional cost and introduces new visual and interface improvements.

Originally released in 1994, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans now features hand-drawn visuals, faster gameplay, and upgraded controls. Players can toggle between original and updated graphics in real time, offering both a nostalgic and refreshed look. Additional updates include a revised user interface, UI, tooltips, health bars, and an expanded unit selection option.

The 1995 release Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness also benefits from updated visuals and several quality-of-life enhancements. The remaster includes compatibility for legacy custom maps, UI improvements, and a toggle for switching between original and updated graphics. Known for establishing Blizzard’s RTS legacy, Warcraft II retains its original campaign, multiplayer modes, and map editor, offering a faithful yet enhanced experience.

The 2.0 update for Warcraft III: Reforged addresses previous issues with the game’s initial release in 2020, which disappointed many fans due to missing features and technical problems. The latest update focuses on improved environments and lighting, upgraded character and unit models, and a revamped UI. Warcraft III now allows players to alternate between high-definition assets and the original graphics, giving the option to blend elements as preferred. Additional updates include an improved ladder system, customizable in-game hotkeys, and the Spoils of War Edition bonuses, like the Meat Wagon mount in World of Warcraft.

Speculation around these remasters began when assets for Warcraft II: Remastered surfaced on the Public Test Realm, suggesting Blizzard’s plans to reveal these titles during the Warcraft Direct presentation on November 13. These predictions were confirmed during the presentation, generating enthusiasm among fans.

During the livestream, Warcraft RTS manager Brad Chan described the updates as a way to preserve the original games’ spirit while making them more accessible to new players. Chan emphasized the ability to toggle between original and remastered graphics in real time, catering to both nostalgia and a modernized gameplay experience.

In addition to these remasters, the Warcraft Direct event announced a PC client for Warcraft Rumble, a Hearthstonecrossover with StarCraft, and the much-requested player housing feature in World of Warcraft. These updates celebrate the Warcraft legacy while inviting both new and longtime players to explore the franchise’s origins.