✦ Beta Updates
Faction lore in WoW Forever beta covers the eternal conflict. This guide covers full lore of Alliance and Horde.
For broader content, see our Lore of Azeroth, Class Lore, and NPC Lore articles.
Quick summary: Alliance: humans + elves + dwarves + gnomes + Skyborne. Horde: orcs + undead + tauren + trolls. Conflict: 2,500+ years.
Alliance lore
Origin
Alliance was founded during the First War by humans. Then dwarves + Night Elves joined after Second War.
| Era | Event |
|---|---|
| First War | Human alliance formed |
| Second War | Dwarves + Gnomes |
| Third War | Night Elves + Draenei |
| Cataclysm | Skyborne (new) |
Member races
| Race | Capital |
|---|---|
| Human | Stormwind |
| Dwarf | Ironforge |
| Night Elf | Darnassus |
| Gnome | Gnomeregan |
| Skyborne | Skyreach (new) |
Alliance values
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Honor | Justice |
| Order | Structure |
| Light | Holy Light |
Horde lore
Origin
Horde was originally the Orcish Horde from Draenor. Then undead + tauren + trolls joined.
| Era | Event |
|---|---|
| First War | Orc invasion |
| Second War | Orc defeat |
| Third War | Undead + tauren + trolls |
| Cataclysm | Goblins |
Member races
| Race | Capital |
|---|---|
| Orc | Orgrimmar |
| Undead | Undercity |
| Tauren | Thunder Bluff |
| Troll | Sen’jin (Echo Isles) |
| Goblin | Bilgewater (later) |
Horde values
| Value | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Honor | Strength |
| Tradition | Ancestors |
| Survival | Adapt |
Major conflicts
Wars
| War | Era | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| First War | 30 yrs ago | Orc victory |
| Second War | 25 yrs ago | Alliance victory |
| Third War | 10 yrs ago | Alliance victory |
| Cataclysm | 5 yrs ago | Mixed |
| BfA | < 1 yr | Alliance attack |
Key NPCs (faction leaders)
Alliance
| NPC | Role |
|---|---|
| Anduin Wrynn | King |
| Tyrande Whisperwind | Night Elf leader |
| Moira Thaurissan | Dark Iron leader |
Horde
| NPC | Role |
|---|---|
| Thrall | Former Warchief |
| Sylvanas Windrunner | Banshee Queen |
| Baine Bloodhoof | Tauren chief |
WoW Forever beta factions
New factions
| Faction | Note |
|---|---|
| Skyborne | New Alliance race |
| Earthen | Possible new |
Classic factions
| Faction | Reputation |
|---|---|
| Stormwind | Friendly (Alliance) |
| Orgrimmar | Friendly (Horde) |
| Cenarion Circle | Neutral |
FAQ
Which faction is bigger?
Alliance (more races).
Better lore?
Both rich.
Final verdict
Alliance vs Horde = eternal conflict. Choose based on lore preference.
For more content, see our Lore of Azeroth, Class Lore, and NPC Lore articles.