World of Warcraft, like many MMORPGs, prides itself on immersive fantasy locations that bring its respective world to life. From towering fortresses to homely villages, the variety of settlements in WoW pays homage to its various native races and cultures. Almost every expansion introduces a new capital city for players to enjoy, and these are the best and the worst.
The criteria for these cities include their unique layout, ease of access, lore, aesthetics, and memorable atmosphere. While World of Warcraft takes pains to make every town as interesting as possible, some are remembered more fondly than others. It is also important to note that some cities, like Silvermoon, expect a large graphics update in the future.
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S-Tier World of Warcraft Cities
- Valdrakken, the Long Lost City of Dragons
- Dazar’alor, the Golden City of Trolls
- Azj-Kahet, the Hidden Fortress of Nerubian Power
If one had to imagine a city built for dragonkind, Valdrakken would be it. Perched on the high cliffs of the Dragon Isles, Valdrakken is a city like no other. The spacious courtyards and sky-high towers clearly show that this place was designed with enormous dragons in mind, and one needs a pair of wings to experience it fully. Valdrakken symbolizes the dawn of a new age for dragons, one born from unity.
The air is alive with the wingbeats of countless dragons, while vendors will boast about shining your scales or selling gems for your personal hoard. Valdrakken is a bright, glorious place, and a much-deserved haven for dragonkind. The nuances of dragon culture are brought to life here, from fine dining to exquisite craftsmanship and vast libraries. Every dragon, no matter which flight, feels at home here, and it’s a truly humbling experience to walk Valdrakken’s fantastical streets.
Nestled in a lush, steaming rainforest, Dazar’alor is the jewel of the mighty Zandalari empire, the beating heart of a civilization that predates every other on Azeroth. Inspired by real-life Aztec architecture, this city’s golden ziggurats tower over the jungle, every apse and staircase decorated with gold and scintillating gemstones. Dinosaurs abound in this glittering city, trained for all kinds of transport, labor, and combat. Dozens of shrines are located throughout Dazar’alor, where players who have earned the Zandalari’s trust can pledge their allegiance to one of the trolls’ many Loa spirits. The rich history and culture of the Zandalari capital will leave players awestruck and eager to explore every inch.
At long last, World of Warcraft players were given the full scope of intrigue and mystique alluded to in Wrath of the Lich King. The nerubians, far from the mindless minions they may seem, have a vibrant culture of artisans, warriors, artists, and scribes. They have politics, spies, competitions, traditions, and relationships, all previously concealed beneath the earth. Azj-Kahet is a city of secrets and trickery, but it fleshes out the true scope of a race that freed themselves from their corrupt origins to forge their destinies anew.
A-Tier World of Warcraft Cities
- Suramar, the Seat of the Nightborne
- Boralus, Independent and Fierce
- Gilneas, The Rainy Old City
The opulent city of Suramar, located in the Broken Isles, is home to the Nightborne, a cultural offshoot of night elves who have developed their own culture, one that revolves around arcane magic. In its lengthy questline, players employ espionage and subterfuge to nurture a rising rebellion against Legion control. Culminating in the Nighthold raid, the journey immerses players in the high society of aristocrats. Every aspect of Nightborne culture revolves around arcane magic, infusing the very wine they drink. This tranquil nightscape of exotic decor and enchanting music makes Suramar a true favorite.
A sprawling portside city of merchants and sea mages, Boralus has survived for centuries on its own. The capital of Kul Tiras is famed for its invincible and unstoppable fleet, commanding the ocean waves as they thrive on trade.
Years ago, this human city-state was torn apart by the Cataclysm while its inhabitants were driven out by the Forsaken. Only recently have the Gilneans reclaimed their gloomy, damp, yet infallibly charming Old English-inspired home.
B-Tier World of Warcraft Cities
- Dalaran, the Floating Bastion of Magic
- Thunder Bluff, Home of the Noble Tauren
- Undercity, the Lost Throne of Lordaeron
Dalaran is a haven for Azeroth’s mages, led by a peace-keeping force of sorcerers known as the Kirin Tor. For all its time in the game, Dalaran has been a floating city, having left its roots behind to soar high above the clouds. Dalaran might be small for a capital city, but it packs a lot of charm and mystery. Everywhere one turns, they’ll meet famous NPCs, friendly vendors, and monuments to heroes past. Even the sewers are full of character, boasting the city’s more unscrupulous members. Unfortunately, Dalaran is permanently destroyed by Xal’atath in The War Within, but its Northrend and Broken Isles versions will always be there for players to visit.
A beautiful Horde city perched on the peak of a great mesa, Thunder Bluff is the tauren capital, which was founded after the Horde helped them defeat their longtime foes, the centaur. Paying homage to many Native American motifs, this isolated bluff juts out of a verdant grassy plain, teeming with roaming wildlife. No sunset or sunrise can be hidden from Thunder Bluff, and invading this sky-high plateau is out of the question.
The remnants of Lordearon’s Capital City, the Undercity is as eerie as it is historic. Made from abandoned catacombs and sludge-filled canals, the Undercity is a haven for those who love to scheme. Echoes of events in Warcraft 3 remain etched into the landscape above the city, while the audio even whispers of the tragedy that befell it.
C-Tier World of Warcraft Cities
- Stormwind, the Crown of the Alliance
- Ironforge, the Molten City of Three Clans
- Silvermoon, the City Arthas Couldn’t Break
- Darnassus, Gone But Not Forgotten
Stormwind City is the capital of the eponymous human kingdom, and the center stage for the High King of the Alliance. The wistful nostalgia of Stormwind is difficult to overstate, having cemented itself in players’ memories for 20 years. The sheer size of this city, along with its extensive network of streets, alleyways, and canals, makes it feel like the serious political location it is, filled with cohorts of soldiers willing to give their lives for the cause.
Another Alliance favorite, Ironforge is built into the bulk of an enormous mountain. Great flows of magma churn beneath the city floors, while the clanging of hammers on anvils is a constant companion. Perhaps not the prettiest place on Azeroth, Ironforge still brings the dwarven culture to life, showing their love of smithing, archeology, and, of course, a good brew.
The scars of the past remain scoured into Silvermoon’s landscape, the Scourge having left its mark. The blood elves have been through much, but there is no denying their elegance and taste in architecture. Gold and red decor combine with elegant structures to make this wounded city still worth seeing. Before it was burned to the ground by Sylvanas, Darnassus was a tranquil grove atop the boughs of a single, massive World Tree called Teldrassil. It will be sorely missed, along with its denizens who perished in the flames.
D-Tier World of Warcraft Cities
- Dornogal, Not As Cool as Azj-Kahet
- Orgrimmar, a New Home for the Horde
- Oribos, the City of the Dead
The homestead of the Coreway’s ancient guardians, the Earthen, Dornogal is a mighty and brazen city, but lacks the charm of Ironforge. The loss of personality could be blamed on its denizens rather than the city itself, but regardless, Dornogal finds its favor in function over aesthetics.
The home orcs carved out for themselves after a long and arduous time spent enslaved to fel magic, Orgrimmar is built within the barren, shady cliffs of a desert called Durotar. The spiky buildings are made of iron, contrasting with the red stone and soil. Orgrimmar is only really popular for its convenience as the chosen Horde capital. It lacks a cohesive layout and has monotonous, mostly uninteresting decor.
Oribos is a small, alluring city. As a dwelling for the omniscient Arbiter who determines a soul’s fate after death, its circular design fits the theme. Unfortunately, this makes for a repetitive and frustrating layout.
