Wizards of the Coast is bringing the world of Azeroth to the tabletop with a new Dungeons & Dragons release that focuses on integrating iconic elements from World of Warcraft into D&D campaigns. Rather than a linear adventure, the upcoming book is designed as a "toybox" for Dungeon Masters, offering a collection of locations, character options, magic items, and monsters.
Senior game designer Joey Haeck stated that the book provides "tools at your disposal that I think make it really easy for a DM to explore the world of Azeroth with their players." This approach allows DMs to build their own narratives using curated content from the popular MMORPG. The book also includes advice for creating campaigns centered around World of Warcraft villains, many of whom will feature accompanying stat blocks.
Iconic Dungeons Reimagined for D&D
The release will feature several of World of Warcraft's most recognizable dungeons, adapted for D&D's tiered level system. Players can tackle The Deadmines and Shadowfang Keep at levels 1-4, Blackfathom Deeps at levels 5-10, Dire Maul at levels 11-16, and Azjol-Nerub at levels 17-20. The Scarlet Monastery will be available for levels 5-10 or 11-16 depending on the wing explored, while Onyxia's Lair is designed for high-level players (17-20) and centers around a boss fight with the iconic dragon.
Dungeon layouts are intended to be faithful to their MMO counterparts, with the addition of new secrets and shortcuts. While World of Warcraft often relies on combat, the D&D adaptation will allow for alternative solutions such as stealth and negotiation, though random combat encounter tables will also be included for players who prefer direct confrontation.
Familiar Foes and New Challenges
The monsters featured will be a mix of newly designed Warcraft creatures and existing D&D monsters that have been re-skinned. For instance, while a water elemental stat block exists in the 2025 Monster Manual, the book will provide rules for converting humanoid stat blocks to represent creatures like Murlocs by adding traits such as Amphibious and a swim speed.
Prominent World of Warcraft characters will also appear with unique stats. Jaina Proudmoore will have a challenge rating of 22, Sylvanas Windrunner a rating of 23, and the Lich King Arthas a rating of 25. In addition to existing D&D dragons, the crossover will introduce specific Dragonflight Dragons: Green, Blue, Red, Black, and Bronze.
Player-Centric Mechanics and Factions
For players, the book reinterprets World of Warcraft's professions as D&D tool proficiencies. Guidance will be provided on how gathering professions can be used to collect resources and how production professions can be used to craft new items. The game will also incorporate D&D's Renown system to allow parties to gain affinity with various factions. More than 20 factions will be represented, including the Alliance, the Horde, the Argent Dawn, the Cenarion Circle, the Earthen Ring, the Explorer's League and Reliquary, the Kirin Tor, the Steamwheedle Cartel, and the Valdrakken Accord. Increased Renown with these factions will offer mechanical advantages, such as access to faction portals or even a wish.
Project lead designer James Wyatt emphasized that the goal is not a direct translation of WoW mechanics but rather to "evoke the feeling of playing WoW" and allow players to interact with its characters and world in a new way, leveraging the strengths of a tabletop experience. This approach ensures the game remains fundamentally Dungeons & Dragons while immersing players in the rich setting of World of Warcraft.