Blizzard has a remarkable gift for creating powerful and moving storylines within World of Warcraft, with many memorable moments captivating and entertaining players for the last two decades. While the MMORPG has had its fair share of epic, hilarious, and awe-inspiring events, there have also been several instances that have evoked emotion and driven players to tears.
The quality of Blizzard's writing team has given fans many unforgettable moments, from the fall of Prince Arthas and his heinous betrayal of the citizens of Lordaeron, to the cruel actions of Sylvanas that saw the sacred Teldrassil set ablaze and countless Night Elf lives taken.
9 Varian Falls At The Broken Shore
Varian Wrynn had a long and tragic past in Warcraft lore, from the murder of his father, King Llane, to being imprisoned and forced to fight by the Horde in the Crimson Ring. Players have seen much character growth over the years, influenced mainly by Jaina and his son Anduin, which saw Varian change his hateful and aggressive leadership mindset to one of peace and tactical decision-making.
While Varian was a King the Alliance could respect and follow into battle against the Burning Legion, things took a heartbreaking turn in the Legion expansion. At the gates of the Tomb of Sargeras, Varian was forced to sacrifice himself to allow the rest of his Alliance forces to escape the overwhelming foe. Before Gul'dan killed the fallen king with his vile Fel magic, Varian sums up his reign in one simple remark - "For the Alliance."
8 Saurfang Arrives To Take The Body Of His Son
After players reach the top of the Ice Crown Citadel in order to make the Lich King finally pay for his long list of crimes, they are met with Dranosh Saurfang, who fell at the Wrathgate and was raised by the Lich King as his most powerful Death Knight. After players put an end to the undead Deathbringer, his father, Varok, arrives soon after to bring the body of his fallen child home.
While Horde players hear the whimpers of Varok before he vows to give him the ceremony he deserves in Nagrand, for the Alliance, the grieving father is met with hostility by Muradin. As a father himself, Varian shows compassion and allows him to take the body of his boy.
7 The Runas Questline
World of Warcraft has delivered many powerful and moving quests over the last nineteen years, with the Runas questlines being one of the most heartbreaking examples of storytelling in the game. The Legion questline mirrors real-life issues of addiction and those who lose their battle to it.
In the Runas questline, players aid the exiled Nightborne, who is tasked by Stellagosa to reclaim the mana for the old leader of the Blue Dragonflight, Senegos, by destroying the Mana Pylons. While Runas manages to hold off from becoming a withered, he eventually succumbs to his sickness, telling the player - "Thank you, my friend, for letting my last hours mean something."
6 Burning Of Teldrassil
The history of Warcraft has seen many instances of war and genocide, with none being so tragic as the cruel burning of Teldrassil. Sylvanas Windrunner ordered the attack after discovering that the newly discovered Azerite crystals, which contained the life essence of Azeroth itself, would be stored at Darnassus. Knowing she wouldn't be able to hold the stronghold for long, she decided to devastate the area by burning down the sacred Teldrassil.
During a Scenario, the player must save hundreds of Night Elves from the burning Darnassus. Sadly, the player soon realizes that completing the task in just a couple of minutes is impossible, causing most of the inhabitants to perish in the smoke.
5 The Battle For The Exodar
During the third invasion of Azeroth, Kil'jaeden sent High General Rakeesh and a group of powerful demons to lay waste to the capital city of the Draenei in order to destroy naaru O'ros.
The surprise attack quickly overwhelmed the Draenei, with a group of them heading to the Vault of Lights to be protected by Prophet Velen and Khadgar's champions. Although the Burning Legion was eventually driven out, the halls of the sacred Exodar were left littered with slaughtered Draenei, who couldn't escape the ruthless demon army. What makes this event even more tragic is that Velen realizes that the cruel General Rakeesh is his long-lost son, who was taken away by Kil'jaeden many years ago. As Velon tells the player to leave, he instructs them to deliver a message to Khadgar - "Tell him that light died here this day."
4 Kyle's Gone Missing
The Kyle's Gone Missing quest from classic World of Warcraft is not sad in itself, but the backstory of its design certainly is. In 2007, a young boy called Ezra Chatterton visited the Blizzard Entertainment headquarters, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with the intention of designing and implementing his own quest into World of Warcraft.
This led to the creation of the Ahab Wheathoof NPC in Thunder Bluff and the innocent questline that saw the player feed Tender Strider Meat to his prized puppy. Although Ezra sadly passed away a year after his visit, his legacy lives on within the game he loved.
3 The Purging Of Stratholme
One of the biggest and most notorious betrayals in World of Warcraft is that of Arthas Menethil, who chose to purge the entire city of Stratholme after realizing all of its citizens would become undead after eating plague-infected grain. His mentor, Uther Lightbringer, and the love of his life, Jaina Proudmoore, both refused to help in the atrocious act.
At the hand of the prince, the citizens were struck down in their sleep and while trying to flee in fear. Arthas eventually found Mal'Ganis, the demon behind the twisted plot to turn the people of Stratholme into the undead. Arthas told the demon to fight him, but instead, Mal'Ganis instructed him to gather his forces and come to Northrend. This event began the tragic downfall of Arthas and his transition into the Lich King.
2 Ysera's Death
During the Legion expansion of World of Warcraft, the Dragon Aspect of the green dragonflight, Ysera, was corrupted by Xavius and the Emerald Nightmare. Sadly, the only way to end her suffering was to be slain by Tyrande Whisperwind, the Cenarion Circle, and the player.
Following her death, the moon goddess Elune cleansed Ysera's corrupted spirit and allowed her to go to Ardenweald in the Shadowlands. After taking her place in the stars, a lush growth replaced her corrupt body, ending the known line of the green dragonflight.
1 Death Of Arthas
The story of Arthas finally came to an end when players reached the top of the Ice Crown Citadel and defeated the formidable Lich King. Years previous, under the evil influence of Ner'zhul, Arthas killed his own father, King Terenas Menethil, by plunging Frostmourne into his chest and capturing his soul.
After the Lich King fell, the soul of Arthas returned in his dying moments, comforted by the spirit of his father. As the prince panics and death draws near, his father tells him, "At long last. No king rules forever, my son." Despite what he did, King Terenas Menethil still treated the man like his son.