When did Wrath of the Lich King end? This question often arises among World of Warcraft players who fondly remember the iconic expansion of the popular MMORPG. The Lich King, also known as Arthas Menethil, was a pivotal figure in the game’s lore, and his reign brought about significant changes to the world of Azeroth. In this article, we will delve into the end of Wrath of the Lich King and its impact on the game’s history.
The expansion, released on November 13, 2008, marked a significant milestone in the World of Warcraft universe. It introduced players to the frozen tundra of Northrend, where the Lich King, a powerful Lich and former king of the Scourge, sought to conquer Azeroth. The expansion featured a wealth of new content, including new zones, quests, and an epic storyline that led to the climactic battle against the Lich King himself.
As the story unfolded, players were drawn into the dark and icy landscape of Northrend, encountering legendary characters and completing challenging quests. The expansion introduced a new level cap of 80, as well as a new profession called Inscription, which allowed players to create magical scrolls and glyphs. The Lich King’s reign brought about a new era of conflict, with the Alliance and the Horde vying for control over the icy wasteland.
The end of Wrath of the Lich King was marked by the defeat of Arthas Menethil at the hands of his former ally, Jaina Proudmoore. In the epic battle known as the Battle of Icecrown, Jaina managed to turn Arthas’ will against him, causing him to destroy his own soul and bring an end to his reign of terror. This momentous event concluded the expansion’s main storyline, and the world of Azeroth breathed a sigh of relief.
Following the defeat of the Lich King, the game continued to evolve with the release of The Wrath of the Lich King: Deathwing. This expansion introduced the dragonflights and their struggle for power, as well as the introduction of the Mists of Pandaria expansion. However, the end of Wrath of the Lich King left a lasting impact on the game’s lore and the players who experienced it.
The expansion’s story has since been revisited in various forms, including the World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King novel and the animated short “The Lich King.” These adaptations have allowed players to relive the epic tale of the Lich King’s fall and the birth of a new era in Azeroth’s history. The expansion’s success has also influenced the development of future World of Warcraft expansions, ensuring that the legacy of Wrath of the Lich King continues to live on.
In conclusion, the end of Wrath of the Lich King marked the conclusion of an epic chapter in the World of Warcraft universe. The expansion’s impact on the game’s lore and its enduring popularity among players make it a memorable part of the MMORPG’s history. So, when did Wrath of the Lich King end? The answer is 2009, but its legacy endures to this day.
