We are thrilled to show you a first look at LoreCraft Designs' upcoming campaign Rise of the Alliance. We sat down with @ShadiHD for a quick preview of what we can expect from the second entry in the acclaimed Chronicles of the Second War series.

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Q: Since you've got a teaser out, I assume things are now well underway.
A: Yes. So after we have released the ToD campaign, which focuses on the Orc point of view, we're now working on the Human campaign titled: Rise of the Alliance. Without spoiling the story of course, it will follow the narrative presented in Warcraft 2, but there will be major changes to how events unfold, especially the timeline.



Q: You've got some unique gameplay systems in place in the Orc campaign, for example, demi-heroes that you upgrade via sidequests. Are players to expect similar systems on the human side?
A: Absolutely. We've come a long way, and we learned a lot, took feedback, and learned from past mistakes. Hopefully, all of this new knowledge and experience will be seen with RoA. It will follow suit of RPG/RTS - like what you've seen in ToD. Some missions will have very unique gameplay as if you were in Baldur's Gate or Diablo, but with the Warcraft flavor of course.



Q: Roughly how many maps/chapters should we expect from RoA?
A: I think around 14. There is a catch, however. Unlike ToD, we've decided to release RoA act by act, with each act containing around 3-4 maps. This way more content gets delivered to the fans, and there is more control on refining and polishing fewer maps instead of doing it on a campaign scale. This gives us a lot of access to how we fix bugs that won't be an issue later, with the aim of smoother games and faster delivery. Of course in the end, with the final release, it's going to be a single entire campaign file. Players won't need to fear about progress. Say for example you finished Act 1, and later we released Act 2. You won't need to start over, you can immediately play from Act 2, but we will keep the option open of starting over from the beginning.



Q: I recall doing a spotlight for your team's phenomenal dwarven assets earlier. Will RoA focus on the human side exclusively, or will their stout allies (and the high elves for that matter) get their share of the action too?
A: While I need to be aware of spoiling anything because I want our players to be surprised by what we have in store, I can safely say, it's the ALLIANCE of Lordaeron, which includes the other races. Garithos won't be happy, however.



Q: Thank you for taking the time to chat. Of course, if you want to share anything else - feel free!
A: Aside from that, we're excited for the Hive's upcoming anniversary. We are proud to be a part of that family, CSW will have a permanent home here. I promise RoA will beat ToD in quality and gameplay by a mile. We can't wait to show more!

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Stay tuned for more from LoreCraft Designs and Chronicles of the Second War!

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Troll Campaign V2.0: A Journey Through Primordial Azeroth​

The Warcraft III modding community has long been known for its creativity and passion, producing countless custom maps, campaigns, and content that have kept the game alive and vibrant since its release in 2002. Among these standout projects is the Troll Campaign (Project thread), a fan-made campaign by the talented @frostwhisper who recently released Troll Campaign V2.0. This campaign offers players a unique perspective on primordial Azeroth through the eyes of the enigmatic troll race. In a story set 16,000 years ago, when the Old Gods' minions awoke, and the trolls of Zandalar rose to challenge them.

Read along to learn more about the key features and see the launch trailer of Troll Campaign v2.0

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KEY FEATURES OF TROLL CAMPAIGN 2.0

1. Six Immersive, Fully Voiced Chapters: Troll Campaign unfolds across six meticulously crafted chapters, each fully voiced to bring the story to life. These chapters guide players through a gripping narrative, immersing them in the rich lore of the troll race as they navigate the challenges and mysteries of Azeroth.

2. A Journey Through Diverse Prehistoric Biomes: The campaign transports players through a variety of prehistoric environments, from dense jungles to ancient ruins, each teeming with life and danger. The detailed biomes add depth and diversity to the gameplay, offering a visually stunning backdrop for the trolls' journey.

3. Craftable Items and Legendary Artifacts: Throughout the campaign, players can discover and craft powerful items and legendary artifacts. These tools not only enhance the abilities of the troll heroes but also play a crucial role in overcoming the campaign's toughest challenges.

4. Powerful Companions to Recruit: By completing sidequests, players can recruit formidable, unique companions. These companions offer unique abilities and playstyles, adding strategic depth and flexibility to the gameplay.

5. Fully Custom Ability, Model, Icon, UI, and Sound Sets: Troll Campaign features a full custom techtree, including unique abilities, visuals, and user interface elements. These customizations make the campaign feel distinct and tailored, setting it apart from standard Warcraft III content.

6. Formidable Warriors and Cunning Casters: The trolls' arsenal includes a diverse range of units, from brutal melee warriors to sly spellcasters. This variety allows players to employ different tactics, combining brute force with cunning strategies to achieve victory.

7. Savage Dinosaur War Mounts: Adding to the trolls' fearsome image are their savage dinosaur war mounts. These beasts not only enhance the visual spectacle of the campaign but also provide powerful advantages in battle, making them key assets in the trolls' fight for survival.

8. Once Dormant Servants of the Old Gods—Now Awoken: As players progress through the campaign, they encounter ancient forces that have been reawakened. Resilient, innumerable, and empowered by the essence of the Void - the aqir swarms will stop at nothing to eradicate all sentient life on the surface.

9. A Blend of Micro and Macro Challenges: Troll Campaign offers a mix of micro-level control and macro-level strategy challenges, ensuring that players remain engaged throughout. Whether managing individual units in battle or making strategic decisions that affect future outcomes, players will find themselves constantly tested.

10. Player Choices, Riddles, and Hidden Secrets: The campaign encourages exploration and critical thinking, with player choices, riddles, and hidden secrets scattered throughout. These elements add replayability and depth, as players uncover new aspects of the story and gameplay with each playthrough.

11. Fully Custom Creep Camps and Summons: The custom creep creeps and summons in Troll Campaign exemplify its environments and add another layer of challenge, requiring players to adapt their strategies and use their units' abilities to the fullest.

12. Over 12+ Boss Encounters: The campaign features over 12 boss encounters, each presenting unique challenges that test the player's tactical prowess. These battles are designed to be unique, memorable, and intense climactic setpieces.

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The Age of Warcraft Team Unveils Multi-Faction Reforged HD Melee Mod​

The Age of Warcraft team, a newcomer in the Warcraft modding community, has made a remarkable entrance with their multi-faction HD melee mod. This ambitious project introduces twelve new and revamped factions, each equipped with fully functional custom AIs, providing a fresh and engaging experience for players eager to explore factions previously confined to campaign lore. Download the installer here: Age of Warcraft Mod, Demo installer

Features​

The demo release showcases the team's dedication and creativity, offering a sneak peek into a future where the Warcraft universe is richer and more diverse than ever. Key features of the mod include:

• Twelve New and Revamped Factions: Players can now command the Kingdom of Lordaeron, Scarlet Crusade, Kingdom of Dalaran, Orcs of the New Horde, Tauren, Zandalari Trolls, Lost Ones, Blood Elves, High Elves, Naga, Undead, and Night Elves.
• Custom AIs: Each new faction comes with its own AI, ensuring a unique challenge and gameplay experience.
• Multiplayer Compatibility: The mod is designed to support multiplayer games, allowing players to test their skills against others.
• Core Game Intact: The original game remains unchanged, allowing players to enjoy both the classic and the new content seamlessly.
• Enhanced Interface: A new main menu has been introduced, providing a modern and intuitive interface.
• Extensive Custom Assets: Over 300 original custom assets have been created, all will be available for the Hive Workshop community - remember to use with proper credit.

The 12 factions are as follows:

• WATCH on YouTube Kingdom of Lordaeron

• WATCH on YouTube Scarlet Crusade

• WATCH on YouTube Kingdom of Dalaran

• WATCH on YouTube Orcs of the New Horde

• WATCH on YouTube Tauren

• WATCH on YouTube Zandalari Trolls

• WATCH on YouTube Lost Ones

• WATCH on YouTube Blood Elves

• WATCH on YouTube High Elves

• WATCH on YouTube Naga

• Undead (Trailer coming soon)

• Night Elves (Trailer coming soon)

The Road Ahead​

The Age of Warcraft team is committed to continuously enhancing the mod. Their immediate goal is to integrate these new factions into nearly all of Blizzard's official melee maps, ensuring a cohesive and enriched gameplay experience. Future updates will introduce racial abilities specific to each faction and quality-of-life improvements such as resource traders and new armor shops that alter hero skins and abilities.

Additionally, the team plans to expand the mod with numerous tavern heroes, further diversifying the strategic options available to players. To support the community, all custom assets are free to use, and the team will provide guides on asset usage, AI development, and the creation of submods and campaigns.

Engage with their Community​

The Age of Warcraft team invites all fans and modding enthusiasts to join their growing community. By following their social media channels, players can stay updated on the latest developments, provide feedback, and engage with fellow fans. This project is a testament to the vibrant and collaborative spirit of the Warcraft community

For more information visit their official social media pages.

OutsiderXE's epic custom campaign returns in Reforged HD graphics!​

OutsiderXE, a renowned modder in the Warcraft III community, has breathed new life into the beloved Warcraft universe with the release of his epic custom campaign, Lord of the Clans, now fully optimized for Reforged HD graphics. This latest edition promises an immersive experience, combining rich storytelling, high-quality visuals, and engaging gameplay that brings the world of Azeroth to life.

Features​

• Custom campaign: Extensive Action-RPG gameplay and a highly customizable main character.
• 8 single-player missions: Engage in a series of challenging missions across diverse environments.
• 67 quests: Complete various quests that span over 7-9 hours of playtime.
• High quality terrain and cinematics: Including custom models, textures, and icons that enhance the visual appeal.
• Full voice-over: Dialogue and in-game transmissions are brought to life with recordings from professional voice actors and AI-generated voices from the Warcraft franchise.
• Based on the novel Lord of the Clans by Christie Golden.

Thrall's Origin​

The campaign, based on Christie Golden’s novel Lord of the Clans, explores the origins of the legendary Warchief Thrall. Set as a prequel to the events of Warcraft III, it chronicles Thrall’s journey from his early struggles to his rise as a pivotal figure in the Horde after its collapse. This storyline not only offers a deep dive into Warcraft lore but also provides a compelling narrative backdrop for players.

Action RPG with customization​

An action-oriented RPG inspired by games like Diablo, Dark Souls and World of Warcraft. Master unique survival skills and powerful combat mechanics. Choose from over 15 custom abilities, 14 unique upgrades, and 9 powerful companions to fit your playstyle. Play 8 single-player missions, 67 quests, with over 7 hours of playtime.

True Reforged HD​

Meticulously re-crafted terrain, by Tamplier, the lead designer of Chronicles of the Second War, highlight the high fidelity graphics that Reforged was meant for. Completely remade cinematics, using a wide range of animations and camera angles, supported by over 1,700 custom assets including models, textures and icons. Full voice-over for all dialogue and in-game transmissions, recorded by real people and AI voices created from Warcraft franchise games.

The future of Lore & Legends​

Lore & Legends is a rebranding for all existing and future Warcraft 3 projects created by OutsiderXE. It implies all of these projects share the same detailed continuity. The next campaign is based on the novel Of Blood and Honor, to be released early 2025. Future projects include HD remakes for Day of the Dragon, The Last Guardian and more!

Lord of the Clans is currently available in english, german and russian. Italian and korean translations are currently being worked on, to be released in a few weeks.

Engage with the Community​

Fans can explore more projects, support development on Patreon, discuss on Discord, and follow live streams on Twitch. For a detailed look, check out the official trailer on YouTube.

Get ready to showcase your modeling skills in Hive's Mechanical Creature Model Contest!​

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Calling all talented 3D artists! Hive Workshop is thrilled to announce the launch of the next HD Modeling Contest. Prepare to unleash your creative prowess and join the vibrant community in a quest to manifest a mechanical creature of your imagination!

Challenge​

Design and model a mechanical creature using your favorite 3D modeling software for the Warcraft III Reforged HD graphics. Your creation could be a mechanized animal, a futuristic robotic being, or anything else your imagination can tinker with! Your mechanical masterpiece should be of a fully mechanical creature i.e. no living organic matter, muscles, no beating heart at it's core. Only heat, magic or steam etc. should power your mechanical creation.

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Competition Details and Guidelines​

The rules are simple but crucial: Sculpt and model a mechanical creature of your choice.

To ensure a fair and exciting competition, here are the essential guidelines to follow:

1. Contestants must be registered members of the Hive Workshop community. Don't worry if you haven't joined yet; it's easy to become a member and take part in community events! Sign up here!
   
   
2. Your creation should be made for the HD graphics in Warcraft III: Reforged.
   
   
3. Remember to provide a WIP (work in progress) image, in the official contest thread.
   
   
4. Submissions should be uploaded to the HD Reforged Model section before the deadline, which is June 30, 2024. Your entry must include "Entry for Hive's HD Modeling Contest #6 Mechanical" in the description to be considered for the competition. Late entries will not be accepted, so mark your calendars and don't miss out!

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Prizes​

Hive Workshop knows how to honor talent and dedication. The top three winners will receive an array of impressive rewards, including:

First Place: A prestigious winner's badge and EXP award, a special demon rank on the Hive Workshop forums (two wins is required), and an exclusive feature on the front page to showcase your awe-inspiring creation. This along with a featurette on Hive Workshop's YouTube channel and other social media for more exposure and recognition.

Second Place: A shiny medal and EXP award, recognition on the forum, a special demon rank on the Hive Workshop forums (two wins is required) and an opportunity to display your talent to the Hive Workshop community on Hive Workshop's YouTube channel and other social media sites.

Third Place: A proud medal and EXP award, a special demon rank on the Hive Workshop forums (two wins is required), acknowledgment on the forum, and an opportunity to inspire aspiring artists and modders. And a featurette on Hive Workshops YouTube channel and other social media sites.

Furthermore, all participants will gain a solid EXP award, including valuable feedback from their peers and the chance to improve their skills through friendly competition and constructive criticism. The Hive Workshop community is supportive and filled with like-minded individuals eager to share their expertise.

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Deadline​

Submissions close on June 30, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to let your creativity shine! Enter now and show us your mechanical masterpiece!

For more details, rules, and to join the contest, visit the official contest thread.