Site Director
Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
3,092
ptrversion2-png.492052


BlizzTracker Bot Uncovers Private PTR Build Version 2.0 Before It’s Pulled Back

BlizzTracker, the ever-watchful bot that monitors Blizzard’s updates, has once again caught the community’s attention by spotting a new and mysterious PTR (Public Test Realm) build. However, this wasn’t just any build — it was a private version 2.0, briefly uploaded to the PTR but quickly retracted before anyone could gain access or investigate its contents.

ptrblixzztrack-png.492053


The fact that this 2.0 build was deployed to the PTR, a realm typically open for public testing, only to be swiftly hidden away, has sparked intense speculation. While no one had the opportunity to delve into the build, the version number alone suggests that it could represent something major — perhaps a game-changing update, new features, or even a significant expansion.

With Blizzard remaining silent on the matter, the mystery deepens. The brief glimpse of this private PTR build has left fans buzzing with excitement and theories about what’s coming next. Is version 2.0 a massive overhaul, or something even bigger?

As we await more information or another potential leak, HIVE Workshop will be monitoring closely. What do you think this private PTR build could mean? Let us know your thoughts below!
 

Site Director
Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
3,092
frontpagebanner-png.491382


The Heart of Storms: Whispers of the Past: Act II Massive Update!

A full year has passed since the last major Heart of Storms (HoS) Development Update, and the team has been hard at work. Teasers and sneak peeks have been released periodically on Discord, but now fans are treated to a new comprehensive update on the progress of Act II.

The team reports daily progress on this expansive project. In May alone, over 500 models were created, and over 2,600 sound files processed for unit dialogue. The main races and subfactions have been finalized, and complex, trigger-driven mechanics and abilities for the campaign are in development. Despite the sheer size of Act II, work continues at a strong pace.

A major focus has been on improving visual assets. With heroes like Arnak and Wulnar undergoing transformations, significant upgrades were made to reflect these story changes. While the graphics for Act I were described as "Classic+", Act II's visuals have been dubbed "Classic++," with improved detail and homage to classic canon depictions. The design philosophy follows StarCraft II's model, where heroes are more detailed than regular units while maintaining visual coherence.

Hundreds of new models have been created! For instance, characters like Llane Wrynn, Blackhand, and Teron'gor have been revealed. Blackhand’s redesign includes a combination of inspirations from multiple sources, including Warcraft manuals, films, and Warlords of Draenor. Teron'gor has also been updated, retaining his orc form with added demonic features. Additionally, the orc units, ogres, and campaign-specific animations have been enhanced.


blackhand-png.491189
dotc-png.491190


llane-png.491191
teron-png.491195

In terms of gameplay, the switch from version 1.27 to 1.36+ allowed for better performance, resulting in the decision to split larger chapters into smaller, more focused maps. This change also enabled playable interludes and the addition of new tilesets, enriching the visual experience of places like Boralus and Shial.

1728246195090-png.491182
1728246747864-png.491183


1728242882600-png.491180
1728247137358-png.491184

1728248370721-png.491187
1728244186048-png.491181


1728248223767-png.491186
1728247691159-png.491185


Shial’s concept, inspired by Blizzard's portrayal of the Emerald Nightmare and classic Lovecraftian horror, has been expanded into a character that embodies the Void's eldritch nature, while remaining connected to her Titan roots. Act II will feature her nightmarish realms, including the Bleeding Gardens and Kathranaar, the City of Screams, showcasing the depth of Shial’s corruption.


1728245388433-png.491198
1728245989508-png.491199

1728247303978-png.491200
1728247522164-png.491201


Excitingly, the HoS Act II Prologue is set to release this winter, offering a preview of what's to come. The prologue promises to introduce key characters and lore, setting the stage for the main campaign.


maim-png.491368
rend-png.491369

antonidas-png.491188
lothar5-png.491193

For the full details on this exciting development update, check out Whispers of the Past: Act II Prologue Announcement and Massive Lore Update!. Stay tuned for more updates as the HoS team continues to craft a visually stunning and immersive experience for Act II.

faces-jpg.491380
 

Owner
Joined
Oct 6, 2004
Messages
10,157

1728039578934.png


20 YEARS OF HIVE WORKSHOP

Today marks a significant milestone as HIVE Workshop celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Thanks to @frostwhisper for creating this video.

Two decades ago, the platform began as a simple forum I created alongside my friend, Bloodletter, to gather feedback for our Warhammer 40,000 TD map.

However, I soon discovered a deeper passion for developing the site itself, leading me to shift its focus from just our map to a broader modding community. That decision has shaped HIVE Workshop into the vibrant hub it is today.

Over the years, we've been fortunate to witness and support some of the coolest modding projects ever created—innovative maps, game enhancements, and custom content that push the boundaries of creativity. We’re incredibly proud to be part of the excellence our community continues to produce.

To celebrate this milestone, we’re hosting a special gaming session tonight at 20:00 UTC+2, where we’ll be playing some of the most amazing projects our community has brought to life. Everyone is welcome to join in and take part in the fun!
 

Site Director
Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
3,092
wc45frontpagebanner-png.489584



Warcraft IV by @Maxwell brings fresh, innovative content while staying true to the beloved lore of the Warcraft universe.

This project introduces two of three meticulously crafted new races, each designed with an incredible focus on detail,
visual effects, and gameplay design. Players will discover new Tavern Heroes and items, expanding the strategic
possibilities and adding depth to well-known game.


Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, Warcraft IV offers a unique posibility to enhance your RTS experience.

race_preview-png.489576

nerub-png.489573




     
authors-note-png.373439

av.jpg

Each race took almost a year to develop, and another year to balance. While the balance is far from perfect, I work
closely with the community and constantly make changes to ensure a pleasant and fun player experience. The level of models, art and overall design is constantly improving as I gain new skills while working on this project.

upper-quotes-png.375983





naga-png.489572

infoblock_2-png.489571

quotes-png.489575

 

Media Manager
Joined
May 25, 2007
Messages
4,256
RotEFrontPageBanner.png


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.




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.

AnduinLothar_TrolldaeronArt.png
AnduinLothar_V1.png


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.

WC2_LordaeronFootman__RoA_V1.png
WC2_LordaeronKnight__RoA_V1.png


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.

IconRemasterPart2_RoA.png
Lordaeron_RoA_02.png


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.

Lordaeron_RoA_04.png
Lordaeron_RoA_05.png


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!

RaidedLands_RoA_02.png
RaidedLands_RoA_01.png



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

AllianceDivider.png
 

Affiliates

Popular resources

Submitted by Villagerino
177 downloads
Submitted by Ilya Alaric
206 downloads
Submitted by Ilya Alaric
179 downloads
Submitted by bakr
199 downloads
Submitted by bakr
207 downloads
Submitted by bakr
166 downloads
Submitted by Greedy Procrastinator
268 downloads
Submitted by Jiok
208 downloads
Submitted by DREADMAN
225 downloads
Submitted by Jab1z
185 downloads
Submitted by bakr
243 downloads
Submitted by Gluma
276 downloads
Submitted by BaiyuGalan, Stefan.K
199 downloads
Submitted by BaiyuGalan, Stefan.K
231 downloads
Submitted by BaiyuGalan, Commedia
307 downloads
Submitted by Gluma
558 downloads
Submitted by Bleeq
349 downloads
Submitted by BaiyuGalan, johnwar
201 downloads
Submitted by ILH
190 downloads
Submitted by Gluma
267 downloads
Submitted by Gluma
235 downloads
Submitted by bakr
188 downloads
Submitted by Jiok
570 downloads
Submitted by bakr
331 downloads
Submitted by bakr
226 downloads
Submitted by bakr
193 downloads
Submitted by Jiok
296 downloads
Submitted by Nicoplox95
178 downloads
Submitted by bakr
330 downloads
Submitted by Jiok
270 downloads
Submitted by venger07
260 downloads
Submitted by Gluma
184 downloads
Submitted by bakr, Manastorm
354 downloads
Submitted by shining comet, lichkingylqa, Blizzard Entertainment
195 downloads
1/6

Popular maps

Submitted by Med. MapGuy
694 downloads
Submitted by OutsiderXE
892 downloads
Submitted by OutsiderXE
831 downloads
Submitted by Aeroblyctos
1,291 downloads
Submitted by OutsiderXE
726 downloads
Submitted by Turnro
729 downloads
Submitted by SpasMaster, Vunjo
2,447 downloads
Submitted by Daemonic_Sword, Shea Easterbrook
1,384 downloads
Submitted by tomoraider
1,900 downloads
Submitted by Turnro
1,704 downloads
Submitted by tomoraider
1,514 downloads
Submitted by
755 downloads
Submitted by SanyaBelotsky
666 downloads
Submitted by Nethalythic
904 downloads
Submitted by OutsiderXE
1,186 downloads
Submitted by frostwhisper
2,760 downloads
Submitted by Flower Fairy, tulee
696 downloads
Submitted by LordCostin
806 downloads
Submitted by Tuwnew
768 downloads
1/6

Heroes online

Top