• Listen to a special audio message from Bill Roper to the Hive Workshop community (Bill is a former Vice President of Blizzard Entertainment, Producer, Designer, Musician, Voice Actor) 🔗Click here to hear his message!
  • Read Evilhog's interview with Gregory Alper, the original composer of the music for WarCraft: Orcs & Humans 🔗Click here to read the full interview.

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"When something is broken, you fix it. When something is wrong, you make it right. And if things aren’t good enough, you make them better," - Brad Chan (Warcraft RTS team senior manager)

The recently released Patch 2.0 for Warcraft III: Reforged aimed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise. However, it has reignited longstanding criticisms, particularly around false advertising, inconsistency in artistic direction, and its detrimental impact on custom map creation.

False Advertising and Expectations

Warcraft III: Reforged was heavily criticized upon launch for failing to deliver the features promised during its marketing. Patch 2.0, rather than correcting these issues, highlighted them further. Patch 2.0 introduced HD versions of classic assets, but the quality of these upgrades leaves much to be desired. While the patch added "HD" versions of classic assets and customization options between Reforged and "Classic HD," players noted that the visual updates lack actual HD graphics, cohesion, with elements appearing mismatched or poorly integrated. The use of poorly AI-assisted upscaling for assets has been a major point of contention, as it reflects a lack of effort to produce handcrafted updates that match the quality expected in modern remasters. "Classic HD" rely on poorly AI-assisted upscaling rather than artistically curated redesigns, creating a disjointed aesthetic that fails to deliver the promised quality as seen in the gameplay stills (seen in the banner above) - now renamed to "concepts".

Artistic and Graphical Inconsistencies

The patch attempted to address graphical issues by tweaking lighting and terrain. However, these changes exacerbated existing problems. Reforged terrain textures now often clash with the original artistic vision. The newly added tileset textures lack polish, with noticeable seams and inconsistent designs that disrupt immersion. Moreover, the patch removed bloom effects and altered lighting settings, which has ruined visual balance in many custom maps, leaving them either too dark or awkwardly overlit. These graphical inconsistencies further detract from the overall experience.

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Impact on Custom Maps

The custom map community, historically one of Warcraft III's strongest assets, has faced significant challenges with this update. Changes in the world editor and how the game handles assets have broken compatibility with many existing custom maps. Several modders reported that some new doodads and terrain textures are not seamless and feel incompatible with the Reforged graphics, breaking the consistency that map creators strive for. In addition, lighting adjustments in the patch have disrupted many custom maps’ visual integrity. Some environments now look either unnaturally bright or lack sufficient contrast, making them visually unappealing. These issues, combined with compatibility-breaking updates, highlight Blizzard’s failure to prioritize one of the community's most vital aspects.

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Community Reaction

Fans and modders have expressed disappointment, feeling the patch did little to address core issues or honor Warcraft III’s legacy. What was meant to honor Warcraft III’s legacy has instead underscored Blizzard’s neglect of its core audience. For a game that once set the standard for RTS excellence, this latest patch has left many players questioning Blizzard’s commitment to its iconic franchise.

In conclusion, Patch 2.0 has compounded Reforged's struggles rather than providing the redemption it sorely needed. While there are minor improvements, the patch serves as a reminder of the missed opportunities and mismanagement that have plagued this remaster from the start. The mishandling of custom map support, graphical inconsistencies, and continued reliance on AI over artistry have further alienated an already disillusioned player base. This patch has left players longing for the golden days of Blizzard's attention to detail and community care.

 

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Warcraft III: Reforged Patch Notes - Version 2.0

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(It appears the images shown above are not actual in-game footage of the Classic HD graphics)

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Blizzard said:

Version 2.0
November 13, 2024


In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the release of Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, we’ve updated Warcraft III: Reforged to version 2.0, which includes many fixes, improvements, and nods to Warcraft’s history.

Classic HD + Addon System

  • Added HD versions of Classic Units, Buildings, VFX, Heroes, Environments and Icons.
  • Added new section (under Reforged in the option screen) which will give players the ability to customize between Reforged and Classic HD Assets.
Collection

  • Collection screen now has a filter option between skins and portraits.
  • Added 5 new Warcraft III Starter Portraits.
  • Added Reforged Campaign Heroes as playable skins in Multiplayer (if the skin has a Classic equivalent, the Classic version will show if you have Classic HD Heroes enabled).
  • Added an option to disable Skins (for players who only want to see default units).
  • Added Warcraft 2 Portraits.
  • Added Warcraft 1 Portraits.
User Interface

  • Added The Frozen Throne Theme (TFT). Players can toggle back by clicking the logo on the main menu or in the options.
  • Menu flow has been updated.
  • All front-end menus have been updated.
  • Added in-game hotkey customization screen in the option menu. Players must have custom keys enabled to access the menu.
  • Added options to turn on APM, FPS, Timer, Ping through the option menu.
  • Added the ability for a player to watch through their Match History if they have the replay saved.
  • Search filter added to create game.
  • Search filter added to replays.
  • In-Game User Interface
    • Added in-game timer that can be turned on/off via the options or using “/time”.
    • Added deny indicator that can be turned on/off via the options.
    • Added Goldmine worker counter that can be turned on/off via the options.
    • Added Race Indicator in the Allies menu (F11) next to the players’ names.
    • All chat is disabled by default but can be turned on manually via the options.
    • Squad formation is disabled by default but can be turned on manually via the options.
    • Health bars are set to always on by default but can be changed manually via the options.
    • Numbers on cooldown are set to on by default but can be turned off manually via the options.
    • Idle worker key will camera snap to the unit only after the player has double tapped.
    • HUD can now be scalable in the option.
    • Classic mode HUD now has the option of removing the side boarders.
    • Campaign Talking Head UI is disabled by default but can be turned on manually via the options.
Music

  • Added Warcraft 1 and Warcraft 2 Music as an option.
Multiplayer

  • Added XP and leveling to ranked play.
  • Leaderboard ranking is based on the amount of XP if player have the same XP rank tie breaker will be MMR.
  • MMR bands have been reduced from 0-10000 to 0-7000.
  • MMR will no longer reset after a new season if you are currently ranked. MMR will reset slightly if you played 0 games in the previous season.
  • Level and XP will reset completely at the start of every season.
  • AT can no longer match RT in 4v4 and 3v3.
  • Added game servers located in Chicago, United States of America and Sydney, Australia.
Reforged Environments

  • All Reforged Terrian Art has been updated for all environments.
  • Various Tree Doodads have been updated to reflect the environment changes.
  • Foliage is disabled by default.
Reforged Lighting

  • Bloom has been removed.
  • Tone map has been updated.
  • Increased Ambient Lighting.
Settings

  • All settings have been set to default settings.
Tooltips

  • Updated various tooltips to better reflect ability usage for Heroes.
World Editor

  • Added option to turn on/off Addons from Reforged to Classic HD.
  • Added the ability to toggle on/off foliage.
Bugfixes

  • Fixed an issue where players could no longer create or invite players to Clans.
  • Fixed an issue where the Demon Hunter would lose vision permanently if it was revived through the Ankh of Reincarnation.
  • Fixed an issue where match results would not be processed.
  • Mac
    • Fixed an issue preventing Mac users from launching the game.
 

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Blizzard said:
Welcome to the epic celebration of 30 years of Warcraft! Join us on a heartfelt journey through three decades of adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments in Azeroth and beyond. In this special 45-minute video, we're bringing together the creative minds behind World of Warcraft, Warcraft RTS, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Rumble. Hear firsthand from our development teams as they reflect on the milestones of the past:
  • 30 Years of Warcraft RTS: Hear from the team working on the games that started it all as they look to bring some exciting new updates to Warcraft III Reforged and more.
  • 20 Years of World of Warcraft: Relive the evolution of the world's most beloved MMORPG and discover what's next on the horizon for both WoW Classic and Modern…and a special announcement at the end.
  • 10 Years of Hearthstone: Celebrate a decade of strategic card-slinging fun and get a sneak peek at the game-changing updates coming your way.
  • 1 Year of Warcraft Rumble: Join us for our 1st Anniversary and share our exciting additions on the horizon.
This is more than a look back — it's a warm thank you to our incredible community and a visionary glimpse into the future of the Warcraft universe. Whether you're a lifelong fan or rekindling your passion, there's never been a better time to dive back into the world you love. Let's embark on the next chapter together. The adventure continues!
 

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Signs of Warcraft RTS News Coming Up on Warcraft Direct

Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft franchise appears to be hinting at new RTS-related developments, exciting fans who have long awaited fresh content. Upcoming announcements are expected during " Warcraft Direct " on Nov 13th, sparking speculation about a potential revival or addition to Warcraft's real-time strategy legacy, which has largely been inactive since Warcraft III Reforged . With Blizzard suggesting this focus, fans are hopeful for a blend of nostalgic elements and modern RTS gameplay innovations in whatever comes next for the beloved series.

This week, Blizzard updated its press site in celebration of the Warcraft franchise's 30th anniversary and World of Warcraft's 20th anniversary. Alongside these updates, they introduced a new category, “Warcraft (RTS),” represented by the 30th Anniversary logo. This addition hints that Blizzard may soon release new press material related to the Warcraft RTS series, signaling possible developments or future announcements in that genre.

But one of the strongest pillars of these hints is the "leak" that happened two weeks ago . During a brief period of time, the PTR for Warcraft III: Reforged was updated to version 2.0, build 22230. This "leak" all but confirms that Blizzard is working on a Warcraft III Reforged version 2.0 in some capacity.

For the full article and latest updates, you can check Wowhead here .
 

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Save the Date for Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct on November 13

Blizzard said:
Join us November 13 at 10:00 am PST for a special presentation celebrating 30 years of Warcraft and a look ahead at what’s next.

Watch the Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct on our official channels:
It’s a big year for the Warcraft universe and whether you’re a Hearthstone fan, you’ve joined the chaos in Warcraft Rumble, ventured into the world of Azeroth for the first time in Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, or you’re a World of Warcraft player, there’s something for everyone in our Warcraft 30th Anniversary Direct stream. You won’t want to miss a moment— or a single surprise.

Stay tuned after the stream for a special 20th Anniversary concert broadcast, “World of Warcraft: 20 Years of Music,” celebrating 20 Years of World of Warcraft music. Produced by Helvepic and filmed live in Switzerland the concert was performed by the 21st Century Orchestra and three choirs—Tales of Fantasy, Ardito, and the Madrijazz Gospel, this sweeping 190 performer ensemble will take you on a musical adventure through time and emotion.

Watch and Earn Rewards!

You’ll also be able to earn new in-game viewership rewards for Hearthstone, Warcraft Rumble, and World of Warcraft. We’ll have more details for you soon, so be sure to check back on our official sites.
 

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