Summary
For a short time,Warcraft 3: Reforgedhad its version updated from 1.36 to 2.0 on the internal PTR, indicating something big might be in the works for the RTS. Though this change only lasted for about 16 hours, it could be a clue that Blizzard is working on a substantial update forWarcraft 3: Reforged.
At BlizzCon 2018, Blizzard announcedWarcraft 3: Reforged, a remastered version of the 2002 classic that set the stage forWorld of Warcraft, complete with new story content, voice acting, and a huge graphical overhaul. When it finally released in 2020, it failed to live up to most of these expectations; reception was so poor thatBlizzard offered full refunds forWarcraft 3: Reforged, regardless of playtime.
However, it seems likeBlizzard may not be finished withWarcraft 3: Reforgedquite yet. On October 15 at around 5:00 PM PDT, the internal PTR forWarcraft 3: Reforgedwas upgraded from version 1.36 to version 2.0. This change only lasted for about 16 hours, after which the internal build was reverted to its previous version. As the change was internal, no information beyond the version change was accessible to the public, but fans and content creators like Back2Warcraft suspect it could mean Blizzard is planning a major overhaul ofWarcraft 3: Reforged.
What Could Warcraft 3: Reforged 2.0 Mean?
To put this into perspective, the build forWarcraft 3: The Frozen Thronewas only version 1.07. While this could be explained because of the difference in version semantics from back in 2003, even the initial launch ofWarcraft 3: Reforgedwas only version 1.32. In the modern day, Blizzard only upgrades to new numerical versions for major expansions, like whatDiablo 4did withVessel of Hatred, so a jump from 1.36 to 2.0 is significant.
ThisWarcraft 3: Reforgedupdate could mean any number of things. In January 2023, Blizzard had sent outsurveys that gauged interest in a soft relaunch ofWarcraft 3: Reforged. While this is far from confirmation, the version update could be the fruits of that survey, especially with theWarcraftfranchise’s 30th anniversary coming in November.
Of course, it is just as likely that this update could be for something small, or even a mistaken patch that will amount to nothing at all. Even so, this occurrence is a glimmer of hope forWarcraft 3players, many of whom are praying for the remaster to get a second chance.Blizzard’s Gamescom panelconfirmed aWarcraftDirect presentation would happen before the end of the year, possibly around the upcoming anniversary, soWarcraft 3fans should verify to watch in case there is a big announcement for them.
Warcraft
Warcraft is a franchise originally created by Blizzard Entertainment starting with Warcraft: Orcs and Humans in 1994 for PC and Mac. The original trio of titles were real-time strategy games featuring factions like Humans, Orcs, Undead, and Night Elves though the popularity and success of the franchise soon saw it expand into an MMO with World of Warcraft, card battling game Hearthstone, and other media like books, comics, as well as a 2016 film adaptation that was directed by Duncan Jones.
