News - Warcraft I + II Remastered: New editions are here + big update for Warcraft III

To mark the 30th anniversary of Warcraft, Blizzard has released new editions of the classics Warcraft and Warcraft II. Warcraft III Reforged is also getting a comprehensive new update.

Last night, as announced, Blizzard Entertainment broadcast its big Warcraft Direct to mark the franchise's 30th anniversary. A previous leak has also been confirmed, as the cult developer has in fact published new editions of its real-time strategy classics Warcraft and Warcraft II.

The two cult titles from earlier days each come in remastered versions, which bring both visual improvements and new quality-of-life features. Sprites and backgrounds now shine in a more modern look on HD screens these days, but you can also choose to play in the original graphics.

The controls have been supplemented with more contemporary approaches, such as selecting multiple units per box - something that didn't exist in earlier real-time strategy days. There is also the option to select missions directly in the main menu.

Online multiplayer is further supported in Warcraft II Remastered; according to Blizzard Entertainment, self-created maps from the past also work in the remastered version of the game.

The two remasters join the previously available Warcraft III Reforged, which was a more comprehensively optimized new edition of the third part of the strategy series. All three games are now available for purchase together in the Warcraft Battle Chest.

Keyword Warcraft III Reforged: The title, which has been available for a long time, is getting a comprehensive update to version 2.0, which also brings with it further visual improvements, a revised UI and changes to the rankings.

All of this is already available to mark the 30th anniversary and was made available immediately upon announcement in Warcraft Direct. It is unfortunate, however, that these revised titles are not yet included in the PC Game Pass.