With theDragonflightPre-Patch imminent, oneWorld of Warcraftfan has made a chart comparing the length of each expansion. The chart shows the duration in days of each Pre-Patch, expansion, and length of each patch within theWorld of Warcraftreleases.
The chart was shared by Redditor andWorld of Warcraftfan Tyrsenus. The new comparison chart was an updated version of the one they had posted before the launch ofShadowlands.
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The total length of theShadowlandsexpansion was about average for majorWorld of Warcraftreleases, but it seemed longer due to the extended periods of each of its major patches. LikeWarlords of Draenor,Shadowlandsonly had two major patches, rather than the three or more like most expansions. Likewise,Shadowlandshad the longest period of time before the first post-expansion patch release inWorld of Warcrafthistory, with 218 days passing before 9.1–nearly twice the historical average.
Battle for Azerothstill stands as the longestWorld of Warcraftexpansion to date, in no small part to thedelay ofShadowlandsdue to COVID-19.Mists of PandariaandWarlords of Draenorboth still have had the longest single patch segments, with the former having a 399-day Patch 5.4 and the latter with a 392-day Patch 6.2.Warlords of Draenor’sfinal patch was so long that it launched at the same cadence asShadowlands’first one.
World of Warcraftfans were quick to discuss Tyrsenus’ data, with over 450 comments over the course of a few days. Most of the discussion centered around how disappointingWarlords of Draenorwas. With only two major patches–the first of which added little actual content to the game–Warlords of Draenorhas gone down in history as one of the expansions with the most missed potential. Many debated over whetherWarlords of Draenor,Battle for Azeroth, orShadowlandswas theirleast-favorite expansion inWorld of Warcrafthistory.
ThoughWorld of Warcraft’shistory has been marred with some unpopular expansions, many players have high hopes forDragonflight. Reports from theDragonflightbeta have been largely positive, and players are excited to dive into a more groundedWorld of Warcraftexperience. The second phase of the Pre-Patch, and thefirst taste ofDragonflightproper, begins on November 15. Players won’t have to wait long to experience the new expansion for themselves, and in a couple of years, perhaps Tyrsenus will update his chart to see how the expansion and patch schedule ofDragonflightcompares to its predecessors.
