Historical Revision
Wrath Of The Lich King
Revision 1 · Aug 23, 2026, 10:48 PM · GRANDPAGAMER
'''Wrath of the Lich King''' is the second expansion of World of Warcraft and the foundation of the game experience used throughout FrozenThrone.
Released during one of the most iconic eras in World of Warcraft history, Wrath of the Lich King sends players into the frozen continent of Northrend to confront the armies of the Scourge and eventually challenge the Lich King himself within Icecrown Citadel.
FrozenThrone is built around the '''Wrath of the Lich King 3.3.5a''' game client, preserving the classic level 80 era while expanding it with custom realms, systems, content and community features.
Expansion Overview
'''Wrath of the Lich King'''
- Expansion: World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
- Client Version: 3.3.5a
- Maximum Original Level: 80
- Main Continent: Northrend
- Primary Enemy: The Lich King
- Hero Class: Death Knight
- Final Raid: Icecrown Citadel
- Major City: Dalaran
- Primary Storyline: War against the Scourge
Wrath of the Lich King represents the final confrontation with one of Warcraft's most legendary villains: Arthas Menethil, the fallen prince who became the Lich King.
The Frozen North
The primary setting of Wrath of the Lich King is Northrend.
Northrend is a massive frozen continent filled with:
- ancient ruins
- undead armies
- titan structures
- frozen wastelands
- forests
- mountains
- dragon shrines
- vrykul settlements
- Nerubian kingdoms
- Scourge fortresses
Players arriving in Northrend gradually move deeper into increasingly dangerous territory until reaching Icecrown, the heart of the Lich King's empire.
Northrend Zones
Major Northrend zones include:
- Borean Tundra
- Howling Fjord
- Dragonblight
- Grizzly Hills
- Zul'Drak
- Sholazar Basin
- The Storm Peaks
- Icecrown
- Wintergrasp
- Crystalsong Forest
Each zone contains its own quest lines, factions, dungeons, enemies and storylines.
Borean Tundra
Borean Tundra is one of the two primary starting regions for players entering Northrend.
The zone contains:
- Scourge activity
- the Nexus conflict
- tuskarr settlements
- Warsong Hold
- Valiance Keep
- Coldarra
It provides an early introduction to the threats waiting across Northrend.
Howling Fjord
Howling Fjord serves as the other major Northrend entry point.
The region is dominated by:
- towering cliffs
- vrykul settlements
- coastal fortresses
- ancient ruins
- Alliance and Horde military campaigns
Its dramatic landscape made it one of the most memorable zones of the expansion.
Dragonblight
Dragonblight lies at the center of Northrend and plays a major role in the expansion's story.
The region contains:
- Wyrmrest Temple
- dragon shrines
- Scourge forces
- the remains of Galakrond
- major Alliance and Horde storylines
Dragonblight is also the location of the infamous Wrathgate storyline.
Grizzly Hills
Grizzly Hills is a forested Northrend region known for its atmosphere and music.
The zone features:
- dense forests
- furbolgs
- dwarven settlements
- troll activity
- PvP objectives
- ancient ruins
Zul'Drak
Zul'Drak is the homeland of the Drakkari trolls.
The region has been devastated by the Scourge.
Players encounter:
- Drakkari trolls
- loa gods
- undead forces
- massive temples
- Gundrak
Sholazar Basin
Sholazar Basin is a tropical region hidden within the frozen continent.
The zone contains:
- lush jungles
- titan structures
- exotic wildlife
- the Oracles
- the Frenzyheart Tribe
Its climate and environment contrast sharply with most of Northrend.
The Storm Peaks
The Storm Peaks is a mountainous region filled with Titan history.
Important locations include:
- Ulduar
- the Temple of Storms
- Brunnhildar Village
- titan facilities
The zone reveals major information about the origins of Azeroth's races and the influence of the Titans.
Icecrown
Icecrown is the center of the Scourge empire.
The zone is dominated by:
- undead armies
- Scourge fortresses
- flying necropolises
- the Argent Crusade
- the Knights of the Ebon Blade
- Icecrown Citadel
At its heart stands the Frozen Throne.
The Lich King
The Lich King is the central antagonist of Wrath of the Lich King.
The Lich King commands the Scourge from the Frozen Throne atop Icecrown Citadel.
His identity is closely tied to:
- Arthas Menethil
- Frostmourne
- Ner'zhul
- the Scourge
- the fall of Lordaeron
Throughout Northrend, players repeatedly encounter the consequences of his actions.
Arthas Menethil
Arthas Menethil was once the prince of Lordaeron and a Paladin.
His determination to stop the plague of undeath eventually led him down a path of corruption.
His story includes:
- the Culling of Stratholme
- pursuit of Mal'Ganis
- journey to Northrend
- discovery of Frostmourne
- betrayal of his kingdom
- transformation into a Death Knight
- eventual ascension as the Lich King
Arthas became one of the most recognizable villains in Warcraft history.
Frostmourne
Frostmourne is the legendary runeblade carried by Arthas.
The weapon played a central role in his fall.
Frostmourne consumed souls and became one of the most feared weapons in Warcraft lore.
Its presence is deeply connected to the story of:
- Arthas
- the Lich King
- the Scourge
- Icecrown Citadel
Death Knights
Wrath of the Lich King introduced the first World of Warcraft '''Hero Class''':
Death Knights begin their journey as servants of the Lich King before breaking free from his control.
They use:
- runes
- runic power
- plate armor
- diseases
- melee abilities
- dark magic
Their original specializations are:
- Blood
- Frost
- Unholy
Death Knights can perform both tanking and damage roles.
Level 80
The original level cap in Wrath of the Lich King is:
'''Level 80'''
Level 80 characters gain access to the expansion's major endgame systems, including:
- heroic dungeons
- raids
- high-level professions
- endgame PvP
- reputation rewards
- emblem gear
- tier equipment
See Level 80.
Dalaran
Dalaran serves as the primary neutral capital city of Northrend.
The magical city floats above Crystalsong Forest.
Dalaran contains:
- trainers
- vendors
- banks
- inns
- profession services
- portals
- faction areas
It acts as the central gathering point for high-level players.
Dungeons
Wrath of the Lich King contains a large collection of five-player dungeons.
Notable examples include:
- Utgarde Keep
- The Nexus
- Azjol-Nerub
- Ahn'kahet: The Old Kingdom
- Drak'Tharon Keep
- Violet Hold
- Gundrak
- Halls of Stone
- Halls of Lightning
- The Oculus
- Utgarde Pinnacle
- The Culling of Stratholme
- Trial of the Champion
- The Forge of Souls
- Pit of Saron
- Halls of Reflection
See Dungeon Guides.
Heroic Dungeons
At level 80, many Wrath dungeons can be completed on Heroic difficulty.
Heroic dungeons provide:
- stronger enemies
- improved loot
- endgame currency
- reputation
- progression toward raid content
Raids
Raiding is a major part of Wrath of the Lich King endgame progression.
Major raids include:
- Naxxramas
- The Obsidian Sanctum
- The Eye of Eternity
- Vault of Archavon
- Ulduar
- Trial of the Crusader
- Onyxia's Lair
- Icecrown Citadel
- Ruby Sanctum
See Raid Guides.
Naxxramas
Naxxramas is one of the first major raid tiers of Wrath of the Lich King.
The floating necropolis contains multiple wings filled with Scourge forces.
Players ultimately confront Kel'Thuzad.
Ulduar
Ulduar is a massive Titan complex located within The Storm Peaks.
The raid is widely known for:
- Titan lore
- mechanical encounters
- optional hard modes
- Yogg-Saron
- Algalon the Observer
Ulduar is considered one of the defining raids of the Wrath era.
Trial of the Crusader
Trial of the Crusader takes place at the Argent Tournament grounds in Icecrown.
Champions of Azeroth are tested before the final assault against the Lich King.
Icecrown Citadel
Icecrown Citadel is the primary final raid of Wrath of the Lich King.
The raid takes players deep into the fortress of the Lich King.
Notable encounters include:
- Lord Marrowgar
- Lady Deathwhisper
- Gunship Battle
- Deathbringer Saurfang
- Festergut
- Rotface
- Professor Putricide
- Blood Prince Council
- Blood-Queen Lana'thel
- Valithria Dreamwalker
- Sindragosa
- The Lich King
The final encounter takes place at the Frozen Throne.
The Frozen Throne
The Frozen Throne is one of the most important locations in Warcraft lore.
It is located at the summit of Icecrown Citadel.
The Frozen Throne became the seat of power of the Lich King.
The name '''FrozenThrone''' directly reflects the importance and identity of this legendary location.
Ruby Sanctum
Ruby Sanctum was one of the final raid additions of the Wrath era.
Players battle forces threatening the Ruby Dragonflight and confront Halion.
Professions
Wrath of the Lich King expanded professions with new Northrend materials and recipes.
Professions include:
- Alchemy
- Blacksmithing
- Enchanting
- Engineering
- Herbalism
- Inscription
- Jewelcrafting
- Leatherworking
- Mining
- Skinning
- Tailoring
Secondary professions include:
- Cooking
- Fishing
- First Aid
See Profession Guides.
Inscription
Wrath of the Lich King introduced Inscription as a major profession.
Inscription allows players to create:
- glyphs
- scrolls
- off-hand items
- cards
- other magical products
Glyphs
The Glyph system allows players to modify class abilities.
Glyphs are divided into different types and can alter:
- damage
- healing
- cooldowns
- utility
- class mechanics
Dual Specialization
Wrath of the Lich King introduced the ability for characters to maintain two talent specializations.
Dual Specialization allows players to switch between different roles more easily.
Examples:
- Tank ↔ DPS
- Healer ↔ DPS
- PvE ↔ PvP
Dungeon Finder
The Dungeon Finder allows players to queue for five-player dungeons based on role.
Roles include:
The system helps assemble dungeon groups automatically.
Achievements
Wrath of the Lich King expanded the Achievement system.
Players can earn achievements for:
- exploration
- quests
- dungeons
- raids
- PvP
- professions
- reputation
- collections
- unusual challenges
See Achievements.
Mounts
Wrath of the Lich King includes many iconic mounts.
Mounts can come from:
- achievements
- bosses
- reputation
- professions
- PvP
- vendors
- rare drops
Flying mounts become particularly important while exploring Northrend.
See Mount Guides.
Wintergrasp
Wintergrasp is a large outdoor PvP zone.
Alliance and Horde fight for control of Wintergrasp Fortress.
Control of the zone historically affects access to Vault of Archavon.
Player vs Player
Wrath PvP includes:
- Battlegrounds
- Arenas
- Wintergrasp
- world PvP
Battlegrounds include:
Classes
Wrath of the Lich King contains ten playable classes:
Each class contains three talent specializations.
See Class Guides.
Tank Classes
Tank-capable classes include:
See Tank.
Healing Classes
Healing-capable classes include:
See Healer.
Factions
The two primary player factions are:
Players from both factions travel to Northrend to confront the Lich King's forces.
Alliance
The Alliance includes races such as:
- Human
- Dwarf
- Night Elf
- Gnome
- Draenei
Horde
The Horde includes races such as:
- Orc
- Undead
- Tauren
- Troll
- Blood Elf
The Argent Crusade
The Argent Crusade is one of the major organizations fighting against the Lich King.
It plays a major role in:
- Icecrown
- the Argent Tournament
- preparation for Icecrown Citadel
Knights of the Ebon Blade
The Knights of the Ebon Blade are Death Knights who broke free from the Lich King's control.
They become major allies in the campaign against the Scourge.
The Scourge
The Scourge is the undead army commanded by the Lich King.
The Scourge includes:
- undead soldiers
- abominations
- necromancers
- Death Knights
- gargoyles
- frost wyrms
- liches
The war against the Scourge drives much of the expansion's story.
Titans and Ulduar
Wrath of the Lich King greatly expanded Warcraft's Titan lore.
The story of Ulduar reveals information about:
- the Titans
- the Keepers
- Old Gods
- Yogg-Saron
- the creation of several mortal races
Yogg-Saron
Yogg-Saron is an Old God imprisoned beneath Ulduar.
Its corruption threatens the Titan Keepers and much of Northrend.
FrozenThrone and Wrath of the Lich King
FrozenThrone is built around the Wrath of the Lich King 3.3.5a era.
The server preserves the core Wrath experience while supporting multiple realm styles and custom systems.
Important FrozenThrone Wiki areas include:
- FrozenThrone Realm
- Shadowmourne Realm
- Solo Beta Realm
- Playerbots
- Dungeon Guides
- Raid Guides
- Class Guides
- Profession Guides
- Mount Guides
Shadowmourne
The Shadowmourne Realm uses Wrath of the Lich King gameplay together with AzerothCore and Playerbots.
This allows players to experience Wrath content alongside AI-controlled characters.
See:
Legacy
Wrath of the Lich King remains one of the most recognized eras in World of Warcraft.
It is remembered for:
- Arthas and the Lich King storyline
- Northrend
- Death Knights
- Ulduar
- Icecrown Citadel
- the Frozen Throne
- memorable dungeons and raids
- the level 80 endgame
- iconic class design
- large-scale PvP
For FrozenThrone, Wrath of the Lich King is more than an expansion.
'''It is the world the server is built upon.'''