The game takes place in the world of Azeroth, several years following the conclusion of WCIII: The Frozen Throne, with both continents of the world fully populated, and the détente between the Alliance and the Horde gone by the wayside. King Arthas, having merged with the Lich King, is holed up on the Frozen Throne of Icecrown. The former undead Scourge, now calling themselves the Forsaken, have cast their lot with Thrall, and are allied with the Horde, while the Alliance is bringing in the ancient Night Elves to help them rebuild their ravaged land. It is a time of uncertainty and chaos, and both the Alliance and the Horde need strong heroes to step forward and defend their lands from any and all who would threaten their respective ways of life. The lines of good and evil have been grayed beyond distinction, with the Alliance no longer being as "good" as they once touted themselves as, and the Horde showing their deep commitment to honor makes them not as "evil" as everyone thinks they are. Both sides find themselves on equal moral ground as they cling to their homelands.