For nearly two decades, World of Warcraft has set the benchmark for MMO raid content. From spine-chilling boss fights to stunning lore and mechanical innovation, raids are the heart and soul of WoW’s endgame. But which ones have truly stood the test of time?
Here’s our roundup of the best raids in World of Warcraft history—whether you’re a veteran raider or a new player looking to explore Azeroth’s most thrilling encounters.
Our top 10 World of Warcraft raids
1. Ulduar (Wrath of the Lich King)
Often hailed as the pinnacle of raid design, Ulduar blends Norse-inspired architecture with cosmic horror. Every boss encounter feels distinct, from the mechanised madness of Mimiron to the chilling climax against Yogg-Saron. The inclusion of hard mode mechanics—triggered organically rather than selected from a menu—was a stroke of genius.
2. Icecrown Citadel (Wrath of the Lich King)
No World of Warcraft raid list would be complete without this unforgettable finale to one of WoW’s greatest expansions. Facing off against the Lich King atop the Frozen Throne is still considered one of the most iconic moments in MMO history. The storytelling, the music, the build-up—it’s all legendary.
3. Karazhan (The Burning Crusade / Legion)
An eerie, gothic masterpiece. The original Karazhan oozed atmosphere and whimsy in equal measure, from the haunted opera house to the chess event. Blizzard’s later update in Legion only added to its legacy, proving that this tower of magic still has plenty of secrets to tell.
4. Siege of Orgrimmar (Mists of Pandaria)
Though controversial at launch, this raid is now remembered for its varied encounters and narrative significance. It marked a pivotal turning point in Horde lore and delivered on a satisfying finale. Highlights include the corrupted horrors of the Underhold and the climactic battle against Garrosh Hellscream.
5. The Nighthold (Legion)
A visually stunning World of Warcraft raid that balanced challenge with creativity. The encounters were mechanically rich without feeling overwhelming, and the lore surrounding Gul’dan’s final stand made it a satisfying capstone to a major arc.
6. Black Temple (The Burning Crusade)
Illidan Stormrage’s stronghold remains one of the most beloved raids of all time. From the gruelling gauntlet of early bosses to the unforgettable showdown with Illidan himself, this was peak TBC raiding. And who didn’t want the Warglaives of Azzinoth?
7. Castle Nathria (Shadowlands)
An artistic triumph, Castle Nathria introduced us to the opulent yet deadly realm of Revendreth. The raid featured standout fights like Sludgefist and Denathrius, pushing coordination and timing to the forefront of raid strategy.
8. Throne of Thunder (Mists of Pandaria)
Atmospheric, challenging, and brimming with flavour, Throne of Thunder delivered on all fronts. Lei Shen, the Thunder King, remains one of the most well-designed end bosses to date, and the storm-lashed halls made every pull feel epic.
9. Liberation of Undermine (The War Within)
Though newer, Liberation of Undermine has quickly become a fan favourite. Its unique goblin-centric setting offers a refreshing tone, with inventive mechanics and tight encounter design. For those looking to skip the grind and dive straight into the action, many players opt for a Liberation of Undermine heroic boost to jump into the thick of it.
10. Antorus, the Burning Throne (Legion)
This grand finale to Legion took us deep into the heart of the Burning Legion’s domain. With jaw-dropping visuals and an epic scale, it delivered an appropriately cataclysmic end to a long-running narrative arc. Argus the Unmaker remains one of WoW’s most challenging end bosses.
Honourable World of Warcraft raid mentions
- Trial of the Crusader (for its simplicity and fast pacing)
- Naxxramas (for its nostalgia and sheer difficulty in vanilla)
- Sanctum of Domination (for its unique boss designs)
Whether you raid for the loot, the lore, or the thrill of teamwork, these encounters have helped shape World of Warcraft into the titan it is today. So gear up, form your party, and dive headfirst into these legendary battles—Azeroth is waiting.
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