The MMORPG World of Warcraft takes place several years after the events depicted in the Warcraft III, and brought with it many changes for the Dwarven race within the Warcraft universe.

Shortly after the Third War, the dwarves unearthed a series of ruins that held secrets to their ancient heritage. Driven to discover the truth about his people’s fabled origins, the great King Magni Bronzebeard ordered that the Dwarves shift their industry from mining to archaeology. Dwarven digsites can be spotted across the lands of Azeroth as dwarven explorers sift through the rubble for clues.

The Dark Iron dwarves have begun expanding throughout Khaz Modan. It is expected that they have done this at the behest of their lord, Ragnaros. While the soldiers of the dwarven armies fight in distant lands for the Grand Alliance, the Dark Irons have managed to acquire several footholds throughout the land. Obviously, much of the land surrounding Blackrock Spire belongs to them. In the Badlands to the east, the Dark Irons have entrenched themselves in the ancient city of Uldaman. The Dark Iron holdings reach as far to the north as Dun Modr in the Wetlands.

Meanwhile, to the north at Aerie Peak, the Wildhammer clan keeps mostly to itself, housing travellers as they pass through.