In Warcraft lore, the Kingdom of Azeroth was one of the strongest nations in the World of Azeroth, and Stormwind was built as a symbol of this might. During the events of the First Great War, under the rulership of King Llane, the Orcish horde defeated Azeroth and forced the entire city to flee. Much of the populace was able to escape, however, thanks to the leadership of Lord Anduin Lothar. After the formation of the Alliance and the defeat of the Horde, Stormwind was reclaimed, although much of the city had been destroyed. After the humans of the Kingdom of Azeroth had reclaimed Stormwind, rebuilding had begun, and now is complete as seen in game.

The MMORPG World of Warcraft reveals that Stormwind was unaffected by the ravages of the Undead Scourge that destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Lordaeron and now stands as one of the last bastions of human power. Stormwind was repaired by the Stonemason’s Guild lead by the engineer Edwin VanCleef. However, the nobles of Stormwind refused to pay the Stonemasons. After being forcibly removed from the castle, VanCleef swore revenge and formed the bandit organization known as the Defias Brotherhood.

Facing corruption within the Nobles of Stormwind, many of the outlying towns and villages that once were part of the Kingdom of Azeroth, have broken their strong ties and have become loosely affiliated; Most notably would be the town of Darkshire. Many attribute the corruption to Lady Katrana Prestor, or better known as Lady Onyxia, a dragon of the Black Dragonflight. Her corruption of the Nobles has slowly let the human kingdom decline.

The child-king Anduin Wrynn has ruled Stormwind since the disappearance of his father, King Varrian Wrynn, who succeeded the assassinated King Llane.