Following the fall of Azeroth in the first war, human survivors fled to the kingdom of Lordaeron. The Horde follows them, attempting to conquer the northern lands.

The game is set in the fantasy world of Azeroth and depicts the "Second War" between the (Humans, Elves, and Dwarves) and the Horde (Orcs, Trolls, and Ogres).

Players can play through two linear campaigns (one for each faction), consisting of 28 scenarios in total.