• 🏆 Texturing Contest #33 is OPEN! Contestants must re-texture a SD unit model found in-game (Warcraft 3 Classic), recreating the unit into a peaceful NPC version. 🔗Click here to enter!
  • It's time for the first HD Modeling Contest of 2024. Join the theme discussion for Hive's HD Modeling Contest #6! Click here to post your idea!

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Unveiling the Epic Sequel's Story and Mechanics

It's been over a year since Hive Workshop first teased the epic sequel to Heart of Storms, and fans of this Warcraft III custom campaign have been eagerly waiting for new details. The development team recently shared a comprehensive update on Act II's story, characters, and gameplay mechanics, revealing an exciting expansion to the Heart of Storms universe.

🔗 Click here for the complete update!

The Story and the Crew

Act II of Heart of Storms will build upon the foundation set by its predecessor. The development team expressed their gratitude for the feedback received on Act I, which not only inspired them but also guided their efforts in avoiding hero bloat and erratic storytelling. Instead of attempting to cover the entirety of Warcraft I and II's events, they are focusing on two intersecting original story arcs.

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The first story arc will revolve around Stephania, a Kul Tiran adventurer, who becomes entangled in a secretive project led by the enigmatic Doctor Aedelein, which involves the Ashvane Company and the Kirin Tor.

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The second arc features the unlikely duo of Dayoma and Holga (pictured below), a high elf and a dwarf, whose quest for a mysterious artifact draws the attention of powers beyond Azeroth. Both story arcs are intricately connected with the canonical events of the First War's climax and the subsequent interbellum period.


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Missions in Act II will take place in various locations, including the Kingdom of Stormwind and Khaz Modan, showcasing the political repercussions of the First War on the Eastern Kingdoms. Players can expect appearances from familiar and historically significant characters such as Daelin Proudmoore, James and Priscilla Ashvane, Brann Bronzebeard, and Othmar Garithos, along with the returning trio of Act I's protagonists - Arnak, Wulnar, and Rogaar.

Additionally, a third arc tied to the first two will revolve around Shial and the Void, primarily conveyed through cutscenes. Players can anticipate early glimpses of the final two races, the Shadow Elves and the Burning Legion.

The Crew and Unique Mechanics

Act II introduces several unique gameplay mechanics and a diverse cast of characters. Doctor Aedelein leads the "Damned Dozen," a group of eccentric and dangerous specialists loyal to him, each with their own abilities and quests. These characters serve as heroic units, bolstering Aedelein's forces with their strengths and adding depth to the gameplay.

Stephania also has the option to choose a permanent bodyguard from a selection of characters, ranging from down-to-earth companions to more exotic choices. Meanwhile, Dayoma and Holga, the high elf and dwarf duo, bring their unique abilities and choices that impact gameplay.

Additionally, Act II features a massive Ironclad called the Hammerhead, which serves as Aedelein's base of operations. Players can upgrade the Hammerhead throughout the campaign, transforming it from a rusty hull into a formidable fortress. The ship also plays a pivotal role in battles, offering naval and shore defenses.

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Allies and Enemies

The story of Act II delves deep into Kul Tiras and prominently features House Ashvane and its mercenary army. While Kul Tiran units follow the established canon design, the Ashvane Company boasts a more aggressive, industrialized steampunk appearance.

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Act II also brings the Dark Iron Dwarves to the forefront, providing players with a chance to encounter this iconic faction as both allies and foes. The Flamehammer, inspired by Warcraft Arclight Rumble, adds another layer of excitement to the game.

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Goblins, often relegated to comic relief, receive a more serious and darker portrayal in Act II. Kezan, their capital city, becomes a dystopian steampunk hive of scum and villainy, drawing inspiration from various sources, including other gaming franchises like BioShock and Dishonored.

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The orcs of Act II include the Bleeding Hollow clan, known for their savage and feral appearance, and the Twilight's Hammer and Burning Blade orc clans, offering players diverse enemy encounters and challenges.

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Heart of Storms Melee: The Public Beta

As part of this update, the development team announced the release date of the Heart of Storms Melee public beta: October 23, 2023. This melee/multiplayer mod for Warcraft III: Reforged includes Act I races with full tech trees, custom units, and updated visuals. Players can provide feedback to help refine the experience and improve Act II's missions. Playable races in the public BETA will be: Draenei, Orcs and Ogres!


What Lies Ahead

The Heart of Storms team is dedicated to delivering an epic experience in Act II, building upon the success of Act I. They continue to work diligently, expanding the game's features, creating new models, and striving for excellence. Fans of Heart of Storms can look forward to more updates, revealing additional details about the story, mechanics, and visuals of this highly anticipated campaign.

Stay tuned for further developments in the Heart of Storms saga, as the journey through Azeroth's history continues to unfold in spectacular fashion.

For more information and to participate in the Heart of Storms public beta, visit the Heart of Storms forum.
 

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Attention all Warcraft III fans! Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to Hive Workshop's Hosted Projects! Warcraft III: Exodus - a Warcraft III Classic Campaign Series.

"Warcraft 3: Exodus" is the brainchild of a talented modding team at Hive Workshop. Since its inception, the project has garnered a dedicated following, thanks to its exceptional storytelling, challenging missions, and impressive custom assets. "Warcraft 3: Exodus" is a testament to the enduring creativity and passion of the Warcraft III community.

In this new chapter, prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the Violet Gate, and may your adventures be epic!


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Fellow Warcraft 3 players and modders,

We're proud to announce that our Warcraft 3 campaign project - Exodus - has been granted hosting on Hive Workshop, including a dedicated subforum.

We are very glad and thankful about so positive reception of our first campaign as well as lots of feedback that helped us make further improvements to it. As you may suspect, one day we shall return with another campaign continuing the Exodus saga. Although it is still in a very early stage of development, we are aware that as a wise man said, knowledge is power (and power is Kirin Tor), so we wanted to have some space bigger than just a release thread where we can regularly bring you some news, present our progress, release some original lore content and of course listen to your feedback and ideas. As such, today we'd like to give you a small glimpse of what's coming in a form of a few screenshots from the sequel campaign. There will surely be more to come once we settle down on our subforum.

Of course, be sure to check out the first campaign in the latest version if you haven't already or if you have played before the release of 2.03 (which featured tons of new content including AI-generated voicelines and an extra chapter) Exodus: The Violet Gate

Walk softly and carry a big axe,
Your Exodus team ;)

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First the Undead Scourge's corruption and then the Burning Legion's invasion has left the Alliance of Lordaeron decimated and torn apart. Former Human and Elven Kingdoms now lie in ruins, roamed by horrific undead creatures, with major cities left under the iron fist of the Dreadlords' reign. To make matters worse, betrayal and discord has struck the Alliance from within, with treacherous Blood Elves conspiring with inhuman beasts and taking arms against their Human and Dwarven brethren. Despite the overwhelming odds, dispersed groups of resistance continue their desperate struggle. Even though the chances of victory seem to diminish with every comrade lost, it is said that even in the darkest of times a new hope may emerge from where you least expect it...


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The first campaign of the series, already available, polished and patched, introduces a wealth of features that are sure to captivate both newcomers and returning players, including:
  • A total overhaul of my old Exodus campaign
  • 12 playable chapters + interludes
  • Unique storyline that takes some concepts and characters from the predecessor, but is basically a whole new experience, introducing new plots, reimagining some events known from the Frozen Throne campaign, adding more background and depth to main characters
  • Diverse gameplay, including classic RTS-style battles with plenty of new mechanics, exploration missions, epic boss fights and more
  • Major graphical overhaul, including plenty of custom environment, structures, doodads and tiles
  • Custom heroes, units, skills and items
  • Unique models for main heroes
  • Unique AI-generated voicelines for most playable units
  • Heroes levelling up to 15, with 4-level basic abilities and 3-level ultimate abilities
  • Several entirely new or modified techtrees, each featuring some new units, structures and gameplay style:
    • Alliance of Lordaeron
    • Alteraci Syndicate
    • Stormpike Dwarves
    • The Forsaken
    • Undead Scourge
    • Crushridge Ogres
    • And more…
  • All major shortcuts to units, structures and skills mapped to QWER-ASDF-ZXCV hotkeys for more intuitive gameplay
  • Custom soundtrack from Warcraft 3: Reforged, World of Warcraft and other sources
  • Normal or Hard difficulty level
  • Recommended to play on 1.31 (tested by 3 people), there are some problems on 1.35

 

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Prepare to unleash your creativity and forge your name in the annals of Warcraft III history as the Hive Cup 2023 Melee Mapping Contest #9 roars to life!


The Hive Workshop, has recently unveiled its highly anticipated event, the Hive Cup 2023: Melee Mapping Contest 9. The competition aims to bring together talented Warcraft III map designers from all over the world to showcase their skills and creativity in crafting unique and captivating melee maps.

Building upon the success of previous tournaments, the Hive Cup continues to be a significant event for the Warcraft III modding community, promoting innovation and fostering a sense of camaraderie among its participants. This year's contest promises to be no different, with exciting challenges and a prestigious platform for participants to demonstrate their mapping expertise.

Aspiring map designers will have the opportunity to create their own melee maps, focusing on strategic gameplay elements, balanced terrain design, and immersive environments. With the freedom to explore their creativity, contestants can develop captivating landscapes, intricate pathways, and innovative strategies that challenge players' abilities.

Participants will be judged by a panel of esteemed Warcraft III veterans, renowned for their extensive knowledge and experience in the melee scene. The judges will evaluate the entries based on various criteria, including gameplay balance, aesthetics, map flow, and overall design quality. The winners will receive recognition, valuable prizes, and an opportunity to showcase their talent to a wide audience.

The Hive Workshop community, known for its vibrant and supportive environment, encourages participants to engage in lively discussions, share progress updates, and provide constructive feedback throughout the contest. This collaborative atmosphere fosters growth and facilitates the exchange of ideas, making the Hive Cup a truly enriching experience for all involved.

Registration for the Hive Cup 2023: Melee Mapping Contest 9 is open, and eager map creators can submit their entries until July 30, 2023 with a possible extension depending on the amount of entries. The contest rules, guidelines, and submission details can be found on the official contest thread.

Warcraft III enthusiasts and fans of custom maps alike are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this prestigious event. The Hive Cup 2023: Melee Mapping Contest 9 promises to bring forth a new generation of talented map designers and showcase their remarkable creations to the world. With the support of the Warcraft III community, the contest aims to further fuel the passion and dedication that has made Warcraft III a timeless game.
 

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Jan 1, 2006
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Calling all talented 2D artists and Warcraft 3 enthusiasts! Hive Workshop, the renowned hub for all things modding and custom made content, is thrilled to announce the launch of the next Texturing Contest #32. Prepare to unleash your creative prowess and join the vibrant community in a quest to bring your favorite Warcraft 3 unit models to their "Final Form"!

🎨 The Theme: Final Form

In this exhilarating contest, participants are challenged to take an existing model within Warcraft 3 and transform it into its elite counterpart. Are you ready to breathe new life into the game's iconic heroes and fearsome creatures? This is your chance to showcase your artistic talents!

📝 Competition Details and Guidelines

The rules are simple but crucial: select a classic Warcraft 3 model of your choice and retexture it to its Final Form. Let your imagination run wild as you enhance the details, colors, and effects, giving your chosen unit an awe-inspiring upgrade. Show the world what the pinnacle of power and elegance looks like!

To ensure a fair and exciting competition, here are the essential guidelines to follow:
  1. Contestants must be registered members of the Hive Workshop community. Don't worry if you haven't joined yet; it's easy to become a member and take part in community events! Sign up here!

  2. Retexturing should be the primary focus of your submission i.e. no model edits are allowed. Create a new skin and add any modifications to the texture that will make your unit truly stand out through clever use of texturing techniques.

  3. Remember to provide a before-and-after comparison image (WIP), showcasing the impressive transformation you've accomplished in the contest thread.

  4. Submissions should be uploaded to the Hive Workshop's Skins section before the deadline, which is August 23, 2023. Your entry must include "Texturing Contest #32: Final Form" in the description to be considered for the competition. Late entries will not be accepted, so mark your calendars and don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

🏆 Rewards and Recognition

Hive Workshop knows how to honor talent and dedication. The top winners of Texturing Contest #32: Final Form will receive an array of impressive rewards, including:

🥇 First Place: A prestigious winner's badge and EXP award, a special demon rank on the Hive Workshop forums (two wins is required), and an exclusive feature on the front page to showcase your awe-inspiring creation. This along with a featurette on Hive Workshop's YouTube channel and other social media for more exposure and recognition.

🥈 Second Place: A shiny medal and EXP award, recognition on the forum, a special demon rank on the Hive Workshop forums (two wins is required) and an opportunity to display your talent to the Hive Workshop community on Hive Workshop's YouTube channel and other social media sites.

🥉 Third Place: A proud medal and EXP award, a special demon rank on the Hive Workshop forums (two wins is required), acknowledgment on the forum, and an opportunity to inspire aspiring artists and modders. And a featurette on Hive Workshops YouTube channel and other social media sites.

Furthermore, all participants will gain a solid EXP award, including valuable feedback from their peers and the chance to improve their skills through friendly competition and constructive criticism. The Hive Workshop community is supportive and filled with like-minded individuals eager to share their expertise.

🚀 Join the Hive Workshop Community Today!

Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers! Dive into the realm of Warcraft 3 and bring your favorite units to life in their Final Form. Push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship, and be part of the legacy of talented modders who have thrived on the Hive Workshop.

So what are you waiting for? Get your artistic tools ready, summon your creativity, and embark on an exhilarating journey to shape an elite unit of Warcraft 3. Participate in Hive Workshop's Texturing Contest #32: Final Form and let your skills evolve together with your entry!

🔗 For more details, rules, and to join the contest, visit the official contest thread.
 

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