World of Warcraft Easter Eggs, A huge list of Hidden Treasure Trove of Nostalgia

Table of contents

1. Anduin's Compass on Stormwind Skychaser
2. The Stack of Papers in Krasarang Wilds
3. Sir Isaac Newton reference in Nagrand
4. King Mukla, Donkey Kong Reference
5. Venture Co. Shredder, Starcraft Reference
6. Ruins of Lordaeron Echoes
7. Ghost Busters References
8. Black Phillip (The Witch Reference)
9. Dark Souls Subtle References
10. Lon'Li Guju the Flying Turtle
11. Ray D. Tier Gravestone
12. The Lost Dwarves
13. Indiana Jones References
14. Friday the 13th Reference in Elwynn Forest
15. Lost Movie References
16. The Westfall Chicken
17. Nova Terra, StarCraft Ghost Reference
18. Tome of the Wilds effect on Treant Form
19. Depressed Turkey Easter Egg
20. Wandering Children of Goldshire
21. Crypt of Conan
22. Jar of Ashes in Hellfire Peninsula
23. Dalaran Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Reference
24. Death Knight Goul Emotes
25. Stormwind Barbershop Misteries
26. Robin Williams Tribute
27. The Frog Island, Unclear reference to Zelda
28. Gnomeregan Punch Card Secret Messages
29. Mulgore Critter Warr
30. Misterious Gnoll Tents
31. Challe's Orphanage
32. Goblin Secret Hideout
33. WKM Room in Orgrimmar
34. Kanai Griffith Art Class
35. The Unknown Soldier
36. UP Movie References
37. The Legend of Zelda Reference
38. Land of the Lost references
39. Mario Brothers Reference
40. Whispering Forest Faeries
41. Red Shirt Guy
42. Sword of a Thousand Truths
43. Credits & Bibliography

Recently, my posts appeared in Reddit groups, and I was accused of utilising AI to compose them. Certainly, I utilise AI, but not in the way that some people believe. Because English is not my first language, I use Quillbot to correct grammar errors and rewrite some paragraphs to make it easier for users to read. I'm writing based on my extensive experience with this game, and the primary sources for information are listed below in this page. Since the release of AI, everyone believes that everything on the internet is now written by robots, and if you believe this, I encourage you to try it for yourself. From gathering all of the information, creating the transcript, and searching for the necessary references, I spent a total of 36+ working hours writing this article.

After all of that, I've compiled a massive list of Easter Eggs discovered in World of Warcraft since its launch in November 23, 2004. These Easter Eggs symbolise diverse references from pop culture, folklore, and other classic games, with the most heartwarming ones being memorials to valuable Blizzard Entertainment staff or players. Grab some food and a comfortable chair since this is a huge list of things you may or may not have seen while playing. Some are evident at first glance, while others are subtle references.

1. Anduin's Compass on Stormwind Skychaser

In the legion cinematic you'll notice holding a compass with the picture of his son , when the ship he's on crashes, the compass is lost to the sea, you can find this object, "", under water off the southern tip of the at 53.35, 80.43. It will show up on your mini-map as a quest mark. It will give you the quest "" which you turn in to in the Stormwind Keep for , this compass can be spotted as a small easter egg on the back of which in fact is a miniature copy of ship

Personally, this resembles very well the compass in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, and the story behind it is extremely similar to the one in the movie, the compass indicates what you sought the most. I'm not sure if Blizzard did this on purpose or by chance, but it makes this item a pretty intriguing easter egg.

2. The Stack of Papers in Krasarang Wilds

The "" is an item in World of Warcraft that doesn't possess an intricate or lore-rich backstory like some other items in the game. It primarily serves as a quest item with practical gameplay purposes. Players can often find these stacks of papers scattered throughout the game world as part of various quests and objectives. However this particular one has an interesting description "It looks like a journal of some kind. The last entry: '05151212:01 SYSTEM FAILURE'. What could it mean?" that makes an obvious reference to the release date of another Blizzard game, Diablo III in May 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM PDT. This item is looted from an object/container located at coordinates 52.16, 73.42 on top of the hill just north of Marista, on the northeast side of Nayeli Lagoon in .

In World of Warcraft, the reference to Newton's apple can be found in Nagrand, a zone within the game world of Draenor. Specifically, there's an area called "Telaar," a peaceful draenei village in Nagrand. Within Telaar, players can stumble upon a peculiar scene where an apple hangs by a rope from a tree branch while a skeleton lies beneath it. This whimsical and recognizable reference pays homage to the legendary story of Sir Isaac Newton, who is said to have been inspired to develop his theory of gravitation after observing an apple fall from a tree. While the reference in Nagrand is a subtle and lighthearted nod to real-world history, it adds a touch of humor and familiarity to the immersive fantasy world of World of Warcraft in a form of a skeleton with an axe hanging on its skull.

Mukla serves as a playful reference to the iconic arcade game Donkey Kong. In the game, players can encounter Mukla in the Stranglethorn Vale region. It is a massive, banana-loving gorilla who throws barrels as a form of attack, reminiscent of Donkey Kong in the classic Nintendo game. The reference not only adds a nostalgic touch for gamers familiar with Donkey Kong but also showcases the game developers' penchant for incorporating humor and pop culture references into the Warcraft universe. It's a fun and memorable encounter that highlights the rich tapestry of references and nods to various elements of gaming and popular culture that can be found throughout World of Warcraft.

If you look closely in the Cockpit of the Shredders in Northern Stranglethorn, you will notice a picture of Sarah Kerrigan on the machine's dashboard, a clear allusion to the Starcraft franchise.

The Ruins of Lordaeron in World of Warcraft offers an eerie and haunting ambience that evokes the tragic cinematic where Arthas Menethil, once a noble prince, kills his father, King Terenas Menethil II. The foreboding atmosphere of these ruins is masterfully crafted with sounds that mirror the chilling emotions of that cinematic moment. As players explore the dilapidated city, they are surrounded by mournful whispers, the faint echoes of a once-great kingdom, and the eerie howling of the wind. These sounds pay homage to the profound and tragic storyline of Arthas' descent into darkness and the fall of Lordaeron, creating a poignant and atmospheric experience that resonates with fans of the Warcraft lore. It's a testament to the game's attention to detail in capturing the essence of its iconic moments through ambient sound design.

World of Warcraft has multiple playful and clever Ghostbusters reference tucked away in the game. In the town of Darkshire within the and in players can come across a quest called In this questline, they encounter a mansion filled with ghosts and are tasked with eliminating them. The is another subtle reference to the Ghostbusters franchise. If you start from "Bradensbrook" goes to the West, uphill to the cliff to an house. In front of the house lies and a . Click on the trap and will appear. Kill him. He will cast from time to time and a will appear. In the house you will also find a , which is needed for the achievement .

There's an intriguing and eerie reference to the movie "The Witch" in the form of a demonic goat named "". Players can visit the and encounter a rather sinister-looking goat named Black Phillip. The reference is a nod to the 2015 horror film "The Witch," where a goat named Black Phillip plays a central and malevolent role.

Blizzard has included several subtle nods to the Dark Souls franchise over the years. These references can be found in various forms, from item names and descriptions to in-game locations and encounters. For instance, there are items with names like "" a reference to a key item in Dark Souls for invading other players' worlds, and "" / "" which bears resemblance to Dark Souls' renowned "Well-Worn Sword". There are also secret messages that resemble the Dark Souls gameplay, for example, in you can find a letter next to a skeleton that says "Don't give up, skeleton" referring to the Dark Souls message that is perpetually present before skeleton corpses. In addition, certain game locations and characters in World of Warcraft subtly evoke the grim and challenging atmosphere of Dark Souls. These references serve as a delightful treat for fans of both franchises, showcasing the developers' penchant for interweaving elements from different gaming universes into the expansive world of Azeroth.

is a ghostly flying turtle found on the northeastern shores of . He responds to friendly emotes, such as /love, /hug, /wave and once it gets used with you, will follow you around the zone. It is without doubt a reference to the Pinta Island tortoise, famously known as "Lonesome George", a symbol of conservation and a poignant reminder of the impact of human activity on endangered species. George was the last known individual of the Chelonoidis abingdon subspecies, native to Pinta Island in the Galápagos archipelago.

The "Rai D. Tear" gravestone in the Alliance Garrison Graveyard is a mysterious and intriguing reference that has captured the curiosity of players. This seemingly unique gravestone, located within the garrison that players can build and customize, doesn't provide any context or explanation in the game. Its enigmatic name, "Rai D. Tear", has sparked numerous theories and speculations among players. Some believe it may be a tribute to a developer or a nod to a significant figure in the game's development, while others have wondered. Some of the community speculations can be seen below:

1. Tribute to a Developer: Many players believe that "Ray D. Tier" is a tribute to a developer or member of the game's development team. This theory suggests that the gravestone serves as an inside joke or a nod to someone who played a significant role in the game's creation.
2. Hidden Quest or Secret: Some players have hypothesized that interacting with the gravestone might trigger a hidden quest or unlock a secret within the game. This notion has fueled countless attempts to decipher its purpose.
3. A Puzzle Yet Unsolved: Another theory posits that the gravestone is part of a larger puzzle or mystery within World of Warcraft that has yet to be unraveled. This notion has led to extensive investigations by dedicated players.
4. Purely Decorative: Some players believe that"Ray D. Tier" gravestone is merely decorative, intended to add an element of intrigue and whimsy to the game world without holding any deeper meaning.
5. Raids killer in Warlords of Draenor: Some players believe that "Ray D. Tier" gravestone is merely an inside joke, resembling Blizzard's idea for a player housing feature, and that with the introduction of Garrison, the development team focused solely on this feature, neglecting the raids, which is why Warlords of Draenor was released with only three new raids.

Some of the journies in World of Warcraft can lead to unexpected encounters. A group of dwarves in dungeon, known as the "Lost Dwarves" named , and . This intriguing reference harks back to Blizzard Entertainment's earlier days, specifically the classic super nintendo game "The Lost Vikings" launched in 1992 starring Erik the Swift, Baleog the Fierce and Olaf the Stout. The Lost Dwarves in World of Warcraft serve as a clever homage to this iconic gaming franchise, rekindling nostalgic memories for long-time Blizzard fans.

The iconic archaeologist and adventurer, Indiana Jones, has left his mark in the game's world as well. Players can find several playful nods to this beloved cinematic hero, often in the form of quests, items, or character names. For instance, there are quests that involve exploring ancient temples, retrieving valuable artifacts, and even dodging boulders reminiscent of the famous "boulder chase" scene from the Indiana Jones movies. Additionally, some items bear names like the "", hinting at Indiana Jones' signature whip and his penchant for discovery. The most prominent reference, though, is the NPC in , who is outfitted in a suit identical to the one Indiana Johnes wore in the renowned film.

The inclusion of a NPC named near the location called "Crystal Lake" in the middle of is a clever reference to the iconic horror film franchise "Friday the 13th", featuring the infamous character Jason Voorhees. serves as a humorous and eerie nod to this cinematic legend.

There lies a clever nod to the popular TV series "Lost". Players can discover a mysterious island located in the game's expansive ocean, appropriately named "Lost Isles" The reference goes beyond the name, as players who explore this island will find themselves embroiled in a captivating storyline involving plane crashes, enigmatic hatches, and an array of quirky characters reminiscent of those from the show. This is not all, in the , you can stumble upon the "Hatch" in a location that resembles the mysterious hatch from the TV series "Lost". If you hover over the Hatch, will reveal a sequence of numbers (5 9 16 17 24 43), each number one greater than the sequence of numbers in Lost (4 8 15 16 23 42).

The Westfall in is not your typical quest-giving NPC, instead, it's the center of a humorous and unique quest chain that starts with an emote. If you type "/chicken" emote enough times you'll get their attention and offer you the quest that sends you to gather offered by a farmer named . Following completion, will lay an egg that, when looted, will reward you with .

The presence of "" near the Nova Shrine object in Area 52, a secretive and high-tech location in the game, is a subtle yet delightful reference to the StarCraft franchise. , often simply referred to as Nova, is a prominent character in the StarCraft universe, known for her espionage and sniper skills. While the NPC in World of Warcraft isn't the same Nova as in StarCraft, the name is a clear homage to the iconic character.

The is a mysterious and powerful item that, when used, has a peculiar and potentially hazardous effect on , causing it to catch on fire. is a transformation druid ability, allowing them to assume the shape of a massive, ancient treant. However, the adds an element of unpredictability and chaos to this transformation. When activated, the tome engulfs the treant form in flames if he stands on a campfire, turning the druid into a blazing incarnation of nature's wrath. While this effect may not always be beneficial, it adds an unexpected twist to gameplay and showcases World of Warcraft's knack for introducing quirky and entertaining items that can lead to both comedic and dramatic moments during in-game adventures.

The "Depressed Turkey" is a witty and humorous parody of the real-world celebration. During this holiday event in the game, players can win a battle pet called inside the . If you bring this pet close to a campfire, he will perform a special emote yelling "Plump Turkey senses his destiny!" and jumps into the flames without hesitation.

The 'Children of Goldshire' represent a small group of 6 children wandering the forests of Goldshire standing in pentagram markings and making spooky noises that resemble banshee screams, gouls scratches and even C'Thun, this is where the situation gets creepy, this appears to reference a playful nod to the classic horror movie 'Children of the Corn'. Goldshire is a small and seemingly calm village in the game's Azeroth world, but during a specific event or questline, players may encounter a group of strange and scary children with an unpleasant aura who resemble the film's wicked children.

In the , players can stumble upon a location known as the "Crypt of Conan", which serves as a clever reference to the iconic Conan the Barbarian movie. This reference pays homage to the legendary sword-and-sorcery hero portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1982 film adaptation of Robert E. Howard's Conan stories. While the Crypt of Conan doesn't house the Cimmerian warrior himself, it captures the essence of the Conan mythos, featuring ancient ruins and a rugged, barbaric atmosphere reminiscent of the Hyborian Age.

The found in the Hellfire Peninsula, is another enigmatic object that has fueled player speculation and intrigue. Much like its counterpart , this object's purpose and significance remain uncertain. It's nestled within the rugged terrain of the Hellfire Peninsula, and players who discover it are often left wondering about its origin and potential role in the game. Some have speculated that it might be tied to hidden quests or lore secrets, while others view it as a tantalizing puzzle piece within the broader narrative of the Warcraft universe.

When clicked, it reveals the following message Here is a jar of ashes. These are the ashes of my sanity, my passion, and my drive. All, utterly destroyed by themselves. May all those who look upon these desolated lands of Hellfire remember this fallen peon. He shed blood for the Alliance, and sacrificed for the Horde only to be driven utterly mad by the wicked and soulless ones who devoured what he held most dear. As they feast from his toils, may they suffer his wrath. Maybe not in this world, but in every world hereafter. It is my declaration, my solem oath, and my everlasting promise. I will avenge my suffering.

In the magical city of players can stumble upon a delightful and unexpected reference to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As they explore the sewers beneath Dalaran, they may encounter a group of four resembling the iconic characters Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo and Leonardo and resembling Splinter, the mutant rat sensei and adoptive father of the Ninja Turtles. These NPCs are a direct homage to the beloved quartet of turtles who fight crime in the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

The Death Knight emotes are a quirky and amusing feature that adds a layer of dark humor to the game. Death Knights, a class in the game, have the ability to summon ghouls to assist them in battle. However, these ghouls have a mischievous side, and their emotes reflect that. When players use the emotes for their ghouls, they might witness humorous actions such as the ghoul growling back to it's master or standing in fear in front of his master. These emotes serve as a lighthearted and entertaining contrast to the typically grim and menacing theme associated with Death Knights. They offer players moments of levity and fun, reminding them that even in the darkest corners of the Warcraft universe, there's room for a bit of shenanigans. If you are a Death Knight and want to experience these shenanigans target your Goul and type /cower.

's Barber Shop in has earned a reputation for being one of the most unconventional places in the city. Upon entering the establishment, players are met with a rather eerie and unexpected sight - a collection of skeletons neatly arranged in various positions around the shop. himself is a quirky and mysterious NPC barber who seems quite unfazed by the presence of these skeletons. The skeletons have ignited player curiosity and speculation for years, as there's no official explanation for their presence. Some believe they may be a nod to dark or mysterious practices that is involved in, while others see it as a humorous and macabre touch in the bustling . Regardless of their purpose, the skeletons in 's Barber Shop remain a unique and enduring mystery in the World of Warcraft, serving as a testament to the game's ability to pique player interest through its hidden secrets and peculiarities.

The tribute to the legendary actor and comedian Robin Williams is a heartfelt and touching gesture that underscores the deep connection between the game's developers and its player community. After Robin Williams' passing in 2014, it was discovered that he was an avid fan of the game, and he even mentioned in interviews that he enjoyed playing it. In honor of his memory, Blizzard Entertainment introduced an in-game NPC named in the Warlords of Draenor expansion. This NPC, a genie, found inside the on a small island in references some of Robin Williams' iconic roles and comedy routines, creating a poignant tribute to his humor and talent. The tribute is not only a demonstration of the game's ability to resonate with players on a personal level but also a testament to the profound impact that individuals, like Robin Williams, can have on the gaming community and the wider world of pop culture.

There is a whimsical and nostalgic reference to the classic Legend of Zelda series in the form of . This location, situated in the shimmering waters of the , is home to a group of frogs that bear a striking resemblance to the legendary character Link having troubles when striking too many chickens. The reference to Zelda isn't very clear, as the island mirrors the memorable scene from the series where Link encounters a talking frog who aids him on his quest while inn World of Warcraft, the area is much sought after by players attempting to earn critter slaying achievements, however, if they remain on the island for too long, a giant frog spawns and cast .

If you started wandering Azeroth, you will come across many unique objects, zones, and NPCs with unusual behaviour. While most of these discoveries have no apparent use, they are the reason this game continues to surprise and excite even the most experienced players. With a little patience and tenacity (assuming you don't have access to a flying mount), you can observe an unusual event taking place on 's northwestern plateau, close on the edge of the . Heavy-armed rabbits, field mice and chipmunks compete for mountain top dominance.

If you thought the world of Azeroth wasn't frightening enough, glance at the tents of tribes when you come across them. These primitive and temporary shelters can be found across the game's many environments, from to the lush forests of . tents are clumsily constructed from scavenged materials such as animal hides, stolen linen, and scavenged timber poles, but if you look closely, you will see patches that resemble human skin.

's Home For Little Tykes, which appears to be a shelter for youngsters from both factions, is hidden in the hills between and . (a female troll) stands next to the hut, keeping an eye on the babies within. Two tykes, (a blood elf girl, interestingly if you try to interact with her, you will hear weird murlock sounds) and (a human boy that from an anime perspective is probably a reference to Sado from Bleach. Ichigo, the main character, Calls Sado, Chaddo.), run around the area, while (an orc kid) hides in a sandbox corner. However, within the cabin is the first known night elf baby, as well as the first known troll and tauren kids. Just beyond the gate is a dog house with either food or the remains of the dog inside, as the meat is swarmed by flies and there is no dog to be found. Three cages of various sizes and sorts are located behind the hut. One of them contains the remains of a little humanoid. If that wasn't creepy enough, who let the orphans fall into the clutches of a troll warlock?

On the Shimmering Deep in , there is a location called Fizzle & Pozzik's Speedbarge, which appears to be a massive, city-sized ship and an artificial island that serves as a quest hub for players. What many players are unaware of is that underneath the ship, there is a little hideout where the workers take a break, with a table with some takeout boxes, various goblin contraptions and a pinup calendar on the wall.

While the location is present in the game, it cannot be reached normally. WKM is a secret room hidden beneath an escarpment in Orgrimmar. It was added after the release of Cataclysm, when the city was redesigned. For nearly a decade, no one knew what these letters represented, and many assumed that their original significance had been lost to time. It was officialy found that the secret location was created as an homage to his father, William Kenneth Max (WKM), by a former WOW Developer named Chad Max.

Kanai Griffith, a well-known artist and designer at Blizzard, passed away tragically in 2012 from cancer. In his memmory, Blizzard added in the southern portion of Coldarra in , this NPC. The "Art Teacher" portrays an undead donning an and a to pay homage to their beloved colleague who will live on via its own art. When you interact with him, he will tell you a narrative "Welcome to sketch group! Grab an easel, get comfortable. No judgements here - unless you're a Paladin, of course. Today we're studying the nexus. Such beauty! Such chaos! So much... blue."

is an undead, former Alliance skeleton, discovered in Beggar's Haunt of , wielding the powerful and wearing the legendary Alliance . He can be seen kneeling close to a grave, which is presumably his own. The title "The Unknown Soldier" is most likely a reference to Tombs of the Unknown Soldier, which are created in several countries to honour unidentified troops died in war.

I discovered two obvious references to the movie UP.The home on the top of the pinnacles in , in the northwestern area along the coast, the three main characters Carl, Russell and Dug, portrayed by , , and , and the old man's house, with multiple balloons attached, is one of the most obvious resemblances to the movie. On the other hand, if we go to the , we can meet and , which is a clear reference to Carl Fredrickson, whose wife, Ellie, died before they could finish their goal - or rather, her dream. He uses balloons to transport his house to the edge of the waterfall, where she was hoping for building her ideal home.

Blizzard put a lot of work into a chain of quests, the first of which was titled "It's a Secret to Everyone," a quotation from The Legend of Zelda's Friendly Moblin. It begins at Un'Goro crater with the discovery of a damaged raft, potentially reflecting the beginning of Link's Awakening or the raft item from The Legend of Zelda, with the goal of locating the raft's owner. The chain is so complex that it requires you to acquire stuff from all over Azeroth that it is already widely discussed in every World of Warcraft community; a well-documented article can be found here

This entire zone feels like a nod to the 1970s Saturday Morning TV show (and feature film) Land of the Lost, here are a few examples:

• Marshal's Refuge; The main protagonists in Land of the Lost all have the surname Marshal.
• Holly is one of the three main protagonists in Land of the Lost. This is mentioned in , while Will from the programme is mentioned in his counterpart.
• The , , , resembles the crucial story elements of unknown origin that open portals through space, time, and dimensions in Land of the Lost. They are powered and controlled by consoles made of , , , and patterns.
• The title of the subzone The Lost Lands in Sholazar Basin appears to confirm the inspiration of and by Land of the Lost.

Since we're still in , meet , a dwarf dressed extremely similar to the main protagonist of the Mario Brothers game, wearing the iconic red/blue suit and, and , who resembles Mario's brother, Luigi, who wears the iconic green outfit. If you swap the first letter of their name and remove the "n" you are left with Mario and Luigi, the resemblance is very clear. Interacting with them allows you to go on a humorous quest chain that begins with that asks you to catch, kill, and loot creatures in the form of huge flowers like , a reference to the hazardous blooms in Mario's sewers.

In the Eastern Kingdoms' western , in the Whispering Forest, you'll encounter a vast circle of mushrooms, which is unusual in and of itself, but if you wait long enough, something remarkable happens. These will spawn every 15 minutes or so to hang out for a while before grouping at the circle of mushrooms and performing a neat little ritual with some flashy effects and a short fairy dragons song. If you liked the song, you can get and have it played at your Garrison. This appears in the midst of the mushroom circle inside when the fairies complete their ceremony, but it is only visible if the jukebox is unlocked.

Ian Bates, well known as "The Red Shirt Guy," is the BlizzCon 2010 fan who raised a question concerning dwarven leadership during the Lore panel. A video of his query went viral after that. He has since made appearances at every consecutive BlizzCons. The developers honoured him with an NPC, the who still resides in the dwarven capital Ironforge and can be visited in the High Seat area directly next to - a moment of silence - , the NPC Red Shirt Guy had managed to save.

The Sword of a Thousand Truths is a legendary sword seen in South Park episode #147, Make Love, Not Warcraft, needed for defeating an inexplicably powerful Alliance griefer who viciously murders Alliance players and Blizzard Game Masters.

Even though it was never intended to be a obtainable item, due to South Park episode success, Blizzard decided to add the sword as an obtainable item. In Wrath of , had a chance to drop , which uses the same model as the sword that appears in the South Park Episode, but the more referencing would be because of the description Foretold by Salzman is a reference to a prophecy Salzman from Accounting made from the South Park episode, this weapon is also using the exact same model of the sword present in the episode.