Infernal (Warcraft)

Overview

Infernals are destructive demonic beings represented in the classic strategy game as a Dread Lord's summoned force. Their physical assault is accompanied by a persistent burning effect against nearby enemies, making proximity dangerous even when an opponent is not the immediate target. Their arrival therefore changes the surrounding battle space as well as adding another attacker.

The official unit guide gives them a limited summoned duration and protections against several spell effects. Those details belong to that implementation, and they do not prove that every infernal in all Warcraft media disappears after the same interval or has identical immunities. This profile describes the recognizable demonic construct and its selected summon role without inventing a natural breeding cycle, civilian society or universally measured lifespan.

First appearances & development

Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002) represents infernals as summoned demons; the 2003 expansion retains them. This profile uses the classic strategy-game treatment and Blizzard's surviving unit guide. The named 2003 expansion is a second playable treatment of the same type, not evidence of a new species. Later MMO and Reforged systems can change presentation and mechanics.

Canon & continuity

Blizzard's exact infernal unit page supplies the summoning, burning effect and selected spell protections. The description separates its creature account from balance numbers and player advice. No exhaustive later retcon survey, creator-inspiration claim or universal current-game mechanic is supplied.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

   Blizzard Entertainment · 2002

   Selected base-game treatment of infernal; original strategy-game presentation and faction role.

2. 02

   Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne

   Blizzard Entertainment · 2003

   Expansion treatment retains infernal while some abilities and systems differ from the 2002 base game.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. OfficialInfernal (Warcraft) — reference guideResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.