Warchief

The Warchief, or War Chief, is the military leader of the Orcish Horde, similar to a king or Supreme Allied Commander among humans. The post is an ancient tradition, but was forgotten during the civil wars that plagued Draenor following the defeat of the Draenei. After the Horde crossed into Azeroth, Gul'dan revived the office to gain control of the orcs. On Draenor, Ner'zhul took the title in the event Gul'dan should ever return. The Warchief is now the title of the Horde's supreme leader, though his duties no longer include simply war.

In Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, it is a rank the player can achieve.

Warchiefs of the Horde

In Warcraft I

This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (aka Warcraft I).

Blackhand — Warchief of the Horde during the First War between Stormwind and the Horde. In a surprise attack lead by Orgrim Doomhammer, he was slain and Orgrim took his place as Warchief. (Rise of the Horde)

In Warcraft II

This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness.

Orgrim Doomhammer — Warchief of the Horde during the end of the First War, having slain Blackhand and taken his place, and the entirety of the Second War. (Lord of the Clans)
Ner'zhul — Warchief of the Horde of Draenor. He created several portals to escape Draenor after the end of the Second War, but was captured by Kil'jaeden, who transformed him into the Lich King of the Scourge. (Beyond the Dark Portal)

Warcraft III & World of Warcraft

This section concerns content exclusive to Warcraft III.

Thrall — Warchief of the Horde and the greatest shaman ever known. Liberator of the orcs and chieftan of the Frostwolf clan. Son of Durotan. Steps down to join the Earthen Ring in stabilizing the world following the Cataclysm. (Lord of the Clans, , , )

In Cataclysm

This section concerns content exclusive to Cataclysm.

Garrosh Hellscream — Warchief of the Horde. Son of Grom Hellscream. Reinvited by Thrall to join the Horde after the reopening of the Dark Portal and quickly advancing to the position of personal adviser, he becomes the Warchief in place of Thrall.^[1]

In Mists of Pandaria

This section concerns content exclusive to Mists of Pandaria.

Vol'jin — After Garrosh Hellscream's defeat during Siege of Orgrimmar, it was decided by Thrall that Vol'jin would become the new Warchief of the Horde. Which was supported by all the other Horde leaders. He was the first non-Orc Warchief.

In Legion

This section concerns content exclusive to Legion.

Sylvanas Windrunner — Acting Warchief at Vol'jin's request from the seat of power in Grommash Hold in Valley of Strength, Orgrimmar. Vol'jin died from mortal wounds shortly after the Horde fled from the Battle on the Broken Shore.

In Battle for Azeroth

Other Warchiefs

Other organizations have warchiefs as well. At present, there are two individuals who use the title in World of Warcraft — one in Azeroth, the other in Outland. Both are enslaved by a power greater than themselves.

In World of Warcraft

This section concerns content exclusive to World of Warcraft.

Rend Blackhand — Warchief of the Dark Horde, minion of Nefarian. Resides in the Upper Blackrock Spire of Blackrock Mountain in Azeroth. In Hearthstone, his card description reads "Rend believes he is the True Warchief of the Horde and he keeps editing the wikipedia page for "Warchief of the Horde" to include his picture."