A 3D artist named Aleksandr Timoshenko recreated one of World of Warcraft's most iconic cities, Thunder Bluff, in an impressive 3D render that gives the locale more of a tonally bleak aesthetic. With a rich history that dates back to the time of World of Warcraft's Third War, Thunder Bluff counts among the franchise's more prominent capital cities.

The city's geography is just as interesting as its history, too. Located on the continent of Kalimdor, Thunder Bluff as a whole is built entirely atop bluffs that stand hundreds of feet above the landscape upon which it was settled. The Tauren did the settling, founding the city after being driven away from their native lands by marauding Centaurs. Thunder Bluff seems a fitting home for the Tauren, though, with its usually sunny weather most often represented in-game with warm colors and an unmistakable vibrance. But what if Thunder Bluff received a makeover, not with one of Blizzard's Classic recreations, but by a fan who brings a different vision to the table?

Related: Over 1,000 World Of Warcraft Fans Band Together For "Fresh" Classic Server

As spotted by PC Gamer, 3D artist Aleksandr Timoshenko shared a slew of fan-made 3D renders on their ArtStation page that depicts Thunder Bluff quite differently. It's an impressive recreation with all of the fine details on display, yet Timoshenko's realistic reimagining leaves out the golden hues and bright colors that gives the capital city its typically warm aesthetic. In place of that warmth is something much bleaker in tone, which seems especially noticeable when Thunder Bluff's classic look and Timoshenko's 3D render are placed side-by-side in images. According to PC Gamer, the 3D artist crafted their stunning World of Warcraft renders in Epic's Unreal Engine with help from Quixel's Megascans plugin.

Aleksandr Timoshenko Thunder Bluff recreation
Aleksandr Timoshenko Thunder Bluff recreation render
Aleksandr Timoshenko Thunder Bluff recreation side-by-side
Aleksandr Timoshenko Thunder Bluff recreation side-by-side 2

Seeing another artist's interpretation of classic designs is always interesting. Most compelling here is how Timoshenko's realistic reimagining essentially changes the mood of Thunder Bluff. Within the 3D artist's imagery rests a gloominess not seen in World of Warcraft's Thunder Bluff. Yet, both versions are stunning in their own right.

Timoshenko isn't the only fan with impressive World of Warcraft recreations making the rounds, either. Earlier this month, a Reddit user shared images of their Stormwind Harbor construct in Iron Gate's Valheim. And it, too, is a sight to behold.

Next: Valheim Player Builds World of Warcraft's Stormwind Harbor In Game

World of Warcraft is available to play on PC.

Source: Aleksandr TimoshenkoPC Gamer