The Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary – Full Roadmap & Phase Guide (2025–2026)

World of Warcraft Classic celebrated its 20th Anniversary Edition on November 21, 2024, launching fresh progression realms that begin in Classic and naturally advance toward The Burning Crusade. These realms are now preparing for the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary, which will follow the original TBC content structure—modernized, improved, and progressively released over several phases.

Below is the complete roadmap, expected dates, feature breakdowns, and all major content updates coming to the TBC Classic Anniversary.

TBC Classic Anniversary Release Date

Blizzard has not yet announced an official launch date, but based on current progression, the expected release window falls between Winter 2025 and Spring 2026.

The next milestone will be the TBC Classic Anniversary Pre-Patch, with the date still pending confirmation.

TBC Classic Anniversary Servers

The TBC Anniversary progression will continue on the existing 20th Anniversary Classic servers, originally opened on November 21, 2024:

EU Realms

• Spineshatter – PvP
• Thunderstrike – PvE

NA Realms

• Nightslayer – PvP
• Dreamscythe – PvE

Oceanic

• Maladath – PvP

Hardcore realms (Doomhowl – NA, Soulseeker – EU) remain strictly Classic servers, but players may transfer to PvE if they wish to advance into TBC.

Notable System Changes at Launch

The Anniversary Edition includes a number of upgrades:

• New reporting tools
• Guild dethroning feature
• Chronoboon Displacer (up to 10 stacks)
• Improved Honor Ranking system (Phase 2)
• Visual and performance upgrades
• Instant mail between characters on the same account
• No buff or debuff limits
• Dual Specialization added

Faction Balance on PvP Servers

To prevent faction dominance, character creation will freeze temporarily for the overrepresented faction until population stabilizes. This system was introduced during Season of Discovery and has been well-received.

GDKP Restrictions

GDKP runs are not allowed in NA or EU during the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary.

This applies to all progression content.

Phase Overview – Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary (2025–2026)

The Anniversary release will follow the proven structure of original TBC, with each phase unlocking new raids, zones, and systems.

Below is the full progression plan. All dates remain TBD until Blizzard confirms the rollout.

Phase 0 – Pre-Patch

Highlights

• Blood Elves (Horde)
• Draenei (Alliance)
• Shaman for Alliance / Paladin for Horde
• Silvermoon City & The Exodar starter zones
• Mount training at earlier levels and reduced costs
• 15% less XP required from 20–60
• Increased quest XP from level 30+
• New Profession: Jewelcrafting (up to 300 skill)

The pre-patch is essentially a mini-expansion, introducing faster leveling and the iconic new races before Outland opens.

Phase 1 – Outland, Karazhan & First Raids

What’s Included

• Level cap increased to 70
• All Outland zones unlocked
• Normal & Heroic Dungeons
• Karazhan, Gruul’s Lair, Magtheridon’s Lair

Players will begin farming reputations for Heroic keys, completing attunement chains, and preparing for early raid progression.

Phase 2 – Serpentshrine Cavern & Tempest Keep

Content Unlocks

• Serpentshrine Cavern (SSC)
• Tempest Keep: The Eye
• New profession updates & gear progression

Both raids require attunements during this phase, with two of the most iconic encounters: Lady Vashj & Kael’thas.

Phase 3 – Mount Hyjal & Black Temple

What’s Included

• Battle for Mount Hyjal
• Black Temple
• Heroic reputation requirement reduced from Revered → Honored
• Attunement barriers begin phasing out

This is where players dive into some of the most legendary TBC content, culminating in the fight against Illidan Stormrage.

Phase 3.5 – Zul’Aman

Key Features

• Zul’Aman 10-player raid
• Amani War Bear time-run challenge
• Quick gearing options for new characters & alts

Zul’Aman serves as a mid-tier catch-up raid, offering fast loot progression.

Phase 4 – Sunwell Plateau & Isle of Quel’Danas

Final Phase Highlights

• Sunwell Plateau (Kil’jaeden)
• Magisters’ Terrace dungeon
• Isle of Quel’Danas daily quests & Shattered Sun Offensive progression

This is the peak power phase of TBC, closing out the Anniversary edition with some of the hardest raid encounters Blizzard has ever designed.

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