World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition Is Coming

Get ready to step through the Dark Portal once again. World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition officially launches February 5 at 3:00 PM PST, and it’s included with your active WoW Subscription or Game Time.

This iconic expansion returns players to the fel-scarred world of Outland, bringing back legendary raids, arenas, flying mounts, and some of the most memorable content in WoW history.

Pre-Patch Release and Character Progression Choice

Starting January 13, following each region’s scheduled maintenance, the Burning Crusade Pre-Expansion Patch goes live.

Before the launch, players must decide the future of their characters:

• Advance to Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition
• Transfer to a Classic Era realm

⚠️ This decision must be made by January 12, 2026. After that date, any remaining Anniversary characters will automatically progress into Burning Crusade Classic.

What’s New in Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition

Your adventure continues with major progression updates and new systems, including:

• Level cap increased to 70
• Faster leveling cadence
• The shattered world of Outland
• Two new playable races: Blood Elves and Draenei
• Flying mounts
• A brand-new profession: Jewelcrafting
• Guild Bank available from day one

Explore the Exiled World of Outland

Heroes level 60 and above can rally together to confront the Burning Legion in Outland—a broken world floating beyond Azeroth.

From the blasted wastes of Hellfire Peninsula to the mystic skies of Netherstorm, Outland is packed with danger, powerful enemies, and unforgettable stories as you fight to stop demonic forces from consuming everything.

New Playable Races: Blood Elves & Draenei

Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition introduces two iconic races that reshape the balance of Azeroth.

Blood Elves (Horde)

Once nearly wiped out by the Burning Legion, the Blood Elves are driven by vengeance and survival. Masters of magic and discipline, they bring elegance and power to the Horde.

Available classes:

• Mage
• Hunter
• Rogue
• Priest
• Warlock
• Paladin (new to Horde)

Draenei (Alliance)

Fleeing the Burning Legion across the cosmos, the Draenei finally find refuge on Azeroth. Their unwavering resolve and spiritual strength bolster the Alliance’s ranks.

Available classes:

• Warrior
• Paladin
• Priest
• Mage
• Hunter
• Shaman (new to Alliance)

Draenei also gain a bonus to Jewelcrafting, making them especially effective at crafting gems, rings, and necklaces.

Level 58 Character Boost Available January 13

Jump straight into Outland with the Level 58 Character Boost (Anniversary).

Starting January 13, this boost becomes available as a standalone purchase, allowing you to instantly prepare a character for Burning Crusade content without replaying Classic leveling.

✔ Usable on Blood Elf and Draenei characters

✔ Exclusive to WoW Classic Anniversary realms

✔ Applies only to the account it was purchased or gifted on

PvP Arena Season 1 Begins February 17

The competitive fire ignites with Arena Season 1, launching February 17 at each region’s weekly reset.

Battle in legendary arenas:

• Ring of Trials (Nagrand)
• Circle of Blood (Blade’s Edge Mountains)
• Ruins of Lordaeron (Undercity)

Earn powerful gear, mounts, titles, and bragging rights as you prove yourself among Outland’s finest fighters.

Raids Unlock February 19

On February 19 at 3:00 PM PST, three iconic raids become available:

Karazhan

A haunted tower filled with dark magic, cursed nobles, and arcane secrets once belonging to Medivh himself.

Gruul’s Lair

Face Gruul the Dragonkiller and his brutal offspring in Blade’s Edge Mountains.

Magtheridon’s Lair

Confront the imprisoned ruler of Outland and prevent his return to power.

Take Flight with Flying Mounts

Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition introduces flying mounts, unlocking new paths, hidden areas, and strategic advantages across Outland’s zones.

The skies are yours—if you’re brave enough.

New Profession: Jewelcrafting

Jewelcrafting makes its debut, allowing players to craft:

• Gems
• Rings and necklaces
• Trinkets and healing statues

Train in Hellfire Peninsula:

• Horde: Kalaen at Thrallmar
• Alliance: Tatiana at Honor Hold

Guild Bank Available From Day One

Unlike the original Burning Crusade Classic, Guild Banks are available immediately.

• 8 purchasable tabs
• 98 item slots per tab
• No bags required
• Shared gold and items with customizable permissions

The first tab costs 100 gold, with prices increasing for additional tabs.

Free Transfers to Classic Era Realms (Limited Time)

Players who do not wish to continue into Burning Crusade can transfer characters for free from Anniversary Realms to Classic Era realms starting November 25.

⏰ Transfers close on January 12, 2026

After that, all remaining Anniversary characters will automatically progress to Burning Crusade Classic.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to relive Outland’s legendary raids, dominate the arena, or prepare your character for endgame progression, Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition delivers one of World of Warcraft’s most beloved eras—fully restored.

The Dark Portal is opening once again.

The choice is yours.