Blizzard has announced that the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition is launching early next year, and the Pre-Expansion Patch goes live January 13. The Anniversary Edition is included with all active WoW Subscriptions and Game Time, bringing players back through the Dark Portal for an updated and celebratory version of the original expansion. [item id=19019]
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Choose Your Path on January 13
Once the pre-patch hits after regional maintenance, each character will need to pick a direction:
- Advance to Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition, or
- Transfer to a Classic Era realm (free transfers available from Nov 25 through Jan 12, 2026).
What’s New in the Anniversary Edition?
Leveling to 70
Players can push to a new level cap of 70, with updated leveling cadence and progression.
The Exiled World of Outland
Return to the shattered skies and war-torn zones of Outland as you fight against the Burning Legion once more.
Two Playable Races: Blood Elves & Draenei
- Blood Elves (Horde): Mages, Hunters, Rogues, Priests, Warlocks, and Paladins.
- Draenei (Alliance): Warriors, Paladins, Priests, Mages, Hunters, and Shamans.
Draenei also gain a boost to Jewelcrafting.
Three Raids at Launch
- Karazhan
- Gruul’s Lair
- Magtheridon’s Lair
Each offers iconic challenges, lore, and loot.
PvP Arena Season 1
Arena combat begins with battles across:
- Nagrand Arena
- Blade’s Edge Arena
- Ruins of Lordaeron
Players can earn titles, gear, mounts, and more—without the old-school honor ranking grind.
Flying Mounts
Take to the skies to explore Outland’s hidden ledges, floating platforms, and hard-to-reach zones.
New Profession: Jewelcrafting
Players can craft rings, amulets, gem-socket gear upgrades, and more. Trainers are located in Hellfire Peninsula for both factions.
Guild Banks (New at Launch)
Unlike the original Burning Crusade Classic, the Anniversary Edition launches with a fully functional Guild Bank system, offering:
- 8 purchasable tabs (98 slots each)
- Tab-specific permissions
- Shared item and gold storage across guildmates
Character Transfer Window
Players who prefer to stay in Classic Era can transfer their Anniversary characters for free until January 12, 2026. After that date, all remaining characters will automatically continue into the Anniversary Edition of Burning Crusade Classic.
A Return Through the Dark Portal
The Anniversary Edition is Blizzard’s celebration of one of WoW’s most iconic eras—combining nostalgia with quality-of-life improvements, modern systems, and a chance for both old and new heroes to step into Outland once more.
Prepare your guild, polish your weapons, and get ready for lift-off on January 13.