World of Warcraft players preparing to revisit the shattered lands of Outland will be able to do so starting , with the launch of the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition. The expansion brings with it two new playable races – the Blood Elves and the Draenei – alongside a host of quality-of-life improvements and new content for veteran and returning players alike.
A Return to Outland
The Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition allows players to once again venture through the Dark Portal and into Outland, a realm scarred by the Burning Legion. The expansion increases the level cap to 70 and introduces a faster leveling experience. Players level 60 or higher are encouraged to unite and confront the forces of the Burning Legion in this exiled world.
New Playable Races
Perhaps the most significant addition with the Anniversary Edition is the introduction of the Blood Elves and Draenei as playable races. These additions enrich the game’s lore and provide players with unique racial abilities and new areas to explore.
Blood Elves
The Blood Elves, survivors of the Burning Legion’s Third War invasion, seek revenge against the demonic forces that corrupted their Sunwell. Devastated by the past, these vengeful outsiders now offer their aid to the factions of Azeroth. Players choosing to play as a Blood Elf can select from the classes Mage, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Warlock, and Paladin – the latter being a class previously exclusive to the Alliance.
Draenei
The Draenei, exiled from their home world and pursued by the Burning Legion, have arrived on Azeroth to join the Alliance in the fight against their enemies. Draenei characters can choose to play as Warriors, Paladins, Priests, Mages, Hunters, and Shamans – the latter being a class new to the Alliance. Draenei also receive a passive bonus to Jewelcrafting, increasing their skill in creating rings and necklaces, as well as socketable gems.
Key Dates and Content Rollout
The rollout of the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition has been phased. The pre-patch went live the week of . A Level 58 Character Boost (Anniversary) became available as a standalone purchase on , allowing players to quickly join the fight in Outland. The PvP Arena Season 1 began on , with each region’s weekly content reset. Three challenging raids – Karazhan, Gruul’s Lair, and Magtheridon’s Lair – unlocked on , at 3:00 PM PST.
Additional Features and Improvements
Beyond the new races and raids, the Anniversary Edition introduces several quality-of-life improvements. Players can now take to the skies on flying mounts, opening up new areas for exploration. A new profession, Jewelcrafting, allows players to craft rings, amulets, and gems to enhance their gear. The Anniversary Edition includes a Guild Bank, providing a shared storage space for guild members – a feature not present in the original Burning Crusade Classic.
Character Transfers and Future Options
For players who prefer to remain in the Classic experience, Blizzard offered a limited-time opportunity to transfer characters from Anniversary Realms to Classic Era realms, lasting until . Characters remaining on Anniversary Realms will continue their journey within the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary environment.
The Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition aims to provide both a nostalgic experience for veteran players and a more accessible entry point for those new to the world of Outland. With its new features, improved systems, and challenging content, the expansion offers a compelling reason to once again venture through the Dark Portal and confront the Burning Legion.
