Since 2019, the development of Blizzard Entertainment’s MMORPG World of Warcraft has taken a multi-pronged approach. On one side is the main instalment, which has been continually built upon since its original release in November 2004. On the other hand are the Classic servers, taking players on a nostalgic trip back into the days of 2004-2005 when the game first launched. World of Warcraft Classic has proven to be a hit for Blizzard, and they are building upon it in the near future with World of Warcraft Burning Crusade Classic.
Beyond the Dark Portal in the shattered realm of Outland, the armies of the demonic Burning Legion prepare for an invasion that threatens the entire world of Azeroth. Later this year, World of Warcraft players will return to the fel-scarred ruin of Hellfire Peninsula to stop the incursion at its source; rediscover what lurks below the fungal forests of Zangarmarsh; and face down Illidan the Betrayer once again.
This begs the question… if the appeal of World of Warcraft Classic was to be without features introduced in expansions… doesn’t this defeat its purpose? Before entering the Dark Portal, players will be presented with a choice for each of their existing WoW
Classic characters: to progress to the Burning Crusade era along with the rest of the Horde and Alliance heroes on their realm, or to continue adventuring in the original WoW Classic content on all-new “Classic Era” servers coming with the rollout of Burning Crusade Classic.
Players who want to experience the best of both worlds will have the option to “clone” each WoW Classic character as an optional paid service, allowing each hero to venture forth into Burning Crusade Classic while their copies continue their original adventure on a Classic Era realm. More details on this will be shared closer to launch, as it does beg questions around guild management and more.
For those jumping over to World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic, features of the 2007 original being (re)introduced include:
The Shattered Realm of Outland:
Traverse the treacherous crags and spires of Blade’s Edge Mountains, where even dragons fear to roam; hunt alongside the uncorrupted Mag’har orcs among the floating islands of Nagrand; battle demonic agents of the Legion in the shadow of the Black Temple; and much more.
Two New Playable Races
Fight for the Horde as the blood elves, seeking a new source of the arcane power that once sustained them, or join the Alliance as the draenei, exiles from Outland in search of a new home.
Gather at the Arena Gates
Assemble your most trusted allies and prove your PvP prowess in 2v2, 3v3, or 5v5 combat in Arenas such as the Ring of Trials and the Circle of Blood.
Take Wing on Flying Mounts
Take flight in the chaotic skies of Netherstorm and soar over fel-touched Shadowmoon Valley with the introduction of flying mounts in Outland.
Master Challenging Raids and Dungeons
Conquer 5-player dungeons set in the crystalline fortress of Tempest Keep and the Caverns of Time, where heroes bear witness to Azeroth’s past. Raid the haunted halls of 10-player Karazhan, and gear up over time for a climactic confrontation against Kil’jaeden in 25-player Sunwell Plateau.
New Options for Heroes
Carve gems of power to socket into players’ gear with the Jewelcrafting profession; choose between the Aldor or Scryer factions in Shattrath and earn their unique rewards; create a paladin on the Horde or a shaman on the Alliance; and more.
No formal release date for World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade classic has been announced to date, but Blizzard are aiming to offer a beta test soon.
