In 2019, Blizzard Entertainment decided to begin offering two versions of their long-time successful World of Warcraft MMORPG. The first kept in-line with current development schedules, and included all expansion content and the latest updates. The other turned back the clock, being a ‘Classic’ version, based on the original release of World of Warcraft. But two years later, and players on the Classic servers now have to choose whether they progress to the content of The Burning Crusade expansion pack or continue their legacy expansion-less adventures.
On 2 June 2021 (1 June 2021 in North America), heroes of Azeroth new and old will have the chance to commence their adventures in the Outlands in World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic. Here they will face against new threats within the realm contained in the Dark Portal – a
distant, fel-scarred planet where the forces of the demonic Burning Legion prepare to mount an assault against all life on Azeroth.
Promoted features of World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic 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.
Beginning on 19 May 2021, with the launch of the Burning Crusade Classic pre-expansion patch, WoW Classic players will choose whether to progress each of their characters to Burning Crusade Classic with the rest of their realm, or continue playing the original WoW Classic content on brand-new Classic Era realms also launching that day. This may be a nightmare for established guilds who have a mixed demographic of wanting to continue on with Burning Crusade and others wanting to move onto ‘Classic Era’ servers.
Players who wish to experience the best of both worlds will be able to use the optional character cloning service (For a whopping $47.00 AUD or local equivalent), which will allow them to continue playing a copy of an existing character on a Classic Era realm while also advancing into Burning Crusade Classic.
For many World of Warcraft players, the original Burning Crusade was their first step on an epic journey that’s still going on today—but for many others, stories of fleeing the Fel Reaver and confronting Illidan at the top of the Black Temple are just the stuff of legend.
With Burning Crusade Classic, we want to give players a chance to experience the trials and triumphs of Outland in a way that hasn’t been possible for more than a decade, and do so adventuring alongside old friends and new. We can’t wait to travel with everyone back through the Dark Portal once again.
J. Allen Brack | President of Blizzard Entertainment.
