WoW: The Burning Crusade Anniversary Edition – What to Expect in January 2026

World of Warcraft players have legendary adventures ahead, starting January 2026. Blizzard stated the anniversary edition of the Burning Crusade expansion will be available.

This edition is one of the most celebrated expansions and will still hold the classic version of the expansion with some tweaks to accommodate new players looking for a nostalgia trip.

People will have the chance to relive the adventures of Tie and the Burning Legion. Burning Crusade is an expansion of the game with raiding and class identity. 

There will be a real sense of nostalgia for those who have played it in the past. Professions, gear, and WoW classic anniversary gold will be an integral part of your early success.

If players are still actively playing World of Warcraft, there’s no need to purchase the edition; it will be available with a current subscription. 

Pre-Expansion Patch and Launch Timeline

Pre-launch begins January 13/A26. After some maintenance, players will have to make the choice of starting the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition or remaining in a classic edition. Players need to make these decisions for each of their characters. This will predict the course of action for these characters.

Free transfers to classic era realms will be available until January 12, 2026, after which, any remaining characters present on Anniversary realms will continue into Burning Crusade Classic.

Return to the exiled world of Outland.

Outland is the center of The Burning Crusade. A shattered world full of wonders, dangers, artifacts, and enemies. Players will start their journey in Hellfire Peninsula and will be able to travel to Zangarmarsh, Nagrand, Blade’s Edge, Netherstorm, and Shadowmoon Valley. Each zone has its own tale of destruction, and of course, is iconic.

Planning ahead matters. Professions, gear, and WoW Classic anniversary gold will all shape early success.

Level Cap Increase to 70

The level cap increases from 60 to 70. This change opens new talent builds and stronger class identities. Each level feels earned. Progression is steady, not rushed. Dungeon gear remains relevant for longer periods. Crafted items hold real value.

Gold management becomes important early on. Training costs, mounts, and professions quickly add up. Smart players will plan how they earn and spend WoW Classic anniversary gold during the leveling phase.

New Playable Races Join the Fight

Two iconic races arrive with the Anniversary Edition.

Blood Elves

Blood Elves join the Horde. Their story is driven by loss and revenge after the Burning Legion’s invasion.

They can play as:

• Mage
• Hunter
• Rogue
• Priest
• Warlock
• Paladin

Paladins are no longer exclusive to the Alliance. This shift changes both PvE and PvP balance in early content.

Draenei

Draenei join the Alliance. These exiled survivors bring new strength and faith to Azeroth.

They can play as:

• Warrior
• Paladin
• Priest
• Mage
• Hunter
• Shaman

Draenei also gain a bonus to Jewelcrafting through their Gem Cutting racial ability.

Three Major Raids at Launch

Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition launches with three powerful raids ready to challenge players.

Karazhan

Karazhan is a haunted tower filled with dark magic. Once home to Medivh, it now overflows with cursed spirits and powerful enemies.

This raid is a favorite among players. It offers strong gear and memorable boss encounters.

Gruul’s Lair

Gruul the Dragonkiller rules Blade’s Edge Mountains. His raw strength tests group coordination and endurance.

This raid rewards discipline and preparation.

Magtheridon’s Lair

Magtheridon, the former lord of Outland, waits imprisoned. Players must face intense mechanics and heavy damage phases to defeat him.

These raids define early endgame progression.

PvP Arena Season 1 Returns

Arena PvP makes its official return with Season 1.

Players compete in:

• Ring of Trials in Nagrand
• Circle of Blood in Blade’s Edge Mountains
• Ruins of Lordaeron above Undercity

Arena rewards include gear, titles, and mounts. There is no old honor ranking system tied to standing. Performance in the Arena determines success.

Consumables, enchants, and WoW Classic anniversary gold play a big role in competitive PvP.

Flying Mounts Change Exploration

Flying mounts arrive with Outland and completely transform the world.

Players can reach remote locations, avoid dangerous ground enemies, and explore areas that were previously inaccessible. Farming routes become faster. Questing becomes smoother.

Flying is expensive. Training and mounts require a large gold investment. Players who plan early will have a major advantage.

New Profession: Jewelcrafting

Jewelcrafting debuts in Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition.

This profession allows players to craft:

• Rings
• Necklaces
• Trinkets
• Stat gems

Gems can be socketed into gear to increase power. This adds another layer to character optimization.

Alliance players can train Jewelcrafting at Honor Hold. Horde players train at Thrallmar.

Jewelcrafting is expected to be one of the most profitable professions in the early phase.

Guild Bank Available from Day One

Unlike earlier versions, the Anniversary Edition launches with Guild Banks already available.

Guild Banks include:

• Eight purchasable tabs
• 98 item slots per tab
• No bags required
• Custom permission settings

The first tab costs 100 gold. Each additional tab increases in price.

Guild Banks improve organization and reduce loot disputes. They also allow better management of shared resources and gold.

Classic Anniversary to Classic Era Transfers

Players that do not wish to continue on with Burning Crusade Classic may instead transfer their characters to Classic Era realms.

These transfers are not paid, but are time-limited. Starting November 25, transfers will cease on January 12, 2026. Once this window closes, transfer will not be available.

Why the Anniversary Edition is Important?

The Burning Crusade was a pivotal point in the advancement of World of Warcraft. The Anniversary Edition restores that experience without modern shortcuts. Progression feels meaningful. Gear matters. Community matters.

This release is ideal for:

• Returning veterans
• Players who missed the original TBC
• Fans of structured PvE and PvP

Preparation will define early success.

Key Features at a Glance

Final Thoughts

The Burning Crusade changed the WoW Franchise forever. WoW Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition is not simply a copy of the game.

This is your opportunity to start a character from scratch during one of the strongest periods in WoW history, all while there is a strong community to play with.