The Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary is the next major milestone for WoW Classic players. Starting from fresh realms launched for the 20th Anniversary in November 2024, these servers now move forward into The Burning Crusade — with a structured roadmap, phase system, and some important quality-of-life changes.
This guide explains the full TBC Classic Anniversary roadmap: release dates, phase content, and what players should expect at each stage of progression.
Key Release Dates
The confirmed timeline for the start of The Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary.
- TBC Pre-Patch: January 13, 2026
- TBC Classic Launch: February 5, 2026
- Phase 1 Raids Open: February 19, 2026
The TBC Classic Anniversary realms are the same servers launched on November 21, 2024 for WoW Classic’s 20th Anniversary. These realms now progress naturally into The Burning Crusade.
What Makes Anniversary Servers Different?
Several modern improvements are included from day one.
- Improved reporting system
- Guild leadership dethroning system
- Chronoboon Displacer with up to 10 stored buffs
- Improved PvP honor system (Phase 2)
- Graphics upgrades
- Instant mail between characters on same account
- No buff/debuff limit
- Dual Spec
Pre-Patch – January 13, 2026
The Burning Crusade truly begins here.
The pre-patch is almost an expansion on its own. It introduces:
- Blood Elves for Horde
- Draenei for Alliance
- Jewelcrafting profession (up to 300)
- New starter zones, Silvermoon City & The Exodar
- Paladins for Horde & Shamans for Alliance
- Faster leveling (15% less XP from 20–60)
- Increased quest XP from level 30+
- Cheaper & earlier mounts
Phase 1 – February 5, 2026
Outland opens. Level cap increases to 70.
- New zones: Outland
- Level cap raised to 70
- Normal & Heroic dungeons
- Reputation grinds & attunements
- Raids (Feb 19): Karazhan, Gruul’s Lair, Magtheridon
Phase 2 – Serpentshrine & Tempest Keep
Two major raid tiers arrive.
- Serpentshrine Cavern
- Tempest Keep
- New attunement chains
Phase 3 – Mount Hyjal & Black Temple
- Mount Hyjal
- Black Temple
- Lowered heroic rep requirement (Revered → Honored)
- Reduced attunement restrictions
Phase 4 – Zul’Aman
- Zul’Aman raid
- Catch-up gear for alts & latecomers
- Timed run for Amani War Bear
Phase 5 – Sunwell & Isle of Quel’Danas
- Sunwell Plateau raid
- Magisters’ Terrace dungeon
- Isle of Quel’Danas daily quest hub
- Final battle against Kil’jaeden
Phase 5 represents the full conclusion of The Burning Crusade experience — and one of the most memorable raid eras in WoW history.
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