World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Servers Launch

Why It Matters

The launch revitalizes Blizzard’s subscription base by delivering fresh, nostalgia‑driven content that deepens player engagement and extends the lifecycle of World of Warcraft Classic.

Key Takeaways

• Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary servers launched Feb 6, 2026
• New playable races: Blood Elves and Draenei added
• Level cap raised to 70 with flying mounts enabled
• Jewelcrafting profession introduced, plus three high‑difficulty raids
• Subscription holders can access new content immediately

Pulse Analysis

Blizzard’s decision to roll out the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary realms marks a strategic push to rejuvenate its flagship MMO at a time when subscription fatigue threatens many legacy games. By re‑introducing the beloved Outland expansion, the company taps into a wave of nostalgia while simultaneously offering fresh incentives for both returning veterans and new entrants. The timing aligns with a broader industry trend where publishers revive classic content to bolster active user counts, a metric increasingly tied to revenue streams beyond the initial purchase.

The update’s gameplay enhancements are more than cosmetic. Adding Blood Elves and Draenei expands faction diversity, while the level cap increase to 70 and the introduction of flying mounts dramatically alter end‑game progression and exploration. Jewelcrafting opens a new economic loop, encouraging players to craft high‑value items and trade on the in‑game auction house. Moreover, the inclusion of three high‑difficulty raids—Karazhan, Gruul’s Lair, and Magtheridon’s Lair—re‑engages raiding guilds, a core driver of community cohesion and long‑term retention in MMOs.

From a business perspective, the anniversary launch serves as a subscription catalyst. Existing players gain immediate value, reducing churn, while the novelty attracts lapsed subscribers and potential converts from competing titles such as Final Fantasy XIV and Elder Scrolls Online. The move also signals Blizzard’s commitment to extending the Classic ecosystem, hinting at future expansions or seasonal events that could further monetize the platform. In an increasingly crowded market, delivering high‑quality, nostalgia‑rich content with tangible gameplay depth is a proven formula for sustaining revenue and reinforcing brand loyalty.

World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Servers Launch

By Byungho “Haao” Kim · Feb 6, 2026

Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition commemorative realm service—World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Realms—has officially launched today (February 6, Korea Standard Time).

With The Burning Crusade content now added to the World of Warcraft Classic realms first introduced in 2024, players can once again explore Outland, a world of exiles—its skies shattered, its very land torn apart—filled with looming crises and mysteries at every turn. In Outland, adventurers level 60 and above will unite with fellow heroes to stand against the Burning Legion, protecting Azeroth from utter ruin.

Two new playable races have also been added: Blood Elves and Draenei. With the level cap expanded to the new maximum of level 70, players will be able to wield new powers as they progress.

• The Blood Elves are a people who survived the Burning Legion’s devastating invasion during the Third War. They can choose the classes Mage, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, and Warlock, and they can also enter battle as Paladins, an Alliance‑exclusive class.

• The Draenei, driven from their homeland by the Burning Legion and forced to flee across the cosmos, can choose Warrior, Paladin, Priest, Mage, Hunter, and Shaman, the Alliance’s newly available class.

In addition, players will gain access to flying mounts, enabling travel to the most perilous and remote corners of Outland. The new profession Jewelcrafting is also being introduced, alongside three high‑difficulty raids: Karazhan, Gruul’s Lair, and Magtheridon’s Lair.

Anyone with an active World of Warcraft subscription or available game time can continue their adventures into Outland. More details on World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Realms can be found on the official World of Warcraft website.

This article was translated from the original that appeared on INVEN.