‘World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic’ launches worldwide on June 1

Beginning May 18 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. 

In an exclusive interview with PhilStar L!fe, Blizzard game developers shared additional details on the development process and what returning players and newcomers can expect for the next chapter of WoW.

“For us to make sure that the game continued to be accessible, we were listening to the community, so starting on May 18th when we do our pre-patch, we are going to be offering a level 58 boost, given that Burning Crusade requires level 58 and goes from 60 to 70," explained Lead Producer Holly Longdale.

"We wanted to provide a boost so you could bring your friends. You don’t have to level up in Classic from 1 to 58. We wanted to provide that so that anyone who wants to jump through the Dark Portal on June 1st if they want to opt-in paying for a boost,” she added.

New players will have the ability to boost a character with the optional Dark Portal Pass, while players who wish to experience the best of both worlds can avail of an optional character cloning service (available May 18, $35 per character), 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. 

While the expansion has been a long time coming, how does one prepare for the game's release in the coming days?

“There’s so much to do. First of all, call all your friends," said Longdale. "If you want to get in through the Dark Portal, I would make sure you level up to Level 58 at least before the end of May. Also, with May 18 when the pre-patch comes out, you can start leveling up on Jewelcrafting, so you could get that skill up to Level 300 before the Dark Portal opens," said Longdale.

Aside from pre-loot events, players will also have arena teams to look forward to, according to Blizzard Lead Engineer Brian Birmingham.

“You really want to make sure you know where your friends are playing so you can play in the same realm as them. Start planning your arena teams ahead of time. There’s going to be 2v2, 3v3, and the return of 5v5 in Burning Crusade, so that’s going to be really exciting," Birmingham advised players.

Starting May 18, players on Burning Crusade Classic realms will be able to create blood elf and draenei characters and experience the two races’ new starting zones in the Azuremyst Isles and Eversong Woods, preparing their new heroes for the opening of the Dark Portal on June 1. From the day of the patch through launch, players will also be able to participate in a limited-time in-game event as demonic agents from beyond the Dark Portal pour into the Blasted Lands and assault key locations across Azeroth.

Everyone who wants to join the adventure in Outland with their friends will have the option to purchase the Dark Portal Pass (available May 18, $39.99), allowing them to boost one character of their choosing on a Burning Crusade Classic realm to level 58 (limit one per World of Warcraft account; not usable on blood elf or draenei characters).

Intrepid explorers looking to further enhance their Burning Crusade Classic experience can purchase the optional Deluxe Edition ($69.99), also available with the arrival of the pre-expansion patch on May 18. The Deluxe Edition comes with:

• The Reawakened Phase-Hunter mount, a creature that draws on the otherworldly energies that transformed Draenor into Outland, for use only in Burning Crusade Classic and designed to match the look of the original expansion
• The Viridian Phase-Hunter mount, a variant for use in modern World of Warcraft (including Shadowlands) and reflecting the game’s current visual style
• A Dark Portal Hearthstone for use in Burning Crusade Classic, providing a unique visual effect inspired by the gateway between worlds
• The Path of Illidan toy for Burning Crusade Classic, which causes your character’s footsteps to leave flickering fel fire in their wake for a short time
• The Dark Portal Pass, which boosts one character to level 58 (same restrictions as standalone Dark Portal Pass apply; cannot be combined with standalone Dark Portal Pass purchase)
• 30 days of World of Warcraft game time, providing access to WoW Classic, Burning Crusade Classic, and the modern game

Burning Crusade Classic builds on the epic foundation of World of Warcraft Classic, providing players with an opportunity to experience the next legendary chapter in the Warcraft® saga. Through the launch and over the course of content updates to follow, the recreation will bring back the features of the 2007 original, including:

• 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.

As with WoW Classic, Burning Crusade Classic will be included with every WoW players’ subscription at no additional cost.

Since there's no time difference between Taipei and the Philippines, the Burning Crusade Classic is expected to launch locally on Tuesday, June 2, 2021 at 6am CST according to the Global release times provided by Blizzard.

For more information on Burning Crusade Classic, visit www.wowclassic.com.

(Images provided by Blizzard Entertainment)