World of Warcraft Classic is now officially live. For those who already have a WoW subscription, the game is included at no additional cost. The release of World of Warcraft Classic allows both grizzled veterans and newcomers to experience Azeroth as it was during the early days of the game.
The release of World of Warcraft Classic comes just as the original game is celebrating its 15th anniversary. For Blizzard, WoW Classic has been a labor of love. This version is a genuine re-creation of the pre-expansion game in its most feature-complete state. It is the same version as it was during 2006’s “Drums of War” update (patch 1.12.0).
To anticipate the official launch, Blizzard has continued to bring WoW Classic realms online around the world to accommodate the more than two million players who have created characters. Blizzard said that it continues to work on adding more based on player population trends.
Over the last 15 years, it is estimated that at least 140 million players have played World of Warcraft. Since then, the game has evolved considerably with seven expansions released. In addition, there have been numerous features, enhancements, and even quality-of-life improvements.
Without a doubt, World of Warcraft Classic is more unrelenting and demanding of self-direction from players compared to today’s version of the game. Forging bonds among the community are important since activities like raids and dungeon runs have to be organized collectively by players on the same realm, with the toughest challenges needing 40 coordinated and committed souls to hurdle.
The Azeroth of World of Warcraft Classic is one part wonder and another part hazard. The trials present are sure to push players to their limits. Despite being in the middle of their own war, both the Alliance and Horde need to deal with other forces whose powers are way beyond their own conflict. Players get to encounter some of the game's iconic and love-hated villains like Ragnaros the Firelord and even Archlich Kel’Thuzad.
Blizzard Entertainment President J. Allen Brack said that the game is truly a long time coming, but they are more than happy to welcome old and new friends to the classic Azeroth. He went on to say in a press statement that the "community’s excitement is infectious and deeply motivating—it’s clear they’re as thrilled as we are to relive the World of Warcraft Classic experience." Brack added that they are looking forward to rediscovering the wonders and challenges of Azeroth together with the players.
Blizzard revealed that World of Warcraft Classic is going to expand in the weeks and months following the launch, allowing players the opportunity to live through pivotal moments in Azeroth history previously lost to time. The host of features and activities set to be introduced to the game across six phases are iconic raids like Blackwing Lair, Zul’Gurub, and Naxxramas. Then there are the player-versus-player battlegrounds like Warsong Gulch, Arathi Basin, and the classic version of Alterac Valley. Finally there is the time-limited server-wide events like the Ahn’Qiraj War Effort, and the Scourge Invasion.
If you're interested into diving to Azeroth, but have no idea what to do, you can read our series of guides starting here.
