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WoW Classic
WoW Classic
Classic isn't one game. Different realm types sit at different points in WoW's history, so pick the one that matches the era you want.
Checked November 14, 2026Where Classic is right now
The original Classic realms have reached the last phase of Mists of Pandaria, and the Anniversary realms are working through The Burning Crusade, with Zul'Aman now open.
BlizzCon 2026 brought no news on Warlords of Draenor Classic or the next Anniversary expansion. Blizzard's big Classic-era launch this year was WoW Forever, which runs alongside these realms rather than replacing them.
- Progression
- Mists of Pandaria, Phase 5
- Anniversary
- Burning Crusade, Phase 3.5
- Era
- Vanilla, level 60
- Hardcore
- Vanilla, one life
- Cost
- Included with a subscription
Every Classic version
| Version | Where it is now | What's next |
|---|---|---|
| Mists of Pandaria Classic Progression realms, the original 2019 Classic realms that move through each expansion | Phase 5, Siege of Orgrimmar, the final phase, live since June 2, 2026. Includes the Timeless Isle. | Blizzard hasn't announced Warlords of Draenor Classic or what happens to these realms next. |
| Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Anniversary realms, the second run through the expansions, now in The Burning Crusade | Phase 3.5, The Gods of Zul'Aman, live since October 22, 2026. Black Temple and Mount Hyjal are open from Phase 3. | Phase 4, Fury of the Sunwell, with the Sunwell Plateau raid. No date announced yet. |
| Classic Era Permanent level 60 vanilla realms | Complete vanilla content with a few modern conveniences: dual specialization, instant mail and the group finder tool. | No new phases; this is the finished game. |
| Hardcore Permanent vanilla realms where death is final | Same content as Classic Era. If your character dies, it can't be revived. | No new phases. |
| Season of Discovery Seasonal vanilla remix with new runes and raids | Still online, but no new content since its final phase in 2025. | None announced. WoW Forever is now Blizzard's main take on new vanilla content. |
Which Classic should I play?
- You want Outland, Illidan and arena seasons: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary. It's the most active progression right now, with Sunwell still to come.
- You want the most content and modern-ish systems: Mists of Pandaria Classic, at level 90 with every MoP raid open.
- You want vanilla exactly as it was: Classic Era.
- You want every pull to matter: Hardcore.
- You want vanilla with new content: that's WoW Forever, not Classic.