On This Day: World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade Launched Fifteen Years Ago on January 16, 2007

Posted 2022/01/16 at 4:47 PM by Paryah

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

Several years have passed since the Burning Legion's defeat at the Battle of Mount Hyjal - and the races of Azeroth have continued to rebuild their once shattered kingdoms. With renewed strength, the heroes of the Horde and Alliance have begun to explore the broken lands beyond the Dark Portal. What dangers or rewards await mortal champions in Draenor? And what will the Alliance and Horde do when they discover that the demons they thought vanquished have returned to renew their terrible Burning Crusade?

The Burning Crusade Features

The character level cap was raised to 70

New Races: Blood Elf and Draenei

Capital City: Silvermoon City

Classes: Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Rogue, Warlock

Capital City: The Exodar

Classes: Hunter, Mage, Paladin, Priest, Shaman, Warrior

New World and Zones: Outland and AzerothHellfire PeninsulaNetherstormShadowmoon ValleyTerokkar ForestZangarmarshNagrandBlade's Edge MountainsShattrath CityThe AldorThe ScryersEversong WoodsGhostlandsAzuremyst IsleBloodmyst IsleTeldrassilIsle of Quel'DanasNew System: FlyingFlying Quest ChainNew Profession: JewelcraftingDungeonsHellfire Citadel

Coilfang Reservoir

Auchindoun

Tempest Keep

Caverns of Time

Old Hillsbrad Foothills

Isle of Quel'Danas

Raids

PvPEye of the StormPatch 2.1: The Black TempleMay 22, 2007

The Temple of Karabor was the center of draenei worship until its priests were slaughtered by demonically corrupted orcs. In the massacre's aftermath the warlocks of The Shadow Council seized the structure and gave it a new name: The Black Temple.

When The Alliance invaded Draenor after The Second War, the orc shaman Ner'zhul hastily opened several dimensional portals in order to escape. The resulting magical backlash ripped the world apart. Drawn by these portals, the pit lord Magtheridon arrived in what had come to be known as Outland and took the temple as his seat of power.

His dominion over Outland remained unchallenged until the arrival of Illidan the Betrayer. The pit lord proved no match for the wielder of the Twin Blades of Azzinoth. Today Illidan occupies the temple, awaiting any and all who would challenge his rule.

Black Temple

New quest hubs: The Ethereum Prison, Skettis, Nether Drakes, Ogri'la

Patch 2.2: BrewfestOctober 2, 2007Brewfest

Brewfest has begun and members of the Horde and Alliance can enjoy a multitude of activities, quests, items, and even Ram Racing. As Brewfest is about beer and food, revelers can sample the best beverages available in the world.

Patch 2.3: The Gods of Zul'amanNovember 13, 2007

The stronghold of Zul'Aman has stood for millennia as the Amani trolls' seat of power and bastion of the fearless, cunning warlord Zul'jin.

Zul'jin has spent several years plotting behind Zul'Aman's walls. Furious at the Horde for allowing his hated enemies, the blood elves, to join its ranks, he eagerly embraced a scheme that the witch doctor Malacrass recently proposed: to seal the power of the animal gods within the bodies of the Amani's strongest warriors.

Now Zul'Aman's army grows more powerful by the day, hungry to exact vengeance in the name of its fearless leader, Zul'jin.

Zul'Aman

Guild Banks introduced

Dustwallow Marsh revamp

Patch 2.4: Fury of the SunwellMarch 25, 2008

The glorious fount of arcane energy known as the Sunwell empowered the high elves for millennia, until the death knight Arthas laid siege to the elven kingdom and corrupted its sacred energies. Seeing no other alternative, a band of survivors led by Prince Kael'thas destroyed the ancient fount. Over time the surviving elves fell prey to a crippling magical withdrawal.

Now, promising salvation for his people, Kael'thas has returned. Soon the Sunwell will shine once again, but whether the sacred fount will usher in deliverance or destruction remains to be seen.

The Isle of Quel'Danas opens, including a dungeon, a raid, and a quest hub

In Memoriam: Gary Gygax
Blizzard Entertainment would like to dedicate the patch in memory of Gary Gygax. His work on D&D was an inspiration to us in many ways and helped spark our passion for creating games of our own. As avid D&D players and fellow game developers, we were all saddened by the news of his passing; we feel we’ve lost a true adventuring companion. Thanks for everything and farewell, Gary. You will be missed.

Chromie TimeBurning Crusade Classic

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Comment by GortuskCan you imagine if Blizzard today had a major patch that was highlighted with a seasonal event? People would absolutely freak out, more than usual.

Those that will reply “any patch would be better than the schedule we currently have”; I would still stand by what was said above.Comment by DarkLights07It’s crazy to think it’s been this long and some of the features that were released as major points of the patch. Also, weren’t Warriors a restricted class to the blood elves at release? I thought that came later.Comment by KaevrasBlood elves couldn't be warriors at the timeComment by FrokoTBC is still great, even after 15 years. Shame that TBCC is dying because those cowards don't have enough courage to ban flyhacking bo- ... erm "automatised paying customers".Comment by reboundIt’s crazy to think it’s been this long and some of the features that were released as major points of the patch. Also, weren’t Warriors a restricted class to the blood elves at release? I thought that came later.Comment by BladestormTankIt’s crazy to think it’s been this long and some of the features that were released as major points of the patch. Also, weren’t Warriors a restricted class to the blood elves at release? I thought that came later.Comment by lovelywazThe Burning Crusade introduced 16 new dungeons, as well as dungeon hubs where several different dungeons could be accessed conveniently.

The Burning Crusade introduced 8 new raids, and also set the maximum raid size to 25 people.Comment by TallLadyDangit, Wowhead--stop making me feel old!Comment by QuantityRaise your hand if you stood in line outside a Gamestop at midnight to pick up your pre-order ;p