World of Warcraft’s 20th Anniversary Event: Classic Revivals, Raid Expansions, and Retro Transmogs

World of Warcraft is nearly two decades old, which makes me want to take a long, hard look at my therapist’s card, but instead, let’s talk about the 20th anniversary event Blizzard announced earlier today. I guess it’s a small price to pay for the privilege of having been around this long.

As part of the festivities, Blackrock Depths, the sprawling subterranean dungeon from back in the day, is coming back for a visit. It’ll be a 10-15 player raid with eight revamped bosses and five minibosses, and it’ll be accessible in LFR, Normal, and Heroic difficulties. Just don’t get too excited, unless you’re ready to navigate all those dwarves and elementals. Again.

Then, there’s the whole time-warping shenanigans at the gates of Ahn’Qiraj, courtesy of some bronze dragonflight business with Chromie. This means you’ll be queueing up to relive a pivotal moment in WoW’s history while fending off unexpected forces like the Legion, Kel’Thuzad, and others. Think of it like a history lesson with monsters.

We’re also getting a dose of Classic Timewalking, where dungeons from previous expansions become accessible, but with a modern twist. Deadmines, Zul’Farrak, both Dire Maul wings, and both Stratholme wings are joining the rotation, so you can relive some of the good ol’ days. And hey, Rivendare’s Charger is up for grabs again!

Of course, the anniversary event wouldn’t be complete without some new rewards to earn. Completing the main quest will net you the Coldflame Tempest, a new ice phoenix mount based on service rewards given to veteran devs (in-game transmog versions of those swords and shields are also up for grabs).

Oh, and did I mention modernized Tier 2 armor sets for Warrior, Druid, and Priest? Those classic looks are getting a refresh, so you can proudly rock your Judgment set again (just like I’m doing, minus the WoW subscription my parents had to pay for back in 2005).

Finally, the November trading post will feature faction crest back slot transmogs commemorating each of the Warcraft 3 factions: orcs, humans, night elves, and the Scourge. It’s the perfect way to honor 30 years of Warcraft’s rich history.

You can find all the juicy details on the Blizzard blog. The event will kick off sometime before WoW’s actual 20th anniversary on November 23, 2024. Get ready to celebrate two decades of World of Warcraft’s time-warping adventures!