This year, World of Warcraft is celebrating its 18th Anniversary a bit earlier than usual as it prepares for the launch of Dragonflight.
Blizzard commemorated World of Warcraft’s 18th anniversary earlier this year. The celebration was moved up a few days on the calendar to sync with the release of Dragonflight at the end of the month.
On November 23, 2004, World of Warcraft was launched, building upon the success of the strategy game Warcraft 3. It introduced eight races, nine classes, and two factions, setting the standard for MMORPGs for almost two decades. Through eight expansions and now Dragonflight as the ninth, World of Warcraft has evolved and set the stage for its Third Era, bringing in fresh storytelling and gameplay elements. Despite facing challenges and controversies over the years, including those involving Blizzard, the game continues to captivate players.
The game has already undergone changes with the pre-expansion patch in place. This year, the anniversary celebrations, typically held in late November, began on November 6 and will conclude on November 27, just before the launch of Dragonflight. Players can engage in battles against Classic-era bosses in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms during this period, vying for valuable loot and Timewalking Badges. These badges can be traded for entertaining items such as costumes and transformation items at various Timewalking merchants globally and in the Caverns of Time.
DING!
— World of Warcraft (@Warcraft) November 6, 2022
Thank you for grouping up with us for all these years!https://t.co/0Dd0h9g1Mc pic.twitter.com/vW2fTLFHCx
During the anniversary, players receive an achievement and a celebration package in their in-game mailbox. The package includes an 18% boost to experience and reputation points earned during the event, aligning with the 18th anniversary. This buff can help players level up faster before Dragonflight raises the cap to 70, offering multiple characters ample opportunities to catch up.
The factions’ numbers will see an increase during the anniversary period. The Dragonflight pre-expansion patch’s second phase starts on November 15, allowing players to experience the Dracthyr Evoker story and their alliance with the Alliance and Horde. Although Evokers may not benefit from the experience buff, players can still enjoy the reputation boost until November 27.
World of Warcraft is accessible on PC, with the Dragonflight launch scheduled for November 28.
