WoW Classic anniversary players can choose to transfer to Classic Era realms or continue to TBC Classic anniversary realms on January 13

The Burning Crusade Classic pre-patch is rolling out January 13, 2026 and when it does it, all non-Hardcore PVP and PVE Classic anniversary realms will convert to TBC Classic anniversary realms. This level of change on anniversary realms means players, specifically Hardcore Classic anniversary players, need to choose what will happen to their characters, and depending on which realm you’re on, you’ll have different options available to you. To help players out, Blizzard is enabling free character transfers for all Classic anniversary players, specifically from Classic anniversary realms to Classic Era realms, starting November 25, 2025, through January 12, 2026. Just keep in mind that these you need to make your preferred choice between this specific window or else your character will default move on to a Burning Crusade Classic anniversary realm.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different options available to players on all Classic anniversary realms. Blizzard quickly clarified that there will be no Hardcore TBC Classic anniversary realms after the initial pre-patch announcement stated otherwise, means that these choices also apply to all Hardcore players on Classic anniversary realms with slight caveats.

Options for all Classic anniversary players

1. Move to TBC Classic anniversary realms — If you want your character to progress from Classic anniversary to TBC Classic anniversary, you don’t need to do anything for your character(s). On January 13, when the transfer window ends and the pre-patch goes live, your anniversary realm will automatically convert from Classic to TBC Classic and you’ll be able to continue your adventure.
   • Hardcore Classic anniversary players that want to continue on to TBC Classic will need to choose a non-Hardcore, PVE or PVP anniversary realm to move to by January 12. 
2. Move to Classic Era servers — Players who do not want to continue on to TBC Classic anniversary realms will need to transfer their character to a Classic Era realm of their choice. Right now, it appears that there are no restrictions for moving from a PVE to a PVP realm, or vice versa. If you want to move your character but fail to make a choice by the time pre-patch rolls out, unfortunately your character will move on to TBC Classic anniversary edition.
   • Hardcore Classic anniversary players that do not choose a non-Hardcore PVE/PVP Classic anniversary realm to move to will see their current Hardcore Classic anniversary realm continue to exist after the transfer window closes, effectively allowing them to stay on a Classic Era style server. It appears the option to transfer to a non-Hardcore Classic Era realm will continue after January 12, though if a Hardcore player dies on their Classic anniversary realm after this date they will then have the option to resurrect their character on a non-Hardcore PVE/PVP Classic Era realm.