World of Warcraft Classic players are currently delving through what will be the last content of the vanilla game experience. This past month, Blizzard introduced the Naxxramus raid to World of Warcraft Classic, as well as other lingering updates. Now, players are beginning to look forward to what comes next. The Burning Crusade, World of Warcraft's first expansion, has to be the inevitable next step. And if a recent rumored leak is any indication, Blizzard is already moving in that direction.
In one of their recent videos, Youtuber and World of Warcraft content creator Staysafe TV provides details on a leak they claim to have seen. They say they first discovered the information in a World of Warcraft Classic forum, but that they ran the info by a "very trusted source" and that confirmed the details. To sum up the leak, Staysafe TV says that World of Warcraft Classic's Burning Crusade update is in the works and may arrive as soon as May 3.
In more detail, Staysafe TV explains that Blizzard is already planning the beta for the Burning Crusade update. This beta will tentatively arrive sometime in mid-February. A pre-patch will then follow on April 13, followed by the expansion's full launch. This fits the familiar pattern for World of Warcraft expansion launches, but doesn't have any firm evidence to support it outside of Staysafe TV's claimed anonymous source having confirmed it. As such, it's worth remaining skeptical.
The one aspect of this scenario that does sound realistic is how much it coincides with Blizzard's existing plans for BlizzCon. Blizzard delayed and is holding BlizzCon online this year. It will officially begin on February 19. Based on Staysafe's leak, that means that the Burning Crusade beta could start immediately after or around BlizzCon. As such, it would make for a fitting announcement during the show.
It's all but certain that Burning Crusade is coming to World of Warcraft Classic in a matter of time. The alternative is Blizzard could reset the current servers and have players go through the base game all over again. Shifting straight into Burning Crusade is likely to be much more successful, however.
As with all unverified leaks and rumors, it's best to treat this as speculation above all. Staysafe TV isn't necessarily a reliable source and their leak isn't so robust as to be persuasive. Regardless, it's not unrealistic. With BlizzCon less than two months away, World of Warcraft Classic players won't have to wait long to find out the truth.
World of Warcraft Classic is available now on PC.