As the TBC Anniversary in Classic World of Warcraft approaches, players are buzzing with excitement and planning to get a head start. Whether you're a veteran or returning player, preparing now can set you up for success when The Burning Crusade launches. To help you dive into this iconic expansion with confidence, we've outlined five key steps to prepare effectively. For more WoW tips and resources, consider bookmarking our site and exploring our WoW Classic Gold store to fuel your adventures.
1. Choose Your Main Class Wisely
Selecting your main class is the foundation of your TBC journey. The meta in TBC favors ranged classes like Warlocks, Hunters, and Mages, which dominate damage meters. Melee classes like Warriors and Rogues, while viable, face stiffer competition due to their high population and a ranged-friendly meta. For instance, Fury Warriors rank high but require exceptional performance to secure raid spots.
If you're set on a Blood Elf Paladin or Draenei Shaman, start gathering resources now to level their professions like Blacksmithing or Engineering. For those sticking with existing races, consider the raid demand:
Tanks: Bear Druids excel as main tanks, followed by Protection Paladins for AoE tanking, with Protection Warriors as a solid but third-place option.
Healers: Resto Shamans are in high demand due to their totems, Bloodlust, and versatile healing. Priests and other healers are still valued, but Resto Shamans are the gold standard.
DPS: Warlocks and Hunters lead, followed by Mages, Fury Warriors, and Elemental/Enhance Shamans. Shadow Priests are also highly sought after for their mana battery utility.
If you're a Warrior or Rogue loyalist, start networking with guilds now to secure a spot, as competition will be fierce.
2. Prepare Your Alts for Professions and Gold
Alts are your ticket to thriving in TBC's economy. Professions like Tailoring, Jewelcrafting, and Leatherworking will be goldmines, especially in the early phases. Items like spellcloth transmutes or profession kits (e.g., 1-300 Jewelcrafting kits) can fetch hundreds or even thousands of gold due to inflated economies.
Consider leveling alts to 50 and maxing out their professions. For example:
Tailoring: Craft specialty items that sell for 700-1,000 gold in the first weeks.
Jewelcrafting: Stockpile materials like citrine and aquamarine, which will skyrocket in value during the pre-patch.
Herbalism: Druids with flight form can farm herbs efficiently, especially on PvP servers.
Having a PvE alt (like a Resto Shaman) alongside a PvP alt (like a Rogue, which shines in arenas) can also diversify your gameplay.
3. Farm Gold for Epic Flying
Epic flying is a game-changer in TBC, but it costs a hefty 5,000 gold. Leveling from 1 to 70 can net you 3,500-4,000 gold, but you'll need additional sources to hit that target. Here are some casual-friendly strategies:
Dungeon Runs: Run 1-5 Stratholme Live runs weekly for Righteous Orbs, which sell for ~100 gold each. Even casual players can earn 200-300 gold weekly.
Boosting: Mages, Warlocks, or Paladins can boost dungeons like Zul'Farrak or Slave Pens for steady income.
Auction House: Flip materials or sell profession kits to unprepared players at launch.
Start farming now, as gold will be easier to accumulate over the next 6-8 months.
4. Stockpile Profession Materials
Jewelcrafting, Blacksmithing, and Leatherworking materials will be in high demand at TBC's launch. Stock up on items like citrine, aquamarine, or leather now, as their prices will surge during the pre-patch. Selling profession kits can yield massive profits, but you'll also need these materials for your own characters to avoid inflated Auction House prices.
For example, a complete 1-300 Jewelcrafting kit could sell for 5,000 gold, capitalizing on players rushing to level professions. Prepare your main and alts with these kits to save gold and time.
5. Find a Guild or Community Early
TBC's raids, like Karazhan and Magtheridon, are manageable but shine with a solid guild. If you're a Warrior or Rogue, finding a guild now is critical, as many will prioritize top performers or ranged classes. Casual guilds are an option, but mid-tier or higher guilds offer smoother raid experiences.
Returning players should join communities during late Ahn'Qiraj or early Naxxramas, when TBC-focused guilds start forming. A strong community ensures you enjoy all phases of TBC without the frustration of low-quality groups.
Fresh Servers or Current Servers?
Blizzard might introduce fresh servers for TBC Anniversary, but their track record (e.g., Skyfury in Wrath) suggests they die out within 60-90 days. Stick to current servers for stability, as fresh servers often disrupt economies and communities. If you're tempted by a fresh start, weigh the risk of burnout from re-leveling against the benefits of a new economy.
Play Your Way
TBC Anniversary is about enjoying WoW your way. Whether you're a casual player, a PvP enthusiast, or a hardcore raider, there's a guild or arena team for you. Focus on what brings you joy, and don't let the meta dictate your fun.
FAQs About Preparing for TBC Anniversary
Which class should I pick for TBC Anniversary?
Resto Shamans, Warlocks, and Hunters are top picks for raid spots and performance. Warriors and Rogues are viable but face more competition.
How much gold do I need for epic flying?
You'll need 5,000 gold for epic flying. Leveling from 1-70 provides ~3,500-4,000 gold, so supplement with dungeon runs or Auction House flips.
Are fresh servers worth playing on?
Fresh servers may offer a new economy, but often die out quickly. Current servers are safer for long-term play.
Which professions are best for TBC?
Jewelcrafting, Tailoring, and Leatherworking are highly profitable. Stockpile materials now to sell kits at launch.
How do I find a good guild for TBC?
Join guilds during late Ahn'Qiraj or early Naxxramas, when TBC-focused communities form. Look for ones matching your playstyle.
Thanks for Reading
TBC Anniversary promises epic adventures, and with these tips, you'll be ready to conquer Outland. Stay tuned to MMOJUGG for more guides and resources to enhance your Classic WoW experience!