World of Warcraft Classic release date

World of Warcraft Classic will be sending players back in time this summer, returning to the days before flying mounts, dungeon queues and the earth-shattering Cataclysm. You'll be able to start levelling up a new character in old WoW on August 27.

You might not need to wait until August, however. From May 15, Blizzard will be inviting select players into a closed beta, while more will be brought in for stress tests from May through July. If you fancy participating, you can sign up here.

From launch, all WoW subscribers will have access to Classic, so you might as well take it for a spin. It's an unusual experience, simultaneously frustrating and comforting, but perfect for a spot of digital tourism. For more, check out my World of Warcraft Classic preview.

Classic's arrival is part of Blizzard's celebration of 15 years of WoW (and 25 years of Warcraft). There will be a few other things to mark the occasion, including the launch of the World of Warcraft 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition, which will be available from October 8 for $99. Most of that hefty price is down to the fancy Ragnaros statue and probably not the pin, mouse pad or prints.

Here's Ragnaros getting furious about being encased in glass.

Fraser is the UK online editor and has actually met The Internet in person. With over a decade of experience, he's been around the block a few times, serving as a freelancer, news editor and prolific reviewer. Strategy games have been a 30-year-long obsession, from tiny RTSs to sprawling political sims, and he never turns down the chance to rave about Total War or Crusader Kings. He's also been known to set up shop in the latest MMO and likes to wind down with an endlessly deep, systemic RPG. These days, when he's not editing, he can usually be found writing features that are 1,000 words too long or talking about his dog.