The Dark Portal for the WoW: Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary event opens on February 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST , as part of the official Anniversary Edition launch that sends players back through the portal into Outland.

Quick Scoop: Exact Opening Time

  • Date: February 5, 2026.
  • Time: 3:00 p.m. PST (global launch time for the Anniversary Edition).
  • Event: Opening of the Dark Portal and start of the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary content (Outland access, Tier 4 raids, Arena Season 1).

So if you want to be there right as the Dark Portal opens for the TBC Anniversary, you should be online shortly before 3:00 p.m. PST on February 5, 2026.

How it Fits the TBC Anniversary Roadmap

  • The pre-patch for TBC Anniversary landed on January 13, 2026 , setting up characters and choices before the expansion proper.
  • The actual Anniversary expansion launch , including the Dark Portal opening and Outland zones, is Phase 1 , dated February 5, 2026.
  • That same Phase 1 brings Karazhan, Gruul’s Lair, Magtheridon’s Lair, and Arena Season 1 live immediately with the Dark Portal/Outland launch.

In other words, the “when does the Dark Portal open TBC anniversary” answer is tied directly to that Phase 1 launch date and time.

Forum & Community Chatter

Players on forums and community sites have been discussing this around a few key points:

  • Some early posts speculated on dates like late January (e.g., “January 27th” claims), but these were not backed by official announcements and drew criticism as misleading or “unhelpful.”
  • Later, the official Blizzard announcement clarified the exact February 5 at 3:00 p.m. PST timing, which community sites and roadmap breakdowns now repeat as the definitive Dark Portal opening moment for Anniversary realms.

“Prepare to tread once again through the Dark Portal and into the fel- scarred realm of Outland… on February 5 at 3:00 pm PST globally.”

TL;DR

The Dark Portal opens for the TBC Anniversary event on February 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST , synchronized with the Burning Crusade Classic Anniversary Edition launch and Phase 1 content rollout.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.