Exciting news for World of Warcraft enthusiasts! The long-awaited release date for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic has been revealed, along with a detailed schedule for subsequent major updates. If you're eager to revisit the Azeroth-altering events of December 2010, this guide has all the essential information about the launch of Cataclysm Classic.
Unveiling the World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic Release Dates
Let's dive into the key dates for Cataclysm Classic. The Cataclysm pre-expansion patch is set to go live on April 30. This patch marks the shattering of Azeroth, transforming multiple zones and landscapes permanently. It will introduce the Goblin and Worgen races, transmog collections, new class-race combos, level updates, system enhancements, and core gameplay changes.
Following this, the full release of Cataclysm Classic is scheduled for May 20, bringing a plethora of new content, including:
- Seven New Zones: Mount Hyjal, Vash'jir, Twilight Highlands, Uldum, Deepholm, Kezan, and Gilneas.
- Nine New Dungeons: Blackrock Caverns, Throne of the Tides, Vortex Pinnacle, The Stonecore, The Lost City of Tol'vir, The Halls of Origination, Grim Batol, Deadmines, Shadowfang Keep
- Introduction of Dungeon Journal
- Three New Raid Dungeons: Throne of the Four Winds, Blackwing Descent, and Bastion of Twilight
- Flexible Raid Lock System: Allowing 10- and 25-player raids in the same week.
- Tol Barad PvP Zone
- Darkmoon Island: Unveil the mysteries Silas Darkmoon has in store for you.
- Flying in Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor
With these additions, some quests, items, and achievements will be removed or altered due to the world's transformation. This includes specific mounts and achievements like Loremaster of Eastern Kingdoms and Loremaster of Kalimdor. For more details, refer to the Blizzard blog post.
Post-Launch Plans for Cataclysm Classic
World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic will have a faster content release cycle compared to its original 2010 launch, promising quicker updates and new adventures.
Following the launch, three significant updates are planned for Cataclysm Classic, introducing fresh raids, content, and modifications:
- Rise of the Zandalari - July 2024
- Rage of the Firelands - October 2024
- Hour of Twilight - January 2025
Beyond these updates, the classic community eagerly awaits news on what's next. While many speculate that the Mists of Pandaria expansion could be next in line for the Classic treatment, no official announcements have been made yet.