The beta of WoW: Cataclysm Classic has started! Find out if the third expansion of World of Warcraft is as bad as its reputation. Those who want to follow the call will find information about registration and the already available beta content here.
What do I need to know about WoW: Cataclysm Classic? This is the Classic reissue of the third WoW expansion, which was originally released in December 2010. The launch is planned for summer 2024. The beta phase for Cata Classic has now begun.
Similar to the previous Classic versions of Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm Classic will offer a detailed adapted version of the original expansion (more on that shortly).
The announcement trailer of WoW: Cataclysm Classic is bold:
How can I sign up for the beta? Visit this article on the official World of Warcraft website and click on “Sign up now!”. The first wave of invitations has already been sent out, but more invitations are expected to follow according to community manager Kaivax (via official WoW forum).
If you are invited by Blizzard for the beta, you will receive a corresponding email and can then download and install the corresponding WoW version “Cataclysm Classic Beta” under “In Development” in the Battle.net app.
Currently, the focus of the beta is on the leveling phase through the heavily revised continents of Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms. The following features cannot yet be tested (via official WoW forum):
- Re-forging
- Archaeology
- Goblins and Worgen
- Transmogrification
- The updated guild systems
- Leveling phase from level 80
- Endgame dungeons
- The dungeon journal
- Tol Barad
- The updates for the character window
Why is it worth taking a look at Cataclysm Classic? Looking back, WoW: Cataclysm is among the least popular expansions in WoW history. The reasons for this are manifold.
Due to the focus on the redesign of the old world, the endgame particularly suffered. There were large content gaps. Various originally announced features were scrapped. The raid finale was disappointing. Small guilds faced tangible disadvantages. The talent trees were smaller and more restrictive. The heavily criticized raid finder debuted.
With Cataclysm Classic, the Blizzard developers want to specifically address some of these weaknesses. They are considering the removal of the LFR tool, strengthening the guild system with a view to small communities, and expanding the endgame with a new dungeon format (similar to the titan run dungeons from WotLK Classic).
Furthermore, the update cycle will be significantly snappier than it was back then – similar to the previous Classic versions. Moreover, there will be many small improvements, such as account-wide transmogrification and a significantly improved auction house.
But is all of this enough to make the Cataclysm content enjoyable almost 14 years after the original release? Those who want to find out exactly that should register for the beta. The author of these lines has already sharpened the daggers and packed the saddlebags. But maybe you belong to the numerous players who are not excited about WoW: Cataclysm Classic.
