A devastating cataclysm is approaching the World of Warcraft. We summarize all the information about WoW Cataclysm Classic for you, including the release, the most important innovations, content phases, and the available editions.
At BlizzCon 2023, Blizzard officially confirmed: After WoW: Wrath of the Lich King Classic, all fans of World of Warcraft can actually expect WoW: Cataclysm Classic at some point in 2024.
To ensure you are as informed as possible before the upcoming cataclysm, we summarize all the information about WoW Cataclysm Classic in this overview article. We will address the release, the most important innovations, any differences from WotLK Classic, and the available editions.
The Release of WoW Cataclysm Classic
The pre-event for Cataclysm Classic started on March 27, 2024, featuring Operation Gnomeregan and Zalazane’s Fall. The preparation patch for the new Classic expansion followed on May 1, 2024. The following Cataclysm innovations are already available on the live servers thanks to the update:
- New playable races: Goblins and Worgen
- New combinations of race and class
- The face of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms has fundamentally changed. You can expect a completely new leveling experience from level 1 to level 60.
- Class updates: New talents, spells, and more.
- New profession: Archaeology
- New feature: Transmogrification collection
- Updated character and equipment stats
When does Cataclysm Classic fully launch? The official launch of Cataclysm Classic is scheduled for May 21, 2024, at exactly midnight.
The announcement trailer for WoW Cataclysm Classic:
All New Content in WoW Cataclysm Classic
As of May 21, 2024, the following new content awaits you on the progressing servers of WoW Classic:
- Level phase from level 80 to 85 in the new areas of Mount Hyjal, Vash’jir, the Twilight Highlands, Uldum, and Deepholm.
- New dungeons: the Blackrock Caverns, the Throne of the Tides, the Vortex Pinnacle, the Stonecore, the Lost City of the Tol’vir, the Halls of Origination, and Grim Batol.
- New raids: the Throne of the Four Winds, the Bastion of Twilight, and the Firelands.
- Boss-based raid assignment system: Allows players to defeat individual bosses flexibly in either a 10- or 25-player mode during the week, rather than being locked into a raid size throughout the week. The assignments are tied to individual bosses.
- Introduction of the Dungeon Compendium
- PvP zone: Tol Barad
- Darkmoon Island: Discover what secrets Silas Darkmoon has in store.
- Flying in the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor
These Contents Will Disappear with WoW Cataclysm Classic
Anyone who has read our guide for optimal preparation for WoW Cataclysm Classic already knows that diverse content such as achievements and mounts will disappear from the game with the cataclysm. Here is the official list from Blizzard:
- Swift Zulian Tiger: Zul’Gurub is changing from a raid to a zone intended for leveling, so this mount will no longer be obtainable.
- Swift Razzashi Raptor: This mount will also no longer be obtainable with the changes to Zul’Gurub.
- Razzashi Hatchling: With changes to Zul’Gurub, this pet will also no longer be obtainable.
- Scroll of Transformation: Turtle: This scroll will still be obtainable through other means.
- Black/White Charger of the Crusader, Swift Steed of the Alliance, and Swift Wolf of the Horde: Since the trial-based tribute system from the heroic trial of the crusader is being removed, the tribute chest of the Argent Crusade will not appear anymore and these mounts will no longer be obtainable.
- Mimiron’s Head: This mount will be available with a very low drop chance when defeating the 25-player version of Yogg-Saron, without guardian support.
- Invincible: This mount will be available with a very low drop chance when defeating the heroic 25-player version of the Lich King.
- Various raid achievements such as “The Immortal” and “The Undying” from Naxxramas, “Champion/Conqueror of Ulduar” or the various tribute achievements for the trial of the crusader will no longer be achievable.
- Say goodbye to the achievements for Dungeon and Raid Emblems from Wrath of the Lich King Classic, achievements like “Timear Prophecized” and “Proof of Deaths,” as well as milestones for leveling weapon skills and obtaining Paladin mounts.
A complete list of all content that will disappear with Cataclysm Classic can be found on Warcraft Tavern. Note that the “Master of Teachings” achievements will be adjusted due to the new quests in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms.
The Phases of WoW Cataclysm Classic
- On July 31, 2024, the rise of the Zandalari is expected (Zul’Aman and Zul’Gurub will make their comeback as 5-player dungeons)
- In October 2024, Blizzard plans the assault on the Firelands (featuring the titular raid and the daily zone Molten Front)
- In January 2025, the hour of Twilight will strike (with the Dragon Soul raid and three new dungeons in the Caverns of Time)
Note that Blizzard reserves the right to make occasional smaller or larger adjustments on the progressive Classic servers. As things stand, there will be no LFR raid finder in WoW Cataclysm Classic, which was introduced with patch 4.3.
What do I need to play Cataclysm Classic?
As with previous Classic expansions, you only need an active WoW subscription or some paid playtime to play Cataclysm Classic. Another parallel: Blizzard offers optional editions for the new Classic chapter, which allow you to secure in-game goodies.
- Blazing Heroic Pack for 29.99 Euros: Flying mount Avatar of the Flame, flying mount Rune-bound Firelord (for modern WoW), pet Mini-Furorion (for Classic and modern WoW), transmog set Regalia of the Shadow Hammers, toy Instant City Starter Kit
- Blazing Epic Pack for 79.99 Euros: All goodies from the Heroic Set plus character upgrade to level 80 and 30 days of playtime
What else do I need to know?
With Cataclysm Classic, the developers are phasing out the currencies tab. Instead of countless different emblems, there will only be Justice and Valor points for PvE. In PvP, you will only earn Honor points and Conquest points.
Important for the transition from WotLK to Cataclysm Classic: Frost/Triumph emblems will be converted into Justice points. For the rest, you will receive some gold pieces. So you have it in your hands whether you receive a hefty gold or Justice point bonus for the upcoming adventure.
This choice does not exist for PvP currencies. Whether it be Honor badges, Stones of the Guardian, Spirit Shards, Venture Coin, or the old Honor points: You will always receive a certain amount of the new Honor points in exchange. More info about WoW Classic: WoW: Era, Hardcore, Season of Discoveries and Cataclysm – what you need to know about Classic
