Since BlizzCon 2023, we know that WoW Cataclysm Classic is set to release in the summer of 2024. As the launch approaches, especially the heroes of Azeroth will fully engage in the revamped world, which is already preparing for the upcoming Cataclysm. We’ll tell you what you can do.
At some point in spring 2024, the pre-events for WoW Cataclysm Classic will start. In early summer, Azeroth will once again have to survive the Cataclysm caused by Deathwing. As compensation, there will be Worgen and Goblins, archaeology, reforging, and countless other innovations.
Once the launch of Cataclysm Classic is imminent, especially the players in the revamped world will fully engage as they prepare for the upcoming challenges. We’ll reveal in this guide what you can do in detail right now.
To get in the mood, here’s the beautifully staged cinematic trailer for Cataclysm Classic:
Master content that will soon disappear
The Cataclysm changes not only the face of Azeroth but also wipes out various current Classic content. Just think of the two raid challenges Zul’Aman and Zul’Gurub, which will return as heroic dungeons in one of the later phases of Cataclysm. Those who want to complete the associated raid achievements or secure the two mounts (Raptor and Tiger) must get moving.
Also no longer achievable in Cataclysm Classic are various raid achievements such as “The Undying” or “The Immortal” from Naxxramas, “Champion/Conqueror of Ulduar,” or the various tribute achievements for the Trial of the Crusader.
Also say goodbye to the achievements for the dungeon and raid emblems from Wrath of the Lich King Classic, achievements like “Timear predicts” and “Proof of Death,” as well as milestones for leveling weapon skills or obtaining Paladin mounts.
A complete list of all content that will disappear with Cataclysm Classic can be found on Warcraft Tavern.
Prepare your main character and twinks
With Cataclysm Classic, the current class design/balancing of WotLK Classic will be turned upside down – also due to the “new” talent trees and fresh resources like the Hunter’s Focus or the Warlock’s Soul Shards.
If you are planning to switch to another class or already know that you want to actively play one or the other twink after the Cataclysm, then use the time until launch to reach level 80 and complete important milestones for your heroes.
Keep an eye on the pre-patch, which will already bring the modernized Azeroth and thus a fresh leveling experience for low-level characters, but also the two new races Worgen and Goblins.
Tip: Collecting resources such as ores and herbs will yield experience points in Cataclysm Classic. Speaking of …
Choose and level your professions
This tip is not only relevant for new characters but also for players who want to use the currently best possible profession combinations for raids or PvP across all classes in WotLK Classic. It’s unfortunate if this means you’re using the same crafts on all characters. You can’t earn much gold this way at the start of Cataclysm Classic.
Additionally, with the next expansion, some profession advantages change. Mining becomes a solid choice for tanks, as the profession grants 120 stamina points. The herb gatherer’s Lifeblood provides you with a strong haste effect at the push of a button. And leatherworking … well … the buff for critical strike rating can actually be forgotten.
Also important for the choice of professions: Even in Cataclysm Classic there are crafts that can only be performed with a specific cooldown (e.g., once a day or week). Assigning these professions to characters you won’t play much can generate a lot of gold with little effort.
We’re thinking of transmutation here: true gold from alchemists, the fire prism from jewel crafters, or the various tailoring CDs like dream cloth or the dream from Deepholm.
Another strong option, at least for the first phase of Cataclysm Classic: Inscription, which gives you access to the new Darkmoon cards and shoulder enchants.
Get your wardrobe in order
With Cataclysm Classic, transmogification and account-wide collections will come. If you want access to a large number of clothes after the Cataclysm, you should now primarily farm the armors and weapons that will vanish with Deathwing’s emergence.
Items that will soon no longer be available include weapons such as Blessing, Rhok’delar, or Quel’Serrar. Even in many normal dungeons in Azeroth, the loot tables of bosses and trash groups will be turned upside down.
Keep currency conversion in mind
With Cataclysm Classic, the developers are streamlining the currency tab. Instead of countless different emblems, there will only be Justice and Valor Points for PvE. In PvP, you will earn only 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’ll receive a few gold coins each. So you indeed have control over whether you receive a nice gold or Justice Points bonus for the upcoming adventure.
There is no choice in PvP currencies. Whether it’s Honor Tokens, shards of the Stonekeeper, Spirit Shards, Venture Coins, or the old Honor Points: You will always receive a certain amount of the new Honor Points in exchange.
By the way: The beta of Cataclysm Classic is running and more players are expected to be invited gradually
