Blizzard has announced that World of Warcraft Classic will be advancing to the Cataclysm expansion with some important modifications. During the opening ceremony of BlizzCon 2023, Holly Longdale, the executive producer of Warcraft, revealed that Blizzard has taken into account fan feedback regarding the expansion and will be implementing "#changes" to the 2010 WoW expansion. According to Longdale, Cataclysm Classic is scheduled to be released in the first half of 2024.
In terms of changes players can anticipate, Cataclysm Classic will offer enhanced and more efficient leveling, featuring faster leveling speeds and a more expedited release schedule for content. Furthermore, Cataclysm Classic will incorporate the Titan Rune dungeon system introduced in Wrath of the Lich King Classic. It will also introduce an expanded collections system that can be used across multiple accounts, improved guild features, and updates to the game's auction house.
While Cataclysm Classic is included in WoW's base subscription, Blizzard is providing two optional bundles for players seeking additional items or a way to immediately access the expansion without progressing through older content. For $30, the Blazing Heroic Pack grants a flying Ragnaros mount and Lil' Wrathion pet, both usable in Cataclysm Classic and the modern version of the game. In addition, a goblin town toy and Twilight Cultist transmog set are exclusively usable in Cataclysm Classic. Another bundle, the $80 Blazing Epic Upgrade Pack, includes all the contents of the Heroic pack, as well as a level 80 character boost and 30 days of game time.
Cataclysm, the expansion that brought controversy among players of Blizzard's Classic MMORPG, revamped Azeroth, altering zones and removing long-standing quests and content. This transformation marked the beginning of the old-school version of WoW transitioning into the modern version of the game. Due to this shift, many fans questioned if Blizzard would ever release a Classic version of Cataclysm.
During BlizzCon, one of Blizzard's major announcements was that Cataclysm Classic will be released next year. Chris Metzen, a veteran of Blizzard, revealed the future plans for the modern version of the game on stage, including three expansions at once. Among them is next year's expansion, The War Within. Collectively known as The Worldsoul Saga, these expansions will aim to revamp old-world zones like Northrend and Quel'Thalas.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of World of Warcraft, I am thrilled about the announcement of WoW Cataclysm Classic. The original Cataclysm expansion was a controversial one, but it also introduced some great changes to the game, including the revamped Azeroth zones and the Titan Rune dungeon system. I'm excited to see how these changes will be implemented in Cataclysm Classic, and I'm especially looking forward to the faster leveling speeds and the new dungeon challenges.
I'm also glad to see that Blizzard is taking fan feedback into account when developing Cataclysm Classic. The community has been very vocal about their concerns about the expansion, and it's clear that Blizzard is listening. I'm confident that Cataclysm Classic will be a great experience for fans of the game, and I can't wait to dive back into Azeroth when it launches in 2024.