Blizzard Entertainment is relaunching World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic. Technically, Cataclysm Classic is an incoming expansion in WoW. However, Blizzard has been launching classic versions of certain expansions for older players to revisit and newer players to experience the good old days. The modern Cataclysm expansion was first released back in 2010. Then in November 2023, Blizzard announced that the classic variant was coming back.

World of Warcraft – Cataclysm Classic Release Date – May 20, 2024

World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic will launch on May 20, 2024, taking players back to the vintage version of the 2010 expansion. A select few players got to experience the classic expansion earlier in a closed beta which went live on March 7, 2024.

Players concerned about shelling out extra money shouldn't worry as Cataclysm Classic will readily be available to active subscription holders of WoW. However, Blizzard Entertainment is also offering paid optional bundles that will give players exclusive items and character boosts.

For those who are interested, players can either purchase the Blazing Heroic Pack or Blazing Epic Upgrade. Here's all the content in each bundle:

Blazing Heroic Pack ($29.99)

  • Avatar of Flame Flying Mount
  • Runebound Firelord Flying Mount for Modern World of Warcraft Players
  • Lil' Wrathion Pet
  • Lil' Wrathion Pet for Modern World of Warcraft Characters
  • Twilight's Hammer Regalia Transmog Set
  • Town-In-A-Box Start Set Toy

Blazing Epic Upgrade ($79.99)

  • Expansion Access
  • Avatar of Flame Flying Mount
  • Runebound Firelord Flying Mount for Modern World of Warcraft Players
  • Lil' Wrathion Pet
  • Lil' Wrathion Pet for Modern World of Warcraft Characters
  • Twilight's Hammer Regalia Transmog Set
  • Town-In-A-Box Start Set Toy
  • Level 80 Character Boost
  • 30 Days of Game Time

Gameplay

After conquering Arthas' reign and the Lich King's undead army, players will now face the wrath of Deathwing, The Worldbreaker. Players should anticipate approximately 200 hours of play as they try to put an end to Deathwing.

New Dungeons, Raids, and Races

There are several notable features that WoW subscribers should be looking forward to. Aside from being fixated on taking down Deathwing, Cataclysm Classic brings players new dungeons to explore and more raid battles to participate in. However, no one should expect to get past these raids easily. Blizzard is introducing a new difficulty system which will make the experience more challenging. On the bright side, players are guaranteed powerful rewards for their efforts.

Players can take on these challenges using classic characters. They can also try something different by creating new avatars with new races like Goblins and Worgens.

Transmogrification System

Those looking to switch things up with their character can make changes to their avatar with the Transmogrification System. This will allow players to change the appearance of their weapons and armor without jeopardizing their current stats. The Transmogrification System is purely for cosmetic purposes and won't give boosts or debuffs to one's character.

Added Level Cap and Expansive Zones

Seasoned veterans of the game now have a reason to revisit World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic as the developers increased the level cap. Players can now grind their characters to level 85. The previous level cap was 80 when the Wrath of the Lich King expansion launched. Blizzard mentioned on WoW's official website that the leveling experience should be smoother with the launch of the classic expansion. On top of that, leveling up should be faster given that they're accelerating the process.

On top of having more reasons to grind, players can also explore new areas in Cataclysm Classic. There are seven new zones to look into with three of them acting as starting zones for the new races: Goblins and Worgens.

Other Added Features

Given the projected difficulty World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic has to offer, the developers are making it easier to find friends online. Players should be able to connect to others more easily compared to before. Keep in mind that the improved team-up system also applies to WoW in general.

Additionally, players don't need to worry about not being able to make use of their account-wide mounts and pets. Blizzard assures everyone they can continue adventuring with their companions and share a carefully curated collection of Transmogs.

Lastly, the developers updated the Auction House system in-game. It should be easier and more efficient to buy and sell items. Purchasing or selling powerful items shouldn't be as complex as it once was.

Overall, Blizzard did everything it could to improve the UI of each feature of the game. Seasoned players should find the experience more satisfying while newer players shouldn't worry about outdated feels to the game.

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