World of Warcraft’s controversial Cataclysm expansion is coming to Classic

World of Warcraft classic is getting another expansion, and this time players are returning to the Cataclysm expansion. The announcement, revealed at BlizzCon 2023, was accompanied by a cinematic retelling of the expansion, showcasing some highlights such as the rise of Worgen, the battle against the elemental forces and of course the destructive power of the evil dragon Aspect Deathwing.

Cataclysm was a controversial expansion at launch, due to the fact that instead of introducing new landmasses, Blizzard reinvented many zones in the core world of Azeroth. Cataclysm also introduced zones such as Uldum, Hyjal and the Twilight Highlands. The expansion also removed Thrall as Warchief of the Horde, leading to the installation of Garrosh Hellscream in his place. Hellscream’s tenure as Warchief is the defining moment that led to several other major storylines, such as our journey to an alternate dimension, the corruption of Pandaria, and the rise of Sylvanas Windrunner (and the burning of Teldrassil).

It looks like Blizzard is making big changes Classic as a whole based on the success of the hardcore mode, including a Season of Discovery that allows players to combine new classes and roles – executive producer Holly Longdale’s example was a tank wizard, which is intriguing. Longdale also promised changes to Cataclysm, although we’ll have to wait and see how that unfolds. The Season of Discovery also includes a 10-player Blackfathom Deeps Raid, with updated mechanics and new challenges beneath the depths of Kalimdor.

The Season of Discovery begins on November 30. World of Warcraft classic: Cataclysm Scheduled for release in the first half of 2024, players will be able to relive the origins of Goblins, Worgen, and the demise of Deathwing.