Since BlizzCon 2023, we've known that WoW Cataclysm Classic is set to release in summer 2024. As soon as the launch arrives, the Azeroth heroes in particular will hit the ground running in the revamped world, already preparing for the upcoming cataclysm. We'll tell you what you can do.
Sometime in spring 2024, WoW Cataclysm Classic pre-events will begin. In early summer, Azeroth will once again have to survive the Cataclysm triggered by Deathwing. To compensate for this, there are worgen and goblins, archaeology, reforging and countless other innovations.
As soon as the launch of Cataclysm Classic arrives, players in the revamped world in particular will be able to hit the ground running, as they are already preparing for the challenges ahead. We'll tell you what you can do in detail in this guide.
Masters content that will soon disappear
The Cataclysm not only changes the face of Azeroth, but also destroys several current Classic content. Just take the two raid challenges, Zul'Aman and Zul'Gurub, which return as Heroic dungeons with one of the later Cataclysm phases. If you still want to complete the corresponding raid achievements or put the two mounts (Raptor and Tiger) in your stable, you have to hold on.
Also no longer feasible in Cataclysm Classic are various raid achievements such as "The Indestructible" or "The Immortal" from Naxxramas, "Champion/Conqueror of Ulduar" or the various tribute achievements for the Crusader's Trial.
Also, say goodbye to the achievements for the dungeon and raid emblems from Wrath of the Lich King Classic, achievements such as "Timear prophesied" and "Evidence of Demise", as well as milestones for leveling up weapon skills and obtaining Paladin mounts.
For a full list of all the content disappearing with Cataclysm Classic, check out Warcraft Tavern.
Prepare your main character and twinks
With Cataclysm Classic, WotLK Classic's current class design/balance is turned upside down – also due to the "new" talent trees and fresh resources such as Focus of the Hunters or Soul Shards of the Warlocks.
If you're planning to switch to a different 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.
You should also 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: Gathering resources such as ores and herbs in Cataclysm Classic provides experience points. By the way...
Choose and level up your professions
This tip is not only relevant for new characters, but also for players who are using the best possible profession combinations for raids or PvP across all classes in WotLK Classic. It's a shame if that means you're using the same crafts on all characters. You can't earn as much gold as possible this way at the start of Cataclysm Classic.
In addition, with the next expansion, some profession advantages will change. For example, Mining becomes a solid choice for tanks, as the profession grants 120 stamina points. The lifeblood of the herbalists, however, gives you a strong speed effect at the touch of a button. And furrier ... now... the buff for the critical strike rating can actually be forgotten.
Also important for the choice of professions: In Cataclysm Classic, too, there are craftings that you can only do with a certain cooldown (about once a day or a week). Outsourcing these professions to characters you won't play much else can earn a lot of gold without much effort.
We're thinking, for example, of transmuting: real gold of the alchemists, the fire prism of the jewel cutters or the various tailoring CDs such as Traumstoff or Traum von Tiefenheim.
Another strong option, at least for the first phase of Cataclysm Classic: Inscription, which gives you access to the new Darkmoon cards and shoulder enchantments.
Spruce up your wardrobe
With Cataclysm Classic comes transmogrification and account-wide collections. If you want to have access to a large number of clothes after the Cataclysm, you should now farm the armor and weapons that disappear with Deathwing's Outburst.
Soon-to-be-discontinued items include weapons such as Blessing, Rhok'delar, and Quel'Serrar. Even in many of Azeroth's normal dungeons, the loot lists of bosses and trash groups are turned inside out.
Keep Currency Conversion in Mind
With Cataclysm Classic, the developers are steaming down the currency tab. Instead of countless different emblems, there will only be Justice and Valor points for PvE in the future. In PvP, you'll only earn Honor Points and Conquest Points.
Important for the transition from WotLK to Cataclysm Classic: Emblems of Frost/Triumph will be converted to Justice Points. For the rest, you'll get a few gold pieces each. So it's up to you whether you get a hefty gold or justice point bonus for the upcoming adventure.
You don't have that choice with PvP currencies. Whether it's Badge of Honor, Stonekeeper Shard, Spirit Shard, Venture Coin, or the old Honor Points, you'll always receive a certain amount of the new Honor Points in exchange.
There will be plenty of gold for you when the time comes, just like WOW Classic WLK Gold, to give you an edge and a good experience in the game.