World of Warcraft - WoW Cataclysm
The incredibly popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, has grown by leaps and bounds since its release. The first expansion to the game, Burning Crusade, brought into the game two new races and gave previously exclusive classes to both factions, in addition to increasing the maximum level characters could obtain. Next came Wrath of the Lich King, bringing even more success and a Hero class, raising the maximum character level yet again. Now, Blizzard Entertainment has a third expansion in the works which proves to be the most world-changing expansion they’ve released yet. This new expansion is called Cataclysm, and in it the world as you know it will be changed forever.
New Zones!
Starting from the beginning, for the two new races there will be two new starting zones: Gilneas for the worgen and the Isle of Kezan for the goblins.
For high level characters, those being level 80 or above, the following new zones will be available for leveling and exploration:
- Uldum
- The Sunken City of Vashj'ir
- Deepholm
- Mount Hyjal
- Twilight Highlands
New Playable Races
Two new playable races are being introduced in Cataclysm, one for each faction. Players will be able to create Goblin characters on the Horde side, and Worgen characters on the Alliance side.
Prior to Cataclysm, goblins have been known as one of the few neutral races in the game, peddling goods and services to both Horde and Alliance players alike. With a history of aiding the Horde, the goblins prove to be a valuable addition to the faction, especially given their distaste for dealing with the Alliance. The worgen have a much more human-centric origin of allegiance, given that the curse which creates them seems to be localized in the human kingdoms.New Race/Class Combinations
Each race is limited as to what class options they have. For instance, if you wish to play a druid, you must choose to play as either a Night Elf or a Tauren. If you want to play a Blood Elf character, that character cannot be a warrior. The limitations have been the source of many complaints from players, and it seems that Blizzard has finally given in. The new race/class combinations are:
Horde-
- Orc Mage
- Undead Hunter
- Tauren Paladin
- Tauren Priest
- Troll Druid
- Blood Elf Warrior
- Goblin classes (Death Knight, Hunter, Mage, Priest, Rogue, Shaman, Warlock or Warrior)
Alliance-
- Human Hunter
- Dwarf Mage
- Dwarf Shaman
- Night Elf Mage
- Gnome Priest
- Worgen Classes (Death Knight, Druid, Hunter, Mage, Priest, Rogue, Warlock, Warrior)
Official Screenshots
Click thumbnail to view full-size
PVP and Raids
A few new Battleground locations are in development and set to release in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. One such battleground is called Battle for Gilneas City. A new Island zone will also open up and be interacted with in a combination of ways, kind of like Wintergrasp meets the Isle of Quel'danas.
For all of you who have been aching for rated battlegrounds, the word is out that those will be introduced as well, giving World of Warcraft players the ability to earn arena points while, for example, capturing flags in Warsong Gulch!
Character Improvements
As with Wrath of the Lich King and Burning Crusades, Cataclysm will provide players with a level maximum increase to 85, which provides the characters new abilities and talents. A new quirk called the "path system" will emerge as well, modeled in a fashion to follow the Lore of the Titans. A new profession called Archaeology will allow players to find hidden treasures and rewards unavailable to players outside the profession.
New guild leveling and achievements are being released as well, meaning that players who participate in the advancement of their guild will be rewarded.
Cataclysm Announcement @ Blizzcon 2009
And lots more!
Cataclysm promises to turn the entire game upside down in many ways, most of which are still under wraps. In the next few days there will be more and more information out, so come back here often to find out the scoop. Until then, here are a few of the other changes being revealed:
- Flight in Azeroth! With Cataclysm, you will be able to use your flying mounts to get around.
- Restructuring and environmental changes to your old favorite zones of yesteryear.
- New raids of all kinds which will see players back in instances such as Molten Core and Onyxia!
BEWARE - World of Warcraft Cataclysm Scam
As a note to players, if you receive any emails or notices stating you've been chosen for the World of Warcraft Cataclysm Beta or anything of the sort (Cataclysm previews, exclusive footage, etcetera) DO NOT enter your World of Warcraft/Battle.net account information on any site to view said content!
There are sites popping up all over, promising exclusive footage, mounts, new gear or gold, requiring you to login using your WoW username and password. These are phishing scams, and the surest way to get your account hacked! If you want to be sure that you're seeing all the official information, please visit http://www.worldofwarcraft.com and don't hit up any strange websites. Blizzard NEVER asks for your username or password to let you see official previews of new expansions or patch content, so don't be fooled!
