Blizzcon 2023 announces WoW Classic will return to Cataclysm expansion

World of Warcraft ClassicThis time players can return to the Cataclysm expansion. This announcement was made at BlizzCon in 2023 and came with a film retelling the story of this expansion. It showed some highlights, such as the appearance of Worgens, the battle against the elements, and the destruction caused by the Aspect Deathwing evil dragon.

CataclysmBlizzard’s expansion was controversial at its launch because, instead of adding new landmasses to Azeroth, they re-invented a number of zones. CataclysmAlso, zones such as Uldum Hyjal and Twilight Highlands were introduced. Garrosh Hellscream replaced Thrall, who was removed as Horde Warchief by the expansion. Hellscream’s tenure as Warchief is the defining moment that led to several other big plotlines, like our journey to an alternate dimension, the corruption of Pandaria, and the rise of Sylvanas Windrunner (and the burning of Teldrassil).

Blizzard seems to bring big changes in Classic as a whole based off the success of its Hardcore mode, including a Season of Discovery that allows players to combine new classes and roles — the example given by executive producer Holly Longdale was a tank warlock, which is intriguing. Longdale also promised changes to Cataclysm, although we’ll have to wait and see how that unfolds. Season of Discovery includes the 10-player Blackfathom Deeps Raid with new mechanics, and challenges below Kalimdor’s depths.

Season of Discovery starts on 30 November. World of Warcraft Classic CataclysmThe game is scheduled to release in 2024 during the first half. Players will be able to explore the history of the Goblins and Worgen and Deathwing’s demise.