WoW Classic enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the awakening of Deathwing in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic, as he prepares to wreak havoc on Azeroth once again. But when can players expect the release of Cataclysm Classic, and how much time remains before the end of WoTLK Classic? Let’s dive in to find out.
World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic release date and schedule
According to the official WoW roadmap, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic is scheduled for a Summer 2024 release. Although a specific release date has not been announced, the Battle.net listings for optional upgrades indicate that “Cataclysm Classic will launch on or before August 31, 2024.”
Players will have a few months to explore the new world before Patch 4.1: Rise of the Zandalari is released towards the end of Summer/beginning of Autumn. The iconic Firelands raid will make its return in Patch 4.2: Rage of the Firelands in mid-Autumn.
When is the Cataclysm Classic pre-patch launching?
Leading up to Cata Classic’s debut, WoW Classic will receive a pre-patch towards the end of Spring. This update will introduce Worgen and Goblin as playable races, along with iconic features from the original Cataclysm such as account-wide mounts and pets, an improved guild system, and the beloved transmog feature.
The pre-patch is also expected to include the invasion events from Cataclysm’s original pre-patch, offering players an opportunity to gear up by defending Stormwind or Orgrimmar from the elementals stirred up by Deathwing’s return.
Will Cataclysm Classic replace Wrath of the Lich King Classic?
Regrettably for WoTLK fans, Cataclysm Classic will entirely replace Wrath of the Lich King Classic upon launch. Players have until Summer to complete any unfinished business in Northrend, including facing off against the Lich King himself.
Fortunately, the summer heat won’t melt away all of Wrath’s content. Almost all WoTLK content will be available to revisit in Cataclysm Classic, mirroring the experience in modern WoW today.
Will Cataclysm Classic be free?
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A World of Warcraft subscription is all you need to play World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic. There is no need to purchase the expansion separately, but two optional upgrade packs are available through Battle.net for those looking for additional perks.
The Blazing Heroic Pack includes:
- Avatar of Flame flying mount (Classic)
- Runebound Firelord flying mount (Retail)
- Lil’ Wrathion Pet (Classic & Retail)
- Twilight’s Hammer Regalia Transmog set
- Town-in-a-Box Starter Set Toy
The Blazing Epic Upgrade Pack includes:
- Everything in the Blazing Heroic Pack
- 30 days of game time
- Level 80 character boost
Keep in mind that a WoW subscription grants access to modern World of Warcraft, Season of Discovery, and Plunderstorm – a limited-time standalone battle royale mode. While Plunderstorm may not be available when Cata Classic launches, players can participate now to earn rewards in Wrath Classic, preparing for account-wide collections this Summer.