Classic does Cataclysm! World of Warcraft: Classic will relive the Cataclysm expansion

Following on from the success of Wrath of the Lich King Classic, World of Warcraft is continuing with its nostalgia trip as Blizzard announces Cataclysm Classic. The return of WoW’s fourth expansion was announced on Nov. 3 at BlizzCon, by executive producer Holly Longdale.

The announcement comes as a surprise to many who had expected Blizzard to take a different path following WotLK. Cataclysm is often cited as the start of the more controversial expansions that didn’t receive the more universal praise of the previous three.

This attitude was felt at BlizzCon, where the crowd chanted “Classic Plus!” as Cataclysm Classic was announced. Classic+ is a theorized continuation of World of Warcraft’s story where Classic would continue, maintaining what made fans enjoy it, without the story and mechanical beats they disliked from Cataclysm. 

This was widely anticipated to be the WoW: Classic announcement at BlizzCon. Instead, players got a glimpse at a new piece of content called World of Warcraft Classic: Season of Discovery.

While Season of Discovery was met with cries of “Nooo!” and boos from the audience, this is likely due to it not being the expected Classic+ announcement. Instead, this almost rogue-like experience will see players able to customize classes, explore the existing world of Azeroth for new hidden treasures, and new progressive leveling.

Additionally, a new Classic raid, Blackfathom Deeps, would be added to the game. A 10-man raid, it would be geared around the WoW: Classic Season of Discovery customizations. 

As per Blizzard's official website: "In Season of Discovery, players will discover new secrets by scouring Azeroth to find class-altering abilities. Tanking Warlocks, Mage healers, and more will be possible. The Season will launch with an initial level cap of 25, and upon reaching max level, players will be met with a new level-25 endgame! Discover a 10-player Blackfathom Deeps raid with new and reimagined bosses, mechanics, and rewards. Not long after, the level cap will be increased by a few levels, bringing even more endgame content."

This new Season of Discovery appears to be Blizzard’s way of delivering a Classic+ experience, without an entirely new expansion being developed.

WoW Classic: Cataclysm will release in Early 2024.

WoW Classic: Season of Discovery launches the week of November 30.

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