WoW Classic Cataclysm Release Date, Trailer & Details

Looking for all the available details about World of Warcraft (WoW) Classic Cataclysm, including release date and content? Then we've got you covered, heroes of Azeroth. 

World of Warcraft Cataclysm, released at the end of 2010, was one of the most divisive expansions to date. It's actually where I stopped actively raiding with my guild. For those excited to return to the new, broken world of Azeroth thanks to the Black Dragonflight leader Deathwing, we've got you covered with a WoW Classic Cataclysm release date discussion, as well as the content/features players can expect.

Update on 11 April 2024: We've updated this article with the latest information about WoW Classic Cataclysm.

WoW Classic Cataclysm Release Date Confirmed

The precise release date for WoW Classic Cataclysm has been revealed as 20 May 2024, so mark your calendars!

Blizzard announced WoW Classic Cataclysm at BlizzCon 2023 and noted that next year, Classic progression realms will advance from Wrath of the Lich King Classic to Cataclysm Classic, with "a few changes based on player feedback and requests."

At the time of writing, an exact release date for WoW Classic Cataclysm is unavailable. However, we've got some good news! The wait won't be THAT long, as the release date window is "first half of 2024," so before July 2024.

WoW Classic Cataclysm Gameplay Features/Content

Those who weren't around at the release of Cataclysm on 7 December 2010 might not know which new pieces of content and features will be released with the expansion of Classic progression realms. You can find the highlights of the WoW Classic Cataclysm gameplay and features update below.

• Goblins & Worgen - The cursed worgen and the cunning goblins join the Alliance and Horde, each bringing their own unique edge to Azeroth.
• New Dungeons & Raids - Brave defenders of Azeroth can battle their way through seven intense dungeons and four new cataclysmic raids.
• New Level Cap - Ascend to new levels of power as you defend Azeroth, earning new talents every step of the journey to level 85.
• Conquer the Elemental Planes - Deathwing has damaged the boundary between the mortal and elemental planes, and chaotic elementals are pouring into Azeroth. You must stop him!
• Customize Your Character - Spice up your appearance with the Transmogrification System. Customize the appearance of some weapons and armor while still retaining the stats.
• Expansive Zones - Explore seven new Zones and three starting Zones for the two new Races—Goblins and Worgen, filled with cataclysmic content to rekindle your sense of adventure.
• Improved Leveling Experience - Rise to new heights of power with a smoother and accelerated leveling experience.
• New Dungeon Difficulty System - Complex and challenging opportunities to earn powerful rewards can be experienced in a new Dungeon difficulty system that will be added after launch.
• Find New Friends, Easier - Dungeon Group Finder will provide a more robust way to recruit teammates, queue up, and make connections.
• Account-Wide Pets, Mounts, and Transmogs - All of your characters can continue to share in the adventure with account-wide Mounts and Pets. And now they'll be able to share a carefully curated collection of Transmogs.
• Streamlined Auction House - An updated Auction House system arrives to provide a streamlined experience for those looking to buy and sell the latest and greatest supplies and gear.

A bit of flavor text about Deathwing's destruction as he bursts through the Maelstrom, just to get the blood flowing:

Following Deathwing the Destroyer's cataclysmic entrance, which left a festering wound across Azeroth, heroes are called to once again experience a dramatically reforged Azeroth and defend it from utter devastation.

Below, you can watch the WoW Classic Cataclysm announcement trailer, in case you've missed it, featuring Deathwing's mass destruction and chaos. 

We will endeavor to update this article as more information about the exact release date for WoW Classic Cataclysm, alongside adjustments for the classic era realms, becomes available, most likely in early 2024.

Check out our video below, where we dive deep into the lore of the Dragon Aspects in World of Warcraft, discussing all the leaders, their history, and some family drama!

For more World of Warcraft news, be sure to check out our dedicated section or some of our WoW Guides & Tutorials below:

Dragonflight Guides - Primal Storms Event| Content Roadmap| Play On Steam Deck| Raid Schedule| Dracthyr Evoker Class| Dragon Isles Zones| Max Level & Progression Path| Crafting Orders| Dragonriding| Editions & Bonuses|Dracthyr Evoker|Twitch Drops & Rewards|Maintenance Schedule US & EU|Check Server Status|Performance & Stuttering Fix|DPS Tier List|Mythic+ Affix Rotation Season 1|Reset Talents | Transfer Aborted & World Down Issues | Tangled Dreamweaver Mount | Stuck on Loading Screen Error Fix | Vault of the Incarnates Loot | Wrathion or Sabellian? | 

Dragonflight Tier Lists - Best DPS Class & Build | Best Healer Class & Build | Best Tank Class & Build

Dungeon Guides - Nokhud Offensive | Neltharus | The Azure Vault | Brackenhide Hollow | Ruby Life Pools | 

WotLK Classic Guides - Best Death Knight Builds| Retribution Paladin PVE| Herbalism Leveling| PvE Beast Mastery Hunter DPS| Shadows of Doom| Cold Weather Flying| Fire Mage PvE| Flying Carpet 

Holiday Events - Hallow's End| Feast of Winter Veil  

Featured image courtesy of Blizzard.