World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic release date announced

Blizzard has announced a release date for World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic.

A pre-expansion patch will be released on April 30, ahead of the launch of Cataclysm Classic on May 20 at 3pm PT worldwide (6pm ET / 11pm BST).

“The Cataclysm Classic pre-expansion patch ushers in the shattering of Azeroth and the changed landscape in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, a variety of systems changes along with new class and race combinations, and the new Worgen and Goblin races,” Blizzard said.

“Players can also begin learning the new Archaeology profession, use Reforging to upgrade your gear, and more.”

With the launch of Cataclysm Classic next month, “players will begin their journey from level 80 to 85 through new zones, new dungeons and raids, engage in PvP combat in Tol Barad, and delve further into the mysteries of the Darkmoon Faire on Darkmoon Island”.

Experience your favorite Cataclysm moments faster than ever before!

📜 Pre-Patch – April 30

🌋 Launch – May 20
🌴 Rise of the Zandalari – July 2024
🔥 Rage of the Firelands – October 2024

🌙 Hour of Twilight – January 2025

Stand in the fire: https://t.co/ERuEh0ItOr pic.twitter.com/eYfkAtq47E

— World of Warcraft (@Warcraft) April 9, 2024

As with World of Warcraft Classic, Burning Crusade Classic and Wrath of the Lich King Classic, the recreation of the game’s third expansion will be available to all players with an active WoW subscription.

Blizzard confirmed that Cataclysm Classic would arrive this year during BlizzCon in December, when it also announced three new World of Warcraft expansions.

The Worldsoul Saga is described as an “epic story that celebrates the first 20 years of World of Warcraft and sets new foundations for Azeroth’s future”.

It will start with The War Within, which is scheduled to launch in late summer or early autumn 2024. The War Within will be followed by the second and third entries in the Worldsoul Saga, Midnight and The Last Titan.

The general manager of the Warcraft franchise recently said Blizzard isn’t against the idea of licensing out the IP to third-party developers.