BlizzCon 2023 Liveblog: Unveiling the Classics

The Classic: What's Next panel has just started at BlizzCon 2023, and we're here to bring you all the exciting highlights! Cataclym Classic is on its way, promising to bring back all the beloved features from the original release, such as Goblins, Worgen, transmog, rated battlegrounds, new class/race combos, old world flying, and more. Building on the success of the Titan Rune dungeons (Heroic+), the same spirit will continue in Cataclysm Classic. But that's not all, as there are some new additions coming to the world of Warcraft as well!

Cataclysm Classic

The much-awaited Cataclysm Classic is set to deliver everything that players have been anticipating. With the inclusion of Goblins and Worgen as playable races, as well as the highly sought after transmog feature, rated battlegrounds, and new class/race combinations, the experience will be rejuvenated. Not to forget, players will also be able to enjoy the freedom of flying in the old world once again. Get ready to explore Azeroth like never before!

• Account-wide Transmog

In a bid to make things even better, the Collections UI will be active in Classic, allowing players to manage their cosmetic items easily. And that's not all – account-wide transmog will also be introduced. No more hassle of transferring items between characters, you'll now have access to all your collected appearances across your entire account.

• Leveling Speed

For those worried about the time investment required for leveling, fear not! The leveling speed in Cataclysm Classic will be designed to be faster than the original release, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable leveling experience for all players. So get ready to blaze through those levels and reach the endgame content in no time!

Classic Hardcore

If you're looking to challenge yourself even further in World of Warcraft, then the Classic Hardcore mode is just what you need. Coming in 2024, this new optional ruleset for Hardcore players introduces the Self Found mode. Players who opt into this mode will be unable to mail, trade, or use the auction house until they reach the maximum level. It's time to prove your mettle and survive the most grueling challenges Azeroth has to offer!

Season of Discovery

A brand-new adventure awaits in the Season of Discovery. Starting out like regular Classic, things take an interesting turn once players reach level 10. Class trainers will present players with a quest to seek out a hidden rune. These Discoveries are secrets scattered throughout the game world, offering unique challenges and rewards. They can range from small lootable items tucked away deep within a mine to complex puzzles that require the cooperation of multiple players to solve.

• An Adventure like No Other

The purpose of these Discoveries is to bring a sense of adventure to the familiar world of Classic. They are intentionally designed to blend seamlessly with the rest of the game, offering a new layer of excitement and mystery. Unlike traditional quests, Discoveries won't appear on your map or be publicly available for testing. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey filled with hidden wonders!

• Level Banded Content Phases

To ensure that players progress together and don't miss out on content, Cataclysm Classic introduces level banded content phases. Starting with the first phase, the level cap will be set at 25, allowing players to explore the world at a manageable pace. This change aims to balance the game and prevent players from outpacing each other or falling too far behind. As the level cap increases, experience catch-up mechanics will be implemented, enabling everyone to stay on par with the latest content.

• Blackfathom Deeps Raid and Outdoor PvP Events

In the Season of Discovery, the first raid players will encounter is Blackfathom Deeps, reimagined as a 10-player instance. This new version will introduce fresh encounters, mechanics, and exciting loot for those brave enough to venture in. Additionally, multiple outdoor PvP events will be unlocked as the level caps increase, offering players even more opportunities for thrilling battles and glorious victories.

• Unleashing the Future

But that's not all! The developers have hinted at the possibility of exploring unreleased or unfinished original vanilla raid and dungeon content in the future. This exciting prospect shows that Cataclysm Classic is only the beginning, with more exciting adventures yet to come. The future of World of Warcraft Classic is looking brighter than ever!

Final Thoughts

Cataclysm Classic promises to bring back the magic and excitement of the original release while also introducing new features and challenges to keep players engaged. Whether you're a long-time WoW fan or a newcomer to the world of Azeroth, there's something for everyone in this highly anticipated expansion. Get ready to relive the glory days or embark on a fresh adventure – the choice is yours!