WoW Classic Cataclysm, Season of Discovery, and Hardcore Updates Announced at Blizzcon
During the Blizzcon Developer Panel, developers bring the highlights of WoW Classic's events. As adventurers and avid WoW players, we are excited to tell you all the exciting updates coming to the game. So grab your armor, hone your weapons, and let's dive deep into the world of Cataclysm Classic and Season of Discovery.
1. Cataclysm Classic Will Arrive in the First Half of 2024
Cataclysm Classic is the next expansion for WoW Classic. Classic progression realms will advance from Wrath Classic to Cataclysm Classic, and the level cap will be raised to 85.
It will bring back the original Cataclysm content with some changes and improvements. Players will be able to explore the revamped world, encounter new races (Goblins & Worgen), and face Deathwing in epic battles. Cataclysm Classic will also introduce a new dungeon difficulty system, new dungeons & raids, Heroic+ versions of the Titan Rune dungeons, account-wide transmogrification, and a Dungeon Group Finder system.
2. Season of Discovery Will Be Released on Nov 30, 2023 – No PTR Testing
WoW Classic is getting a new season titled Season of Discovery in just a few weeks, and it sounds like it will completely turn the game on its head. Season of Discovery allows players to play WoW's tried-and-true classes in brand-new ways.
In Season of Discovery, players will discover new secrets by scouring Azeroth to find class-altering abilities. This season will offer some big changes to the game, including new roles such as a Tanking Warlocks, Mage healer, new progression, a level cap of 25, and a new 10-player raid, Blackfathom Deeps.
Level-Banded Content Phases
The initial level cap will be 25 for the first few weeks of the Season, and then it will rise to 40, 50, and finally 60 in the following phases. Each phase will also introduce new dungeons, raids, and zones for players to explore.
| Phase | Level Cap | Level-Up Raids | Zone Events |
| Phase 1 | Levels 25 | Blackfathom Deeps | Ashenvale |
| Phase 2 | Levels 40 | ||
| Phase 3 | Levels 50 | ||
| Phase 4 | Levels 60 |
The level-banded content phases are designed to create a more dynamic and balanced leveling experience for players, as well as to encourage them to discover the secrets of Azeroth at their own pace. The leveling speed from level one to the current cap will also increase with each phase, so that new players can catch up with their friends more easily.
New Endgame Activities
One of the new endgame activities is that features the level-25 endgame. This is a new challenge for players who reach the initial level cap of 25, which will be increased gradually over time. The level-25 endgame will include new dungeons, raids, and zones for players to explore and conquer.
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.
New Rune Abilities
The new rune abilities are designed to shake up the meta and make up for each class's shortcomings. They will be accessed through the new Engraved Rune system, which will allow players to collect, learn, and use different runes for their class. Each class will have 12 new runes, or abilities, by the end of the Season, but they will start with only three.
If are playing hardcore mode, you need more gold to upgrade gear to beat other players.
3. Self Found Will Come to Classic Hardcore in Early 2024
Self Found mode is a new optional ruleset for the Hardcore mode, which will prohibit players from mailing, trading, or using the Auction House until reaching the maximum level. This mode will challenge players to rely on their own skills and resources and test their survival in Azeroth.
Most players can’t waiting for these exciting updates. Stay tuned!