World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
Expansion
RELEASED
7.7
Dec 7, 2010
PC (Microsoft Windows)MacbyBlizzard Entertainment•Activision Blizzard
Part of: World of Warcraft
Overview:|
This is a substantial expansion for the core World of Warcraft MMORPG, requiring the base game. Released in 2010, it fundamentally reshapes the original continents of Azeroth following the destructive return of the Aspect Deathwing. Gameplay is enhanced with two new playable races (Worgen and Goblins), the introduction of the Archaeology profession, and the ability to use flying mounts in Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms. The story focuses on surviving the global cataclysm and confronting Deathwing alongside new end-game raids.
This title is a major expansion for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, *World of Warcraft*. Released in December 2010 for PC and Mac platforms, it fundamentally alters the established world of Azeroth, returning players to the original continents of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms after previous adventures took them to Outland and Northrend. This expansion is not a standalone product; it requires the base game to access its content. The scope of this addition is substantial, involving a complete overhaul of the original world zones alongside significant new narrative and gameplay additions.
The Cataclysmic Return of Deathwing
The central narrative thrust of this expansion revolves around the return of the corrupted Aspect, Deathwing the Destroyer. After millennia spent recovering in the elemental plane of Deepholm, Deathwing shatters the dimensional barriers upon his re-emergence, causing a world-altering cataclysm that physically reshapes the surface of Azeroth.This worldwide disaster fuels renewed and intensified conflict between the Alliance and the Horde. The Horde finds itself under the leadership of Warchief Garrosh Hellscream, who aggressively seeks new territory and resources, leading to brutal confrontations in zones like the Southern Barrens. Meanwhile, the elemental forces, guided by Deathwing and the nihilistic Twilight's Hammer cult, seek to usher in the "Hour of Twilight," signaling the end of all life.
New Lands to Explore
Players gain access to several entirely new zones that reflect the devastation and transformation wrought by Deathwing. These include the lush, submerged world of Vashj'ir, the volcanic peaks of Mount Hyjal, the deep subterranean realm of Deepholm, the arid canyons of Uldum, and the volatile Twilight Highlands.What new features define this expansion?
This expansion introduces several significant gameplay mechanics and content additions that directly integrate with the core *World of Warcraft* experience.New Playable Races
Two new playable races are added to the roster, each aligned with an existing faction:- Alliance: The Worgen, cursed inhabitants of the fallen kingdom of Gilneas.
- Horde: The Goblins of the Bilgewater Cartel, hailing from the island of Kezan.
New Gameplay Systems
A new secondary profession, Archaeology, is introduced, allowing players to excavate ancient artifacts across Azeroth for discovery and reward. Furthermore, the expansion allows the use of flying mounts within the previously grounded continents of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, significantly altering travel and exploration within the revamped zones.Major End-Game Content and Story Arcs
Beyond the world reshaping, the expansion features several high-level conflicts that test the heroes of Azeroth:The narrative includes the "Rise of the Zandalari," where the ancient Zandalari tribe attempts to reunite troll races and reclaim lost territories, leading to conflicts in restored dungeons like Zul'Gurub and Zul'Aman, requiring champions from both factions to intervene.
Another key storyline involves the "Rage of the Firelands," where heroes assault the elemental realm of Ragnaros the Firelord on Mount Hyjal following his initial banishment. This culminates in a direct confrontation with Ragnaros in his own domain.
The ultimate confrontation centers on the "Hour of Twilight." Heroes must retrieve the powerful artifact known as the Dragon Soul, traveling through time to secure it from threats like the Infinite Dragonflight. The expansion concludes with a massive battle against Deathwing, culminating in the Maelstrom, where the Dragon Aspects ultimately sacrifice their powers to fuel the artifact, passing the mantle of Azeroth's protection to its heroes.
This expansion contains no further listed downloadable content or subsequent expansions released after its initial launch.
Game Details
Primary Name: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm
Alternative Names:
WoW: Cataclysm (Abbreviation)
Cata (Acronym)
Type: Expansion
Part of: World of Warcraft
Series: Warcraft
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Activision Blizzard
Release Information
Release Date: Dec 7, 2010
Genres & Themes
Genres: Role-playing (RPG)
Themes: Open world, Fantasy
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)Mac
Game Modes
Perspective: Third person
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
Age Ratings
ESRB:T (Teen)
PEGI:12+
GRAC:15+
Soren