World of Warcraft News and Raiding Strategies

As Deathwing approaches, we want Classic progression players to know about some features from original Cataclysm (4.0.3a) that are going to differ in the Cataclysm Classic pre-patch (4.4.0).

Hunter Pets

Hunter pets will function differently in the 4.4.0 Cataclysm Classic Pre-patch than they did in original Cataclysm patch 4.0.3a.

In original Cataclysm, Hunter players were able to place 5 pets in their stable and summon them anywhere in the world.

Initially in patch 4.4.0, Hunter pets will work the same way they do in Wrath Classic. Hunters will continue to be able to summon 1 pet and will need to go to a Stablemaster to switch to a different one. We will update this Hunter functionality with the Cataclysm Classic expansion content launch (or sooner).

Additionally, original Cataclysm launched with Pet Aggressive stance, and Pet Assist stance later replaced Pet Aggressive stance in patch 4.2.0. We plan to have Pet Aggressive stance in place with 4.4.0, and then add Pet Assist stance in a future update.

Void Storage

Void Storage was originally added to World of Warcraft in the 4.3.0 patch. In Cataclysm Classic, we’re implementing a new Collections feature, as well as account-wide Transmogrification. This makes Void Storage largely unnecessary for holding your Transmog items.

It is our intention to not add the Void Storage feature to Cataclysm Classic.

Guild Perks

The Guild Perks system has been streamlined for Cataclysm Classic. Guilds themselves do not gain levels, and item rewards are granted as players level up their guild reputation. In Cataclysm Classic, many perks are granted to guild members immediately upon joining a guild, and many perks that were associated with Guilds in original Cataclysm are now granted to all players by default.

Two perks from original Cataclysm will not be available in Cataclysm Classic: Have Group, Will Travel and Cash Flow.

Guild Finder and Guild Events Calendar

In original Cataclysm patch 4.1.0, a Guild Finder system and a Guild Events Calendar were added to World of Warcraft. We intend to add the Guild Finder and the Guild Events Calendar to Cataclysm Classic in a future patch, after the launch of Cataclysm content.

Barbershop Closed Temporarily for Worgen

At the start of pre-patch, Worgen will not be able to access the Barbershop. Access will arrive in an update soon.

Increased Drops in Wrath Classic Dungeons

As detailed here, these increased drop rates for Wrath Classic dungeons will continue throughout the Cataclysm Classic pre-patch (and possibly thereafter).

Hello!

As we head towards our Cataclysm Classic launch in late May, we’re planning some special test weekends in the Cataclysm Beta.

May 3-6 – Cataclysm Raids Test 1

We’re opening the doors to the new raids that will launch shortly after the expansion, and your testing will help to ensure it’s a great experience.

• Take on the pit Lord Argaloth deep in the prison of Tol Barad.
• Battle the cult of the Twilight’s Hammer in Bastion of Twilight.
• Storm the personal lair of the Windlord in Throne of the Four Winds.
• Survive the gruesome draconic experiments and the reanimated Nefarian, son of Deathwing, in Blackwing Descent.

May 10-13 – Tol Barad Battleground

Tol Barad, once an outdoor PvP zone, has been reimagined as an instanced 80 v 80 battleground, similar to Wintergrasp in Wrath Classic.

• We’re also planning a Brawl with the Blues event for Tol Barad. We’ll let you know exactly when.

May 14-17 – Cataclysm Raids Test 2

We’re planning a second raid test to make sure we’re ready for raids to open shortly after launch.

• This weekend will include the same raids as weekend 1.

Thank you for all of your testing and feedback. We hope to see you there!

With scheduled weekly maintenance (tomorrow, April 30 in this region), we’ll make the following adjustments to classes in Season of Discovery:

Hunter

• Raptor Fury now increases the damage done of Raptor strike and Mongoose Bite by 10% per stack (was 15%).
• The Beast Mastery rune now increases pet damage by 10% (was 20%).

Shaman

• The Burn rune now also grants a significant bonus to spell power when Flametongue Weapon is imbued on your weapon.
• Rolling Thunder now has a 50% chance to trigger (was 30%).
• Fixed a bug causing overload procs to not add a charge to Lightning Shield when the Shaman has the Rolling Thunder rune active.

Warlock

• Invocation now also applies to Unstable Affliction.
• Invocation damage can now deal critical strikes if the Warlock also has the Pandemic rune active.

Beginning May 3, the arena gates will open once more for the 2024 Dragonflight Season 4 Arena World Championship (AWC)! Tune in to the final two Cups on Twitch and YouTube to see how far the gladiators will go.

The high-stakes competition continues in Season 4, with only two opportunities for the top gladiators to emerge victorious from the arenas. Competitors will clash in Cups 3 and 4 for their chance to earn a spot in the Dragonflight Grand Finals! Tune in to the Tournament for close combat, near-death encounters, and exhilarating action.

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Details

• Venue: Online: Twitch.tv/Warcraft and YouTube.com/Warcraft
• Co-streaming: Co-streaming is back! Check with your favorite competitor to see if they will stream their POV during the tournament, or gather your own audience and host a Watch Party. To sign up for co-streaming, use the AWC Watch Party Form.
• Dates:
  
  • Cup 3: May 3–5
  • Cup 4: May 10–12
  • Finals: May 17–19
• Broadcast Start Time: 10:00 am (PDT) / 7:00 pm (CEST)
• Format: Double Elimination, Best-of-5. Grand Finals Best-of-7.

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Talent

• Eiya
• Lythi
• Supatease
• Venruki
• Ziqo

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Sign-Up Today!

Registration is still open for AWC Cup 4, and with it another chance to earn the new Draconic Banner of the Aspects! This in-game toy will be rewarded to any team that competes in a full AWC Cup.

Sign up on Raider.IO for the next Tournament!

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Stay Connected

Be sure to subscribe to the Warcraft Twitch and YouTube channels to check out the action within the arena beginning on May 3! Check out the broadcast schedule on our Esports page.