Cataclysm: The exhaustive list of old-world changes (so far)
by Michael Sacco 
Nov 9th 2009 at 3:00PM
And while the F&F Alpha for Cataclysm hasn't started yet (believe me, we'd know), that doesn't mean you can't stay informed. There've been bits and pieces of new info released, in PC Gamer magazine, on Twitter, and elsewhere on the internet. And we like to keep track of that! What's come out is mostly new information on what's going to happen to Azeroth. And we just recently decoded this planning map of Cataclysm zones, which is where some information comes from.
So what this article is meant to be is a compendium of all known changes to old-world zones that'll occur in Cataclysm, sorted by continent and zone. We'll update whenever new information is released.
Hit the jump to get caught up!
Disclaimer: Some information may be outdated or incorrect by this stage in Cataclysm's development!
KALIMDOR
- Ashenvale
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 20-25.
Increased orc presence in Ashenvale has resulted in severe deforestation around the Warsong Lumber Camp.
Horde forces have begun to move in on Silverwind Refuge.
Astranaar is being assaulted from the air by the Horde.
- Azshara
Overhaul level: High.
Levels 10-20.
Goblins have claimed Azshara for the Horde and have reshaped the land into a giant Horde symbol.
The mountains have been mostly destroyed by goblin mining.
The goblins have built a city there, linked directly with Orgrimmar.
- The Barrens
Overhaul level: Moderate (North) to High (South).
North Barrens: 10-20; South Barrens, 30-35.
The Cataclysm has split the Barrens into two separate zones, North and South Barrens.
The two zones are divided by a huge lava fissure.
The Alliance will be moving into South Barrens, setting up camps there.
Some of the Barrens, such as the area around Wailing Caverns, will be lush and verdant due to druidic intervention.
Entryway into Mulgore has been reinforced by the tauren.
Camp Taurajo razed by the Alliance.
- Darkshore
Overhaul level: High.
Levels 10-20.
Auberdine has been destroyed by tidal waves.
The cataclysm has ravaged much of the zone.
The night elves have retreated to the north end of the zone.
The Horde is encroaching from the south.
- Desolace
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 30-35.
The cataclysm has cracked a hole in the sea wall, allowing water into the zone.
Some of the zone has regrown due to the water coming back.
The covens in the zone appear to have been partially successful in summoning in Burning Legion demons. - Durotar
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 1-10.
Orgrimmar is reinforced with black iron a la Warsong Hold.
Some damage is done to the landscape.
- Dustwallow Marsh
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 35-40.
Changes unknown at this time. - Felwood
Overhaul level: Moderate.
New level range unknown.
Changes unknown at this time. - Feralas
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 35-40.
Changes unknown at this time. - Moonglade
Overhaul level: Light.
No level range.
Changes, if any, unknown at this time. - Mulgore
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 10-20.
Changes unknown at this time. - Silithus
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 55-60.
Changes unknown at this time. - Stonetalon Mountains
Overhaul level: High.
Levels 25-30.
The goblins have nearly leveled Stonetalon in with their mining operation.
A canyon has been cut through the mountains leading to Ashenvale.
An eruption has caused the Charred Vale to spread even further. - Tanaris
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 45-50.
It is now possible to travel to Uldum, the new high-level zone, via Tanaris. - Thousand Needles
Overhaul level: High.
Levels 40-45.
The cataclysm has resulted in Thousand Needles completely flooding.
The planning map indicates a new instance in Thousand Needles. - Un'Goro Crater
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 50-55.
Changes unknown at this time.
EASTERN KINGDOMS
- Alterac Mountains
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 20-25.
Changes unknown at this time.
- Arathi Highlands
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 25-30.
Changes unknown at this time. - Badlands
Overhaul level: High.
New level range unknown.
Heavily affected by Deathwing's emergence. Details unknown. - Blasted Lands
Overhaul level: High.
New level range unknown.
Planning map indicates a large overhaul, but changes are unknown. - Burning Steppes
Overhaul level: Unknown.
New level range unknown.
Changes unknown at this time. - Deadwind Pass
Overhaul level: Unknown.
New level range unknown.
Changes unknown at this time. - Dun Morogh
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 1-10.
Changes unknown at this time. - Duskwood
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 20-25.
Changes unknown at this time. - Eastern Plaguelands
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 40-45, 45-50.
Changes unknown at this time; likely related to the death of Arthas. - Elwynn Forest
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 1-10.
Changes unknown at this time. - Eversong Woods
Overhaul level: Unknown.
Levels 1-10.
Changes, if any, unknown at this time. - Ghostlands
Overhaul level: Unknown.
Levels 10-20.
Changes, if any, unknown at this time. - Hillsbrad Foothills
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 20-25.
Southshore lost to tidal waves. - Loch Modan
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 10-20.
Changes unknown at this time. - Redridge Mountains
Overhaul level: Unknown.
Levels 20-25.
Changes unknown at this time. - Searing Gorge
Overhaul level: Unknown.
Levels 45-50.
Changes unknown at this time. - Silverpine Forest
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 10-20.
The Greymane Wall has been destroyed, opening the kingdom of Gilneas.
Shadowfang Keep questline getting redesigned for high-level players. - Stranglethorn Vale
Overhaul level: High.
New level range unknown.
Blizzard indicated that STV would be one of the most overhauled zones. - Swamp of Sorrows
Overhaul level: Moderate.
New level range unknown.
Changes unknown at this time. - The Hinterlands
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 30-35.
Changes unknown at this time.
- Tirisfal Glades
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 1-10.
Changes unknown at this time. - Western Plaguelands
Overhaul level: Light.
Levels 35-40.
Changes unknown at this time but likely related to Arthas' death. - Westfall
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 10-20.
Changes to Deadmines questline for high-level players. - Wetlands
Overhaul level: Moderate.
Levels 20-25.
Heavy landscape changes to the zone due to the emergence of Deathwing.
Passage to Twilight Highlands to the east opened.
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will destroy Azeroth as we know it. Nothing will be the same. In WoW.com's Guide to Cataclysm you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion. From Goblins and Worgens to Mastery and Guild changes, it's all there for your cataclysmic enjoyment.Filed under: Cataclysm
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 6)
johnshelley92 Nov 9th 2009 3:19PM
I'm so excited. I think this is the smartest move Blizzard has ever made. Goblin Warlock & Worgen Warrior...HERE I COME!!!
Radioted Nov 9th 2009 3:21PM
So if they're changing the Plaugelands post-Arthas' death, doesn't that somehow indicate a bit of old-world phasing? It wouldn't make much sense to level up to 60, see the Plaugelands post-Arthas, then rumble through Outland and then head to Northrend to... defeat Arthas.
mtsadowski Nov 9th 2009 3:34PM
The change could be that the Undercity captures more territory. Also, it's also hinted (SPOILER) that there may be another to take the Lich King's place to control the scourge. Perhaps it deals with that.
Andrew R. Nov 9th 2009 3:21PM
It is not WoW 2. This is World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.
Jeesh....trolls these days. Back in my day we knew how to troll and we had to walk 3 miles in the snow to the closest computer if we wanted to troll someone!
Biub Nov 9th 2009 3:23PM
As a primarily Alliance character player, I... feel evil knowing we're going to be destroying Taurajo in the Barrens. Why are we blowing up Tauren towns? I LIKE the Tauren! They're easily the most likable Horde race, and they have an awesome leader! Two thumbs down to the Alliance military.
olzer Nov 9th 2009 3:28PM
This is WAR, soldier!
They have no qualms about assaulting Astranaar and moving in on the Silverwings in Ashenvale, so I see no reason to feel sympathy for us razing Camp Taurajo.
Darthregis Nov 9th 2009 3:41PM
The biggest loss in Camp T is the flight point, really.
mtsadowski Nov 9th 2009 3:53PM
@Darthregis
It would be more interesting if they didn't take away the flight point. Imagine your Tauren landing... suddenly surrounded by Alliance.
/Run Away!
KJP Nov 9th 2009 3:57PM
What's most interesting to me about the Alliance incursion into South Barrens is that it almost has to be coming from Dustwallow Marsh, i.e. Jaina's turf. That seems a little... aggressive for her.
Shizu Nov 9th 2009 4:02PM
Considering the kick in the nuts my favorite race is slated for, I can't say I feel all that bad about Camp Taurajo.
Nothing against the tauren, I'm just a bitter night elf player. >_>
Kolenka Nov 9th 2009 4:22PM
I have to side with you on this one Shizu, another bitter NElf player here. I wouldn't be surprised if the Alliance got more aggressive out of Dustwallow Marsh if Jaina, say, left her position for some reason... or was effectively shut out of talks by Garrosh.
Either way, punch em in their allies to draw them away from the NE front, and push south, and hard. The likes of Garrosh and his buddies have no business in Ashenvale or Darkshore.
Brakkas Nov 9th 2009 8:54PM
We'll give you Garrosh if you don't burn Camp Taurajo!
Even if I didn't like the place, I'd still rather have the flight point than Garrosh as my leader...
Jinx Nov 10th 2009 5:50AM
Bitter Night Elf druid here too.
Darkshore and Ashenvale are my favorite zones and now they're changing (i.e. destroying) both.
Stop chopping our trees. >:(
Grund Nov 10th 2009 11:00PM
Damn Alliance I saw that Camp T was getting razed and was sad...
Then I saw all of your towns that were getting Destroyed lol
ALL HAIL Deathwing!
FOR THE HORDE!
followthategg Nov 9th 2009 5:00PM
Err, correct me if i'm wrong but i also believe Tarren Mill was lost to the Horde because "no one was guarding it"? I seem to remember that somewhere.
traptinacivicsi Nov 10th 2009 8:24AM
A dev said it at Blizzcon. Apparently it was a joke about southshore, which is actually being punched in the face by the ocean.
Chris A Nov 9th 2009 3:24PM
Sounds great but I'm confused. Are level 80s going to be questing in these zones too?
Tim Nov 9th 2009 4:57PM
It sounds like it. Our level 80-85 will be new "old world" zones. I have to assume that we can roll through the old zones that are new and we can do the new quests because our data doesn't show that we completed them. If they added a new quest for lower levels and didn't let higher level players do them there would be much anger and righteous qqing.
SithLlenniuq Nov 9th 2009 3:24PM
MY question still:
Patch 3.3 is due out sometime this month or next month. (Hopefully)
It is supposed to be the last Major Content patch of the WOTLK.
IF Cata is not even in Alpha yet, then what is Blizzard going to do for the next year or so. (My money is on Cata coming out Holiday 2010).
There is something not adding up here.
Either Cata is further along than we know or Blizz has leaked.
Or 3.3 IS not the last Major content patch.
mtsadowski Nov 9th 2009 3:39PM
Perhaps they'll release a patch that gives us some content that deals with the coming cataclysm. Instead of dealing with the Lich King, they will have quests taking us to different parts of Azeroth and witnessing some early changes.
It's kind of like a disaster movie where there are clues... and if we only saw the signs sooner! The only difference between a disaster movie and WoW is the audience... as in WoW has an audience.... that's right, I'm looking at you 2012... you WILL... BE... A TRAIN WRECK!