Patch 5.3 interview with Ghostcrawler
Mystery of the Unborn Val'kyr
The latest patch 5.3 news
All of the latest Mists of Pandaria newsCataclysm: 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Disclaimer: Some information may be outdated or incorrect by this stage in Cataclysm's development!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.
Some Tanaris goblins wisely invested in desert real estate and reaped the benefits when it became beach-front property.
A new Caverns of Time instance will be opening.
- Thousand Needles
Overhaul level: High.
Levels 40-45.
The cataclysm has resulted in Thousand Needles completely flooding.
Shimmering Flats is now a lake.
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.
Cataclysm opens the coastline for a new area.
New worgen hub near the Tainted Scar.
- 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.
The plague will recede from the Western Plaguelands following Arthas' defeat.
- 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 2 of 6)
Andrew R. Nov 9th 2009 3:15PM
Gimme! Gimme! Bring on the Cataclysm world event. I don't want to wait any longer for this expansion! As someone who hardly if ever raids I can't wait for this. I'm looking forward to the changes in the zones and quests more than anything.
Leigh Nov 9th 2009 5:39PM
Me too! I can't wait for it, finally a horde race that I like! And i can make that dwarf shaman and mage i've been dreaming of.
I've got 2 80's farming the Argent Tournament for the BtA items to make the leveling sweet when the time comes. By the sound of this article it should be good fun to level on both sides :D
Dalixam Nov 9th 2009 3:17PM
I have wondered about the flooding of Thousand Needles ever since we first were told of it. The entrance to Feralas is on the same level, so if TN has been flooded, I would assume most of Feralas is also flooded unless some kind of dam has been built.
Frank Nov 9th 2009 4:15PM
and what about Tanaris & Ungoro? they are closer to sea level than the needles, but they are only listed as "light" changes. how is that possible? if thousand needles is flooding....
arcaneterror Nov 9th 2009 4:31PM
At the very least the ancient river canyon leading from 1k Needles to the ocean will be flooded.
traptinacivicsi Nov 10th 2009 8:14AM
Well, while feralas is level with that part of the zon, it's a 'bit' higher in elevation than the rest, which seems to slowly roll down to the flats.
We don't know how dramatic the flood is (though if I remember they did use the word 'completely'.) I'm sure most of you are imagining a bunch of islands in place of the plateaus, but maybe it's only half that far up, or less.
Poor speedway though. First they give the only CAR in the game to the horde, and now the only raceway in the game is being destroyed! :(
Wilyumwallus Nov 9th 2009 3:17PM
Planning on freezing myself in the snow until Cataclysm comes out, can't wait any longer. Just hope I don't thaw out 500 years later and otters can talk...
mtsadowski Nov 9th 2009 3:22PM
BUTTERS!!!!
Drakkenfyre Nov 9th 2009 4:07PM
Whether you know it or not, you kind of referenced an old adventure game by the name of "Inherit the Earth".
Retron Nov 9th 2009 5:00PM
.......ell...ell...Hello?......Hello?...Dude it's you...Wilyumwallus from the future! I know what you're planning to do...you have to listen to me don't do it!
Edmunt Nov 9th 2009 3:18PM
I'm just hopen they don't completely ignore Blood Elf and Dranei starting areas and cities like they have been lately. It would be a shame. Specially for the Blood Elves since one of there primary concerns is the Scourge... which is also why its annoying to see they have no presence in Northrend. :/
David Nov 9th 2009 3:47PM
And don't forget the lack of Sunwell which is now remedied. I will be thoroughly disappointed if they do not revises Eversong Woods & Ghostlands.
Retron Nov 9th 2009 6:29PM
The Horde district of Dalaran is called Sunreaver's Sanctuary. The Blood Elves have a presence in Northrend, certainly more than the Draenei do.
At any rate, I doubt there will be too much overhauling of those starting zones, since they're already much higher quality in both art and quest design than the old crusty vanilla zones.
jfofla Nov 9th 2009 3:19PM
This is not an expansion, it is WOWII.
mtsadowski Nov 9th 2009 3:28PM
With the success of WoW, this expansion is a perfect test. This could be the new thing. Instead of making sequels, the game itself evolves. It would not surprise me that the expansion contains code that would make it easier for them to evolve the content.
Doesn't EQ1 have better numbers than EQ2? If that's true, Blizzard MUST know this. They're really good at learning from other companies successes and mistakes.
WoW just may continue to evolve.
And for those of you that speak the financial language: Activision-Blizzard will continue to beat the horse until it stops bleeding money.
alpha5099 Nov 9th 2009 3:19PM
Interesting how there's so much more information on changes being made in Kalimdor. I'm sure the changes will end up being evenly spread among the continents, but we know almost nothing of what will happen in EK.
I don't think I had realized before that the Goblin city would be connected to Org, but that makes sense. Gilneas seems to have been lost (or is seriously contested) and the Worgen are getting their own quarter in SW, I guess I should've realized the Goblins would be expanding into a new area of Org.
Muse Nov 9th 2009 4:11PM
Partially, our lack of knowledge about EK is due to the guy on the photo covering the map with his arm. heh
alpha5099 Nov 9th 2009 4:22PM
Although that's true, we still wouldn't have that much information, just whether certain zones would be getting overhauls or not (and possibly what modified level ranges would be). In terms of zones that we have concrete details on how they'll change, we have lots in Kalimdor (Azshara, Barrens, Ashenvale, Darkshore, Thousand Needles, Desolace) and only a couple in the Eastern Kingdoms. I think the destruction of Southshore (no great loss, there's that other Alliance town just north of there) is the only officially announced one, but Wetlands is probably gonna see some major changes, and I bet Silverpine will see at least an Alliance hub added (although that would lead to a contested sub-20 zone, so maybe the Worgen won't be going that way.)
Possum Nov 9th 2009 3:19PM
I am the most sad about Azshara. I mean sure, it was almost a completely empty zone. But it is still probably the prettiest one in Azeroth. When I accidently swum there as a low level character I spent a good hour dodging cliff giants and hippogryphs just so i could explore more/take more screenshots. With that and the goblins destroying Stonetalon I'm more pissed off at them than damn Deathwing.
Alja Nov 9th 2009 7:57PM
/agreed Azshara was always my favorite zone, not due to the severe lack of quests there or the quest lines that just disappeared mid quest line but due to the beauty of the environment. Perpetual Fall :D
Stupid Goblins >.<