Patch 5.4 patch notes
Virtual Realms feature revealed
The Proving Grounds are coming
The latest patch 5.4 newsPatch 4.0.3a, The Shattering, likely hitting live servers tomorrow
by Daniel Whitcomb 
Nov 22nd 2010 at 11:00AM
The Shattering patch will include all the old-world changes coming with Cataclysm, including changes to the Loremaster and Explorer achievements to match, the removal of Zul'Gurub, a reduction in the amount of experience required to level from 70 to 80, and the addition of all of the new race/class combinations. Worgen and goblins will still have to wait for Cataclysm itself, of course. If you don't plan to do any raiding or dailies in Northrend in the next couple weeks on any of your characters, you may also want to move your character to Stormwind or Orgrimmar before the servers go down, as rumor has it that the portals in Dalaran are going away with this patch.
If all this change is getting you confused and dismayed, never fear! We here at WoW Insider will be with you every step of the way. Just stay with us for all the latest news and handy guides you need to survive in the brave new world of Cataclysm.
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will destroy Azeroth as we know it; nothing will be the same! In WoW Insider's Guide to Cataclysm, you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion (available Dec. 7, 2010), from brand new races to revamped quests and zones. Visit our Cataclysm news category for the most recent posts having to do with the Cataclysm expansion.Filed under: Realm Status, News items, Rumors, Cataclysm
Reader Comments (Page 3 of 12)
Helston Nov 22nd 2010 7:06PM
So, am I the only person grateful for having spent umpteen thousand gold on a dalaran ring, allowing me to have both an Orgrimmar Hearthstone and Dalaran Teleport once every half hour?
Nate Nov 22nd 2010 11:05AM
I almost want to park a character far away, just so I HAVE to trek across the new, strange world to get to the comfort of Stormwind.
peon47 Nov 22nd 2010 12:03PM
Oooh, good idea. Booty Bay for my Hordies, and then ride them all way to UC, no taxis.
Shaktiri Nov 22nd 2010 11:06AM
Actually with the shattering finally "here", my mind is totally blank as to what's completely going away that I"ll actually miss! Except the portals of course.
Will we be able to do race changes to the new race/class combos right away?
Saiyde Nov 22nd 2010 11:09AM
If everything is the same as on the PTR, which it should be, yeah the old races/new classes will be available. Old world flying still isn't available AFAIK until you upgrade to Cata.
Saeadame Nov 22nd 2010 11:10AM
Hopefully. I want my troll druid damnit!
And I'm still debating whether I want to race change my priest.
I know I'll miss the portals, they were just so damn convenient. I'm hoping they'll add some of the wrath NPCs, like the cooking daily and the ink traders, to the major cities so I won't have to go there as often.
Sharvis Nov 22nd 2010 11:30AM
You'll have to wait until December 7th to race change to one of the new race/class combinations.
Zheo Nov 22nd 2010 11:32AM
the existing race/new class combos (i.e. Dwarf Shaman, Tauren Paladin) are avaiable.
Anything Worgen/Goblin is not.
Klausse Nov 22nd 2010 11:32AM
Yes, no race changes to the new combos until Dec. 7th, per Blizzard:
http://blue.mmo-champion.com/topic/128962/race-change-question-still-unanswered
Zheo Nov 22nd 2010 11:06AM
Well I'll be. Turns out those Twilight Cultists were right.
The end IS near.
Camaris Nov 22nd 2010 11:25AM
Yeah. And the funny thing is, I don't think anyone (NPCs that is) in-game realises Deathwing is involved yet.
dmberreth Nov 22nd 2010 6:39PM
Actually, I'd think that someone has to know. The fight against the earth elemental boss, the boss CLEARLY calls Cho'Gall a servant of Deathwing during their dialog.
I suppose everyone could have their ears plugged whenever she says this, but...
Saeadame Nov 22nd 2010 11:08AM
Did my last run of ZG earlier, and no tiger. Oh, well, there'll always be other shiny mounts.
Raven Nov 22nd 2010 11:12AM
I just Squeed in my pants!
Aaron Nov 22nd 2010 12:01PM
LOL me too! /squeeeeeeeeeeeee
DaveLea Nov 22nd 2010 11:10AM
Does this mean I can start levelling thew Gobling rep for my go-cart or do I have to wait for Cataclysm proper?
Klausse Nov 22nd 2010 11:39AM
Sorry, you'll have to wait until the Cataclysm release on Dec. 7th.
Pamoya Nov 22nd 2010 11:53AM
Actually, you can start getting goblin rep once the patch hits. Even though they aren't available as a playable class, the goblin rep (bilgewater cartel) is listed under the horde reputations. Generic horde rep gains will increase it. Also, the goblin rep vendor is available in Orgrimmar and you can buy the tabard.
Kylenne Nov 22nd 2010 11:56AM
Actually, the Bilgewater quartermaster is in Orgrimmar on the PTR, and sells the tabard that lets you grind rep in dungeons. I haven't tried it out, but I don't see why you wouldn't be able to grind the rep before Cataclysm.
This would be in keeping with what happened in the patch prior to BC, where it was entirely possible to get exalted with Silvermoon and Exodar via rep spillover in BG turn-ins before BC came out, and IIRC a number of people did.
Klausse Nov 22nd 2010 11:56AM
Misread...though he wanted to get his go-cart before Cata.