Cataclysm 101: What to do first in Cataclysm

Cataclysm has already gone live in Europe, and it's only hours away now for those of us in North America. Are you prepared for it? Do you know what you need to know to hit the ground running when Cataclysm content becomes active on live realms? If you don't, we're here to help. Below are answers to some of the most common questions that have been asked about starting the Cataclysm experience.
How do I learn to fly in old Azeroth?
You can get your Flight Master's License in Outland or Northrend, but the much better options are Stormwind for the Alliance and Orgrimmar for the Horde. Horde players want to talk to Maztha and Alliance players want to talk to Bralla Cloudwing. Wowhead has excellent maps for finding both of them.
Which zones do I go to first to level in Cataclysm? How do I get there?
You have the option of going to either Hyjal or Vashj'ir. Which you go to is purely personal preference. Stormwind and Orgrimmar have breadcrumb quests for both. Either the quest will be offered to you immediately upon logging in with a pop-up style quest prompt, or you will need to go to your city's Hero's Board/Warchief's Command Board.
Deciding to go to Hyjal will route you through Moonglade to gain entrance to the zone -- don't worry, going through Moonglade won't take as long as you think. You won't need to hoof it the whole way.
Deciding to go to Vashj'ir will send you to your respective faction's nearest harbor. In the case of Stormwind, you go to the Stormwind Harbor. In the case of Orgrimmar, you will be sent to the new dock in Durotar.
I'd like to pick up archaeology before I head out and level. Where do I do that?
There are archaeology trainers all over the world, but we'll focus on Stormwind and Orgrimmar, since those are going to be your central hubs in Cataclysm. Alliance players need to head into the Stormwind Keep to talk to Harrison Jones. Horde players need to speak with Harrison's nemesis, Belloc Brightblade. If you're having difficulty finding them, the simplest tip is to ask a guard. They will put a convenient little flag on your map.
I want to run the new dungeons, but I can't seem to queue for anything. What's the deal?
As of Cataclysm, it's required that you discover a dungeon in person before you can queue for them. Right at level 80, your only real instance option is Blackrock Caverns, tucked away in Blackrock Mountain. If you plan on running instances while you level through Hyjal and Vashj'ir, you may want to swing by Blackrock Mountain before you depart.
WoW Insider's YouTube account has a few videos on how to find some of the Cataclysm dungeons. All of these videos are linked below. Do note that in the videos where the guide is a ghost, it is not required that you be dead to discover the instance. Graveyards are just convenient landmarks ... and let's be honest, you're going to die in these dungeons. Knowing how to get to them from the graveyard is a good thing.
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: Cataclysm, Archaeology






Reader Comments (Page 2 of 3)
Jawbone Dec 6th 2010 7:53PM
@Magma : incorrect, you'll be able to train in the cities BUT (this is where you got confused) for several professions you won't be able to train up to 525, you'll get stuck become the RECIPES/PATTERNS will be locked behind 84 (trainers phased in Twilight Highlands).
Alchemy is trainable (as confirmed by WoW insider) from 450 to 525 solely on what you learn from your factions cities.
Vladamier Dec 6th 2010 7:37PM
What about flying in the old world?
Runesrus Dec 6th 2010 7:35PM
The europeans get revenge for being updated last every patch.. They get revenge by getting Cataclysm first.
Noyou Dec 6th 2010 7:40PM
I'm happy for you. No really I am.
Nightrush Dec 6th 2010 7:43PM
That's because the expansion is coming out on Pearl Harbor Day. The Germans already bombed it once. Looks like they're doing it again. =^/
Dragis Dec 6th 2010 7:49PM
On this day, let us all observe and remember the day the "Germans" bombed Pearl Harbor.
Brakkas Dec 6th 2010 8:15PM
@Dragis
Forget it, he's rolling.
Matt Dec 6th 2010 9:25PM
seriously...noone got the animal house reference? boo-urns.
hicks Dec 6th 2010 8:27PM
Otter: Germans?
Boon: Shut up, he's rolling.
(I have /y "WAS IT OVER WHEN THE GERMANS BOMBED PEARL HARBOR?" macroed for burn phases of raid bosses.)
Noyou Dec 6th 2010 7:38PM
Mining. Mining. And mining. Gotta level JC up to 525 then get enough new ore to support Engineering to 525. I already have enough old world mats for the engineering. Fun times. I hope everything goes good at the gamestop. Psyched. GL to all and have fun!
cj Dec 6th 2010 7:38PM
WORGEN NINJA!
Flolyn Dec 7th 2010 3:00PM
do you need a cata upgraded account to access archaeology?
Sols Dec 6th 2010 7:47PM
Step 1: Buy old world flying
Step 2:
Step 3: Profit...
MikeLive Dec 6th 2010 8:02PM
Step 2: Fly?
Ostentaneous Dec 6th 2010 8:38PM
Step 2: Farm
Dressel Dec 6th 2010 8:25PM
First thing I'm going to do in Cataclysm? Wait impatiently as the servers go up and down like the Thunderbluff elevators...
Noyou Dec 6th 2010 8:43PM
What kind of Moosic do they play on those elevators?
Tokkar Dec 6th 2010 9:31PM
That's MooZAK, thank you! As for what kind? I dunno...something by this guy named Rick...
Therar Dec 6th 2010 10:22PM
Gone fishing
Solanstus Dec 6th 2010 10:29PM
How is this going to work out for faction limits? For example, how will Horde players get into Stocks?