Cataclysm,
as the name implies, will rock the very foundations of
Azeroth, bringing destruction and unexpectedly new life to the world.
Of course because of these changes it is only to be expected that large
portions of Azeroth will be changing forever and will never be quite
the same again. So before this change takes place you may want to
consider heading out into the world and partaking in some adventuring
that may no longer be possible once Cataclysm hits.
To get you started on your grand journey here are 8 things you should
do in Azeroth before Cataclysm:
Take the Plunge in Thousand
Needles
As we all know (especially if you’ve read my preview of
Thousand Needles in Cataclysm) Thousand Needles
as we know it is being all but obliterated in Cataclysm. Thanks to
rising waters and a not so small leak in the cliffs of the Shimmering
Flats this zone despite the best efforts of some of it’s
residents, who have about as much success as BP did trying to cap the
oil leak, will be entirely filled with water leaving only the highest
rises above sea level.
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For this reason, I highly suggest that before this event occurs,
players head on over to Thousand Needles and take the plunge. And by
plunge I mean jump directly off any of Thousand Needles ridiculously
high cliff sides. Personally I enjoy jumping off near the Great Lift,
however any old cliff side will do. Once you’ve found your
spot, step off the edge casually, or take a wild running leap, and
embrace the thrill as your character drops full speed to the ground
below.
Remember, when Cataclysm rolls around, you will no longer be able to
meet a thrilling and rather quick death in this manner. Jumping from
the cliffs of Thousand Needles in Cataclysm will instead be much like
jumping into a giant swimming pool, making this adventure one that you
definitely want to take.
Rediscover the Barrens
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The Barrens is a gentle land reminiscent of the plains of Africa with
the wildlife to match. Except for the occasional PvP match at the
Crossroads, and the general ignorance in general chat, this zone is a
generally tranquil place, until Cataclysm comes along of course. When
Cataclysm hits the Barrens that we know now will be chewed up and spit
out by the forces that be and left torn and broken.
So before the reckoning happens and the Barrens is literally torn limb
from limb, players should venture here and take a long walk around.
Visit landmarks such as Camp Taurajo that will soon be no more, take a
swim in the inviting blue waters before they turn to lava, seek out
Mankrik’s wife one more time for old time's sake, and /kiss
any wildlife you happen to come across.
Visit Shatterspear
Vale…the Hard Way
In Shatterspear Vale players will find the infamous village of dancing
Trolls. Serene and untouched by outside forces this place was a wonder
to discover and worth all the hard work it took to get there. Thanks to
the overwhelming changes in Cataclysm Shatterspear Vale will be
revealed to all of Azeroth and will find itself soon under siege by
some very angry Alliance forces.
So before the mystery of this secluded vale is stolen away, and the
Trolls here dance no more, players should pay a visit if they dare. The
way won’t be easy, especially for those venturing there for
the first time, however, the end result will be worth the struggle.
Those who accomplish this feat will have passed a sort of rite of
passage, joining those grand adventurers who refused to be reigned in
by silly walls and discovered the Vale first. Remember while finding
the Vale, if you don’t succeed the first time try, try again
and if it takes you less than a half hour to reach the Vale, you can
assume you're doing it wrong.
Drown Your Sorrows in
Auberdine and Southshore
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Cataclysm will bring many changes, but perhaps the most devastating of
these changes will be the loss of cities and towns that we know and
love. Sure we may not have visited these places since we were level 20
but despite that they still have a special place in our
hearts. Two great examples of this are the towns of Auberdine
and Southshore.
Both found in lower level zones these towns, these towns, despite their
seemingly forgotten status, will bring back fond memories to almost any
Horde and Alliance player. Sadly though, both these towns will be
ravaged and left in ruins both falling victim to the unstoppable forces
found in Cataclysm. With doom at hand what better way to celebrate old
memories and good times at both these locations than visiting the local
inn and downing a few with some good friends. So head on over to
Southshore and Auberdine and drink a few in honor of the past and to
drown out the thought of the not so bright future. The innkeepers will
certainly appreciate the business and if you are lucky enough to find
me there, I’ll even pick up the tab.
Go Swimming in the Loch
In the middle of Loch Modan lies a large body of water simply known as
“The Loch”. Whether the Loch was named after the
zone, or the zone after the Loch is unknown, however this giant water
feature is without a doubt the crowning jewel of the zone.
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The Loch sports several islands great for vacationing, and also many
rumors of a great beast lurking in the depths luring in more tourists
than such a small zone could ever hope for.
Unlike most of Azeroth in Cataclysm
where the waters are rising, the
Loch will experience a far more disturbing change. Here the waters will
slowly recede until the Loch is little more than an oversized pond,
leaving little room for the Loch’s infamous residents. Before
this tragedy occurs, hurry over to Loch Modan and take a dip in
it’s cool and mysterious waters. Seek out the monsters that
supposedly make their home here, and get a feel for the glory of the
Loch before it is no more.
Reunite Tooga and Torta
Tooga is one very lost giant turtle and can be found in Southern
Tanaris. Becoming lost while finding food for his beautiful wife Torta,
Tooga’s greatest desire is to be reunited with her. Torta can
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be found just south of Steamwheedle Port one of the areas of Tanaris
that will unfortunatly be completely overwhelmed by water in Cataclysm
leaving us to ponder the fate of these two lovestruck turtles.
With this quest line possibly becoming extinct in Cataclysm, those who
have not participated in reuniting these two love turtles should head
down to Tanaris and take on the task. It’s a simple one
really, just escort Tooga across the zone until you reach Torta. Once
completed angels will sing, the lovers will embrace, and all will be
right in the world. Well…that might not be EXACTLY what
happens, but at the very least by completing this quest you will be
able to wonder with the rest of the world why Tooga didn’t
just stay lost.
Defeat the Core
Molten Core is not going anywhere in Cataclysm. It’s true
that Ragnaros will finally be making a new appearance as part of an
instance in another zone. However, it stands to reason that despite his
new location, Ragnaros will still be the reigning boss deep within the
Molten Core. So why would I suggest a visit to this now forgotten
instance?
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Despite the fact that Molten Core is one of the oldest raid instances
in the game it still amazes me that many players have never had the
pleasure(?) of completing this instance. Not to mention with Ragnaros
making a sudden comeback, seeing where he came from, and immersing
yourself in the lore of Molten Core will only add to your determination
as you once again go to defeat him in his new instance.
So gather a group of trusty friends, or go it alone if you must, but
take the journey down the much used chain where at least one person
falls off and needs to be rescued from the fiery lava and venture into
the Molten Core for some old school fun. Who knows, perhaps you will
even be fortunate enough to get your very own Leaf, Eye, or if your
really lucky a Vendorstrike.
Walk….Everywhere
Yes I do mean everywhere. If you haven’t already caught on,
the Azeroth of Cataclysm will be nothing like the world we know now.
Almost every zone will see changes, places we love will vanish, and
Azeroth will truly never be the same. So strike out on foot or by mount
and walk across Azeroth from north to south and east to west. Get to
know zones you may not be familiar with, reminisce in locations that
bring back memories, swim in the oceans, and fall in love once again
with the world Blizzard first created before it is torn asunder. And
remember as you are walking that the Azeroth you see splayed before you
will never look this way again.
What do you plan to do before Cataclysm hits? Join us on our forums and
share your ideas.
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