Cataclysm Classic is moving into its next phase. With the rise of the Zandalari, the next stage begins on the WoW servers.
Exciting developments are happening in WoW right now. The pre-patch for The War Within was recently launched, and the full release will follow soon. Classic players on the Season of Discovery servers are eagerly anticipating the next phase, which will take them directly to the Molten Core. But that’s not all.
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Things are also progressing quickly on the “normal” Classic servers. Just a few weeks after the last update, progress continues to advance. We previously reported that content in Cataclysm Classic is being “cleaned up” rapidly.
The latest update, “Rise of the Zandalari,” has been live since July 31, 2024. This update takes our heroes to Zul’Gurub and Zul’Aman, the realm of the trolls. You can find Blizzard’s official announcement about this latest WoW update below.
Cataclysm Classic: Rise of the Zandalari is now live!
Just when you’ve decided to heed the advice to “stay away from voodoo,” a new temptation appears. Will you risk a journey to Zul’Gurub and Zul’Aman, where you must thwart the plans of the Zandalari and their allies? Think carefully, as your efforts will be rewarded accordingly.
In the past, the Zandalar tribe, the wise ancestors of the trolls, bravely helped the Horde and Alliance stop the evil actions of their kin in Zul’Gurub and Zul’Drak. However, the recent cataclysm has altered the Zandalari’s view of the world and their dwindling people. Led by a mysterious prophet known only as Zul, the Zandalari have called upon the struggling troll races of Azeroth to unite into a single, powerful empire to save their people from extinction.
So far, the Gurubashi and Amani trolls have heeded the call, gaining support from the Zandalari to rebuild their capitals in Zul’Gurub and Zul’Aman. But not all trolls have accepted the Zandalari’s ambitious vision of a new troll empire. Vol’jin and his Darkspear tribe oppose the warmongering led by Zul. To prevent the growing forces of the Gurubashi and Amani from plunging Azeroth into chaos, Vol’jin has sought the help of his allies in the Horde and even members of the Alliance. If the Darkspear campaign fails, a new troll empire could rise and bring war to a world already suffering from strife.
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A Threat Is Being Fought Secretly
With great foresight, Vol’jin has dispatched Darkspear emissaries to the capitals of Stormwind and Orgrimmar to call upon all able adventurers to investigate the latest threats in the jungles of Stranglethorn.
The situation is dire. The Gurubashi tribe is expanding its newfound power throughout Stranglethorn. Players will have the chance to undertake new level 85 single-player quests in Stranglethorn, where they will face the trials ahead. The Gurubashi leaders are largely intact and have regained power with the help of their new alliance with the Zandalari. Along the way, players will assist a cheeky Darkspear spirit whisperer named Bwemba, track down the remarkable Hemet Nesingwary, and encounter many of Zul’Gurub’s new bosses in the steamy jungles of Stranglethorn.
As a reward for helping with the issues in Stranglethorn Vale, players will receive, among other things, a cuddly panther pet to care for. To start the adventure, players should visit Vol’jin’s emissary in Orgrimmar or Stormwind Harbor.
Return to Zul’Gurub
This ancient city has once again become a base for the resurgent Gurubashi to attack those seen as intruders on their ancestral land. Now supported by the Zandalari, the Gurubashi present players with a whole new set of challenges in this five-player level 85 Heroic instance. While players will encounter some familiar faces, the encounters and combat mechanics have been significantly updated.
In addition to allying with the Darkspear, High Priest Venoxis, Bloodlord Mandokir, High Priestess Kilnara, Zanzil, and Jin’do the Godbreaker will make it clear that your interference will come at a steep price. Defeat them to receive a treasure map, which leads to a valuable treasure, including an account-bound ring with a gem so large it is visible when equipped!
For players with a high enough Archaeology skill, an additional boss can be unlocked in Zul’Gurub. Gri’lek, Renataki, Hazza’rah, or Wushoolay will be randomly chosen to confront those who venture too far in search of greater treasure. If your party completes the challenge, you will receive a selection of rewards from each of the four bosses, as well as loot unique to one of them.
The Amani, Now United
With the aid of the Zandalari, the remaining Amani have come together under the stable leadership of Daakara. Zul’Aman has been transformed into a new, challenging five-player level 85 Heroic instance. Players who fought Zul’Jin during The Burning Crusade will find much of the instance familiar, though the mechanics have been adjusted for a group of five players. Akil’zon, Nalorakk, Jan’alai, Halazzi, Hexlord Malacrass, and Daakara are determined to bring their tribe out of hiding and make their presence felt as a formidable force. Challengers, beware!
Both Zul’Aman and Zul’Gurub require players to have gear with an average item level of at least 346 before entering the instances. These Heroic instances are on a separate difficulty tier in the Dungeon Finder, above the current Heroic instances of Cataclysm Classic. In return, they offer players epic-quality loot at item level 353. Both instances provide items for nearly every gear slot, with particular attention given to hard-to-fill slots or specializations, such as bracers, helmets, shoulders, guns, and wands.
Rare Mounts and More
As in the original versions of Zul’Gurub and Zul’Aman, players will have the opportunity to loot rare mounts. The swift Zulian Panther and armored Razzashi Raptor can be found in Zul’Gurub, while the Amani Battle Bear can be earned by defeating the first four bosses of Zul’Aman within a time limit.
