(This guide was last updated on 24-08-09! For details read the change-log)
Intro:

Welcome,

Lots of news about the new expansion for World of Warcraft has surfaced. In the following posts are short Q&A’s what the expansion is and isn’t. All information are official from resources varying from fan-sites, magazines, websites or even Blizzard themselves (unless said otherwise).

Got any information I don’t have? Feel free to contribute. Other feedback like grammar (etc) is also welcome.

Questions are also welcome, but please read this guide first before asking. Chances are I already answered your question.

Yours sincerely,
Schwick (Shadowsong-EU)
schwickster@gmail.com
MVP (http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=87109062&sid=1)

Please note, I’m not a Blizzard employee nor anything related

Chapters:

Because this post is pretty big, the guide is spread over multiple posts


• 1. General information (Can be found in Post number 1)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#1
• 2. Classes & Skills (Can be found in Post number 1)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#1
• 3. Dungeons (Can be found in Post number 2)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#2
• 4. PvP (Can be found in Post number 3)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#3
• 5. Zones (Can be found in Post number 3)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#3
• 6. Professions & Items (Can be found in Post number 4)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#4
• 7. Lore (Can be found in Post number 4)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#4
• 8. Worgen (Can be found in Post number 5)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#5
• 9. Goblins (Can be found in Post number 5)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#5
• 10. Graphics & UI (Can be found in Post number 6)
  http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=10546328033&sid=1#6
  
  

Change-log:

• 24-08-09 04:30
  • Minor spelling mistakes fixed and some lay-out errors.
    
  • Added Q&A 1.4
    
  • Added some Q&A to chapter 5
    
  • Added some Q&A to chapter 7
    
  • Answered 8.4, 8.6, 8.7 & 8.8
    
  • Added 8.10 & 8.11
    
  • Answered 9.5 & 9.6
    
  • Added 9.9 & 9.10
  
  
• 22-08-09 23:50
  • Corrected some small grammar.
    
  • Corrected some lay-out mistakes.
    
  • Fixed the chapters section.
    
  • Added a coming soon section. Just so you know what I am still working on :-)
    
  • Added source for Q&A 1.3.
    
  • Added class details to chapter 2 and more skill details.
    
  • Added loads of Q&A to chapters 6, 8 and 9.
    
  • Added chapter 10.
  
  

Guide faq:

Before I start off, a couple of things about this guide.

1Q. OMG Green posts! What, how , you Blizzard?
1.A Please read this post http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=87109062&sid=1


2Q You posts says information X while the developers gave information Y
2A All information are from the developers or reliable sources. Chances are the information has changed because of design decisions. This information will be updated shortly.


3Q Your post doesn’t have any information about X. Why?
3A Chances are that information has not been revealed yet.


4Q What does Q, A and S mean?
4A Q stands for Question, A for Answer and S for Source.

Coming soon!:

• PvP section
  
• Dungeon section
  
• Lore section
  
• UI details
  
• Path of the Titan details
  
• Zone section
  
• And some other small titbits
  

1. General Information

1.1Q What is the name of the new of the expansion?

1.1A World of Warcraft Cataclysm (Referred to Cata in this guide)
1.1S http://www.wow.com/2009/08/21/blizzcon-2009-opening-ceremony-live-blog/

1.2Q What’s the release-date of Cata?

1.2A Unknown at this point. When it’s done is my guess :-)

1.3Q What are the system requirements of Cata?

1.3A Unknown at this point. However it has been announced graphical enhancements have been added.
1.3S http://www.wow-europe.com/cataclysm/faq/

1.4Q Will I require all the expansions to play Cata or even Cata itself to experience certain content?

1.4A The old-zone changes will affect everyone. If you want to experience the level 81 or higher content, you will require the previous expansions and of course Cata itself. Not to forget about the new races will also require Cata.
1.4S http://www.wow-europe.com/cataclysm/faq/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58zjeaqGjo (around 01:50)

2. Classes, levels & Skills

2.1Q Any new classes or hero classes in Cata?

2.1A No new (hero) classes will be introduced. However new class combinations are possible. Currently the following combinations are confirmed:
Horde:
• Orc Mage
  
• Troll Druid
  
• Tauren Paladin
  
• Tauren Priest
  
• Undead Hunter
Alliance:
• Dwarf Mage
  
• Dwarf Shaman
  
• Gnome Priest
  
• Human Hunter
  
• Night Elf Mage
2.1S http://www.wow.com/2009/08/21/blizzcon-2009-opening-ceremony-live-blog/
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/_images/features/raceclassmatrix_en_US.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc (around 03:00)

2.2Q What will be the new level cap?

2.2A Cata will raise the level cap up to level 85. Five more levels.
2.2S http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/faq/

2.3Q Any general class changes coming?

2.3A Yes, various classes will/might get the following changes:
• More meditate types of spells for healers.
  
• Ranked abilities will be gone. Instead they will scale with your level.
  
• Chances are +hit talents will be gone.
  
• Improved buff talents will be gone (IE: Imp Mark of the Wild)
2.3S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiUb4piKqdI (around 01:38)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 03:25)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV_ai2_ayu8 (around 09:00)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS2U871hJQE (around 05:52

2.4Q Any changes coming for Death Knights?

2.4A No changes are known yet.
2.4S

2.5Q Any changes coming for Druids?

2.5A No changes are known yet.
2.5S

2.6Q Any changes coming for Hunters?

2.6A Hunters will/might get the following changes:
• Mana will be replaced by focus:
  • No more mana regen or intellect needed.
    
  • Will regen similarly like energy, energy regens at 10 per second where as focus regens at 6 per second.
    
  • The limit will be 100 focus.
    
  • Shots cost around 30 to 60 focus.
• Steady shot now improves focus regen up to 12 per second.
  
• Fewer cooldowns on abilities are coming.
  
• Aspect of the Viper is gone. Might return as a completely new spell.
  
• Ammo will be turned into an item (no quiver/pouch needed). Upgrades or different types of ammo (fire/ice/etc) is still being worked on.
2.6S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc (around 07:50)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV_ai2_ayu8 (around 02:20)

2.7Q Any changes coming for Mages?

2.7A No changes are known yet.
2.7S

2.8Q Any changes coming for Paladins?

2.8A No changes are known yet.
2.8S

2.9Q Any changes coming for Priests?

2.9A No changes are known yet.
2.9S

2.10Q Any changes coming for Rogues?

2.10A No changes are known yet.
2.710

2.11Q Any changes coming for Shamans?

2.11A While no specific changes have been announced, Blizzard is looking into the PvP turret effect.
2.11S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 04:38)

2.12Q Any changes coming for Warlocks?

2.12A Warlocks will/might get the following changes:
• Soul Shards will be revamped:
  • Will no longer be in your bags.
    
  • A UI has been added to the unitframe that shows your amount of shards.
    
  • Maximum amount of shards will be three. Chances for a fourth one for Demonology.
    
  • Regenerates quickly out of combat.
    
  • Chances are there will be a way to get a shard back during combat.
• Summoning and spells no longer costs shards. Only a few spells will cost shards.
  
• New spell: Soulburn. Empowers your next spell (costs one shard, 30 sec CD, no GCD). Not all spells will be effected by this. An example given is your next Searing Pains will be three crits. Other examples are spells becoming instant cast like summoning demons, fear or even Soul Fire.
2.12S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc (around 04:24)

2.13Q Any changes coming for Warriors?

2.13A No changes are known yet.
2.13S

2.14Q Do we get five more talent points and a new tier of talents to spend it on?

2.14A Will answer this later on
2.14S

2.15Q Will the old racials get some changes?

2.15A Yes. Details remain unknown though.
2.15S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 00:30)

2.16Q How long will it take me to level up to level 85 from 80?

2.16A Should be similar to the way levelling up feels comparing to WLK.
2.16S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58zjeaqGjo (around 06:30)

3. Dungeons

Work in progress! Incoming soon!

4. PvP

Work in progress! Incoming soon!


5. Zones

5.1Q What new zones will we get in Cata?

5.1A You will get the following new zones:
• Will answer this later on
5.1S

5.2QWill old zones ever get a brush-up?

5.2A Will answer this later on
5.2S

5.3Q Will these old zones change permanently for everyone? Can I still do the old quests there?

5.3A Yes, the zones will change permanently. It will change for everyone (if you got the expansion or not) and it will add new quests regarding the events.
5.3S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58zjeaqGjo (around 02:20)

5.4Q So the old zones get a brush-up. Does that mean we’ll finally be allowed to fly in Azeroth? If so, do we need to unlock flying in Azeroth?

5.4A Yes, Azeroth will finally be flyable. Old zones will get changed to make it possible to do so. Flying in Azeroth won’t be unlocked at start. It’s unknown how we’ll unlock it.
5.4S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58zjeaqGjo (around 05:40)

6. Items & Professions

6.1Q Will Cata introduce any new profession?

6.1A Yes. Cata will introduce Archaeology. Archaeology will be a secondary profession (like cooking for example). Everyone can take this profession. This profession will give you the ability to collect artifacts. It also unlocks Path of the Titans. Last but not least, it will give unique items like mini-pets, fast-travelling, patterns and such. Archaeology “items” will go into your journal (not your bag) which also tracks your progression. It’s unsure how you collect these “items”.
6.1S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkdPbeMatV0

6.2Q At the moment certain classes have wasted stats or stats that don’t benefit them much. Are there going to be any changes?

6.2A Yes. Cata will do the following to certain stats:


• MP5 is gone. MP5 will be replaced by spirit.
  
• Warlocks and Mages won’t use spirit anymore.
  
• Spell Power is gone. Instead you will use intellect which will give Spell Power (besides mana).
  
• Attack Power is gone. Instead Hunters, Rogues, Shamans and Druids will get 2 AP per agility.
  
• Defense is gone. Instead tank classes will get anti-crit from talents.
  
• Armor Penetration is gone. Armor Penetratrion will be replaced with Mastery.
  
• Haste will now allow you to get Rage, Runes, Focus and Energy faster.
  
• Block values is gone. Block will now mitigate a percentage of damage.
  
• Stamina will be more on items.
6.2S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiUb4piKqdI

6.3Q Mastery? What does that stat do?

6.3A Will answer this soon
6.3S

6.4Q Any news on a new legendary item?

6.4A Yes, a caster legendary might be introduced in the first raiding dungeon in Cata.
6.4S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 02:18)

6.5Q Currently it’s been said that each character can have a max of three secondary professions. Will we get a new max of four secondary professions because of Archaeology?

6.5A Will answer this soon
6.5S

6.6Q I never liked the stat-distribution of a certain item. Will we finally get the ability to “change” that item?

6.6A Yes. Blacksmiths, Engineers, Leatherworkers, Jewelcrafters and Tailors will be able to Reforge items for you and others (who don’t have that profession). Reforging allows somebody to split certain stats into halve and redistribute them into another stat. It’s relatively cheap. There are also a few restrictions in place to prevent giving too much stats. For example you can’t turn stamina into spell power. The limits aren’t also set in terms of how many stats you convert, you can however redo it how many times you like. Each profession can only do certain items (IE: Blacksmiths can only do weapons).
6.6S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkdPbeMatV0 (around 02:40)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 06:00)

6.7Q What changes are coming to existing professions?

6.7A The following changes will/might come:
• Multi-gains (for example blue crafted items give you 5 skill ups and green crafted 1 skill up).
  
• Gathering skills will be more fun and more customizable options (IE: turn the passive ability into something else).
  
• Chances are engineering will be able to craft bows.
  
• Engineering will get more fun and convenient items.
6.7S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkdPbeMatV0 (around 04:34)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS2U871hJQE (around (01:45

6.8Q How many levels will professions get above 450? What’s the new name for it?

6.8A You will gain yet another 75 skill points for the professions, bringing it to 525. The title will be called Illustrious.
6.8S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 01:09)

6.9Q Will we finally get a bigger 16-slot backpack?

6.9A It’s being looked into.
6.9S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 07:45)

6.10Q Any word about passenger flying mounts?

6.10A There’s a possibility there will be one.
6.10S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV_ai2_ayu8 (around 08:015)

7. Lore

7.1Q Who will be the main villain of this expansion?

7.1A Deathwing (leader of the Black Dragonflight) will be the main villain of this expansion.
7.1S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15xRZXCsa78(around 03:20)

7.2Q What famous heroes and villains will show up in Cata?

7.2A You will encounter the following famous heroes and villains:
• Deathwing
  
• King Genn Greymane
  
• Garrosh Hellscream
  
• King Varian Wrynn
  
• Ragnaros
  
• Queen Azshara
  
• Warchief Thrall
7.2S http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/features/lore.html

8. Worgen

8.1Q Worgen? What are those?

8.1A Worgen were ones Humans. Duo to a curse they transformed into “Werewolves”. You can find some in the old zones surrounding the Undead zones. For more history, please check the wiki.
8.1S http://www.wowwiki.com/Worgen

8.2Q What faction will the Worgen join?

8.2A The Worgen will join the Alliance faction.
8.2S http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/faq/

8.3Q What classes can Worgen play?

8.3A Worgen can play the following:
• Death Knight
  
• Druid
  
• Hunter
  
• Mage
  
• Priest
  
• Rogue
  
• Warlock
  
• Warrior
Worgen can’t go Paladins or Shaman.
8.3S http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/_images/features/raceclassmatrix_en_US.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc (around 02:44)

8.4Q Weren’t the Worgen evil?

8.4A Yes. The Worgen are effected by a curse. During the first few levels you will find out what the curse is and how to tame it.
8.4S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0WtIb0zFsM (around 02:00)

8.5Q What are the racials the Worgen will use?

8.5A Worgen got the following racials:
• Darkflight: Activate your true form, increasing movement speed by 70% (6 sec buff, 3 min CD)
  
• Viciousness: All damage increased by 1% (passive)
  
• Aberration: Reduced duration on Curses and Diseases used against you by 15%
  
• Flayer: SKinning skill + 15, your skin creatures fast and you use your claws.
  
• Transform: Turn into a Worgen or Human (visual only, not possible in combat)
8.5S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc (around 1:19)

8.6Q What will be the new starting zones of the Worgen?

8.6A Gilnaes will be the starting zone(s).
8.6S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0WtIb0zFsM (around 01:45)

8.7Q What mounts will the Worgen use?

8.7A Unknown. However an artwork depicts them riding some sort of mix between a Wolf and a Boar.
8.7S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0WtIb0zFsM (around 02:38)

8.8Q Who’s the racial leader of the Worgen?

8.8A Unknown at the moment. However it is possible it will be Genn Greymane.

8.9Q Worgen being Death Knights doesn’t make sense. Any explanation?

8.9A Blizzard just decided it was fun for them to be a DK. It’s possible lore reasons will be given how they become one.
8.9S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGrIEgwLJ38 (around 04:38)

8.10Q What’s the home city of the Worgen?

8.10A While it is unknown if Gilneas will be the home city, it’s possible it will be. Granted, the Worgen will have their own district inside Stormwind. So it’s possible they won’t have a home city anymore.
8.10S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58zjeaqGjo (around 09:20)

8.11Q What language will the Worgen speak?

8.11A Unknown at this point.

9. Goblins

9.1Q What faction will the Goblins join?

9.1A The Goblins will join the Horde faction.
9.1S http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/faq/

9.2Q What classes can Goblins play?

9.2A Worgen can play the following:
• Death Knight
  
• Hunter
  
• Mage
  
• Priest
  
• Rogue
  
• Shaman
  
• Warlock
  
• Warrior
No Paladins or Druids with the Goblins.
9.2S http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/cataclysm/_images/features/raceclassmatrix_en_US.jpg

9.3Q Wait a minute. Aren’t the Goblins suppose to be neutral? What will happen to the Goblins that are neutral and help the Alliance?

9.3A The Goblins have various factions/Cartels inside the World (of Warcraft). Only a certain Goblin Cartel will join the Horde. This because certain Alliance are attacking the Goblins. Other cartels in the world still remain neutral and help both factions.
9.3S http://www.wow-europe.com/cataclysm/features/goblin.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc (around 02:35)

9.4Q What are the racials the Goblins will use?

9.4A Goblins got the following racials:
• Rocket Jump: Activate your rocket belt to jump up to 20 yards (2 min CD and shares CD with Rocket Barrage).
  
• Rocket Barrage: Fire your belt rockets at an enemy within 30 yards (2 min CD and shares CD with Rocket Jump).
  
• Time is Money: Cash in on a 1% increase to attack and casting speed (passive ability).
  
• Best Deals Anywhere: Best possible gold discount, regardless of reputation.
  
• Pack Hobgolbin: Calls in your personal servant, allowing you bank access every 30 min.
  
• Better Living Through Chemisty: Alchemy skill + 15; your potions give more health / mana.
Because there are more racials than any other race, chances are you will unlock them over time.9.4S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnhuUFB9rTc

9.5Q What will be the new starting zones of the Goblins?

9.5A The Isle of Kezan will be the starting zone(s) for the Goblins.
9.5S http://www.wow.com/2009/08/21/blizzcon-2009-world-of-warcraft-preview-panel-liveblog/

9.6Q What mounts will the Goblins use?

9.6A Unknown at the moment. However looking at concept art, it looks like the Golbins will get a hot-rod.
9.6S http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imhM6RxHSCo (around 03:17)

9.7Q Who’s the racial leader of the Goblins?

9.7A Unknown at the moment.

9.8Q Goblins being Death Knights doesn’t make sense. Any explanation?

9.8A See Q&A 8.9

9.9Q What’s the home city of the Goblins?

9.9A Unknown at this point.

8.10Q What language will the Goblins speak?

8.10A Unknown at this point.

10. Graphics & UI

10.1Q Will Cata introduce better graphics?

10.1A Cata will introduce enhanced graphics. An example (and noticeable in videos and screenshots) are water effects.
10.1S http://www.wow-europe.com/cataclysm/faq/

Another one of those!

The end!
I hope you enjoy the third instalment of “info about expansion”. You may now start posting.

Yours sincerely,
Schwick (Shadowsong-EU)
schwickster@gmail.com
MVP (http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?topicId=87109062&sid=1)

Please note, I’m not a Blizzard employee nor anything related

PS: This is a work in progress post. Not much ATM, so please bare with me.