Eight Things to do in Azeroth before Cataclysm

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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.

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

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

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.

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 canbe 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?

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.

Source:tentonhammer.com