Cataclysm is the latest expansion for World of Warcraft. With the level cap increased to level 85, several new Cataclysm leveling zones are introduced to the game. The new zones are accessible to players who have upgraded their copy of World of Warcraft from ‘Wrath of the Lich King’ to ‘Cataclysm’, and a character level of 78 or higher is required to enter these areas.
Cataclysm leveling zones
Vashj’ir (level 80 – 82)
Located in the great sea, west of Khaz Modan, this underwater zone was once home to Lady Vashj. An introductory quest will take both Horde and Alliance players to Vashj’ir where they will experience a short cinematic as their ships are attacked by a giant sea creature. Several new underwater quest hubs are present and the players will soon gain the ability to breath underwater and move faster by completing a simple quest given to them. They can also acquire a special underwater mount, a seahorse by completing another fun quest.
The new quest hubs offer a number of random quests plus a long chain-quest connected to the storyline, which will finally end in the only five player dungeon in this zone, Throne of the Tides. Vashj’ir will enable the player to explore a vast underwater area, participate in underwater combat and experience the new underwater mounts. Vashj’ir is one of the two zones players can enter when they are ready to enter the new Cataclysm zones for the first time.
Mount Hyjal (level 80-82)
Again, players will have to complete an introductory quest given to them (in Stormwind for Alliance and in Orgrimmar for Horde), in order to reach this zone for the first time. Home to the World Tree (Nordrassil), Mount Hyjal is located north of Felwood and Winterspring. You can explore the lush forests, and help the Guardians of Hyjal protect the World Tree from the Twilight’s Hammer clan and Ragnaros by completing a series of quests designed to take you from Nordrassil to Sulfuron Spire.
Deepholm (level 82-84)
Deepholm is filled with with caves, endless passageways and tunnels. A quest which will become available when players get to level 82, will take them to the Temple of the Earth, located in the center of Deepholm. Once there, players can help the Earthen Ring to restore the ‘World Pillar’ which has been damaged by Deathwing.
Therazane is another faction you can gain reputation with while questing in Deepholm. The Therazane quartermaster sells the best in-game shoulder enchantments you can buy in Cataclysm (similar to ‘Sons of Hodir’ in Wrath of the Lich King).
Stonecore is the only 5-man dungeon located in this zone. The entrance is located above the Temple of Earth, to the west. There are quests available from both Therazane and Earthen Ring which can be completed inside Stonecore for good rewards and reputation with those factions.
Uldum (level 83-85)
Entrance to Uldum is located in Tanaris. Uldum is an ancient desert land home to Tol’vir, a new NPC race you encounter in Cataclysm. Players will be aiding the Tol’vir in the war against Al’Akir, who is using his minions to corrupt Tol’vir and convince them to join Deathwing.
Three five-player dungeons can be found in this zone. Halls of Origination (level 85), Lost City of the Tol’vir (level 85) and Vortex Pinnacle (level 82-84), which is located high above the ground. A 10/25 player raid dungeon called “Throne of the Four Winds” is also located in the zone Uldum.
Twilight Highlands (level 84-85)
Twilight Highlands are located east of Wetlands. Grim Batol, the ancient dwarven fortress and a 5-man level 85 dungeon can be found here. As Alliance, you will be helping the Wildhammer Clan and as Horde, you will be helping the Dragonmaw Clan in their fight against each other and the powerful common enemy, the Twilight’s Hammer. Reputation can be gained with respective factions by completing quests for them and working together with them to achieve certain goals which are well connected to the storyline.
Red Dragonflight, another NPC faction and the Earthen Ring also have their quest hubs in Twilight Highlands. Bastion of Twilight, a level 85, 10-25 man raid dungeon is also located in this area.
Tol Barad (level 85 PvP zone)
Similar to Wintergrasp in Wrath of the Lich King, Tol Barad is a PvP zone in Cataclysm only reachable after a player reaches level 85. Both Alliance and Horde can fight each other for the control of Tol Barad.
Baradin Hold is a 10-25 player raid dungeon located in this zone. Tol Barad Peninsula has two quest hubs, one for the Alliance controlled by Baradin’s Wardens and one for the Horde, the Hellscream’s Reach. Whoever controls Tol Barad can get additional quests for rewards and reputation.