An ancient evil sleeps in Deepholm, the domain of earth on the Elemental Plane. Hiding in a secluded sanctuary, the corrupt Deathwing Aspect Dragon he has waited, recovering from the wounds of his last battle against Azeroth and looking for the opportune moment to turn the world into liquid fire.
Soon, Deathwing the Destroyer will return to Azeroth and his eruption of Deepholm will divide the world, leaving an infected wound on the continents. As the Horde and Alliance race toward the epicenter of the cataclysm, the kingdoms of Azeroth will witness seismic shifts of power, the awakening of the war of the elements, and the emergence of unlikely heroes who will rise to protect their world, traumatized and deteriorated, of utter devastation.
Blizzard Entertainment's third expansion for World of Warcraft alters the face of Azeroth forever, following the destruction wrought by Deathwing's awakening, reshaping the land and unlocking long-sealed secrets. Players will be able to re-experience the familiar areas of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms, areas rebuilt by the cataclysm and filled with new adventure opportunities.
In an effort to survive the devastating cataclysm, two new game races, the Ferocanis and the Goblins, will join the fight between the Alliance and the Horde. As players climb to the new maximum level 85, they will explore newly discovered areas, gain new levels of power, and face Deathwing in a battle to determine the fate of the world.