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Cataclysm brings new launcher and patch process

Gregg Reece
Contributing Editor
Updated ·3 min read

Zarhym (Blizzard community manager) announced in the Cataclysm forums that the launcher as well as the patch download process will be getting overhauled as well. This new system will include a color-coded progress bar similar to a stoplight system.

Zarhym
There are three stages of download progress:

  • SETUP (RED): Core game content is being prepared. You cannot enter the game at this time.

  • AVAILABLE (YELLOW): Major game content is not completely applied. You can play, but your game experience will not be ideal.

  • PLAYABLE (GREEN): Final game content is almost complete. You may experience a few game issues with playing at this stage.


What does this mean for players? Once you're into the yellow part of the download, you can actually log into the game and play. Things that are missing will likely be along the lines of art, model and sound files. While this might cause lag or strange graphic issues, it will allow for players to get back onto their servers faster during patch days.

Those of you in the beta will see this relatively soon. However, it will require that you re-install the beta client from scratch.

The full blue post and instructions after the break.



Zarhym
The new Cataclysm Launcher allows you to stream game data while you play. This will reduce the time you spend downloading, installing, and patching World of Warcraft. We will be releasing this new Launcher into the Cataclysm beta soon, and we'd like to get your feedback on the toolset and gameplay experience.

To continue playing in the Cataclysm beta after the next patch, you will need to do the following:



What's changed:

Launcher

We've redesigned the Launcher to explain your installation progress. You will see a new progress bar with sections (Red, Yellow, Green) that represent the amount of data you currently have installed.

There are three stages of download progress:

- SETUP (RED): Core game content is being prepared. You cannot enter the game at this time.

- AVAILABLE (YELLOW): Major game content is not completely applied. You can play, but your game experience will not be ideal.

- PLAYABLE (GREEN): Final game content is almost complete. You may experience a few game issues with playing at this stage.


Updater and Downloader

The Updater and Downloader have been integrated closely into the Launcher, resulting in less application switching when patching and installing.

Notes:

All World of Warcraft data will continue to download and apply whether you wait in the Launcher or are playing in-game. If you find the play experience undesirable, you may exit the game and allow the Launcher to continue the download. This may improve the play experience for users with low bandwidth.

Let us know about your experience with the new Launcher. When sending feedback, let us know what your connection speed is and what stage (Red/Yellow/Green) your progress bar is showing. This will help us optimize the Launcher and get you in the game faster.

  • Uninstall your current Cataclysm beta client

    • Windows

      • From your Start Menu, click Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs

    • Mac

      • Select your "World of Warcraft Beta" folder and drag it to the Trash icon on the dock

      • Right-click on the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash"

  • Download the latest version of the Cataclysm beta client

    • Visit http://battle.net/

    • Login to your Battle.net account

    • Select "Account" at the top of the page, and then select "World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Beta" from the Game Accounts list.

    • From the Download Game Client box, select Windows or Mac to begin downloading the installer.



World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will destroy Azeroth as we know it. Nothing will be the same. In WoW.com's Guide to Cataclysm you can find out everything you need to know about WoW's third expansion. From Goblins and Worgens to Mastery and Guild changes, it's all there for your cataclysmic enjoyment.