Summary

  • The Cataclysm Classic beta introduces the Uprezzed Graphics toggle.
  • Players are divided on toggle - some appreciate the upgrade while others believe it infringes on the Classic WoW spirit.
  • The option allows players to switch between original and improved graphics.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic is adding a new option to improve the graphical fidelity of the nostalgic servers. This new Uprezzed Graphics toggle has appeared on the beta client, leaving World of Warcraft fans divided on how far Classic should take things.

The closed beta for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic recently went live. Over the next several weeks, players who have opted in to the beta will be invited to test out the new version of the old expansion, leading up to the open beta, and finally the full release of Cataclsym Classic in late spring or early summer.

azj-kahet from the war within with the wow classic sod logo on it
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However, one new option in the Cataclysm Classic beta client has players talking. As reported by fans, including WoW content creator MrGM, there is a new toggle that allows players to enable Uprezzed Graphics. While the full scope of what this option does remains to be seen, initial reports from players suggest the toggle seemingly improves the graphical fidelity of the old character models while staying true to their spirit.

Uprezzed Graphics Coming to Cataclysm Classic

  • The WoW: Cataclysm Classic beta has an option to enable Uprezzed Graphics.
  • This option uses higher-fidelity textures that stay true to the original player models.

When this new option was first discovered by dataminers, many players were worried World of Warcraft would be implementing the new character models it added in Warlords of Draenor. While most of these models were undeniably higher-definition, some fans believe they lost the charm the original ones had. Luckily, rather than using these divisive models, it seems like Cataclysm Classic is simply improving the fidelity of its existing ones.

WoW Models Before and After the Warlords of Draenor Update

That said, some players still don’t like this option. They believe the low-resolution models are a Classic WoW staple, and that the option to uprez the game infringes upon the spirit of the experience. At the very least, these players will be able to use the original graphics, as the optional toggle can be freely turned on or off – though it requires a client restart to take effect.

On the other hand, some World of Warcraft players are excited to experiment with this new graphics feature. They think these uprezzed graphics are a great way to toe the line between the old-school models and newer technology, and would love to see the option eventually implemented as a toggle for World of Warcraft Classic Hardcore or Season of Discovery. While there’s no evidence to suggest World of Warcraft Classic would add the option to these other servers, it is always a possibility, especially on popular demand.

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World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic Tag Page Cover Art
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic
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Released
September 26, 2022
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic is the second expansion released by Blizzard Entertainment for its popular MMORPG. It recreates the original experience prior to the more recent expansions and changes, especially those following the sweeping world changes of the Cataclysm expansion.

ESRB
Teen
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Activision
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Franchise
Warcraft
Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
MMORPG