World of Warcraft: Cataclysm events begin

Blizzard will begun the first major in-game event in the run-up to World of Warcraft: Cataclysm's launch tomorrow, introducing new race-class combos so that players can level up new characters in time for the official launch.

The first event that Blizzard has unleashed is also one of the most dramatic - The Shattering. Rolled out as part of Patch 4.0.3.a, The Shattering will transform the face of Azeroth as a prelude to the return of Deathwing, a mighty dragon.

The changes wrought by The Shattering will include major geographical changes, as well as the removal of portals from capital cities. Most Cataclysm content, excluding new zones, races and Level 80+ content, will be unlocked and players will be able to watch the Cataclysm opening cinematic when they log in.

It's also been revealed that a Blackwing Lair boss, Chromaggus, can now be tamed by Beastmastery hunters as of today, according to WOWInsider.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm will launch fully on December 7th, 2010 and we'll have a full review around that time. Until then, check out our hands-on preview of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm for more information and let us know your thoughts in the forums.