Warcraft Wiki:Updating for Cataclysm

Welcome to Warcraft Wiki!

Are you wanting to update articles or upload images to update for World of Warcraft: Cataclysm changes?

Here are a few tips to help make things easier for you and everyone else.

Article tips

• Do not completely delete old information and replace it with new content. Move old, now inaccurate information to a ==Before Cataclysm== section near the bottom of the article (above the Patch changes section).
• Content that existed before the Cataclysm but now no longer exists or is radically changed should be addressed in the past tense.
• If creating a completely new article, don't use {{stub/Cataclysm}}. Use one of the other stub templates instead (typically {{stub/Item}} or {{stub/NPC}}).
• If adding to or creating a ==Patch changes== section of an article (please do so), use {{Patch 4.0.3a|<note=Insert note here>}}.

Uploading images

• Either in the summary box when you upload the image, or when editing the file description page after uploading, please mention what build you took the screenshot in ("Taken in 4.0.3a.13329" is fine).
• Please check the recently uploaded images list in case of uploading duplicates.
• All of the new zone maps and instance maps have already been uploaded under their correct name.
• You may also want to check out the existing images in the BlizzCon 2009, Cataclysm, and Cataclysm beta images categories.

Templates to use

• {{t|Cataclysm/Update}} - Should only be placed on existing articles that have dramatically changed but have not been updated. Most articles where this template should be placed have already had this template added to it

{{Cataclysm/Update|doc=}}

• {{C-inline}}

• {{Cata-inline}}

• {{Cata-section}}

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Others useful things

Minor additions can be flagged with:

• located at File:Cataclysm-Logo-Small.png

Also available is an official icon from Cataclysm Forums. Feel free to find a use.

• located at File:Icon Cataclysm 38x35.gif

FAQ

What should I do to an article containing a subject that no longer exists?

Add the {{Removedfromgame|patch=4.0.3a}} tag to the top of the article and (if it's a gameplay-focused article) remove all other categories. You may have to place |doc= into certain templates to prevent the auto-category from them.

What if just a section in the article no longer exists?

In this case you'll just need to add {{Rfg-section}} to the section and add a ==Patch changes== section with the relevant changes towards the bottom of the page.

What if I come across an article that doesn't exist for something added in Cataclysm?

Create the article like normal, but also add a ==Patch changes== section with {{Patch 4.0.3a|note=Added.}}.

What about articles covering subjects that never made it out of beta?

Use {{removedfrombeta}} instead of {{removedfromgame}} and remove all other categories (like the first question).

Should I completely change an article that is out of date since the Cataclysm? As in a mob with the same name has changed in level, drops, quests, and even location?

In this case you may wish to  move  the old article to <name> (old) and add the {{Removedfromgame|patch=4.0.3a}} tag at the top, then create the article with a fresh start. However, this should only be necessary for noteworthy articles; random mobs and items can just be updated. Make sure to point to the old version in the new article, using {{for|<the pre-Cataclysm version>|<<name> (old)>}}

What about zones and subzones? Those articles are usually big and contain cited information, can I remove the information if it no longer applies?

No, that information should be kept for historical reasons. See the Article tips section, above for advice. The infobox, however, should not be touched for the most part. In a few cases certain zones may be moved to be preserved and then replaced with more current information, this should be decided by either a vote or some other means.

What templates should I use for new or even existing Cataclysm articles?

See the templates section above.

I want to upload some screenshots I took, but I don't want to upload duplicates... how can I avoid this?

You may wish to visit the Cataclysm images category or the articles themselves to see what is already there. See the image policy and image guidelines for more information.

I just saw an image on an article that is wrong (but the name is correct) or needs updating, how can I easily do that?

Thanks for asking... it's actually quite simple to replace an out of date image. Just click on the image in question to visit the file description page, scroll down to below the file history and look for a link that reads Upload a new version of this file. Click on that, then upload like normal.

If you upload a new image under a different name, but as to replace a current lesser quality file, please remember to add the {{speedydelete|<Better version uploaded>}} tag to the old image so it gets deleted.

When can I remove the Cataclysm stubs/tags from the top of articles?

Now is a good time, since Cataclysm is live, please replace any {{stub/Cataclysm}} tags with the appropriate stub type (ie: location, item, NPC, etc). See WCW:STUB for the full listing.

I have an issue and need help, but this guide doesn't answer my question... who will?

You can ask a currently active admin or an experienced user on their talk page. You could also join the Project:IRC and ask your question there. And if all else fails, you can create a new forum topic and ask there. (Please don't post your questions here.)