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| Scott Clay |
Be careful you don't prick yourself on the Heart of Thorns!
01.25.15 - 1:38 AM
ArenaNet made an official announcement today at PAX South for the first expansion for Guild Wars 2 titled "Heart of Thorn"". Teasing a big update since the end of the last living story update, ArenaNet finally confirmed that Heart of Thorns is an actual expansion and not just another update. Very little information has been released so far, but what we do know from the official "Heart of Thorns" website is that there will be big changes to the core game. Check out the trailer and all the information that we know so far:
First up is the new "Master System" which, according to ArenaNet, will completely change progression in the game. You'll get new training opportunities for your character beyond level 80 such as hang gliding in the jungle, tearing the bark off of heavily armored Mordrem, or getting new items that will lead to earning precursors for those shiny legendary weapons.
For those exploration junkies, you'll be able to discover all the new areas in the Maguuma jungle. Within it there will be new challenging group content, new events, and new storyline missions. The Maguuma jungle will also be filled with new boss battles for groups to challenge. Many adventures will await those that brave the new frontier.
With the expansion the current professions in the game will be receiving new specializations and access to weapons they have yet to be able to wield. Each profession will also see new traits, skills, and unique mechanics. ArenaNet promises that the changes will revamp each profession into something new. If that wasn't enough there will be a new profession the "Revenant". The Revenant promises to channel legendary powers to bring chaos to the battlefield, will equip heavy armor, and seems to be able to wield swords and staffs so far.
Guild Halls will also see their way into the expansion. The game's community has clamored for guild halls since the very start of the game, and their requests have finally be answered. Claim your own piece of land deep into the heart of Maguuma.
And finally, there is great news for those that love PvP of both kinds. For those the love structured PvP there will be a new game mode called "Stronghold". Within the game mode you will gather supply to hire soldiers, battle for control of heroes, man the siege weapons, defend your stronghold, and storm the enemy gates to defeat the enemies guild lord. Stronghold offers a entirely new way to play structured PvP.
After months of waiting those that play World vs. World PvP will finally see a new borderland map to destroy their enemies on. This new map promises treacherous heights with traps that blow your foes to the depths below and ferocious defenders to help defeat the enemy. Map objectives will be more important than ever before providing new strategies, tactics, and play mechanics to use to your server's advantage.
The expansion will require the main game to play and is paid expansion. Just like in Guild Wars 2 fashion you will only pay once and there will be no subscription fees forever. There has not been an announcement on pricing or the release date of the expansion. You will be able to buy the game digitally or a boxed edition from retail stores.
That's all we know for now, but as updates are released make sure to check back with RPGFan for more Heart of Thorns coverage.
