Guild Wars 2 Beta Testing New Expansion

Many games have DLC and expansions. Some of these are made even before the game has been released and they are just left to be unlocked after a certain time. Guild Wars 2, on the other hand, has been around for nearly 3 years now and is yet to see any expansions. However, on the 26th of May, closed beta testing of “Heart of Thorns” begins.

Guild Wars 2 has seen updates that add new areas and tweak gameplay, but it has yet to see a true expansion. Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns isn’t going to up the level cap of 80 for your characters, but instead introducing a Mastery System. This offers master abilities such as hang-gliding and new collections that can earn legendary weapons.

The new adventure will take place in the Maguuma Jungle, it will include a new storyline and events along with new challenging boss battles. To aid you in the quest to conquer the jungle, there is a new profession being added with the expansion. The Revenant, which is heavily armoured and equipped to channel legendary powers of the Mists.

If this doesn’t tempt you into starting a new character, there are specialisations for your already matured character which allows you to unlock weapons that were previously unavailable, as well as new skills, traits and unique mechanics which will give your characters profession a new feel.

Another addition that Heart of Thorns brings, is that of a new game mode. Called Stronghold, in this PvP game mode offers a new way to play, you gather supplies and battle for control of heroes in an attempt to defeat the guild lord.

There are additions that allow you and fellow guild members to build a guild hall in the jungle of Maguuma. A new WvW map called Borderland.

To get in on the beta testing action there are a few hoops you have to jump through, but I’m sure there will be plenty of streamers out there ready to show off the new content. The beta is to specifically test the stability of the new PvE event structure along with using the new Revenant profession.

Testing is scheduled as follows:
– 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7) to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7)
– 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7) to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7)
– 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7) to 9:30 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7)
So look out at those times for the live streams, or if you are one of the lucky ones that got to beta test, make sure you are free!