The next update for Guild Wars 2 is slated for February 26 and ArenaNet has given us a juicy preview of things to come. The four-part Flame & Frost story arc will continue in this patch and we’re urged to prepare for what’s being called the Gathering Storm:
“The situation worsens for the citizens of Wayfarer Foothills and Diessa Plateau. Volunteers have eased the burden, but more refugees hobble down from the Shiverpeaks. The storm there gains momentum, but the forces of good are beginning to rally. They’re sending their heroes to defend the land and its peoples. Someone must hold back the gathering storm.”
Structured PvP fans will be happy to see a new map—called Spirit Watch—being introduced in this game update. In Spirit Watch, players can score bonus points by capturing the Orb of Ascension and running it back to any of three different shrines. This new location is set in a lush norn woodlands, which is perfect for laying waste to enemies with an over-sized hammer. Two team rated play is also being introduced, which will utilize matchmaking mechanics so players are pitted against others of similar skill levels.
Guild Missions will also make their debut in this patch, which will hopefully scratch the coordinated group itch players have been asking for. Guild missions will ask players to tackle bounties, group puzzles, and cross-country challenges in order to earn guild merits. What can we use these merits to unlock? We don’t know, but we know we want them! What would you like to see?
The final bit of information we received about the Gathering Storm update is an upgrade to the daily achievement system. After the update goes live, players will gain some control over which challenges they need to complete to earn their daily laurel. Do you hate the underwater kills achievement? After February 26, you’ll never have to do it again.
Check out the official preview page for the Flame & Frost: The Gathering Storm game update and let us know what you think of the features they’ve shown off so far. Leave us a comment down below!
