ArenaNet is rolling out the next quarterly update for Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity, with a clear focus on the endgame. The update centers on a new raid encounter, structural adjustments to the raid system, and new tools for the wardrobe. The update is intended to more closely interlink existing content while also making it easier to get started with challenging activities.
In addition to new rewards and a legendary ring, the Lunar New Year festival is also kicking off, which, as usual, focuses on cosmetic content.
New raid featuring Guardian Castoras
At the heart of the update is a new raid encounter in which ten players face off against Guardian Castoras. The encounter is designed as a clear endgame challenge and is aimed at groups looking for specifically challenging content.
In the coming weeks, a challenge mode will also be added, which will further intensify the encounter. ArenaNet is setting the tone for the update early on: the new raid is not only intended to provide entertainment, but also to represent a real hurdle in the endgame.
Quick Match mode aims to make raids more accessible
At the same time, ArenaNet is introducing a Quick Match mode for raids.
The system is based on the principle of fractal quick queues: players sign up, are automatically matched with nine other participants, and are placed directly into a selected encounter.
The goal is to reduce the organizational effort and make raids more accessible. ArenaNet is attempting to enable more actual playing time without lowering the quality of the content.
Raids and assault missions are being merged
Another focus is on revamping the entire raid system. Encounters that were previously classified as assault missions are now classified as full-fledged raids. The interface, navigation, achievements, and rewards have been standardized.
Instead of several parallel systems, a clearly structured endgame path is created. This is intended to better accommodate new players and offer veterans long-term goals without having to switch between different menus and reward logics.
New fashion templates for wardrobe and cosmetic sets
With the update, ArenaNet is also introducing fashion templates. Players can save cosmetic combinations of armor, weapons, colors, and back items and switch between them at any time. Two templates are available to all players free of charge.
At launch, additional transmutation charges will be distributed via in-game mail. The fashion templates thus seem less like an optional extra and more like a further development of a system that has played a central role in Guild Wars 2 for years.
New rewards in the vault and legendary ring
The Wizard’s Vault will also be updated seasonally and will receive new objectives. Particularly noteworthy is the new legendary ring “Endless Summer,” which surrounds its wearer with beach and water effects.
In addition, for the first time, there is a raid-exclusive mount in the form of a Dhuum-style Skyflake skin. The update thus provides targeted incentives for endgame activity and links rewards more closely to specific content.
Lunar New Year starts at the same time with new cosmetic items
The Lunar New Year festival starts at the same time as the endgame update. Here, too, the focus is on cosmetic rewards, including a boot skin with hooves.
The contrast between endgame raids and playful seasonal events thus remains intact and continues to be one of the typical stylistic features of Guild Wars 2.
More free updates announced for Visions of Eternity
ArenaNet plans to expand Visions of Eternity with free updates in the coming months. New story chapters, quality-of-life improvements, additional maps, and more legendary gear have been mentioned.
The current quarterly update seems like a foundation expansion: less of a major story push, but crucial to how the endgame will feel structurally in the coming months.
FAQ
It is an update focusing on raids, rewards, and the wardrobe.
Ten players will face off against the boss Guardian Castoras.
Players sign up and are automatically assigned to a raid encounter.
Players can save cosmetic outfits and change them at any time.
New is the legendary ring “Endless Summer” with beach and water effects.