For many, the world of massively multiplayer online games began with giants like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy 14. But for me, Guild Wars 2 was the entry point into this incredible genre. I vividly recall those first awe-filled steps into Tyria, countless years ago, playing on an old university laptop. I’ve since explored every corner of its expansive content, including the fantastic End of Dragons in 2022. Today, Guild Wars 2 embraces a new rhythm, offering more frequent, focused expansions. Following Secrets of the Obscure and Janthir Wilds, the highly anticipated Visions of Eternity has now arrived, transporting us to a magical island paradise where arcane forces reign supreme.
Castora, a mysterious island once thought to be mere legend – Guild Wars 2’s own Bermuda Triangle – is now a focal point. The Inquest, an Asuran faction obsessed with the devastating potential of Eternal Alchemy, has turned its attention to this mythical place, signaling impending danger. As players rush to thwart their plans, they’ll uncover the secrets of Castora and encounter its fierce aquatic inhabitants, ready to challenge anyone who dares trespass.
With two new open-world maps and three fresh mastery tracks, one dedicated to the often-overlooked Skimmer mount, there’s a wealth of new content to explore. But the true highlight, the most exhilarating addition, is the return of elite specializations!
The expansion introduces a whopping nine new elite specializations, including beloved classics from Guild Wars 1 like the Paragon and Ritualist, promising a glorious time for build enthusiasts. The last time we saw such exciting additions was in End of Dragons, where the Mesmer quickly became my personal go-to. These new specs are now intricately linked to unique trait lines rather than specific weapons, offering unparalleled customization. Your opponents from the Inquest won’t stand a chance against your newly refined strategies!
During Gamescom, Lead Competitive Designer Cal Cohen previewed some of these specializations, emphasizing that Visions of Eternity provided the ideal moment to reintroduce these powerful build options. He explained, “We felt that introducing another new weapon type wouldn’t significantly expand the available build choices.” He noted that a weapon’s impact on playstyles is somewhat more limited compared to an elite specialization. “We generated many fantastic concepts for elite specializations, each rooted in the Tyrian Alliance theme and drawing inspiration from diverse regions of the world. We’re incredibly enthusiastic about the final results.”
Much anticipation surrounds the Ritualist and Paragon, particularly as they were two of the most cherished professions from the original Guild Wars. I inquired with Cohen about the challenges of adapting them for the current game. He responded, “We certainly aimed to remain as faithful to the source material as possible. Our starting point was identifying ‘what are the iconic elements?’ These had to be present. So, for the Ritualist, that meant spirits, but the precise mechanics of Guild Wars 1’s spirits didn’t translate well to Guild Wars 2, necessitating a reimagining.” He continued, “Our goal is still to evoke the same playstyle and emotions, understanding that many players have a strong connection to these professions. While it may not perfectly align with every player’s exact vision of what a Ritualist or Paragon should be, we’re hoping that we’ve captured many of the core, iconic aspects of those professions.”
Another significant feature in Visions of Eternity, and perhaps my personal favorite, is the introduction of a brand-new homestead map. Drawing inspiration from Castora’s deep connection to the ocean, this new home is a magnificent, multi-story ship nestled in the sand. It boasts three distinct levels ready for your personal touch and offers breathtaking panoramic vistas. You can effortlessly traverse the island by utilizing ley-line resonances, or simply unwind in the serene pool for some well-deserved relaxation.
Building upon the housing system introduced in Janthir Wilds, NCSoft has genuinely listened to player feedback and significantly refined the construction experience. A new duplicate tool simplifies item copying, and the ‘modify existing decorations’ mode allows for seamless repositioning of existing structures. Furthermore, a new layout feature enables players to save and transfer entire homestead designs to different locations. Senior Gameplay Engineer Sarah Davies even showcased a stunning Halloween-themed build that instantly captivated me.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! The new Skimmer Mastery track empowers your aquatic companion to fire at foes and pinpoint hidden treasures using sonar. Players can also look forward to a new legendary weapon, an aquabreather, and a host of fresh Wizard’s Vault rewards and armor sets. For those eager to dive into this new adventure, Visions of Eternity is available for purchase.
Considering a return to NCSoft’s beloved MMORPG? We’ve got comprehensive details on the Guild Wars 2 system requirements to ensure your PC is ready for action. Or, if you’re seeking a fresh, enchanting experience, explore our curated list of the best fantasy games available.
What are your thoughts on Visions of Eternity? We’d love to hear which Elite Specialization you’re most excited to try, and don’t forget to share photos of your amazing new homesteads!