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Flameseeker Chronicles: How to get your Halloween on in Guild Wars 2
It's the most wonderful time of the year. Halloween has returned to Guild Wars 2, and ArenaNet has introduced a new member of Mad King Thorn's family to cause mayhem all around Tyria. While this year's Blood and Madness event isn't quite as involved as last year's Shadow of the Mad King, there's still lots to do and some new rewards to earn. It helps that the content will be hanging around GW2 until November 11th, giving us quite a bit of time to soak in the jack-o'-lantern-lit atmosphere and get sick on candy -- not that any of us would do that (much). You've also got plenty of opportunity to finish up the storyline and the associated achievements, but it's probably more fun to get it done while it's fresh. With that in mind, I've written up a guide to help you chase off that whiny Thorn kid before the trick-or-treaters come knocking.
Path of Exile patches in guilds, classes, and balance changes for launch
It's not fair to call Path of Exile's pre-launch patch a kitchen sink patch; this is big enough to include the sink, dishwasher, fridge, and probably a good chunk of the dining room besides. It's a big patch, and when it goes fully live tomorrow, you'll have a chance to play around with the enormous list of features, starting with the addition of an entire system for guilds that didn't exist before. Yes, the patch includes a guild system. And that's not even the biggest part of the patch. It includes a new character class for players who have cleared the game on Normal difficulty, six new world areas, achievements, new skills, new items, and an assortment of balance tweaks and improvements. That's not even touching upon new challenge leagues and the like. The point is that even if you know the game inside and out, you might want to hop in tomorrow and try out the huge array of new options available to you because... really. There's lots of stuff here.
ArenaNet lifts the veil on Guild Wars 2's Tower of Nightmares content release
Just in time for Halloween, Guild Wars 2's evil krait will reveal what they've been secretly building in Kessex Hills: a frightening weapon called the Tower of Nightmares. ArenaNet hints that the krait have an undiscovered ally whom players will need to investigate, and it seems that the private detective team of Marjory Delaqua and Kasmeer Meade may be involved in uncovering the truth -- as well as how the krait menace might connect to the overarching plot of the living story. Tyria's heroes will have access to a new skill, Antitoxin Spray, which can be used by any character to heal and cleanse debuffs from herself and her allies. Completing the meta achievement for Tower of Nightmares will also allow players to earn their very own krait obelisk shard for their home instance, although we're not convinced that plunking one of those down within reach of pets, small children, or anyone ever is such a great idea. You can catch a preview of the event during a developer-hosted livestream on October 28th at 3 p.m. Eastern Time (noon PDT). The Tower of Nightmares content release will go live on October 29th.
TERA's newest update brings Halloween event, box refinements, and achievements
Halloween is almost here, if you count half a month away as "almost," and TERA is ready to go with its Halloween event starting on October 17th. That means opening up both a low-level and high-level dungeon as well as adding new ways to earn candy for everyone. It also adds new achievements... along with 182 other new achievements added in the same patch, more rewards for clearing achievements, and improvements to the achievement UI. Yes, there's more to this patch than just pumpkins and ghosts. The update also has changed the loot distribution of strongboxes, both in terms of what's in the boxes and where you can pick them up. Older types have been retired, and new types have been added with a somewhat smoother distribution of items. Add to that some class balance updates and an assortment of bugfixes, and there's plenty for all TERA players to be happy about aside from the upcoming event. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]
The Daily Grind: Are there non-achievements you're proud of?
Achievements, by definition, require you to actually do something. Which is why it's oddly satisfying in some games to acquire a list of non-achievements, things that you specifically haven't done despite the fact that it seems like you should have done them. Like never raiding in World of Warcraft, or never engaging in PvP in Aion. Or sometimes they're even sillier, like being proud of never using auto-fire weapons in Star Trek Online. None of these things are really accomplishments. But depending on your playstyle and what content you like to do, some of them can certainly feel like it. If you hate big-group endgame content, refusing to ever set foot in an operation in Star Wars: The Old Republic feels like a victory even if it sort of isn't. So are there any non-achievements that you're proud of? Are there things you are proud of not having done but having specifically avoided? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Breakfast Topic: Is the Timeless Isle still keeping your attention?
We're in the third week of patch 5.4 and the Timeless Isle is still buzzing, but the population does seem to have dropped somewhat. There's actual living mobs walking around for me to quickly finish the daily and I'm still working towards the achievement when I can, but I'm definitely not farming the Timeless Coins as fervently as I used to. I've instead found myself camping certain rares, like Garnia for the pet, while chatting and fishing with others who are doing the same. Overall, I like how the Timeless Isle turned out, but I think I may have gone a little bit too hardcore with it in the beginning, so I've decided to tone it down to avoid burning out. %Poll-84824%
World of Tanks Assistant app adds achievements and more
The fact that World of Tanks has an app is nothing new; World of Tanks Assistant came on the scene last February. What is new, however, is what the app can now do. Wargaming has released version 1.5.1, an update that includes a completely overhauled interface, new in-game achievements, and an increased amount of game-related information. Players can also use it to compare personal statistics with those of other players and clans. World of Tanks Assistant is available for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone mobile devices and can be acquired for free from at Google Play and Appstore. For a look at these updates, check out the video after the cut. [Source: Wargaming press release]
Latest ESO AMA talks titles, Shadowscales, and sieges
It's time again for ZeniMax Online to field community questions about The Elder Scrolls Online, and this week's Ask Us Anything post covers a wide range of topics from lore to PvP to raw game mechanics. Included in the entry are details regarding three-faction warfare, access to guild stores, the details of becoming an emperor, and plans to balance between factions. ESO players will be able to participate in open sieges on controlled keeps, with the option for two competing factions to team up against the controlling faction or to battle the whole thing out in open warfare. Fans of smaller-scale PvP will be happy to hear that ESO will offer "lots of chance encounters" for open world combat and big-picture strategists will likely welcome the news that factions disadvantaged by numbers will receive special bonuses to help keep resource capturing fair. Smaller details are also discussed; titles are still in consideration, achievements will exist for large quest chains and other feats, and Shadowscales will show their reptilian faces in various ESO locations.
Chaos Theory: Three ideas to improve TSW's replayability
In my opinion, a lot rests upon The Secret World Issue #8's shoulders. While the past few issues have offered up top-notch story arcs, I gobbled them up quick and then looked sadly at an empty plate while wishing for seconds. It's the blessing and curse of quality content that takes a lot of time to make and far, far less time to play through. So our eyes are on the promise of Issue #8's scenario system and the possibilities that it might bring. MJ did a great job of touching on the potential there, but I'd like to add that the game sorely needs a system like this because there are only so many times you can run the same missions and dungeons before getting really restless. It doesn't have to be just up to scenarios to cure the replayability blues, however. Off the top of my head, I can think of three ways that the devs (given appropriate time and resources, of course) could add more layers of fun and activity into the current framework of The Secret World.
Patch notes for August 20th
The Siege of Orgrimmar is just three weeks away, and we can expect that the changes for patch 5.4 are starting to solidify. Blizzard released the notes for the latest PTR build yesterday and there are some notable changes as well as reminders -- such as the fact that these next three weeks mark the final opportunity you have to nab the achievements that correspond with Vol'jin's rebellion as well as the Golden Lotus's "Eternally in the Vale." Time to get going on those, if you want them! Frost DKs: Frost Strike now deals 115% weapons damage (up from 105% weapon damage), and Obliterate now deals 250% weapon damage (up from 230% weapon damage). Rogues: Glyph of Redirect now reduces the cooldown of Redirect by 50 seconds (down from Redirect no longer has a cooldown). Other major changes are noted in red text, and we've summarized the biggest ones for you after the break:
Breakfast Topic: The achievement pie-in-the-sky
Ever since "the Insane" title was announced and implemented into World of Warcraft, I have wanted to complete it. I leveled a rogue, for the Ravenholdt requirement. I started collecting Black Diamonds and Darkmoon cards--for this was in the days pre-Cataclysm, when the Shen'dralar were required and the Darkmoon Faire was much less forgiving, rep-wise. I set my jaw. I squared my shoulders. I flexed my typing and clicking fingers. And I accomplished precisely squat. I mean, there was my master's degree to finish, and then I was moving, and then I had a new job, and then... well, any number of excuses got between me and this achievement. But no longer, my friends! I have, at last, set myself to killing oodles of Booty Bay residents, and though I was well down the hated rep bar with the Bloodsail, I'm now approaching the required Honored. After that I'll have to turn back to the Steamwheedle Cartel and start that long grind, but at least I'll have the motivation of wanting to have my flight points back without having to worry about hordes of angry goblin bruisers swarming my way. My only regret is that, thanks to my laziness, I missed out on the chance to be exalted with the Shen'dralar, and now I have all these useless diamonds. Sure, it makes it easier now, but I really like their lore. I have no one but myself to blame. Which are your "pie-in-the-sky" achievements? The ones you've told yourself that, of course, you're definitely going to do that one, you really want that title/mount/pet and you're totally getting started on it tomorrow. Have you actually gotten around to getting it done, or is it still on your check list, ink fading forlornly into an index card? Let us know in the comments!
Grand Theft Auto 5 achievements: stock markets, spaceships, sharks, oh my
Grand Theft Auto 5's achievements have been listed on Xbox 360 Achievements, so if you're a completionist who's ready to start planning your takeover of Los Santos, take a gander. Keep in mind 17 of the 38 non-secret achievements listed are tied to GTA Online – if you're looking to earn 100 percent completion, you're going to need to get social. For those going lone wolf, the single-player list is free of story spoilers. Some noteworthy achievements include From Beyond the Stars, which will have players collect and return spaceship parts, and Out of Your Depth, which only contains the description "You're gonna need a bigger boat ...." But lest you think GTA5 is all high-flying adventure and drug-running, there's also the Trading Pure Alpha achievement, which will require that you make a profit on your investments by playing the in-game stock market. Well, at least we're not being hounded to go bowling.
The destruction of the Vale
The latest WoW blog post by Community Manager Nethaera might be just a tad overshadowed by the release of the (very engaging!) patch 5.4 trailer, but there are some tidbits in it that you don't want to miss! If you haven't been keeping up with the lore, the post provides a good overview of the Vale of Eternal Blossom's story and significance to the expansion. There are also some big changes coming its way--not just lore wise, but gameplay-side, as well. The Vale's intro quests through Kun-Lai Summit are going to be modified to reflect the state of devastation that new adventurers will find; in other words, the new Vale will not be phased. All the pools will be drained, but never fear, fisherfolk of WoW, the Jewel Danio fish will be relocated to the Timeless Isle so you'll still be able to get your hands on them. New enemies, reflections of the never-defeated Sha of Pride, will be found roaming the once-golden hills of the Vale. As a result of all this destruction, the Golden Lotus have been forced to retreat from their grand pagoda. Though characters can continue to earn Golden Lotus reputation by killing enemies in the Vale, their quests will no longer be available, and the achievement "Eternally in the Vale" will be removed from the game. Now's the time to get it if you want it. The permanence of of the changes in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms reflects the looming changes to World of Warcraft itself. What is the future of the Alliance and Horde? What will be the fallout of the Siege of Orgrimmar? Only the release of patch 5.4 will tell...
Stock up on your trophies with RIFT's upcoming store section
If you've ever wanted the share the spoils of your RIFT achievements with your alts, you'll soon have the chance. Creative Director Bill "Daglar" Fisher took to the forums to announce a new trophy section coming to the store that will allow players to buy another copy of the rewards they've already earned from completing achievements. These copies will be bound to the account, however, so they can only be transferred to alts, not to poor achievement-less friends. In the future, Fisher said that the team will be experimenting with adding more exclusive items to this section. Players can expect to see trophies appear in store on the PTS in the upcoming weeks.
Massively's Guild Wars 2 Queen's Jubilee patch preview
It's party time again in Guild Wars 2! The young ruler of Kryta, Queen Jennah, is pulling out the stops to celebrate human resilience and ingenuity at the ten year anniversary of her reign. All of Kryta's allies are invited -- yes, even you. Yes, even after that unfortunate incident with the cake. This is a time of healing. All is forgiven. ArenaNet recently invited Massively to take a peek at what it has in store for the latest living story release, Queen's Jubilee. While the developers were careful not to spoil any plot details, we did get a preview of some of the new content, features and quality of life improvements GW2 players have to look forward to. Jump past the break to check it out!
Guild Wars 2 celebrates the Queen's Jubilee
Citizens! Queen Jennah, ruler of the human kingdom of Kryta, is preparing to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her reign in ArenaNet's latest living story update for Guild Wars 2. All of Tyria is invited except bad guys, presumably, but we're beginning to notice a pattern in these little celebrations and won't be shocked if some show up to crash the party anyway. If you're not bent on the subjugation or destruction of the entire world (or can at least keep quiet about it for the first act or so), you're welcome to hitch a ride in one of the nifty hot air balloons Her Majesty has provided to take guests to the brand-new Crown Pavilion in the human home city of Divinity's Reach. Fighting stuff is de rigueur for any Tyrian social event, and players can earn rewards through single combat in the Queen's Gauntlet, where the value of the rewards increases as challengers take more risks and fulfill special conditions. The crown is also employing a new technology known as watchwork; players will be able to gather it themselves for use in crafting new recipes and purchasing the new Sovereign weapon set. Completing the meta-achievement for the event will earn you a sweet miniature replica of one of Jennah's intimidating Watchknights. They're pretty creepy-looking, but they seem a lot less prone to putting their feet in their mouths than Logan Thackeray is.
Patch 5.4 build 17227 highlights and more
The latest goodies and PTR build changes are up on Wowhead, and there are some very fine things there indeed. My personal favorite? The new achievement from the Proving Grounds: You're Doing It Wrong. You earn this achievement for successfully completing a Silver level proving grounds trial while in a spec not meant for it. I'm already planning my Balance druid spec for the healing challenge, just you all wait. Other important items of note include the ongoing discussion surrounding the nerfs to Mana Tea for Mistweaver monks, as well as the Frost mage mechanic Mastery: Icicles. These threads are very much of interest to those who play the classes involved, and if you have missed some of the news on these topics it is certainly worth getting up to speed. There are also further notes on class changes and tweaks, the most extensive of which are occurring to monks, as well as a whole host of new vanity items, trinkets, consumables, and pets presumably related to the Timeless Isle.
Patch 5.4 PTR: New PvP cloud serpent models
The intrepid folks over at Wowhead have continued to dig up tons of pretty cool new files and models from the patch 5.4 PTR. New mounts have been added to the files -- three new armored cloud serpent models, presumably for PvP participants, and the Stormcrow mount. Along with the now-familiar red and gold varieties of cloud serpents shrouded in intimidating armor, there's also the gorgeous onyx variety pictured above. While there aren't any details yet on how these serpents will be obtained, it's safe to assume that they're PvP related, as pretty much all of the PvP reward mounts have been armored versions of current expansion models. As for the Stormcrow, Adriacraft has a video of this impressive steed in motion. It bears a resemblance to the Reins of the Raven Lord, but unlike poor Anzu, this bird can fly -- and it's got crackling lightning aura to boot. While there is no news at all yet on where this unique mount will be obtained, it doesn't seem to be related to the Siege of Orgrimmar at all. Perhaps a lost relic on the Timeless Isle? A new pet store mount? Only time will tell.
'Bid for Greatness' with your trophies in Sony memorabilia auction
Sony has a big ol' pile of props, costumes and artwork left over from the production of its "Greatness Awaits" trailer that debuted during this year's E3. An auction website will now unload everything – but don't pull out your just wallet yet. You're going to use a different currency. The site is called Bid for Greatness, and rather than dropping huge wads of cash for one-of-a-kind memorabilia, users will instead bid the Gold Trophies associated with their PlayStation Network accounts. Sony will place a new item up for auction every day for the next fourteen days, with each auction lasting 24 hours. Available items range from concept artwork to complete costumes, such as this Killzone: Shadow Fall outfit that (as of press time) has a high bid of 975 Gold Trophies. Sony points out that Trophies bid on items will not be removed from their respective PSN accounts, so not only will the person who outbids you on something get that thing you wanted, they'll also have more trophies than you at the end of the day. Harsh.
Flameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars 2 Bazaar of the Four Winds patch primer
In continuing with its two-week content release cadence, ArenaNet is set to launch the Bazaar of the Four Winds patch today in Guild Wars 2. Yesterday, we teased the new features, but today I want to talk more in-depth about my experiences during the preview event this past weekend. The Bazaar of the Four Winds features a ridiculously beautiful zone called the Labyrinthine Cliffs, where players can trade wares with some unusual and shady vendors. The Zephyrites have docked their floating airship, the Zephyr Sanctum, and seek terrestrial supplies from the land-dwelling inhabitants. Sun, moon, and lightning adepts are scattered around the new area and are eager to teach players special movement powers, which are locked inside sky crystals. These movement skills will allow players to reach special areas in a vertical scavenger hunt and compete with each other in a race called the Sanctum Sprint.
