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Massively goes to WAR: The Tome of Knowledge
We've talked with designer Carrie Gouskos about her work on Warhammer Online's Tome of Knowledge and now you get to see what all of the fuss is about. This all-in-one in-game information tracker is so incredibly useful, every MMO on the market will implement a version of it in the next year or two. Yes, it's that good. Think of it as a lore wiki, quest tracker and creature database tailored to your individual character and available at any time while in the game. Check out the gallery to see what we are talking about. Click to Begin >> %Gallery-21881%
Massively goes to WAR: Guide to the Empire starting zone
Looking for a quest guide? You won't need it for Warhammer Online. The game holds your hand through every quest through a combination of in-game quest tracking, map marking and recording your every step in the Tome of Knowledge. How about a leveling guide? You won't need one of those either. Run through quests, PvP and hit the Public Quests and before you know it, you're on to the next tier of content.What we offer you here today is a look at the points of interest in the Empire starting zone. From character creation to major quest hubs to Public Quest locations to the first Open RvR area, we have a bird's eye view of where you will be spending the first 8 levels of your fledging adventurer's life. Click to Begin >> %Gallery-31881%
A World of Warcraft player's guide to Warhammer Online
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/A_WoW_player_s_guide_to_Warhammer_Online'; Whether or not you see many similarities between Blizzard's epically popular title and Mythic's Warhammer Online, the reality is that World of Warcraft players are going to feel very comfortable in the brand-new game. Much of the framework that has made the world of Azeroth so successful over the last four years is in full force within Warhammer. Questing as a central component to leveling, an intuitive user interface, and combat very much like that found in Warcraft are all going to be great handrails to incoming players.There are plenty of MMO players (rightly) curious about what kind of game Mythic has created for them. For the curious Azerothian citizen, despite the familiar handholds, there are a number of big differences and additional features you're just not going to have experience with. Warhammer's a brand new world, with a lot of different sights, cultures, and expectations. To help you out as a brand new WAR player, we've compiled a guide to ease that transition, in the same tradition as our guides to Age of Conan and Guild Wars. WoW players, welcome to a brand new world ... one without gnomes! Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
How to get to Altdorf, Ekrund, the Blighted Isle, or Nordland at level 1
You've jumped into Warhammer Online, and you're ready to go. You've picked your class and you're happy with your class mechanics ... but perhaps you don't want to play in your race's assigned tiers. Or maybe you just want to head to the mighty human city of Altdorf. We hear it's lovely this time of year. Heading to the Order capital city or one of the other starting zones is as easy as hiking to the first RvR War Camp in your starting zone ... but where is that? If you've never played before, how do you know?Well, we've got what you need. Click through below the cut for full details and maps on how to get to the first war camps in Nordland, the Blighted Isle, and the zone of Ekrund. Make sure you tell the Dwarven flight masters that Massively sent you!%Gallery-31341%
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order
You don't have to side with Destruction to do some damage in Warhammer Online. Order has two melee classes that crank out the dps up close and personal in two distinctly different ways. The Empire Witch Hunter uses a combination of rapier strikes to build up Accusations and then uses them to power a devastating Execution shot from their pistols. The High Elf White Lion wades into the thick of combat with his faithful pet lion by his side using it to distract and ravage his enemies.Read on after the jump for a more in-depth class into these two Order melee dps careers. Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Melee DPS careers for Order - White Lion
Last month we covered some of the early levels of the White Lion career in Closed Beta including levels 1-5, 6-10 and a brief overview of the Mastery Trees. The basic skills for the White Lions remain much the same. From there you gain additional skills in each Mastery Path as well as special abilities in that path.
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Destruction
Let's face it: DPS classes just have more fun. Tanks have to always worry about being between the squishies and the pointy things. Healers have to make sure their fellows are standing upright. All DPS classes have to do is be pointed in the right direction and relatively sober. That fun factor is even more true than the norm in Warhammer Online, as the Destruction races offer up some gloriously sadistic ways to squick the other side. There are three ranged DPS classes on the Destruction side, and with only their two melee counterparts to rely on they'll be taking up a lot of the damage-dealing slack once the game goes live. Players who choose these classes are going to have a heck of a lot of fun variously shooting, exploding, and damning the souls of their opponents. That's just how DPS players like it, too. Join us for a walk on the dark side with the Squig Herder, the Dark Elf Sorceress, and the Chaos Magus. Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
PAX08: New features coming to Warhammer Online for the open beta
While talking to Mythic's Jeff Hickman at PAX08, he mentioned a rather large update coming for the open beta hitting around September 7th (the date of the Open Beta). Some of the content in the upcoming patch includes player vaults, guild vaults, auction house, tons of fun new emotes, and a lot of general effects cleanup. There's even a new Public Quest and standard quest tracker for the user interface. It sounds like Mythic is making a really big push for the launch of the game. So even if you're in the beta now, expect some pleasant surprises once you hit the Open Beta or Live game in just a couple of weeks.We've got tons more information coming from our time spent with the Warhammer Online guys at PAX08. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates.
Ask a WAR Beta Tester: Laying the groundwork
Last week we turned to you, the Massively community, for questions about Warhammer Online. We've been in the Beta for a while, and we've got lots of information about the game just stewing in our brains. Hopefully features like Massively Speaking #19 and our State of the Game piece have conveyed some of the ways we're thinking about the game. But your questions are really what we want to get answered. Today we're going to take a first crack at what was asked last week. We're going to take care of some of the most basic questions, clarifying things like server balance, armor differentiation, and whether the game is any fun at all for non-Warhammer IP fans. We're betting that these answers will prompt even more questions, and that's good! Every time we put up an "Ask a WAR Beta Tester" article, we want you to throw us more questions in the comments. Click on below the cut to read our answers, and to give us even more questions!
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Order
Massively goes to WAR this fine Monday morning with an overview of tanks on the side of Order in Warhammer Online. The Dwarven Ironbreaker and the High Elf Swordmaster have two very distinct styles and ability sets, but they are both very good at what they do. Let's look further into the two careers that are the crux of any successful group.The Dwarf IronbreakerThis career is more like a classic tank you would see in other MMORPG's: various taunts, damage skills and shield maneuvers keep the attention of the enemies while the others in the group pour on the damage and/or healing. The unique abilities that set this career apart from the High Elf tank are the Grudge and Oath Friend mechanics.Every time your dwarf is struck in combat he gains 5 Grudge. Every time the Ironbreaker's Oath Friend (see below) is struck in combat he gains 10 Grudge. Grudges can then be used to unleash powerful abilities. The dwarf can build up a maximum of 100 Grudge points, but they will fade after 30 seconds out of combat.
The Digital Continuum: Memoirs of a WAR beta tester
I've given my thoughts on the Dark Elf section of Warhammer Online, but now that the whole NDA is lifted I can finally speak about my experience with the beta as a whole. I've been in it for a long time. A really long time, in fact. We're talking about, well, since the thing started. Which gives me something more to say than the typical tester talking about this game. In my time interacting as a member of the beta community with Mythic -- concerning Warhammer Online, of course -- I think I've seen more progress made on any MMO in the span of about a year than I have in any other in beta. And I've been in a lot of them.So what's the big deal? New MMOs are always facing the issue of going up against World of Warcraft's several years of polishing. Everyone has always wondered what it would take to deal with that issue, too. Mythic seems to have decided it will take raw, unadulterated determination. The kind that a child displays when presented with the opportunity to have a new toy. It also helps to have a license that Blizzard themselves once attempted to acquire because of its depth. Ironic? Only if WAR really does take a big chug out of the World of Warcraft milkshake.
Check out video of Warhammer Online's /special emotes
In most MMOs, avatars have the opportunity to get down with their bad selves. The /dance emote is a perennial favorite emote, begun in the days of online gaming lore and arguably perfected by World of Warcraft's hilarious pop-culture shout-outs. Warhammer Online is a different sort of animal, though. You don't dance during war, damnit! When this was first announced back in March, people were a bit confused. Is Mythic anti-fun?It turns out they're just anti-dance. Every race in Warhammer Online has at least one wacky antic they can do by typing /special. In fact, typing /dance actually prompts you with the text "[your character] doesn't feel like dancing, they feel like doing /special." Not all of them are in the game yet, and some of them still have to have some kinks worked out, but we have videos of everything in the game as of right now. Click on through below the cut to check out the first (and funniest) of the WAR /specials: The Greenskins! Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Destruction classes
We've already posted video of character creation from Warhammer Online's Order races. Now it's time for video of Destruction creation (oxymoron? You decide.) The three vids after the jump show different options for the Goblin, Chaos (Human) and Dark Elf races as well as different gender models where applicable.You'll notice that there are no female choices for any Goblin career, no female choices for the Chaos tank and melee dps career and no male option for the Dark Elf Witch Elf career. We guess Marilyn Manson in a bikini wasn't that appealing when it came down to it.
Massively goes to WAR: Character creation video for Order classes
Those who bought the Collector's Edition of Warhammer Online get their preview weekend in a few days. And open beta will start soon after that. But for those who can't wait, we've recorded video of some of the character creation options in the game.After the jump you'll find three videos, each covering one of the races of Order: Dwarves, Empire (Human) and High Elf. We recorded both male and female choices and a number of different random variations to give you an idea of what you can do.Looking forward to playing Destruction instead? Those racial videos are right here.
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Healing careers for Order
If this was any other game, our discussion of the healers of Order would be pretty darn borning. Most MMOs portray healers as nancy boys in dresses or effete tea-sipping high society ladies, content to stand in the back and give a good "here, here!" every once in a while. Sure, they cast a lot of spells and they're always appreciated but ... isn't there something just a bit suspicious about someone who is always in the back row? That's not a complaint you could possibly level against the men and women who heal for Order in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. These stalwart soldiers of the faith, bastions of runic power, and masters of the arcane arts are front-line fighters all. They might not do as much damage as their DPS comrades, but they're certainly not all 'hanging out' near the back either. Join us for a stroll with the healing heavyweights of Order: The Archmage, The Rune Priest, and the head-cracking Warrior Priest.
Massively's state of the game: Warhammer Online beta
During Age of Conan's launch, we took a final look at the game as it existed in Beta, a 'state of the game' that took in everything we knew about the title at that point. Today this blogger has attempted to do the same for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the fantasy MMO slated for release by EA and Mythic Entertainment on the 18th of September. If anything, Warhammer Online is a title with a more tightly-wound, highly anticipatory audience than Conan was. The long history of the Warhammer IP, the evocative nature of the tabletop roleplaying game, and a legion of wargaming followers across the globe has made this a must-play game across numerous demographics. Adding on to that the game's lengthy development lifetime and very aggressive marketing campaign leads to a recipe for hype few MMO titles have seen before. Reading the blogosphere in the last few days might have lead you to the conclusion that Warhammer is the second coming. Or, alternatively, that it's an unfun grindfest that apes World of Warcraft poorly. As is so often the case, the truth falls somewhere in between. In actuality, I believe Warhammer Online offers a fundamentally fun experience. It's a tried and true variation on the core fantasy MMO trope, with a few substantial departures from the 'norm' ... possibly enough to change the direction of this genre for years to come. Read on for this blogger's view on where the game is today - regardless of problems, pitfalls, and promise. Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
Ask a WAR Beta Tester: Let's get this show on the road!
Given all the posting about the Elves of WAR in the last few weeks, we're sure you won't be surprised to learn we've been playing a bit of Warhammer Online. In fact, some of us have been playing for quite a while. We've got loads to tell you abou - we've got a ton of features planned; classes, RvR, zones ... lots of great stuff. But we're also willing to bet there's a ton you want to know that we won't cover in our guides.We want to answer as many of your questions as we can, and we're going to do it in a series called "Ask a WAR Beta Tester". We've got a panel of Warhammer Beta experts standing by, poised to answer the smallest question you might have about the game. Want to know about the Greenskins? Maybe something about those quirky healing classes? put your question in the comments, one per post please, and we'll address them right quick here on the site. We're going to try to do this on a regular basis, so drop your questions early and often! Fire away! Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Tanking careers for Destruction
Meat shield. Damage sponge. Brick house? You know them as tanks, we know them as bipedal beefnauts. The players who wade through the battlefield wearing nothing but the heaviest of heavy metals. In Warhammer Online, the side of Destruction has two tanks to pick from and both of them are very angry individuals. Maybe it's because of all that trauma that they're constantly taking to the head. Then again, they could just be crazy. You'd have to be, to want people to beat on you constantly. Either way, we've got the skinny on the Greenskin Black Orc and Chaos Chosen.
Massively goes to WAR: An overview of Ranged DPS careers for Order
The Warhammer Online NDA has lifted. So let's get to the good stuff. We're kicking it off with a series of guides to the careers in WAR. Ranged DPS classes come in three flavors in Warhammer Online: steampunk pet class (Engineer), bow-and-blade Legolas clone (Shadow Warrior) and classic glass cannon (Bright Wizard). But which one is right for you? If race isn't a deciding factor, check out a brief overview of all three careers below to help you make your choice. Dwarf Engineer The good news is these Dwarfs can make gun turrets, flash grenades and throw out barb wire to trap your enemies. The bad news isn't so bad, but your turrets don't move. Whereever you drop them is where they stay. You can stay by their side and shoot your enemy with your gun or melee with your enormous wrench while lobbing grenades for extra damage output. But in many situations, your group is going to be running amok, so be prepared to replant your turret on a regular basis. Rifleman: Focuses on long-range combat Grenadier: Focuses on bombs and grendades Tinkerer: Focuses on deployables and turrets The Tinkerer path is particularly interesting. It gives you access to abilities that allow you to use your turret to restore your Action Points or heal your group. This class's mirror on the Destruction side is the Chaos Magus.
Massively goes to WAR round-up
Our long-running Massively goes to WAR series comes to an end with the lifting of the NDA. Our visit to Mythic Entertainment's offices back in May, along with additional information we've picked up along the way, has all been wrapped comfortably under this banner for your enjoyment. We'll have loads to talk about in the coming weeks, but for now enjoy this look back on our pre-NDA lift exploration of Warhammer's world. E308: Warhammer Online is pretty much doneWe had a chance to chat today with Josh Drescher and Adam Gershowitz, two of the leading lights behind EA Mythic's Warhammer Online. Even just two months after our huge Massively goes to WAR series, there were new elements to view and discuss. Comic-Con 08: Hands-on with Warhammer OnlineLast week at Comic-Con in San Diego, I sat down with Warhammer Online producer Jeff Skalski and got my hands on the beta for the first time. I could go in-depth on all the new features and functions of the game, but our own Michael Zenke beat me to the punch on that one. Instead I want to give my impressions of the game from the perspective of a long-time MMOG player with little time to play these days and even less interest in PvP. E308: Exploring an improved Inevitable City in Warhammer OnlineLast week we got the chance to see an updated version of the capital, and learned about what the extra time removing the other capitals has netted the Mythic Entertainment development team. Read on to hear Adam Gershowitz talk about city improvements, the endgame reward cycle, and how the two-cities structure has focused the player experience. E308: Warhammer's designers explain the career/city removalCareers lead Adam Gershowitz and Associate Producer Josh Drescher were instrumental in making our Massively goes to WAR series a success. Our lengthy discussion with the two Warhammer Online designers resulted in our in-depth analysis of (at that point) every class slated for the game. Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out all of our previous Warhammer Online features, and don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!
