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Path of Exile plans a massive PvP update for patch 1.3
Path of Exile focuses each of its major updates around a certain element of play, and the next patch is no exception. For the 1.3 update, the development team is focusing on massively expanding and improving PvP. The patch will contain new challenge leagues (one of which is shown off in a video just past the cut), new items, and a passive skill tree improvement, but that's small time compared to the huge changes coming for PvP fans. Tournaments and PvP seasons are both being introduced, with the first season containing an alternate art item as a prize. There's also a new PvP master being added to the game, allowing you to clear your daily quests via PvP. Last but most certainly not least, players will have the option of creating PvP-only characters that start out at level 28, although they'll still have to hunt down their equipment on other characters. It's a big update, and it's currently scheduled to hit the live servers for the game on December 12th.
EverQuest II Game Update 64 revamps Qeynos and PvP
Although EverQuest II's Game Update 63 is only a couple of months old, GU64 is already hot on its heels. But instead of adding new content, this update focuses on revamping features already in-game, most notably the city of Qeynos, open-world PvP, and battlegrounds. Besides the much-anticipated opening of Qeynos by consolidating zones, the bulk of this update is focused on improving the PvP experience both in and outside of battlegrounds. One key aim is to make "player skill [be] the biggest deciding factor in PvP combat, not gear." Changes in store for the PvP-minded are stat adjustments, consolidated open-world and battleground tokens, enhanced open-world PvP as well as battlegrounds, and adjusted crowd control mechanics to better balance the classes. You can listen to the devs discuss the changes related to PvP and the battlegrounds in Sony Online Entertainment's latest community webcast or read more details in the announcement. These changes hit the test server on Tuesday, June 26th, and are expected to go live in the next couple of months.
Vindictus has the beatdown, and so do other players
Vindictus has long given players a variety of ways to smash enemy creatures into the ground, and it's had plenty of players. But remarkably, the game has been missing ways to smash those players into the ground, an oversight that the game's new PvP patch is addressing through obvious means. Having just hit the live servers, the new patch allows for a variety of skirmishes between players as well as offers the obligatory rewards for settling disputes like violent, heavily armed men with poor impulse control. The game offers two options for PvP. Capture the Relic is... well, replace "relic" with "flag" and you probably have a good idea. Monster Brawl, meanwhile, pits two teams against one another with each team fighting alongside a boss monster -- keep your monster alive while killing the other team's beast and you win. Players can also unlock powerful rewards in the form of buff items, a nice incentive for those not already motivated by the simple joy of smashing another player's face in.
Aika Online's Epic II expansion launching in August
gPotato has published a new press release for Aika Online, and the free-to-play fantasy title's largest expansion to date is being prepped for an August launch. Epic II adds a new campaign to Aika alongside new weapons, armor, skills, skins, and a new zone. Players will journey to the island of Traband to battle dozens of new mobs, partake of over 100 new quests, and level their characters from 70 to 75 courtesy of the cap increase. If that's not enough, Epic II boasts a new PvP system that ignores alliances and focuses on tower control by the game's various nations. Aika players will also be treated to an XP bonus for the remainder of June, while July will feature various bonus events designed to bring everyone up to speed for the expansion. More info on these events is forthcoming, and in the meantime you can learn more about Aika at gpotato's official website.
