The Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure Beta-Event starts today! Everything you need to know about the upcoming expansion and the starting beta-event.
With Secrets of the Obscure, a new chapter unfolds in Guild Wars2. After the defeat of the dragons, the fragile peace in Tyria is threatened by obscure forces high above the surface. On August 22, 2023, we'll get two new areas followed by three quarterly patches before the next add-on. That's pretty soon, considering they only announced the release on June 27.
Guild Wars 2 Secrets of the Obscure: What to Expect
As already said, we'll be getting two new maps, the Skywatch Archipelago and Amnytas and with the Wizard's Tower (we'll finally get in there!) a new hub area, which will tie the player to the main characters of Secrets of the Obscure. With the Wizard's Vault there will be new rewards for dailys and seasonal events, including a set of legendary armor. Since we're up in the skies, the devs will be so kind to make it easier for the players to get the Skyscale and Griffin mount (I want it so bad!) and also they will receive new flight masteries.
We're celebrating the announcement of #GW2SOTO with our friends at @alienware by sharing a gift! Head to https://t.co/rQf4yuUrEZ to get a code for a free Green Plush Quaggan Backpack Cover while supplies last! pic.twitter.com/iV3EokjQFt
— Guild Wars 2 (@GuildWars2) June 28, 2023
There also will be new Strike Missions for ten players, the Cosmic Observatory and the Temple of Febe, which Challenge Modes are said to become available in later releases. And of course there will be bounty hunts set up by the Astral Ward, Tyria's hidden protectors, to reward you for your efforts. That's not all we're getting, and not the biggest change we can expect.
Weaponmaster Training Beta-Event Starts Today!
One of the biggest changes will be the new combat philosophy, with the Weaponmaster Training. This will allow you to use elite specialization weapons without the corresponding trait line equipped – well, as soon as you've unlocked it in Secrets of the Obscure. Even if you haven't trained an elite specialization or don't own other expansions, you'll be able to mix your weapons from the associated elite specializations.
To give us the opportunity to get used to this new mechanic and to experiment with the new possibilities, a beta-event will start today, June 29 until July 2. To explore this new feature, we'll receive a special beta character slot, once logged in.
- You'd like to watch a good series until August? Need some supplies for the time you'll lock up in your flat and play Secrets of the Obscure? Check out the free Amazon Prime trial !
The following weapons will become a part of each profession's core proficiencies:
- Guardian: Axe (main hand), sword (off hand), longbow
- Revenant: Shield (off hand), greatsword, short bow
- Warrior: Dagger (main and off hand), pistol (off hand), torch (off hand)
- Engineer: Mace (main hand), sword (main hand), hammer
- Ranger: Dagger (main hand), hammer, staff
- Thief: Scepter (main hand), rifle, staff
- Elementalist: Sword (main hand), warhorn (off hand), hammer
- Mesmer: Axe (main hand), dagger (main hand), shield (off hand)
- Necromancer: Pistol (main hand), torch (off hand), greatsword
With the second major release, they plan to give quarterly, we'll get an additional weapon for each profession proficiencies. This will grant the opportunity to change the first five skills, which seems incredibly impactful. There sure will be more information as we're getting closer to the second release, but for now it looks like this:
- Guardian: Pistol (main and off hand)
- Revenant: Scepter (main hand)
- Warrior: Staff
- Engineer: Short bow
- Ranger: Mace (main and off hand)
- Thief: Axe (main hand)
- Elementalist: Pistol (main hand)
- Mesmer: Rifle
- Necromancer: Sword (main and off hand)
So if you're now hyped for the new expansion like me (I'll finally get a Skyscale!) consider prepurchasing Secrets of the Obscure, and secure exclusive rewards: an Arcane Spellweaver's Hat Skin, an Eagle Eye weapon (of your choice of course) and the title "Demon Hunter". The standard expansion is $24.99, and you'll get a Max-Level Boost as well as an additional shared inventory slot.
Or if you'd like to spend a little more money: for $49.99 you'll additionally get a character slot expansion, an Identity Repair Kit, the "Magic Juggle" Emote Tome and the Astral Ward Feathered Raptor Skin.
If you haven't all other expansions, maybe check the ArenaNet shop this weekend, as there is said to be a 50% off sale for GW2 bundles and products starting together with the Weaponmaster Training beta-event.
See you in Tyria!
Maybe you thought of playing Diablo IV until Secrets of the Obscure will be released?
