This is odd. Next Tuesday’s Guild Wars 2: Tequila Rising update is, as far as I can make out, the story of a terrible hangover.
“It has been gathering power [and bile] in the depths”, goes the trailer. “It is faster, stronger, deadlier, and it has returned to devour and destroy [carpet].”
Hmm. I suppose it was inevitable that ArenaNet’s bi-monthly living story updates would eventually take a tumble into the mundane, eh? Nevermind – September 17 will also bring that most-longed-for of GW2 features: a proper Looking for Group tool.
The new LFG system will let players select the activity they’d like to engage in and add a custom description about what sort of group it is they’re looking for. ‘Smelly bumheads keep OUT’, that sort of thing.
ArenaNet reckon it’ll be as useful for individuals as it it will be for small groups of friends looking to fill out their party.
And of course, it’s not really tequila doing the Rising, but Tequatl the Sunless. Somebody’s been poking the scourge of the Splintered Coast with a stick, and the fell dragon has returned from his slumber to do further awful things to Tyria.
As a player, you’re contractually obliged to try and take him out, with the help of both old and new NPC allies. But be warned – this old dragon has learned new tricks, and “failure is a very real option”. ArenaNet recommend bringing an “army of players” to back you up for this, one of the most difficult encounters in the game’s short history. If you’re looking to practice first, you’ll be intrigued to hear that the developers have tweaked bosses across Tyria.
To see where else the Tequatl Rising update has batted its wings, you’ll want to head to WvW. There, each borderland map has been redesigned to incorporate five capture points – Ruins of Power that offer Bloodlust boosts for everybody on the server. And a new Flame Ram Mastery ability will enable players to knock the hinges off some big gates in fiery fashion.
Where to first, then? To Tequatl’s door, WvW, or some neglected dungeon you’ve never quite been able to muster the right party for?