OpenCritic
The first large expansion to the popular Guild Wars 2 MMO by ArenaNet. The add-on introduces a whole new storyline, set in the previously unavailable territory of Maguuma jungle. The new, open map hides a multitude of missions (main and side quests alike), new opponents, and challenging bosses.
Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns is the first major expansion to the second installment of the popular MMORPG fantasy game, developed as the result of a cooperation between the NCSoft company and the American ArenaNet Inc. studio, which is responsible for the previous game, as well as its expansions.
Heart of Thorns offers a brand new storyline, which takes place in a previously inaccessible area - the Maguuma jungle. There are also countless new quests expanding the plot of the vanilla version of Guild Wars 2. On the new map, the players will face the evil hordes of Modremoth and also new types of enemies and bosses. There will also be new allies for the player to acquire – the ancient civilizations inhabiting the jungle, which you will discover during your journeys. The might and skill of the new character class – the Revenant, a heavily armored warrior, wielding the power of the Mists – should also prove helpful in your efforts.
The expansion will also bring a number of crucial changes to the character progression and the mechanics of the game. In Heart of Thorns, the player will be able to learn a secondary specialization on every available character class. The changes also effected the, already well-known, Mastery system, which was based on gathering points for completing various quests or challenges, and then using those points to unlock new abilities or items; the system is available to every character which has reached level 80.
Heart of Thorns will also introduce Guild Halls, which will allow the players to construct a headquarters for their guild in the heart of the Maguuma jungle. All members of a guild will be able to contribute towards expanding and upgrading their guild’s hall.
The developers have also prepared a new PvP game mode – Stronghold – in which you will attack the enemy stronghold and defend yours at the same time. The key to victory is the use of supplies, which your team can spend to hire more troops. One of the last noteworthy changes is a brand new Borderland map, unlike the others embedded in a desert, designed for epic World vs. World skirmishes.
Last updated on August 14, 2015
Videos and Screens
[2:20] Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns launch trailer
[1:24] Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns Raids
CGMagazine: 8 / 10 by Alexander Leach
Even going back to the old content isn't a pain, as it still holds up under scrutiny. The new areas, though, feel more alive - you're part of a grand operation, with many smaller sub-objectives to complete in order to achieve victory. I am largely happy with this.
RPG Fan: 82 / 100 by Scott Clay
A great first expansion for an already robust and fun MMO.
Critical Hit: 8 / 10 by CongoKyle
It was rather refreshing returning to Guild Wars 2 after an extended absence. With mountains of fresh and exiting content, Guild Wars 2 Heart of Thorns is most definitely worth it if you're a fan of the franchise. The new map is beautiful to behold, and there is friendship around every corner.
GAMERS Score
Average score from 267 votes. 111 players anticipated the game.
Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.0 GHz/AMD Athlon 64 X2 1.6 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 256 MB GeForce 7800/Radeon X1800 or better, 35 GB HDD, Windows XP(SP3)
Base Gamefor Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns