Guild Wars 2 redefines massively multiplayer online roleplaying games with visceral, action-oriented combat; a gorgeous, living world full of constantly evolving dynamic events; customizable personal storylines that are unique to each player; intense Player vs. Player combat between small teams or massive armies; and most importantly, a shared online world where players work together as allies instead of as rivals — all with no monthly subscription fee.

The Winter 2016 Update, free for all players and available starting today, marks the first major update to Guild Wars 2 since the expansion launched in October.

One of the biggest features is the ability for Heart of Thorns players to deploy their gliders throughout central Tyria, allowing them to explore their favorite locations in a completely new way. All players can also look forward to taking on the new and improved Shatterer, a five-story dragon encounter that has been revamped. Fan favorite Tylbalt Leftpaw can be summoned as a Mist Champion in PvP, and all players can celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year, and more.

Gliding in Central Tyria

Experience Central Tyria from a brand-new perspective! Once you’ve unlocked the Basic Gliding Mastery in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, you’ll be able to deploy your glider almost anywhere in the open world. Explore, soar, and show off your gliding skills--all with fewer undignified splats on the ground.

The Shatterer Unleashed

The Shatterer, champion of the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik, has powered up and learned new tactics. Accompanied by dangerous Branded forces, it’s ready to terrorize Blazeridge Steppes like never before. Stay on your toes and defend your siege weapons, and if you’ve learned to glide in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, you can even use your glider to attack from the air!

Squad Markers and Lieutenants

It’s easier than ever to keep your squad in shape! Commanders can now promote lieutenants to organize subgroups, invite or remove players, and broadcast messages. Squad leaders will also be able to place marker symbols, which will appear both in the game world and on your compass.

Lunar New Year

Celebrate the start of a whole new year in Divinity’s Reach! From January 26 through February 9, stop by the Crown Pavilion to shoot off fireworks, play the Dragon Ball PvP minigame, and earn rewards.

Mist Champion Tybalt Leftpaw

Order of Whispers Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw can now join you in Stronghold as a Mist Champion! Unlock him by completing his Player vs. Player reward track, and you’ll be able to summon him into battle to help defend your team.

Eldvin Monastery Brew of the Month Club

Speak with Master Brewer Desch Metz at Queensdale’s Eldvin Monastery to sample a year’s worth of handcrafted beers. Each brew is available for one month only--try them all and you’ll be rewarded for your adventurous palate with a title, a backpack skin, and a guild decoration.

Major Balance Update

Each quarterly update will contain adjustments to professions and their skills, weapons, and traits to keep gameplay fun and exciting.