Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire will see players return to the iconic Crystal Desert from the original Guild Wars, and to the northern reaches of Elona, the land of Guild Wars: Nightfall, 250 years on. For veterans of the series or those venturing into the world of Guild Wars 2 for the first time, Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire delivers a vast new region of magic-drenched desert plains, ancient temples and ruins, and beautiful oases.

Balthazar, the human god of war and fire, threatens the Crystal Desert and adjoining kingdom of Elona with his Forged legions. Players saw through the course of Living World Season 3 that Balthazar is determined to hunt Elder Dragons - and now he and his armies have invaded the desert to do just that. Now, Tyria’s fate hangs by a thread as players race to the desert to hunt down the rogue god before he can do any more damage to the delicate balance of magic.

“This new expansion is all about content,” said Mike O’Brien, ArenaNet president and co-founder.  “An epic story, five immense new open-world zones, mounts that allow you to move through Tyria in all-new ways, and nine new elite specializations.”   

Mounts: Mounts arrive in Guild Wars 2! Far more than a simple speed boost, mounts are a whole new way to explore the world of Tyria. Players will unlock and train new companions using the max-level Mastery character progression system, and explore Tyria freely.

• Powerful new way to explore the world.
• New ways to solve puzzles, approach problems, and move through Tyria.
• Changes the way players view the world – new ideas for interaction and discovery!

Elite Specializations: Players continue to evolve and customize their level-80 characters with new elite specializations for each profession. A variety of new playstyles, weapon choices, and traits to choose from result in more options than ever to play.

Free Preview Weekend: An open-world preview weekend will run August 11-13, available to anyone with a Guild Wars 2 account in good standing. Players will be able to experience part of the opening story of Path of Fire, and explore the Crystal Oasis map astride the raptor mount.

Pre-Purchase Available Now: Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire is available for pre-purchase as a standalone expansion (starting at $29.99) or as part of a bundle with Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns (starting at $49.99).

Pre-Purchase Bonuses

• The Spearmarshal’s Gift - A special gift from an anonymous friend in Elona. Players will use this to choose one weapon skin from the Sunspear Weapon Set.
• “Elonia Envoy” title - Whether a new arrival to Elona or coming home, build bridges by displaying this symbol of respect and friendship.
• Miniature Balthazar - This exclusive miniature replica of the god of War and Fire is on the warpath.

Max-Level Boost - Everyone who purchases Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire will receive a Max-Level Boost to instantly raise one character’s level to 80 and provide gear and gold to help them begin their journey.

Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire will be launching on September 22, 2017.