Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire

Sep 22, 2017 9 years ago

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Type Base game 2017 Genres Role-playing (RPG) Companies ArenaNet · Publisher Follow Log in to follow

Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire is the second expansion for the award-winning game, Guild Wars 2. As the balance of magic comes undone, lead your allies in the hunt for the rogue god Balthazar, whose scorched-earth campaign threatens the very existence of Tyria. Introducing mounts, mounts are far more than a speed boost—they're a whole new way to explore the world of Tyria. Unlock and train your new companions using the max-level Mastery character progression system, and explore freely by leaping across canyons, bounding up high cliffs, and skimming over quicksand. Continue to evolve and customize your level-80 character with a new elite specialization for each profession. With a new variety of playstyles, weapon choices, and traits to choose from, there are more options than ever to play your way. Discover and earn treasures as you journey through the Crystal Desert. Outfit your character with new armor sets, skins, and weapons inspired by Elonian culture and the heritage of the desert.

What it’s like

Path of Fire revitalizes the Guild Wars 2 experience by introducing a high-octane focus on vertical exploration and character customization. The core innovation lies in its mount system, which transforms traversal from a logistical task into a dynamic gameplay loop, allowing players to scale cliffs and skim deserts with fluid grace. This is paired with elite specializations that fundamentally alter class mechanics, offering deep build variety for veteran players seeking fresh combat identities. The narrative follows the hunt for Balthazar, delivering action-oriented set pieces and high stakes typical of the series' cinematic style. Visually, the Crystal Desert provides a stark, vibrant contrast to previous zones, enhancing the sense of scale. While the story serves as a vehicle for content rather than a literary masterpiece, it effectively frames the expansion's themes of power and consequence. The experience is defined by its freedom of movement and the satisfaction of mastering complex skill trees within a polished, persistent world.

Strong in Co-op / MultiplayerExploration / WorldProgression / ReplayabilitySystems Depth / Build VarietyAtmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersCombatGameplay / MechanicsPacingPolish / PerformanceStory / NarrativeVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The expansion relies heavily on the base game's engine and art style, which may feel dated to newcomers compared to modern MMOs. Additionally, the narrative depth is best appreciated by players already invested in the broader Guild Wars 2 lore, as it assumes familiarity with previous events.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, opencritic.com, gamefaqs.gamespot.com, gamingtrend.com.