Warhammer Readies Major Update

What’s left of the Warhammer Online fanbase* will no doubt be rejoicing with the news that the “Rise of the Tomb Kings” (which is the final chapter of the “Call to Arms” live expansion arc), has almost arrived. For the uninitiated, this is a game update that introduces the Land of the Dead, described by the developers as an ancient necropolis filled with, “powerful foes and the riches of kings”. As you might expect, that means a high-level area featuring new content, console-style action gameplay via PQs and boss fights and a new armour set for every career.

The developers are also promoting the 1.3 patch as bringing some new and upgraded features to WAR, such as a Sigil system which makes armor Wards a permanent character unlock, whether your character is wearing set pieces or not. There are also allegedly “sweeping” improvements to the game’s interface, numerous career fixes and enhancements, and a plethora of improvements to the Gunbad dungeon highlight this huge update. Remember, this is the Warhammer devs speaking, so take it with a grain of salt!

Highlights, according to the devs:

• Rise of the Tomb Kings – An exciting live event which pits the realms against each other in a race to collect resources for an expedition to the Land of the Dead. The winner will gain early control of this new zone.
• The Land of the Dead – This new area features a large open RvR zone and a trap-filled dungeon with instances that can be invaded by the enemy realm when control of the area switches hands. New rewards and challenges await for high-Rank players.
• Sigil System – No longer will you be required to wear armor set pieces for their Wards. With the Sigil system, armor Wards become a character unlock, so that once you get one, you’ll have it forever – even when you don’t wear the armor piece that grants it.
• Career Updates – Every career will see changes in update 1.3, including adjustments to area-of-effect abilities, lots of bug fixes, and balance tweaks across the board.
• Gunbad Dungeon Improvements – Respawn points have been added throughout Gunbad, and the entire dungeon has been reworked as a smaller single-group adventure for characters starting at Rank 19.

So there you have it. Warhammer patch 1.3, coming soon, for those of you still actually playing the game. Don’t say we never do anything for you.

*Save your vitriolic responses; I just call it like I see it. From where I’m sitting, Warhammer is nowhere near as healthy, population wise, as it should be.