On September 15, the “Codex of Creation” will be the last content update for Guild Wars 2. This also marks the finale of the expansion “Visions of Eternity”. We have already gained a first impression for you.
With the “Codex of Creation”, not only does the epic journey of the expansion come to an end, Guild Wars 2 also receives its final update before the content pause.
Included are the last 6 story chapters of the saga about Castora and the Inquest, a new map called Leyquellen-Senke, along with a new meta-event, a new mastery path, a new fractal, a raid, and a convergence. Additionally, there will be a new legendary sword, new content for the Wizard’s Vault, and a new infusion.
We have already taken a first look at the finale and will explore for you whether the update can comfort over the pause. In our preview, we were able to gain first impressions of the new story, the map of Leyquellen-Senke, and the new meta-event. Subsequently, we received a preview of the new rewards.
Why is there a content pause and how long will it last?
Although Guild Wars 2 is currently very successful, the “Codex of Creation” marks the last major content update for now. The developer ArenaNet is now pooling all resources for Guild Wars 3, whose beta is scheduled for fall 2027.
Only after the release of the successor will the production of new content for Guild Wars 2 be resumed, which is why we now face a long content pause. Although there are some hints that suggest a final release in 2028, these are not official information. How long the pause will last is currently uncertain.
Who decides the fate of Tyria?
A question that clearly looms over the entire expansion, and with the new story surrounding Vloxx and the Inquest under Director Kuda, it is pushed to the forefront. Now that the Elder Dragons are missing, there are indeed several forces trying to influence the resulting power vacuum.
And here once again shows one of the absolute strengths of Guild Wars 2: The story is staged in an epic and action-packed way – as a commander, you are right in the middle and influence the events. The story mission we played is captivating, fast-paced, hectic, and threatening, but also hopeful – all the things that make Guild Wars 2 so alive.
Alongside the issues with the Inquest, you will also reveal the mystery of the Archmage of the Seers. So, you can look forward to a well-known epic finale, where even hardened commander veterans will have difficulty sitting still.
The Leyquellen-Senke is breathtakingly beautiful and has made me stop and simply look at the area more often than I would like to admit during the preview. The colors, the details, the melancholic yet magical atmosphere – it was clear how much heart and soul went into it. It fits wonderfully into the already lovingly designed Castora and leads us into the depths that veterans from Guild Wars 1 will definitely recognize.
Between Chaos and Coordination in the “Abyss of Cruelty”
A similar feeling is conveyed by the new meta-event, in which you will stubbornly try to hinder Kuda and the Inquest in their plans. I won’t tell you how many times we kissed the ground while trying to restore order in the various portals. The opponents were tough, we were too uncoordinated, and perhaps a few too few players for it.
But I’m sure you will have a lot of fun with it. The map of the meta-event is impressive, the division of the various phases and tasks requires a high degree of communication and coordination among participants, for example across 3 portals simultaneously. Although I’m also very sure that one can still enjoy the spectacle without a plan if one just wants to be part of it.
After the event is completed, similar to, for example, in Amnytas, you have the chance to explore the exclusive meta-map for another hour. Additionally, there is an adjusted cycle of 3 hours instead of 2, to allow more time before the event starts for the basic map and to avoid overlaps with other meta-events.
All the Epicness – Is That Enough?
As cool as the last update appears, especially regarding the story and its usual epic finale, I am very unsure how long the enthusiasm will last after the preview.
While we have not yet seen the new fractal, the convergence, and the raid, I doubt they will keep us entertained for such a long time without new content, as much as I would like that.
Yes, the update is epic. Yes, it is worthy of the expansion and it is indeed a really good update. But is that enough for such a long waiting period? Especially since we don’t even know its actual length?
As epic as the update is, it is also familiar. It follows the usual formula and does not offer significantly more than other updates before it. Don’t get me wrong, the update will be good! It’s solid and will be very much liked by everyone who has been very fond of “Visions of Eternity”, including me. But…
It was clear that this would not be the world-shaking full update that could keep us afloat for 1-2 years. Nonetheless, I would have wished for at least a special twist. A small farewell gift until we meet again. But at least considering the preview, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
I’ve been around since Heart of Thorns and this all makes me a bit nostalgic. However, I also know that I and many other commanders will be creative and keep Tyria alive – even without major content updates in the foreseeable future.
What do you think? Do you think the update will keep you entertained for a long time? Do you have any ideas for what you want to do during the waiting period? Let us know in the comments!
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