In the course of the Living World, the developers destroyed the capital of Guild Wars 2 in 2014. Following this event, it was rebuilt, but in a completely different style. Since then, players have been demanding the return of the old city. Now it is back and everyone is celebrating it.
What is the story behind the destruction?
- The first season of the Living World lived up to its name. The Sylvari Scarlet devastated several areas and changed them permanently, which felt incredibly exciting at the time. During the grand finale in spring 2014, she even completely destroyed the capital Lion’s Arch.
- Lion’s Arch was actually a settlement built by pirates. There were old wooden planks, shipwrecks, and winding alleys for smugglers everywhere. However, the rebuilt Lion’s Arch resembles a modernized holiday paradise with many open spaces.
- Since 2014, many players have therefore been demanding the return of the old capital. With the new patch on November 8th, this wish was fulfilled.
The old Lion’s Arch is finally returning
How exactly is Lion’s Arch returning? With the latest patch, the last contents of Living World Season 1 have been patched back into the game. What used to happen in the open world is now part of instanced content. This return of the old content has already been positively received by fans.
As part of the rewards for the new achievements, the “Lion’s Pride” was introduced. This is an item that teleports you to the old Lion’s Arch from anywhere. You will find all the old vendors, NPCs, and crafting stations as you were used to before 2014. The old jumping puzzles and their associated achievements are also active again.
The area to which you are teleported is also public. You will meet other players there as well. However, no mounts or gliders can be used there.
Additionally, you must first complete a series of tasks to obtain the item. You can find out more here: Guide to the achievement “Memorial of the Lion” which allows you to enter the old Lion’s Arch.
How are the players reacting to it? Very positively. A thread about the item is currently number 2 in the subreddit. The comments are overflowing with praise and do not hold back in mocking the new Lion’s Arch:
- The user Jademalo is very excited: “I am really absolutely thrilled about it. I always hoped for it but honestly didn’t believe it anymore. A fantastic reward!”
- LeaveMeChicken jokes: “If the instance is really public, then the new Lion’s Arch will be pretty empty pretty quickly.”
- MaeeveArt is simply happy to come home: “So many memories, I am so happy. I can’t wait to be home again!”
Also, away from Reddit, many players are positively surprised. In-game, songs of praise are already being sung to ArenaNet, which this year tackled many player desires, including the Steam release.
What else does the patch offer? The new update not only brought back the old Lion’s Arch, but also the story and the contents of the last two episodes of Living World Season 1. This includes public instances, a new assault mission, new achievements, and new rewards.
On November 29th, a hard mode for the last instance, the fight against Scarlet, is also set to be released.
If you are thinking about starting Guild Wars 2 again, you will find everything important here:
Guild Wars 2 Guide for newcomers and returners – Everything about the MMORPG in 2022
