The fantasy MMORPG Guild Wars 2 is making some waves about Heart of Thorns. With the “Tempest,” the storm mage, the new specialization of the elementalist is introduced.
“Prestige classes” or “Elite specializations,” you might call what Guild Wars 2 is planning with the well-known classes in the Heart of Thorns expansion:
- From the Guardian becomes a Dragonhunter,
- from the Mesmer becomes a Chronomancer
- and from the Necromancer becomes a nasty Reaper.
The specialization of the elementalist has now been exclusively introduced to the US site TenTonHammer, so there are no German terms for the individual abilities yet.
Elementalist goes overboard in Heart of Thorns
The basic idea behind the Tempest is that it, when it stays in certain elemental directions long enough, can “overload” them, to invoke particularly spectacular effects.
It will take between 2.75 and 5 seconds to complete such an overload. While the storm mage charges it, one effect occurs, and at the end another. The “thick end” comes, so to speak, at the end – like a crash of thunder.
This is what happens during the overloads:
- With Fire, an infernal firestorm builds up that deals damage over time to enemies and empowers allies. At the end of the effect, this firestorm remains for a time.
- With Water, a large water bubble forms that cleanses and regenerates players. When it bursts, allies receive a large healing spell.
- If the Tempest unleashes the powers of Air, a thundercloud forms above it that hits enemies multiple times. When the ability is successfully completed, it leaves a lightning field that also damages enemies.
- With the Earth overload, the storm mage will protect allies and slow down enemies. It seemingly merges with the earth. When it reappears, a debilitating eruption occurs.
It also gets a war horn
As a new weapon, the storm mage will be able to use a war horn. ArenaNet envisions “Dagger/Warlord” builds. The storm mage is intended as a fighter for close and mid-range, who supports his companions and exerts constant pressure on the enemies.

