On Tuesday, the new roller beetle races in Guild Wars 2 will be released. In anticipation of this release, ArenaNet developer Joe Kimmes answered a few questions about the new content.
The roller beetle races are a long-awaited novelty for fans. Just after the release of the mount players asked for races in the old world to compete against each other. The developers are now responding to this request . To celebrate this, a car will even be raffled off to diligent roller beetle riders.
What are roller beetle races?
MeinMMO: “What are the differences between the old roller beetle adventures and the new races?”
Joe: “The new roller beetle races include the adventures. It was important for us that players can also use the racetracks when a big race is not taking place. The timed adventures, as we already know them, are present for each individual course.
A fundamental goal for the new races was that both the adventures and the race events use the same track and checkpoints. This way, you can achieve all successes, even without waiting for the race events.”
MeinMMO: “How regularly will the races take place?”
Joe: “The main races will start every 10 to 15 minutes. There are a few minutes to register for the race. The duration of a race depends on the size of the track. Of course, you can also join during a race and try to catch up with the field.”
Build your own roller beetle race in the guild hall!
MeinMMO: “What rewards are there for completing a roller beetle race?”
Joe: “Participating in a race, completing daily tasks, and achieving successes reward you with race medals. These can be exchanged for rewards with vendors.
There are new and cool armors that I don’t want to reveal too much about, and a mini roller beetle, potions, and guild hall decorations. With these, you can build your own racetracks in the hall.
Halloween feedback had a big impact
MeinMMO: “Players were not so happy with the design of the roller beetle races at Halloween. Did that change anything about the races?”
Joe: “A bit of background on this question: I started working on the races before Halloween. The Mad King’s Raceway was a prototype of the races that are now coming out. It polarized for various reasons, all of which come together in that it was more a stunt challenge than a traditional race.
Players expected a long straight track and were frustrated. Players who had not yet mastered drifting had a steep learning curve during this event.
We received a lot of useful feedback, both positive and negative. Much of this influenced the new races. To give a few examples:
- The checkpoints were renewed and improved
- You can also play the adventures during the race event
- All courses have an easier learning curve, even if you are encountering the roller beetle for the first time
- There is also a practice adventure in the Kessex Hills to get used to the mount
If you had a frustrating experience with the race at Halloween, then it’s best to start with the races in Diessa Plateau or in the Gendarran Fields.”
MeinMMO: “Can we look forward to a new mount in the next episode of the Living World?”
Joe: “To get an answer to this question, you need to stay tuned and play the next episode yourself!”
Raffle with gaming accessories and a car
In conjunction with the new roller beetle races, ArenaNet is raffling off a car with a matching look. To participate, you must sign up for email communication and participate in a roller beetle race by December 24th during the raffle period. Additionally, a single prize will be raffled off each week. You will also need to participate in a race for this.
If you race every week for all four weeks, you will enter the draw for the main prize four times. Along with the raffle, a video was released where you can view the prizes and get a first look at the races.
Roller beetles for all: If you’re upset because you missed the episode “Long Live the Lich” and thus the unlocking of the mount, there is good news. ArenaNet is bringing the episode back for free. All owners of Path of Fire can play the episode until January 7th and unlock it permanently.
Furthermore, those who do not yet own the expansion can purchase it at a 50% discount until December 5th. To do this, you only need to enter the code: BlackFriday50 at checkout.
