With Visions of Eternity, the next expansion in the MMORPG Guild Wars 2 launches on October 28, 2025. And it clearly focuses on more action. MeinMMO editor Alexander Mehrwald was able to experience the whole thing in a preview.
During the approximately 90-minute guided preview, we got a first impression of some of the new content in the latest expansion “Visions of Eternity” of Guild Wars 2. We were able to explore the “Strand der Wracks,” one of the new areas of Castora, and try out the new abilities of the Hoverrock and the new elite specializations.
At the Strand der Wracks, we were also shown an Open World Boss and one of the new meta events, which we could (of course successfully) participate in. Additionally, we played a story mission from the third chapter of the new story. In the end, we were shown impressions of the new housing, which MeinMMO editor Jasmin already had a close look at during gamescom 2025.
It became clear: Visions of Eternity has a clear focus on action and draws inspiration from the great classics – and it’s not just the obvious reference to Indiana Jones in the new elite specialization “Antiquarian”.
In the following Q&A with the developers, my suspicion was confirmed, as the developers want to achieve exactly that with Visions of Eternity, and based on my experiences at the preview event, I have to say: That was the right idea, because the whole concept could be just what will bring fresh wind to Guild Wars 2.
Visions of Eternity as an “Action Movie Expansion”?
Shortly after the presentation began, it became clear to me: The pace and intensity have noticeably increased in this expansion. This may already be given by the story premise that the Inquest is sending secret expeditions in search of the legendary Castora – and we all know: when the Inquest is involved, it is never about anything good.
But the soundtrack that I encountered is noticeably more action-heavy and driving than it was in Janthir Wilds. The environment of the Strand der Wracks also clearly reminds one of popular film classics, but without it feeling too much like a copy. Influences from action films such as Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, Atlantis, The Goonies, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jurassic Park are evident in the design and soundtrack, while still leaving plenty of room for the classic, unique Guild Wars 2 style.
The impression continues as we approach the new world boss, a raptor from the Inquest, who heats things up with various tricks. The mechanics come quickly and rapidly and require a lot of cooperation from the participating players. For example, there is a mechanic where individual players are in danger of drowning quickly, which would lead to their death – but other players can save them by removing the water bubbles.
Also in the subsequent meta event, where we have to prevent the NPCs Jessica and Jimmy Hammerhart from overclocking a machine to avoid a worse debacle, we are faced with hard-hitting action. We have to destroy shields in quick succession and teleport to specific platforms depending on the magnetic pole we receive.
The poles keep switching while Jimmy and Jessica fight against us and the machine goes crazy. The whole thing had an incredibly fast drive and was simply fun, as you were constantly moving, keeping an eye on your teammates, and trying to solve the objectives. Good coordination with other players and a fast pace was also in the foreground here.
When we finally tackle the story mission, another focus of the expansion becomes clear, which also harmoniously aligns with its action movie inspiration. Because Visions of Eternity focuses on exploration and an intense story pacing alongside increased action.
The mission we played was set in the third chapter of the story, and to avoid spoilers, we refrain from going into detail about the content. However, it should be mentioned: It will be exciting, intense, and fast-paced if the rest of the story behaves similarly.
In the subsequent conversation with the developers, it was confirmed that Visions of Eternity is indeed intended as I had felt all along: An action-packed counterbalance to the previous expansion Janthir Wilds, which captivates, moves, and engages players from minute 1, utilizing elements that have already worked well.
According to the developers, it is also mainly about offering an isolated adventure, in contrast to previous expansions, which new players can jump into directly without having to have played the entire previous story. Essentially, a direct entry into an exciting adventure.
It is also primarily about the feeling of being an explorer, exploring the unexplored, and gathering knowledge. All packed into an intense story full of danger, moral dilemmas, and events that make you question your own perception.
Whether Visions of Eternity can ultimately fulfill this vision (pun intended) and if players will fully immerse themselves in action remains to be seen when the full expansion releases on October 28, 2025.
So it won’t be long until you can dive into the new story yourself and wreak havoc on the coasts and mystical regions of Castora. You can also tackle one of the 9 new elite specializations, which each class will receive with the new expansion. If you want to know again which ones there are and what they can do, take a look here in the overview: Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity – All 9 elite specializations and what they can do
