In the dark fantasy MMORPG The Secret World (PC), the 13th issue “Trail of Shadows” is now live. It offers a mix of lighter and heavier story content, overhauls PvP, and brings Christmas into the game.
Content updates in The Secret World are called “issues.” The thirteenth issue went live this week. For PvE fans, the last adventure in Kaidan, in Tokyo, is offered. The “big story” there ended in the last update, so this is more about an “aftermath.”
According to early reports, the new story quests are once again a mix of initially lighter content with quite amusing moments – but as is often the case with The Secret World, this is merely powdered sugar that lays over the dark, menacing substance of the story and then disappears.
Compared to other content updates, there are relatively few missions available right from the start this time. At Funcom, they stated to US journalists that this is because they wanted to release issue #13 before Christmas. Early in 2016, they plan to add some missions for free.
In 2016, the developers want to first pick up and finish “old story threads” before they start the “big new story of Season 2,” before plunging players into a new adventure.
PvP changes and Christmas events come with issue 13 to The Secret World
In addition to these PvE contents, issue #13 is mainly focused on PvP – although it has not become a purely PvP update, the PvP is being overhauled. We have reported on this several times. For instance, a function has been introduced to solve problems with players who simply go afk.
The new zone Shambala, however, is not expected until early 2016 – just like the changes to the group finder. Shambala will only be accessible via the solo queue and will introduce a “last-man-standing” mode.
Issue 13 also marks the start of the Christmas festivities with previous events. So players can look forward to the visit from Krampus, the Christmas conspiracy from 2014 is also active. However, a new event for 2015 has not been developed.
During the Christmas season, there is also the opportunity to do something nice for fellow players (and Funcom) by purchasing items in the game’s cash shop and giving friends something nice.
