“Absolution” Is Live
“Absolution,” the third and final major content update for Guild Wars 2®: Janthir Wilds™, has arrived. This update brings the concluding chapters of the story, a brand-new map to explore, feature improvements, new content and rewards, and a few unexpected twists to keep players on their toes. We’ve also added a unique legendary backpack that doubles as a glider! We’re going to cover the major features of this release in this blog, but for all of the details, check out the full release notes on our forums.
What’s New?
In our latest studio update blog, we shared what’s ahead for Guild Wars 2, including a closer look at upcoming content and our ongoing goals for long-term feature support. We also released a companion blog focused on the quality-of-life improvements we’ve made that aim to enhance your everyday experience in Tyria. There’s much more to come in “Absolution,” however, and here are the highlights from this update:
- New map: Bava Nisos
- New story chapters
- New fractal: Kinfall (with challenge mode on June 24)
- Convergences update: new boss, Ura, and challenge mode for private squads
- Legendary backpack
- QoL improvements to inventory management, rift essences, research notes, and more!
- New homestead decorations and decoration cap increase!
- Many new rewards, including minis, armor, weapons, and more
Your New Best Friend Is a Legendary Backpack
An immortal shadowy demonic presence from the Mists, Orrax is here to be your new best friend! Go on adventures! Glide around! Find some tasty snacks! Make a bargain for your immortal soul! Swish a fancy new tail that you may not have had a few moments before! Orrax will join you on all of your adventures—just as soon as you finish letting it manifest through you into Tyria.
Like previous legendary backpacks, crafting Orrax Manifested will unlock a matching glider as well. However, this time, Orrax is not content simply staying on your back and manifests directly to better help you conquer the skies of this fascinating world.
Talk to Jorvik Jorundsson in Mantle’s Arrival in Bava Nisos after completing the story of “Absolution” to begin the legendary collection.
Wizard’s Vault Seasonal Refresh
The Astral Ward’s magic stirs once again, and the Wizard’s Vault unveils a new collection of treasures for the worthy. Whether you’re defending Tyria’s farthest reaches or honing your legend within the Mists, these rewards are steeped in both style and power.
Embrace the strength and nobility of the Ward Knight’s cape, coat, helm, and leggings, armor forged for the bravest of Tyria’s defenders that blends ceremonial elegance with battlefield grit. Or arm yourself with the Stone-Growth weapons petrified by the passage of countless years!
Ride in arcane style with the Enchanted Roller Beetle Skin, adding a magical gleam to your travels. Don’t forget to give it a spin on the new racetrack in Southsun Cove!
Twitch Drops
Starting June 3, you can earn exciting Twitch Drops just by watching your favorite Guild Wars 2 streamers! Watch a total of five hours between 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7) March 11 and 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7) June 8 to unlock all available rewards.
Here’s what you can earn:
- One Hour: Tradesman’s Package
- Two Hours: Bloodstone Ascender
- Four Hours: Mini Bloodstone Rock
- Six Hours: Bloodstone Glider
Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds Vinyl Soundtrack
Immerse yourself in the rich soundscape of Guild Wars 2‘ s fifth expansion with the official soundtrack of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds. Featuring 27 tracks composed by Maclaine Diemer, Bryan Atkinson, and others, this collection captures the spirit of a land both wild and storied.
The soundtrack brings to life the sweeping coastlines, ancient ruins, and deep-rooted mysteries of the Janthir isles. With each track, you’ll hear the tension between nature and civilization, tradition and transformation.
Hear songs from this update adding new layers to the musical journey across the isles. Whether you’re exploring tranquil lowlands or braving conflict alongside the lowland kodan, these themes help shape every step of your adventure.
You can preorder the Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds vinyl soundtrack today.
Fun All Summer Long
While “Absolution” marks the conclusion of the Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds story arc, the adventure in Tyria is far from over. A full slate of events is on the horizon while we prepare to share more about what is next for Guild Wars 2.
The celebration kicks off on June 17 with the return of Dragon Bash, bringing festive chaos and brawling fun to the streets of Hoelbrak. Just a few days later, on June 23, challenge seekers can dive into the new Kinfall fractal’s challenge mode.
In July, players can look forward to the announcement of our next expansion and bonus events! The Return to Secrets of the Obscure event runs from July 15 to July 29, offering a chance to relive key moments and earn valuable rewards. Then it’s off to the Mists from July 22 to July 29 with the WvW Rush bonus event!
As summer rolls on, Festival of the Four Winds returns from August 5 to August 26, inviting players to relax, compete, and revisit one of Tyria’s most beloved seasonal events. Don’t forget to bookmark our handy event calendar to keep tabs on what’s happening in the game!
June
- June 3—Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds—”Absolution”
- June 17–July 8—Dragon Bash
- June 24—Skills and Balance Update, Kinfall Fractal Challenge Mode
July
- July (TBA)—Expansion Announcement
- July 15–July 29—Return to Secrets of the Obscure Event
- July 22–July 29—WvW Rush Bonus Event
August
- August 5–August 12—PvP Push Beta Event 3
- August 5–August 26—Festival of the Four Winds
Stay tuned for news about our next expansion for Guild Wars 2 this summer. We look forward to joining you on your adventure in Bava Nisos!
