Guild Wars 2 Introduces Sword-Wielding Necromancers in Upcoming Update

Guild Wars 2 is set to revolutionize gameplay for necromancer characters with the introduction of sword proficiency, as announced by Taylor Brooks, a designer on the Skills and Balance Team at ArenaNet. This exciting development is part of the 2024 update for “Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure™,” which will bring new weapons and skills for each profession.

Necromancers to Embrace the Sword

The update will allow necromancers to harness the power of the sword, focusing on dealing potent strike damage and absorbing vital energy from enemies. Key abilities include:

• Path of Gluttony: A main-hand sword skill enabling necromancers to leap to their enemies, healing for each one hit.
• Hungering Maelstrom: An off-hand sword skill that damages and steals health from enemies in a targeted area.

These skills come with a twist: each has a secondary ability activated by sacrificing health. This feature reinforces the necromancers’ thematic connection to life and death, offering a tantalizing risk-reward balance for players.

Beta Event and Live Stream Preview

Players will get a firsthand look at these changes during the Expanded Weapon Proficiency beta event, beginning November 28 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) and concluding on December 3. This beta event is not just limited to necromancers but will include new weapon and skill combinations for all professions.

Guild Wars 2 fans are also invited to the Expanded Weapon Proficiency preview livestream on November 27 at noon Pacific Time (UTC-8) for a more detailed exploration of these upcoming features. The beta test will include placeholder UI, art, and audio assets for some weapon skills, giving players a sneak peek into the development process.

As Guild Wars 2 continues to evolve, this update promises to offer a fresh and dynamic experience for necromancer players, blending traditional magic with the new art of swordplay. The question remains: will players master the delicate balance of power and self-preservation? The adventure into the unknown begins soon in “Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure™.”