From ArenaNet:
ArenaNet, publisher and developer of the award-winning Guild Wars franchise, today released new features and content available to all players in Guild Wars 2, including a new addition sure to have Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns players leaping for joy from the highest vistas in Tyria. The Winter 2016 Update, free for all players and available starting today, marks the first major update to Guild Wars 2 since the expansion launched in October. One of the biggest features is the ability for Heart of Thorns players to deploy their gliders throughout central Tyria, allowing them to explore their favourite locations in a completely new way. All players can also look forward to taking on the new and improved Shatterer, a five-story dragon encounter that has been revamped. Fan favourite Tylbalt Leftpaw can be summoned as a Mist Champion in PvP, and all players can celebrate the start of the Lunar New Year, and more.
Gliding in Central Tyria
Experience Central Tyria from a brand-new perspective! Once you’ve unlocked the Basic Gliding Mastery in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, you’ll be able to deploy your glider almost anywhere in the open world. Explore, soar, and show off your gliding skills – all with fewer undignified splats on the ground.
The Shatterer Unleashed
The Shatterer, champion of the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik, has powered up and learned new tactics. Accompanied by dangerous Branded forces, it’s ready to terrorise Blazeridge Steppes like never before. Stay on your toes and defend your siege weapons, and if you’ve learned to glide in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, you can even use your glider to attack from the air!
Squad Markers and Lieutenants
It’s easier than ever to keep your squad in shape! Commanders can now promote lieutenants to organise subgroups, invite or remove players, and broadcast messages. Squad leaders will also be able to place marker symbols, which will appear both in the game world and on your compass.
Lunar New Year
Celebrate the start of a whole new year in Divinity’s Reach! From 26th January until 9th February, stop by the Crown Pavilion to shoot off fireworks, play the Dragon Ball PvP minigame, and earn rewards.
Mist Champion Tybalt Leftpaw
Order of Whispers Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw can now join you in Stronghold as a Mist Champion! Unlock him by completing his Player vs. Player reward track, and you’ll be able to summon him into battle to help defend your team.
Eldvin Monastery Brew of the Month Club
Speak with Master Brewer Desch Metz at Queensdale’s Eldvin Monastery to sample a year’s worth of handcrafted beers. Each brew is available for one month only--try them all and you’ll be rewarded for your adventurous palate with a title, a backpack skin, and a guild decoration.
Major Balance Update
Each quarterly update will contain adjustments to professions and their skills, weapons, and traits to keep gameplay fun and exciting.
Since Guild Wars 2 launched in 2012, ArenaNet delivered more than 40 major content updates without charging a subscription fee. The Winter 2016 Update is the first of major free updates set to come for Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns players. For the latest information on Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, please visit: www.guildwars2.com .
