Absolutely Crabulous: Guild Wars 2's Lost Shores Event
How do you feel about giant crabs? I ask this because they tend to be quite a divisive subject (I've lost a good many friends over debates about the merits of their anachronistic cultural leanings and gigantic torso-cleaving claws), yet Guild Wars 2 is tackling it head-on. Lost Shores - which kicks off on November 16th and runs until the 18th - is a colossal "once in a lifetime" world event that centers around said colossal crustaceans. They'll invade, they'll fight, and they might even do a fun dance number to a mash-up of the decade's most memorable showtunes. Meanwhile, some of the less-crab-focused new additions - like a series of "fractal" mini-dungeons - sound quite interesting. Delve into the break's mysterious depths for more.
That was a very large crab. But he/she/it/crab will only be a small part of the weekend's proceedings, which also include a defense of Lion's Arch against hordes of the things on November 16th, the introduction of a completely new area called Southsun Cove on November 17th, and a gigantic final battle against the Ancient Karka (aka, the crab wot with all the bigness) on November 18th.
As for that crazy fractal dungeon - titled Fractals of the Mists - well, here's how it works:
"You’ll be pitted against a series of unique 'fractal' mini-dungeons that get harder and harder as you progress, giving you unlimited levels of challenge! With great risk comes great reward, including new weapon sets, a back-slot item, new Ascended loot, and much more."
Meanwhile, a new PVP map called Temple of the Silent Storm will also be part of the update - but only in beta form, because ArenaNet wants outside input before permanently adding it to the rotation.
But will there be more jumping puzzles? And what about terrible crab puns? I'll be pretty pinched off if I don't see at least one or two or 37. I mean, come on, ArenaNet. Pick up the carapace.