Raids Return to Guild Wars 2 Next Week!

by The Guild Wars 2 Team on November 14, 2024

Hello, Tyrians!

As the release of the next Guild Wars 2®: Janthir Wilds™ chapter, “Godspawn,” draws near on November 19, we’re thrilled to share some exciting new trailers and an exclusive look at our first raid in five years, along with the upcoming Convergence event on Mount Balrior! Players will soon be able to explore this new, mysterious area, crafted to test even the most battle-hardened adventurers. Both the raid and the Convergence are packed with high-stakes encounters, hidden lore, and mechanics designed to challenge teams of all sizes, whether you’re facing the mountain’s dangers with a ten-player squad or a fifty-player group.

Raiding inside Mount Balrior

To enter Mount Balrior, gather your team and travel to either the Lion’s Arch Aerodrome or Janthir Syntri, where a portal will transport you into the heights of the mountain fortress. Awaiting within is a treacherous path brimming with enemies.

Mount Balrior is structured with three main bosses and additional encounters, with each section designed to test your coordination and adaptability. Exploration will also play a key role for those looking to delve into the raid’s lore. You’ll be teaming up once again with the Durmand Priory’s expert scholar, Glenna, and comparing notes about what has been occurring in the region.

The titan, Greer, spreading his magical rot and corruption over a group of raiders.

Greer and Decima: Evolved Mechanics, Fiercer than Ever

Prepare to face a whole new level of intensity as Greer and Decima return with their differing combat styles—and while each boss will create its own set of challenges, we have designed the normal mode of the raid to allow pickup groups and more casual raiders a chance at success. Greer’s relentless, chaotic attacks are back in force, demanding sharp reflexes and adaptability, while Decima’s highly structured mechanics require meticulous planning and coordination to overcome. Their signature moves and visual cues will feel familiar, but don’t be fooled—each ability has been reimagined, layered with new complexities that will keep your team on its toes. And, of course, the titans aren’t finished surprising you yet; Greer and Decima have a few entirely new tricks to ensure a very challenging experience.

And to make matters more dire, Greer and Decima won’t be alone for long…

For those seeking the ultimate test, a future update will introduce a challenge mode for all of the bosses and a legendary mode for the final boss. These modes escalate the difficulty for thrill-seekers and top-tier raiders alike. The final boss’s legendary mode will demand unparalleled skill, offering a race to world-first completion.

Convergences in Janthir Wilds

Our newest Convergence activity, located at the Harvest Den bonfire in Lowland Shore, offers players a new challenge and a shared adventure. Like the Convergence in Guild Wars 2®: Secrets of the Obscure™, up to fifty players can take on this event, bringing squads together to face familiar foes with a twist.

Public squads, up to fifty players, launch every three hours, staggered to create Convergence events every hour-and-a-half as they alternate with Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure Convergences. If you’d rather tackle it with a private squad of any size, you’re welcome to start the event for the cost of an Unstable Rift Motivation at any time! Players can expect a similar level of difficulty to the Convergence from Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure. Most groups will complete this event within 20 to 30 minutes, offering an exciting but approachable challenge.

Stoic Alder sits around a campfire telling stories to a group of kodan cubs

Much like we teased in the prelaunch blog, this Convergence features the Claw of the lowland kodan, Stoic Alder, as he narrates the player’s journey to young kodan cubs. Alder’s storytelling adds a unique twist each time, creating unexpected moments that keep everyone guessing as the tale unfolds.

Our team took on the exciting challenge with this multipurpose map, which is designed to host Convergences, story quests, and raid content. Packed with hidden passages and breakable walls, it allows designers to modify and reshape areas, creating a truly unique environment for each encounter. Exploring its depths may even reveal a few hidden details for those who enjoy uncovering every secret!

The titan, Decima, calling down lightning upon a bunch of players in a Convergence

Familiar Faces, New Challenges

In the release of “Godspawn,” players who take part in the new Convergence will confront Decima and Greer, with a final boss joining in two future updates to expand the variety and keep players on their toes.

For those who’ve battled Greer and Decima in raids, you’ll recognize some of their attacks in this new Convergence—although they’ve been tailored for the fifty-player experience. Built specifically for Convergence encounters, these bosses will have distinct strategies and adapted abilities. Each boss will provide its own unique challenge and surprises throughout the Convergence, and you’ll need to work together to come out victorious.

Things are going to get wild next week when Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds—“Godspawn” releases! We’ll leave you today with some fun facts about the bosses you’ll be facing. Do you have what it takes to confront these titanic foes?