Mounts are something of a tradition in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), so it’s a bit surprising that Guild Wars 2, which has been out since 2012, is only now getting ready to add them. But ArenaNet wants these creatures to be more than bland speed boosts when Guild Wars 2’s second expansion, Path of Fire, launches September 22 for PC.
ArenaNet has shared a developer diary with GamesBeat, which you can watch above. It goes into the studio’s design process for this new feature in the expansion.
You unlock the mounts as you play through the expansion. They make you faster, sure, but each one also has a special movement ability. The rabbit-like Springer can leap high into the air. The wolf-like Jackal, meanwhile, can teleport short distances. So you’re going to want to consider more than just their appearance when you choose your mount. This sets it apart from other MMOs, including Blizzard’s World of Warcraft, where they just increase your speed.
Path of Fire will also give players new areas to explore in the Crystal Desert and the kingdom of Elona. You can also further your characters’ progress with new elite specializations for each profession (Guild Wars 2’s take on classes).