ArenaNet Unlocks the Two Remaining Playable Races in Guild Wars 2

Those that have played in the previous weekend betas and stress tests for Guild Wars 2 know that there have been two races locked out of play. No knew exactly why. I presumed that ArenaNet wanted to keep a few things as a surprise for launch. I also thought that these were the last two races that they were working on. Both scenarios could have been true. All I know is that the entire Guild Wars 2 community wanted to get their hands on these races and run them through the ringer. As of now we will be able to.

ArenaNet announced today that for the last weekend beta, taking place on July 20-22, the community will be able to play the Asura and Sylvari. They expand on the two races by saying,

[quote]For asura players, this means beginning your tale in Metrica Province, a vivid, exotic jungle area full of high-tech laboratories, quirky golems, and competing krewes of mad scientists. Nearby, the massive monoliths of the asuran capital Rata Sum hum with technomagical power. These diminutive geniuses may seem cute at first glance, but never underestimate an asura…

Sylvari players begin their story in the Grove, a luminous living city nestled in the shade of the Pale Tree, the “mother” of every member of this young race of plant humanoids. The sylvari are an enigmatic race of chivalrous explorers who are driven by an insatiable curiosity and guided by a collective Dream.[/quote]

I’m excited to give the Asura a try because of their technological origin. Frankly, I love steampunk environments. It was this environment which initially grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go. Even though Guild wars 2 is distinctly fantasy, it has steampunk overtones. Usually the two genres do not mix well. However, ArenaNet has made a world that blends the two seamlessly. This has me excited.

Remember, your previously played characters will not be deleted for the upcoming (and last) beta weekend.  You can continue on your journey like the servers never shut down.  I  will probably will be playing my last character somewhat, but most of my time will be spent neck deep in the new races.

See you all in Guild Wars 2 during the weekend of July 20. I can’t wait!

[toggle_simple title="Sources" width="Width of toggle box"]http://www.arena.net/blog/play-asura-and-sylvari-in-the-july-20-22-beta-weekend-event[/toggle_simple] [signoff1]