Get Ready to Explore a Brand-New Corner of Tyria
The hype for the next Guild Wars 2 expansion is reaching a fever pitch. With just a week to go until launch, ArenaNet has given players a breathtaking aerial tour of Shipwreck Strand, one of the new open-world maps coming in Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity. The new flythrough trailer showcases a stunning and dangerous landscape that proves the expansion’s new setting, the mysterious island of Castora, is as deadly as it is beautiful.
For longtime players, the promise of a completely new region to explore is one of the most exciting parts of any expansion. Shipwreck Strand looks to deliver on that promise, with a vibrant, jungle-like environment littered with the haunting remains of countless vessels that failed to navigate its treacherous shores. It perfectly sets the stage for the adventure to come when the expansion launches on October 28, 2025.
Welcome to the Mysterious Island of Castora
So, what is this new expansion all about? Visions of Eternity sends players on a race against the villainous Inquest to the legendary island of Castora. This remote island, long thought to be a myth, is brimming with potent magical energies and strange creatures. The Inquest is after a mysterious power buried on the island, and it’s up to the player to discover their plot and stop them.
Shipwreck Strand is one of two new open-world zones available at launch, with two more scheduled to be released in quarterly updates throughout 2026. This release model, similar to recent expansions, means players will have a steady stream of new content to explore for a full year.
More Than Just New Maps
While exploring a whole new island is the main event, Visions of Eternity is packed with other major features that have the community buzzing. Here are some of the highlights:
- Nine New Elite Specializations: A new specialization for every profession, promising to shake up the meta and provide new ways to play.
- Upgraded Skimmer Mount: Your skimmer will now be able to dive underwater and soar faster and higher, making traversal more dynamic than ever.
- New Legendary Items: The expansion will introduce six new legendary items over its lifecycle, including three weapons, a ring, an accessory, and the long-requested legendary aquabreather. One weapon and the aquabreather will be available to start working on at launch.
- A New Homestead: For players who own both Visions of Eternity and the previous expansion, Janthir Wilds, a new Castoran-themed homestead will be available to decorate.
- Wizard’s Vault Rewards: The popular reward system will be updated with new seasonal rewards to earn as you play through the expansion content.
An Explorer’s Dream
The flythrough of Shipwreck Strand confirms what many fans were hoping for: ArenaNet’s world design is still best-in-class. The map seems full of verticality, hidden nooks, and stunning vistas that encourage exploration. From towering, overgrown cliffs to the eerie glow of magical flora in shadowed caves, the environment itself tells a story. For many players, the simple joy of exploring new maps, discovering jumping puzzles, and completing renown hearts is the core of the Guild Wars 2 experience, and Visions of Eternity looks set to deliver that in spades.
Conclusion
The sneak peek at Shipwreck Strand is the perfect appetizer for the main course to come. Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity is shaping up to be another fantastic chapter in the game’s long history, offering a wealth of new content for every type of player. The adventure on the island of Castora is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to dive in and uncover its secrets when the expansion launches on October 28.
FAQs
What is Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity?
It is the sixth major expansion for the MMORPG Guild Wars 2. It takes players to the mysterious island of Castora to stop a plot by the villainous Inquest.
When does the expansion release?
Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity is scheduled to launch on October 28, 2025.
What is Shipwreck Strand?
Shipwreck Strand is one of the two new open-world maps that will be available at the launch of the Visions of Eternity expansion.
How many new maps are in the expansion?
The expansion will launch with two new maps (including Shipwreck Strand). Two additional maps will be released in quarterly updates over the following year, for a total of four new maps.
What are the main new features of Visions of Eternity?
Key features include nine new elite specializations, an upgraded skimmer mount with diving capabilities, six new legendary items, a new homestead map, and a full year of story and content updates.
Will there be new legendary items?
Yes, the expansion will add six new legendaries over its lifetime. A new legendary weapon and a legendary aquabreather will be available to pursue starting at launch.