Crystal Desert

A sun-scorched expanse in Elona where Balthazar seeks to slay Kralkatorrik.

The Crystal Desert is the primary setting for Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire, the second expansion pack released on September 22, 2017. Located in Elona, an area to the south-east of the base-game's playable region known as Tyria, this landscape was first seen in the original Guild Wars: Prophecies campaign. The expansion takes place approximately 255 years after the events of the original Guild Wars (specifically, Nightfall in 1075 AE) and shortly after the conclusion of Heart of Thorns and Living World Season 3. This arid expanse introduces players to new mounts, additional elite specializations for every profession, a bounty system, and access to new raids and the fourth season of the living world storyline.

Quick Facts

Region: Elona (Crystal Desert)
Major expansion focus: Path of Fire
Primary elder dragon threat: Kralkatorrik

Lore & Background

The narrative begins after the Pact, led by the Commander, defeats Mordremoth, the elder dragon of the jungle. Following this victory, a massive surge of magical energy caused another elder dragon, Kralkatorrik, to fly south into the densely populated areas of Elona. The deposed God of War, Balthazar, returned to Tyria 1,329 years after the six Gods left during the Exodus. However, dragons are essential to the world's equilibrium; as noted in the Guild Wars 2 Wiki, their function is to keep magic balanced by periodically awakening and drawing it into themselves from the ley lines. Killing Kralkatorrik would destroy the world's magical balance and allow Balthazar to claim that power for himself. Consequently, the expansion's central aim is to stop Kralkatorrik's rampage and prevent Balthazar from absorbing the Elder Dragon's magic.

Reader's Guide

To access the Crystal Desert, players must have Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire installed, which launched on Microsoft Windows and macOS on September 22, 2017 after a pre-purchase period starting August 1, 2017. The region is located in Elona, south-east of Tyria, and serves as the backdrop for Season Four of the Living World. Gameplay features include new mounts that fundamentally change traversal, elite specializations for all professions, and a bounty system for defeating specific enemies. Players will engage with the storyline to stop Balthazar from killing Kralkatorrik, navigating through this historically significant area first introduced in Guild Wars Nightfall.

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