Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

 PC
  • Publisher: NCSOFT
  • Release Date: Oct 23, 2015
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 981 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 670 out of 981
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 981
  3. Negative: 239 out of 981
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  1. dwms1188
    Oct 26, 2015
    3
    I had to make an account to express my disappointment for this game. There was so much hype for an expansion after 3 long years of little content or fixes and honestly I was very much looking forward to it.

    What we got however was typical Arena Net response. I can't find a single part of this expansion where they listened to any Living Story, WvW or Fractal feedback they received. Want    I had to make an account to express my disappointment for this game. There was so much hype for an expansion after 3 long years of little content or fixes and honestly I was very much looking forward to it.

    What we got however was typical Arena Net response. I can't find a single part of this expansion where they listened to any Living Story, WvW or Fractal feedback they received. Want to play with a small group? Better hope people come around for the champs your elite specialization (see: Their primary selling point) are gated behind. Want to get the Hero Points that can be solo'd? You guessed it, a Mastery gate. Some Hero Points requiring max masteries (16 million exp).

    There are 4 maps. The events on the maps are not fun. You run in a circle for 16 mil experience then do it another 4 times. I'm sure raids will require high level masteries because its their only content they brought into this game. You're paying $50 for 1/3 game play and the other 2/3 time gating.

    But its an expansion you say, go back to the regular game if you don't like it? Too bad they castrated that in the process. It wasn't enough to make their fruits of their labor annoying, they ruined their quite stable and still maintaining base game by making the only money attainable in the new zones. Upped Fractal rewards? Only if you get the mastery.

    New WvW maps do nothing but highlight the disconnect between whatever bastardized team if handling that now and what actual players want.

    Skip this heaping pile of **** for a month. If Anet pulls its head from their asses and makes some fixes maybe it will be worth it. I'm getting a refund.    … Expand
  2. Intox
    Oct 26, 2015
    1
    My experience with HoT can be summed up as frustrating.
    The story is gated behind various masteries to artificially extend it.
    As for the story it was average, ending feels underwhelming and leaves me thinking "is that it?" It gave the impression of do these things you may not enjoy to access the stuff you might enjoy. That is exactly how I felt about finally completing the story,    My experience with HoT can be summed up as frustrating.
    The story is gated behind various masteries to artificially extend it.

    As for the story it was average, ending feels underwhelming and leaves me thinking "is that it?"

    It gave the impression of do these things you may not enjoy to access the stuff you might enjoy.
    That is exactly how I felt about finally completing the story, I had to do a lot of not fun things to level a mastery required at each step of the story.

    Did not finish the unlock on my elite spec as it takes an extreme amount of hero points to unlock.
    Lost a lot of replay value for me since I have no desire to grind hero points for elite specs for every character, any alts I would like to play will face the same wall that my first character did.

    When I first bought GW2 I loved the play your way design they did and that has now changed.
    Definitely a big downgrade to me from the original game, I had more fun before this expansion released.    … Expand
  3. Elvariia
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    Awesome expansion. Beautiful maps, very fun new profession, a lot of goals set, challenging maps. Not even close to grindy - people just would like to finish everything in one day. I'm happy that I can finally work towards something that matters, not only skins. Loving it so far!
  4. Anakin1000
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    It's good and solid expansion, and it makes foundation for future expansion packs. I don't get all this hate towards HoT. New maps are huge, engaging and most of all fun. Masteries and Elite Spec are supposed to be END-GAME-PROGRESSION, so stop whining they take long to master... it's supposed to work that way. IF you could master everything in 3 days, they would be no-end-game complains.It's good and solid expansion, and it makes foundation for future expansion packs. I don't get all this hate towards HoT. New maps are huge, engaging and most of all fun. Masteries and Elite Spec are supposed to be END-GAME-PROGRESSION, so stop whining they take long to master... it's supposed to work that way. IF you could master everything in 3 days, they would be no-end-game complains. It's solid 8/10 Expac, worth of it's prize! (I raise note to 10 to counter 0/10 haters)… Expand
  5. MHCerberus
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    New specializations take time to acquire which gave me reason to play my alts again. Many small features like the action camera keep pooping up and giving new reasons to nerd out. The new maps are challenging and make you learn to move, dodge, and play smart. It really does not feel like a grind at all and has kept me on my toes. Beautiful areas, great music, and much more dialogueNew specializations take time to acquire which gave me reason to play my alts again. Many small features like the action camera keep pooping up and giving new reasons to nerd out. The new maps are challenging and make you learn to move, dodge, and play smart. It really does not feel like a grind at all and has kept me on my toes. Beautiful areas, great music, and much more dialogue performed quite well. Rating: Will take my damn time/10… Expand
  6. theironsavage
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    This review is an personal opinion from three years of playing the base game. If you are a player that's been around before year one you would of notice how the game has changed.
    Year one there was no wardrobe , LFG, or rewards for dungeons or pvp.
    DG rewards been nerf. so what? They been inflation factories for the longest time making gold worth less and less. too much grinding. so    This review is an personal opinion from three years of playing the base game. If you are a player that's been around before year one you would of notice how the game has changed.
    Year one there was no wardrobe , LFG, or rewards for dungeons or pvp.
    DG rewards been nerf. so what? They been inflation factories for the longest time making gold worth less and less.

    too much grinding. so what? stacking in a corner and stealthing pass mobs is your idea of rewarding? There is no grinding its just as easy has before but actually requires you too interact with people.

    only three maps. so what? they are gigantic and easy to get lost in them. everything does try to kill you at night but that made me blow off the dust on my soldiers gear and equip range weapons to get around.

    too hard!! REALLY THIS IS TOO HARD TO PLAY? PEOPLE WHO SAY ITS TOO HARD MUST OF NEVER LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE GAME, JUST CHANGE YOU GEAR AND BUILD.

    yes maps been locked off but I prefer quality over quantity.

    The maps are easy to move around, just have to remember the roads. If you have a guild or group of friends every thing would be easy for you.

    If you are a veteran and loyal fan of the series I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUYING
    New to Guild wars 2- you must learn there is more then DPS    … Expand
  7. FlyingChicken
    Oct 26, 2015
    8
    The story so far is great, and the new levels are amazing. This game isn't meant to be completed in week or two and it is still a game that you can leave and come back to as you like. Very enjoyable and so far I have been able to do everything on my own without a party. There are some features where you will need a group, such as raids and clearing out the guild hall, but that is what itThe story so far is great, and the new levels are amazing. This game isn't meant to be completed in week or two and it is still a game that you can leave and come back to as you like. Very enjoyable and so far I have been able to do everything on my own without a party. There are some features where you will need a group, such as raids and clearing out the guild hall, but that is what it was made for. I love the mastery system and the fact that they did not unlock the whole mastery system for the Tyria line was a little disappointing at first but then I thought about it and realized that it gives us more to do. If we created new characters the mastery system wouldn't become unlocked until we hit level 80 and it is also account wide and not character bound.… Expand
  8. doodlefish
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Anet have done us proud with this update. The world really feels alive with so many different things going on and so many new mini stories to find I will be running around and discovering new things for a long time. I wasn't sure about the idea of introducing gliding and having so much verticality in the maps when I heard about it but actually it works incredibly well and is a lot of fun.Anet have done us proud with this update. The world really feels alive with so many different things going on and so many new mini stories to find I will be running around and discovering new things for a long time. I wasn't sure about the idea of introducing gliding and having so much verticality in the maps when I heard about it but actually it works incredibly well and is a lot of fun. I feel like I know my way around the first 2 new maps now but I'm still constantly finding new areas and bits that I have never seen before. I just wish they would add gliding into the old maps as well!!

    I have tried playing other mmos but ever since I first started guild wars 2 they feel so clunky in comparison. This expansion will definitely keep me entertained for a long time cos there is so much to do!!    … Expand
  9. renji1337
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    I would give this a 10. I like the game, i like how there is multiple things to do and that they wont be done in 1 day, (they take 2-4weeks for the average player) and that the game is fun. There are so many people playing that it feels like GW2 is the top MMO there is!
  10. tortietude
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    I am hotly engaged in full-blown addiction. These maps are gorgeous and fresh and the vertical space is cleverly designed. Elite specs are incredible and have made combat even more thoughtful and gratifying (and the synergy in a well-oiled group is amazing!). Personally I really enjoy the pacing and the difficulty of the new maps because you get a real sense of a job well done. Story hasI am hotly engaged in full-blown addiction. These maps are gorgeous and fresh and the vertical space is cleverly designed. Elite specs are incredible and have made combat even more thoughtful and gratifying (and the synergy in a well-oiled group is amazing!). Personally I really enjoy the pacing and the difficulty of the new maps because you get a real sense of a job well done. Story has been great so far and the meta events flow very well. I haven't been this enthralled with a game in a while! Thank you Anet!… Expand
  11. derekgrant3
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Flawless launch, great elements and overall a fantastic experience. Many players feel rushed to do the content or to acquire the new masteries and specializations, but the journey getting them has been enjoyable.
  12. LilyK
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    This was the smoothest launch EVER. There were some small bugging issues however the live build system kept the game up while those were worked out. The environments are amazing and please oh PLEASE play with your headphones on! There are places where you just do not want to missed the environmental sound. Sure it takes some time to build your new skills... and that just extends the gameThis was the smoothest launch EVER. There were some small bugging issues however the live build system kept the game up while those were worked out. The environments are amazing and please oh PLEASE play with your headphones on! There are places where you just do not want to missed the environmental sound. Sure it takes some time to build your new skills... and that just extends the game for most people. Anyone whining about time to build a character is doing just that... WHINING. If anything, I'd wish for a few more waypoints. I'm getting SO LOST because I wander off chasing something and can't find my way back to the story step! GOOD JOB Anet! LOVE IT.… Expand
  13. LovecraftianIde
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    HoT gives veteran players what they've been asking for for a long time. Challenging content, an interesting world to explore. Tons of bugs, but that's to be expected with any brand new game. It's fantastic, fun, and the only downside is the number of new armor skins they've released. I was hoping for more, but we'll see what the rest of the Living Story has to offer!
  14. Kheft
    Oct 26, 2015
    8
    Pros: -New Zones are beautiful and well designed.
    -Story is a vast improvement on the vanilla personal story.
    -Masteries add a nice measurable goal in place of increasing the level cap. -The elite specialization adds a needed variety to the classes(From what I've seen) -The new zones have more challenging content. Cons: -Masteries feel like they could become too grindy especially for    Pros: -New Zones are beautiful and well designed.
    -Story is a vast improvement on the vanilla personal story.
    -Masteries add a nice measurable goal in place of increasing the level cap.
    -The elite specialization adds a needed variety to the classes(From what I've seen)
    -The new zones have more challenging content.
    Cons: -Masteries feel like they could become too grindy especially for people who will get the expansion later and might find zones are less populated.
    -The new zones may have too much content that requires a bigger group, blocking out people who play alone or find their zone is empty.
    - The elite spec is a grind to max out. It forces you to map complete more, which is harder in the new zones.

    From what I've played so far the expansion is great. If you aren't having problems getting into populated zones you won't have to much trouble playing most of the content. The masteries can get a bit grindy but I haven't been blocked much trying to progress in the story, and I feel they are supposed to be unlocked over time, it's only be 4 days since release I don't expect to have everything unlocked. I'll probably update this when I've played more of the expansion.    … Expand
  15. Rits
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    Story: 10/10 (This is what should have been in the core game! A reason to love characters and a can't wait to do the next chapter feeling)

    Music: 10/10 (Absolutely Phenomenal!) Environment: 10/10 (Soo much to explore, the maps are super non linear and just when you think you explored it all, you find a hidden mastery point to acquire) Replay: 10/10 (Mastery Points are account    Story: 10/10 (This is what should have been in the core game! A reason to love characters and a can't wait to do the next chapter feeling)

    Music: 10/10 (Absolutely Phenomenal!)

    Environment: 10/10 (Soo much to explore, the maps are super non linear and just when you think you explored it all, you find a hidden mastery point to acquire)

    Replay: 10/10 (Mastery Points are account bound but hero challenges that you need for Elite Spec are not, each hero challenge is unique in strategy that it does not feel boring like world completion in core)

    Other Content: 9/10 (Fractals mob rewards being removed and moved into RNG boxes which you have to pay for leaves a bad taste in my mouth...due to this, I'm avoiding them in the hopes that they will be tweaked. Raids not being ready even though they are listed as a reason to buy the expansion too leaves a bad taste. HOWEVER, there is PLENTY to do that it does not bother me as much as it did initially, there still is the fact its there and happened though.)

    To the players: You don't hop into a game expecting a max level off the bat, why should we expect the same for an ELITE spec. It should show that you took the time and challenge to get that spec completed. The name is ELITE for a reason.

    These aren’t just new builds to try out. They are completely different play styles added onto your class…practically a new class! There are new icons to represent this for Pete’s sake!
    I think if people would slow down and think about it this way they would realize how much it makes sense that you shouldn’t expect instant gratification for something coming out of an expansion designed purely for lvl 80s. It is going to be challenging and it is going to require time.

    TY Anet for giving me something to do other than logging on, doing my dailies and dungeon run or two with my guildies then signing off. This brought back tons of goals and challenges for me to aim for and it brought back a huge social experience for me and many of my guildies! The fact that a lot of the maps are aimed for group experiences has been enjoyable. Its so fun to see/meet others that are willing to lend a helping hand.    … Expand
  16. LandorGonlow
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    Tons of new content, spectacular meta events!! Graphics and Sound are amazing. There is a low to like about the new expansion. The new specializations still need a bit of balancing but I am sure that will be worked out over the next few weeks. Leveling mastery seems a bit slow but also not horrible as many people are saying. I am actually glad that some content is "gated behind masteries"Tons of new content, spectacular meta events!! Graphics and Sound are amazing. There is a low to like about the new expansion. The new specializations still need a bit of balancing but I am sure that will be worked out over the next few weeks. Leveling mastery seems a bit slow but also not horrible as many people are saying. I am actually glad that some content is "gated behind masteries" otherwise unlocking these new abilities wouldn't seem very rewarding. The story is awesome tons of guild wars 1 throw backs and lots of exciting progression on the newest elder dragon. I highly recommend this game for new players as well as for existing. A few tweaks that need to be worked out but overall , an awesome job!… Expand
  17. bugrock
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Tons of fun and lots of re-playability. There are so many new features and mechanics, I know that I'll be playing this for a very long time. Can't wait to start building my guildhall and challenging other guilds to duel in the arena.
  18. Rocinantus
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Many of these reviews completely astound me by saying things like how there's "no content" or that ArenaNet advertised falsely. ArenaNet was very transparent about what would be released with their expansion, and there's plenty of content to consider this a large expansion. I think what most of these reviews are complaining about is the time investment required to get to the new eliteMany of these reviews completely astound me by saying things like how there's "no content" or that ArenaNet advertised falsely. ArenaNet was very transparent about what would be released with their expansion, and there's plenty of content to consider this a large expansion. I think what most of these reviews are complaining about is the time investment required to get to the new elite specializations. This is confusing to me, because when playing an MMO I think it's understood that there will be a time investment.

    The new areas are massive (once you unlock enough masteries) and the content is challenging but not too much so. I sunk many hours into it over the weekend and I'm very pleased with it.    … Expand
  19. Kheadley
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    great expansion.
    Story is great, new maps are large and fun. plus lot to do.

    new PvP and WvW are spot on.

    The Elite professions are epic. And i'm ok with the cost to unlock them- but i playing ranger, necro, and revenant. So i will admit some people will be pissed at the cost if u on a thief who can't get his dodges or a engi who can't get his drones.
  20. Theron13
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    I am really surprised to see all this complain about grind. There is a lot of factually incorrect or misinterpreted information floating around.

    First, you do not need 400 challenges to get 400 hero points. They have increased the number of point granted by each challenge 10 folds in the expansion so you only need 40 challenges in worst case scenario. Veteran player will need only 19    I am really surprised to see all this complain about grind. There is a lot of factually incorrect or misinterpreted information floating around.

    First, you do not need 400 challenges to get 400 hero points. They have increased the number of point granted by each challenge 10 folds in the expansion so you only need 40 challenges in worst case scenario. Veteran player will need only 19 challenges to max out everything.

    Second, Hero Challenges by design cannot be grinded as you have to do a unique one. Hero challenges involve either pressing 'F', killing a mod, or doing an event chain.

    Third, most veteran player that are creating a new character are using account bound rewards to instantly get a level 80 character and get all skills for the base class. For most veteran player 5 minutes after character creation they will have a level 80 character with all base skills maxed out.

    Finally only a few hero points are locked behind high level masteries, for example, in first 2 zones there are 22 hero points from which only 2 require high level masteries.

    You can argue that Hero points are too challenging, but I don;t get the argument that they are too grindy.    … Expand
  21. Xzean
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Simply masterful. Every aspect of the game improved while keeping the importance of the rest of their content. Each class made to feel fresh and new with specializations, making them hard to get to feel like a true reward.
  22. chalks
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Really loving the story and the new maps are fantastic, guild halls are a really cool concept and the masteries system actually offers some useful skills which kinda surprised me.

    My biggest problem with the game was the mastery gating in the personal story, but Anet recently announced that they're removing this so you can complete the story with only a very basic set of mastery skills    Really loving the story and the new maps are fantastic, guild halls are a really cool concept and the masteries system actually offers some useful skills which kinda surprised me.

    My biggest problem with the game was the mastery gating in the personal story, but Anet recently announced that they're removing this so you can complete the story with only a very basic set of mastery skills so that settles it for me, it's a really great game.

    I'd recommend this to anyone who's enjoyed the original game and wants some more, or anyone who's looking for a fun MMO that they can dip in and out of without feeling they're being left behind. Really good fun.    … Expand
  23. steve13
    Oct 26, 2015
    0
    Arena Net pulled a complete switch. So much for the play your way with no grind. The game is now nothing but a grind with gated content. They are even adding raids. This was clearly done as a time sink as there is not enough content to merit fifty dollars. Count me out. I am done with this game.
  24. JulianSullivan
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    The new specializations removed a lot of the stealth meta from PvP, which made it a lot more fun. The story of the living world is a lot more dramatic and Game of Throne-y. The open world is a legitimate challenge instead of everything dying in a single hit. The missions are tuned a bit low right now, but that might change. Everything about this game is absolutely beautiful, even at theThe new specializations removed a lot of the stealth meta from PvP, which made it a lot more fun. The story of the living world is a lot more dramatic and Game of Throne-y. The open world is a legitimate challenge instead of everything dying in a single hit. The missions are tuned a bit low right now, but that might change. Everything about this game is absolutely beautiful, even at the lowest settings (which I have to use because I run it on a potato). There's a tiny bit of grind to get mastery points, but you really don't need that many and the "grind" is doing distinctive missions and quests in the open world. That's hardly a grind. It's slightly annoying that you have to move away from the story, but honestly it's making me take it in small chunks so the game is lasting a bit longer.… Expand
  25. tormentor19191
    Oct 26, 2015
    8
    Story 10/10 Amazing - Specially the final boss fight. Little buggy now but if those are fixed , amazing fight
    open world 9/10 - Challenging mobs, amazing beautiful map design , feels like a maze sometimes
    Content 9/10 - Amazing meta events - challenging and fun
    Elite spec - 7/10 Requires a lot of work to unlock the complete elite spec but the specs itself are amazing.
  26. Valkysas
    Oct 26, 2015
    0
    They took a awesome do what ever you want when you want to game and turned it into a Group only game
    with gating like you never seen be for 100% wast of money this expansion will be dead and soon the game if this is the direction they are going .. do you like to log in a game once or twice a week since that's the time all the other ppl log in and never be able to do any thing until then !    They took a awesome do what ever you want when you want to game and turned it into a Group only game
    with gating like you never seen be for 100% wast of money this expansion will be dead and soon the game if this is the direction they are going .. do you like to log in a game once or twice a week since that's the time all the other ppl log in and never be able to do any thing until then !
    ppl can't even find groups for the new HOT zone and it HAS to be done with one LOL    … Expand
  27. Kurfu
    Oct 26, 2015
    0
    What used to be a huge *open* world that was fun and exciting to explore, has devolved into a game that keeps the players "on rails" via obnoxious terrain obstacles. If you enjoy running through canyons and over bridges, this is the game for you.
  28. andchat
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Breath-taking work! Surely it has things that need to be tuned but the new zone design is amazing and the mob animations are mind blowing. Excellent class specializations and tons of new content to explore.
  29. ashikniaz
    Oct 26, 2015
    0
    Guild wars 2 heart of thrones was the long awaited expansion, that was supposed to expand the world and expand on a system that was honestly lacking. What we got instead was a minimal amount of maps, that have been filled with unnecessary grind.
  30. nice_aim
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Im a veteran of the game with over 11k ap and been playing since day one. The xpac definitely makes the game more enjoyable with lots of goals to work towards. It extends the game in a way where you don't lose any of the work you put in during the last few years. Endgame is here and it's not grindy, everything can be earned by just playing the game.

    For all the new players, take your    Im a veteran of the game with over 11k ap and been playing since day one. The xpac definitely makes the game more enjoyable with lots of goals to work towards. It extends the game in a way where you don't lose any of the work you put in during the last few years. Endgame is here and it's not grindy, everything can be earned by just playing the game.

    For all the new players, take your time and explore the game, it's a great looking game which the developers are proud of. If you ever get bored, try pvp or wvw which are always fun.

    Finally, don't trust all these overly negative reviews. While the game is not perfect, it is a masterpiece to me and easily deserves 10/10.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PC Game of 2015
10
#10 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2016
    85
    Heart of Thorns is so good I forgot the flaws that made me lose interest in the original game after my initial delight with it. [13/2015, p.64]
  2. Games Master UK
    Jan 3, 2016
    85
    Not the biggest expansion, but it enhances the best parts of an already magnificent MMO. [Christmas 2015, p.75]
  3. Edge Magazine
    Jan 3, 2016
    80
    In spite of the odd stumble, it's a wonderful journey. [Jan 2016, p.120]
See all critic reviews »