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. Ozimandeus
    Nov 6, 2015
    10
    The best MMORPG created, has just got a whole lot bigger and a whole lot better!! The elegant mastery system provides a new outlet for experience in PVE. The introduction of Guild Halls gives a focal point for guilds to work together on. PvP has been overhauled and made into an eSport. WvWvW is still unparalleled in this genre. Very simply put, this is as good as MMORPGs get.
  2. Dreddi1
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    First of all let me say how amazingly stable this launch was. Hats off to Anet on that one.

    Just finished the story and I must say Anet really outdid themselves this time. The zones are much more alive, events require you to participate instead of just tag-and-run and each map has its own unique meta event (Haven't done the Dragon's Stand zone yet but I've heard it's amazing). each map    First of all let me say how amazingly stable this launch was. Hats off to Anet on that one.

    Just finished the story and I must say Anet really outdid themselves this time. The zones are much more alive, events require you to participate instead of just tag-and-run and each map has its own unique meta event (Haven't done the Dragon's Stand zone yet but I've heard it's amazing). each map is filled with secrets, jumping puzzles, adventures, challenges, masteries etc.

    The dialogue between the player character and the npcs in both story and in the zones have gotten vocal which is amazing
    The story is also a major improvement from the original PS.

    The new masteries are also a welcome sight and makes your leveling meaningful again. Plus there are a lot of new ways to earn XP now so you'll have no trouble leveling them in the new zones.
    Not to mention all the new collections, achievements, skins, minis, the amazing glider and much much more. I really can't believe how good of an expansion this has been so far and I'm far far from done!    … Expand
  3. Egocentricion
    Nov 15, 2015
    10
    Guild Wars 2 continues to innovate after all these years.
    It is truly the only MMO on the market who actively seeks to please it's playerbase not by spoonfeeding them and hand holding them but with true innovation and challenge.
    Heart of Thorns is the striking proof that an expansion doesn't have to be half assed and dumb down a game.

    I recommend this expansion, it's all worth the money!
  4. Digital_Kitchen
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    ArenaNet delivered everything I could have hoped for with this expansion. REally loving every minute so far. The level design is amazing, the story just keeps getting better, and it just looks so beautiful!
  5. OutOfPoint
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    This expansion exceeds my expectations. The maps, gliding, story, music and amount of content are fantastic. Auric Basin is my favorite map so far, and as a wvw player mostly, I haven't even touch on that, and pvp as well.

    Mastery points are account bound so for me it isn't a problem, gives me a purpose to keep playing and progress. Hero points which are character based and needed    This expansion exceeds my expectations. The maps, gliding, story, music and amount of content are fantastic. Auric Basin is my favorite map so far, and as a wvw player mostly, I haven't even touch on that, and pvp as well.

    Mastery points are account bound so for me it isn't a problem, gives me a purpose to keep playing and progress.

    Hero points which are character based and needed for unlocking elite specialization seem to be too much, but the latest update has them reducing the total points needed from 400 to 250.

    Overall, I'm having fun with HoT and can't wait to play it after work each day!    … Expand
  6. please
    Nov 2, 2015
    10
    Finally a good excuse to return. Story started off strong but ended kinda weak but not enough to take away from all the improvements made. Having a blast and have put in around 30+ hours so far,
  7. gamer99
    Oct 30, 2015
    10
    This is a really great game for people who want to have fun in mmorpg and an expansion that tries to lvl up the efforts the first game were put in. The Guild halls are great, once again people are logging on and talking in guild chat and donating goods to the guild. The maps are great with fun events such as the funny Lord Faren event. The story is alright, nice twits or one of the racesThis is a really great game for people who want to have fun in mmorpg and an expansion that tries to lvl up the efforts the first game were put in. The Guild halls are great, once again people are logging on and talking in guild chat and donating goods to the guild. The maps are great with fun events such as the funny Lord Faren event. The story is alright, nice twits or one of the races and the hero challenges are well challenging which themselves fell like a mini game that sucks you in for hours.… Expand
  8. Amiron
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    This was probably the smoothest expansion launch I've ever been a part of. Little to no lag at all, very few bugs (none of them have been game breaking for me), and little to no downtime.

    I've really enjoyed the story, the voice acting is phenomenal. Masteries are a brilliant way of adding progression without invalidating your hard earned gear from before the expansion. The new elite    This was probably the smoothest expansion launch I've ever been a part of. Little to no lag at all, very few bugs (none of them have been game breaking for me), and little to no downtime.

    I've really enjoyed the story, the voice acting is phenomenal. Masteries are a brilliant way of adding progression without invalidating your hard earned gear from before the expansion. The new elite specializations take a while to earn, but I enjoy the journey, as it feels like I'm leveling my character again and learning new traits & abilities. The music and art is superb; I love how they managed to make the four jungle zones feel completely different from each other.

    You're going to see a lot of people complain about Masteries being too hard to get or Elite Specializations being too hard to unlock, which is just plain wrong. I'm eight hours in with half of my elite specialization unlocked and over 16 masteries in. It's been a blast!    … Expand
  9. Apolyon
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    Totally blown away. Not only has this been the smoothest go-live I've seen, but the amount and quality of content in the expansion is brutal.

    Comparing this to the base game, one of the key things you will see is that the new areas don't have renown hearts, instead they have outpost which trigger some pretty awesome dynamic events. These events can even branch in different stories and    Totally blown away. Not only has this been the smoothest go-live I've seen, but the amount and quality of content in the expansion is brutal.

    Comparing this to the base game, one of the key things you will see is that the new areas don't have renown hearts, instead they have outpost which trigger some pretty awesome dynamic events. These events can even branch in different stories and they tell you specific stories of some of the survivors (not going to do any spoilers here). Just stop for a second, and stand there listening to the NPC's.

    The main story, which I have not finished yet, is really intense. Way better than what we had so far. I don't want to spoil this either, so I'll simply say that what I've seen so far is on par with some single player rpg's.

    Content wise, there are "only" 4 new areas, but they are huge, not only horizontally but also vertically, you really have to experience it to feel the size of the jungle. It also has a metric ton of events, collections, achievements, adventures (a type of repeatable activities with world rankings in the type of GW1 challenges), the new specializations, masteries, pre-cursor scavenger hunts, new legendaries (not only weapons, but also backpacks and armor), a new wvw map.

    And the best of all... there is still more to come, namely the so awaited Raids, pvp leagues, and the new living world seasons.

    I may update this review later, since I haven't stopped in World vs World or pvp yet    … Expand
  10. Moinaldo
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Expansion is great. Lots of stuff added with new zones, class, specializations, items, raids, etc... Almost no bugs compared to any other mmo expansion release.

    People whining here and there are the ones that wanted to finish all the content in one week, so they could cry next week about not having any new content. Time gated stuff is needed and gives the sense of progression.    Expansion is great. Lots of stuff added with new zones, class, specializations, items, raids, etc... Almost no bugs compared to any other mmo expansion release.

    People whining here and there are the ones that wanted to finish all the content in one week, so they could cry next week about not having any new content.

    Time gated stuff is needed and gives the sense of progression. Definitely a great expasion with superb quality.    … Expand
  11. BBahamut
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    É impossível agradar a todos. Mas a Heart of Thorns conseguiu agradar a muuuuuuuuitos. O conteúdo novo é eletrizante e muito lindo. Os mapas novos são espetacularmente diferentes de tudo que existe por aí. Explorá-los e conhecer a história de cada área é uma aventura belíssima. Aqueles que querem só grindar, farmar, bater em qlq coisa sem saber loucamente estão perdendo uma parteÉ impossível agradar a todos. Mas a Heart of Thorns conseguiu agradar a muuuuuuuuitos. O conteúdo novo é eletrizante e muito lindo. Os mapas novos são espetacularmente diferentes de tudo que existe por aí. Explorá-los e conhecer a história de cada área é uma aventura belíssima. Aqueles que querem só grindar, farmar, bater em qlq coisa sem saber loucamente estão perdendo uma parte importante do conteúdo. Mas nem só de mapa PvE é feita a nova expansão. Ao contrário, logo nos primeiros dias já dá pra perceber que várias novas mecânicas vieram pra prender os jogadores em objetivos de longo prazo.
    O trem tá bão de mais!    … Expand
  12. Dasor
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    The perfect expansion for Guild Wars 2. I was afraid at star for the lack of maps, but when i saw them and i started playing them i was blown away, the maps are awesome, big and they don't lack content.
    Also, there's an enormous amount of new features and a very large number of quality of life changes.
    The story so far is awesome, and listening to the player voice again, answeing on the    The perfect expansion for Guild Wars 2. I was afraid at star for the lack of maps, but when i saw them and i started playing them i was blown away, the maps are awesome, big and they don't lack content.
    Also, there's an enormous amount of new features and a very large number of quality of life changes.
    The story so far is awesome, and listening to the player voice again, answeing on the field is a very nice addition.
    This expansion is a must buy.    … Expand
  13. Clopon
    Jan 1, 2016
    10
    Great expansion pack, even better than i expected. New maps are fun, mastery system is interesting and not too much grinding.
    And the raid is great, finally a challenging content for pve.
  14. Lluvia4D
    Sep 11, 2016
    10
    welcome to the jungle, guys. My initial impressions with this xpac have been outstanding. I played for practically two days straight, and had a blast the whole time. The maps are amazing, and literally rise above any map made by an mmo to date. I feel as if I am deep in the jungle. The ambience and soundtrack range from mystical hymns to terrifying growls that echo throughout the forest.welcome to the jungle, guys. My initial impressions with this xpac have been outstanding. I played for practically two days straight, and had a blast the whole time. The maps are amazing, and literally rise above any map made by an mmo to date. I feel as if I am deep in the jungle. The ambience and soundtrack range from mystical hymns to terrifying growls that echo throughout the forest. As I gain masteries, I constantly find new places to go.

    On that note, the masteries work very well. I can see how some people want the process to go quicker, but I don't mind it. I don't want to see it all in one day. Right now, the easiest way to level masteries is by completing the meta events in the map. These are really fun and unique, but they require a good amount of people to do them. If your map isn't that populated, its frustrating, but I feel this is a problem Arenanet will fix. Additionally, I know that the meta events are repetitive, and this will turn me off down the line.

    My only other gripe with the xpac is how grindy the process of unlocking your elite specilization is. Simply put, it's too much. Anet has already stated they're looking into the issue, so I'm not too worried about this either.

    The story isn't amazing, but in terms of Guild Wars standards, it is a huge leap forward. There are plot twists, deaths, and dramatic situations, something I haven't seen tried before. This was the first time I looked forward to continuing the story in this game. I got excited during each mission.

    Overall, Heart of Thorns has held its ground. It introduced a whole new way to expand an mmo. The content doesn't seem like it will be abandoned soon, as it is in other games, and the vanilla game still proves to be relevant. They nailed so many things, and got a few things wrong, but it still gets a 9/10 from me. As I have stated, Arenanet has already announced they're looking into changes to the problems I have mentioned, so I'm not worrying too much about those hurting the game's growth. Check it out if you haven't already. Ignore the trolls.    … Expand
  15. Alagos
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Ok I must say: I am a huge fan of the core game, so I might not be able to give a 100% objective view, but: Even when I try to look objective at this: I still love it. The new maps are awesome. Some of the best they have ever made. Yes they are hard. Yes you die often. But: This is what many people in the community asked for.

    I really can't see really bad things with the addon. No huge    Ok I must say: I am a huge fan of the core game, so I might not be able to give a 100% objective view, but: Even when I try to look objective at this: I still love it. The new maps are awesome. Some of the best they have ever made. Yes they are hard. Yes you die often. But: This is what many people in the community asked for.

    I really can't see really bad things with the addon. No huge bugs, no unfinished stuff that was just pushed into the game. So yeah... it's 10/10 for me.    … Expand
  16. wapsky
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    The new zone are really beautiful and despite what everyone is saying the game has a good progression. The game itself is well optimized and have yet to see a major bug or non functionality of game mechanic.

    over all a good expansion and much needed content to an ever impressive game.
  17. NathanRav
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    This is an example of an expansion done right. A business model that is pleasing to the customers and provides the players with the type of content that we want. It would have been nice if it included build templates but they said that will come soon.
  18. Sodapoppin
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Amazing xpac.

    My friend bought it to me. I was kinda meh at firtst but damn i had the best fun in a while in a MMO.

    I xp'ed my first character to 80 and there is still so much to do. Combat is hella fun.
  19. Sharkfarts
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Beautiful new content all around. Lots to do right off the bat and plenty to look forward to. Growing pains, yes, but those are inevitable with so much new and changed content.
  20. Kylonas
    Nov 1, 2015
    10
    New Maps, a lot of new content, gliding, Guild Halls etc. It's huge!
    I finished the story yesterday and now I have still at least 90% new things to explore.
    The Masteries bring in a rewarding and challenging new playstyle.
    And NO it's not grinding when you don't do the same things over an over again. And in HoT you can be in one map for hours not doing one thing twice.
  21. MaesterBest
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Everything is exactly as good, or even better than i expected. People are complaining it is a grind, but that is becouse they don't know masteries are account bound. All the Hero Points locked behind masteries aren't locked for your alts.
  22. Bagie
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    Even if ithink it need improving, not-so-smart ppl using score to get theyr way needs to stop. And this 10/10 is to help that at leats in a small way. Go ANET
  23. MasterCyria
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    Great game. Ignore the people who think that actually playing the game is grind. I don't even. So you have to go to the maps and do events to earn ACCOUNT WIDE experience. Then you need to go get hero points for your skills as your elite specialization? That's playing the game. Seriously people.

    The only justified concern is the WvW people.
  24. FayEverdunes
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    As a veteran player, I've been thoroughly enjoying the new more challenging approach, the maps are fantastic, and I love the variety of events. It's a breath of fresh air and exactly what GW2 needed.

    As for anyone reading the negative reviews, I would strongly suggest taking them with a grain of salt because they focus on one or two issues, ignoring the other 98% of content which has    As a veteran player, I've been thoroughly enjoying the new more challenging approach, the maps are fantastic, and I love the variety of events. It's a breath of fresh air and exactly what GW2 needed.

    As for anyone reading the negative reviews, I would strongly suggest taking them with a grain of salt because they focus on one or two issues, ignoring the other 98% of content which has honestly been really great. Everyone knows there are bugs and balance issues when expansions or games launch and Anet has largely always done a lot to improve those over time. The people voting so negatively are largely just hoping it will force Anet to do what they want rather than appreciate all the amazing work they have accomplished with HoT.

    For a better mix of viewpoints on how HoT is being received, check Reddit and the Official Forums. Then wait a few weeks and see how people feel after they are more familiar with the content.    … Expand
  25. Sabbatum
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    Finally ArenaNet has found the true essence of progressing and challenging content.

    I feel so sorry about the people that is whining because of the total length expansion gave to game (which is a very very long path to be done) and for personal and selfless purposes gave the game rates like "0/10". This expansions adds to the game a more variety to features to enjoy and a lot of real    Finally ArenaNet has found the true essence of progressing and challenging content.

    I feel so sorry about the people that is whining because of the total length expansion gave to game (which is a very very long path to be done) and for personal and selfless purposes gave the game rates like "0/10". This expansions adds to the game a more variety to features to enjoy and a lot of real challenging content to make you feel you are somewhere between GW and Dark/Demon Souls, where death is just your mentor.

    On the other side, I feel happy that ANet is listening to the community feedback and patching the game as community feedback flows over the web, but i just expect they stop the nerfing the challenges and don't ruin the great work they did with this expansion that is a whole new game to explore (i play this game since core pre-launch) and this just because children that don't know they real meaning of PLAY a GAME and just think like "GIMME WHAT I WANT NOW, ASAP".

    My 10 is for the overall of this expansion which had a completely smooth launch and all the time surprises me with something i can enjoy in a long term of fun.

    Thanks ArenaNet, keep up with your great work.    … Expand
  26. jhippocratic42
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    The overwhelmingly negative user reviews represent an entitled mass of gamers who think that destroying those who have worked so hard to put out this masterpiece (and trust me, it is nothing short of that) will somehow "force their hand" and make them change the game to give them whatever they want the instant they want it. Progression was noted and to be expected, and yet still playersThe overwhelmingly negative user reviews represent an entitled mass of gamers who think that destroying those who have worked so hard to put out this masterpiece (and trust me, it is nothing short of that) will somehow "force their hand" and make them change the game to give them whatever they want the instant they want it. Progression was noted and to be expected, and yet still players will resort to stooping so low as to give dishonest reviews of an otherwise fantastic game over their own pettiness. Trust and believe that if the bulk of those who played this were representative of these reviews, this game's ratings would look far better than they do now. Such a shame.… Expand
  27. Morbidlight
    Oct 26, 2015
    10
    It is amazing how fickle people can be. One of the biggest 'gripes' about Guild Wars 2 was the lack of end game content. Heart of Thorns makes that statement even more of a fallacy as it is loaded with so much content. I have played the Guild Wars franchise since Prophecies and all I can say is this expansion is another welcome addition, in terms of challenging content. I want a game thatIt is amazing how fickle people can be. One of the biggest 'gripes' about Guild Wars 2 was the lack of end game content. Heart of Thorns makes that statement even more of a fallacy as it is loaded with so much content. I have played the Guild Wars franchise since Prophecies and all I can say is this expansion is another welcome addition, in terms of challenging content. I want a game that can reward me for my the amount of time and energy I put into it, all the while having an enjoyable and memorable experience. So far this is exactly what I am getting and am loving every minute of it. Immersive new environments, compelling story, believable characters and long term character progression are just a few of the things that stand out and I have only just scratched the surface and I cannot wait to get home today to continue this epic journey.

    The people writing negative reviews are just casualties of a society where instant gratification has become the norm. What they don't even realize is that Guild Wars 2 had plenty grinding, it is just that Anet were smart enough to reinvent the wheel per se and implement it slightly differently and market it correctly. Heart of Thorns works off the same formula, except it is slightly more obvious now that to achieve, you need to put in the effort. Its a give and take relationship, but a loving and rewarding one at that.    … Expand
  28. Sytherek
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    The initial release had a terrible unexpected grind that marred an otherwise nice expension. ArenaNet fixed in five days -- an amazingly fast effort, and a tribute to company. I am impressed, and have revised my earlier review with this one.

    HoT is designed as endgame material,, and isnt some5hing for newbies. It is a fascinating environment, beautiful art, and challenging new places to    The initial release had a terrible unexpected grind that marred an otherwise nice expension. ArenaNet fixed in five days -- an amazingly fast effort, and a tribute to company. I am impressed, and have revised my earlier review with this one.

    HoT is designed as endgame material,, and isnt some5hing for newbies. It is a fascinating environment, beautiful art, and challenging new places to see and people to meet. The new abilities -- gliders, etc. -- can be challenging... especially for older gamers like myself. But I'm managing.

    The story is optional but interesting.

    Overall, my biggest complaint now is that there isnt more to the expansion. It feels small, nowhere near as big as a WoW expansion. I hope the next one is bigger.    … Expand
  29. tirithi
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    Smooth launch. lots to do, and gives players an endgame to work for, like they have been asking for. New areas are gorgeous and nothing has been taken away from the core game. Specializations are super fun and effects are top notch, honestly in love with the game again! (P.s. precursor crafting is awesome, honestly surprised by the quality that they put into it!)
  30. DanCan
    Oct 25, 2015
    10
    Im quite worried about what people consider to be grindy actually is.

    I play PvP in GW2, the PVE content so far Ive enjoyed, I have to work to get my specialisation and I feel rewarded in doing so. The mentality here is based on a hope that down voting with a real small minority will change things, which I find pretty sad. Theres free thinking and then theirs scare tactics. Be    Im quite worried about what people consider to be grindy actually is.

    I play PvP in GW2, the PVE content so far Ive enjoyed, I have to work to get my specialisation and I feel rewarded in doing so. The mentality here is based on a hope that down voting with a real small minority will change things, which I find pretty sad. Theres free thinking and then theirs scare tactics. Be constructive in feedback rather than down voting an expac that clearly doesn't deserve it. My reasons it doesnt? The elite specs are amazing thus far and balance patches to come thick and fast. The new class is great fun and viable already in the pvp scene. The pve maps are well designed and offer a lot for different players, the guild hall system is pretty dam awesome as well. Thanks. Jeb    … 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 »