Janthir Wilds Unleashed: The Enhanced Warclaw Mount
Last week, we introduced the core narrative of Guild Wars 2 : Janthir Wilds, including an overview of the lowland kodan residing in the Janthir isles. This week, we delve deeper into the region you’ll explore and introduce another native creature: the warclaw, known to the lowland kodan as “journeykin.”
Arrival at the Lowland Shore
Originally published with an earlier draft of this section, this blog has been updated as of July 18
Your initial foray into Janthir begins in the Lowland Shore, home to the Lowland Kodan. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in their culture by assisting with daily tasks, participating in sporting events, and addressing local threats. During your time here, you’ll also learn about their bond with the Warclaw, referred to as “Journeykin,” crucial to the Kodan’s navigation of Janthir’s terrain and fulfilling utility needs.
Responding to player feedback on recent meta-heavy maps, we’ve opted not to include a meta for the Lowland Shore. Instead, our aim is to create an exploration-focused environment without time pressure, akin to core Tyria maps with inspiration from newer areas like Grothmar Valley and Seitung Province.
Journey into Janthir Wilds Syntri
As you venture deeper, you’ll encounter reminders of the region’s perilous reputation. Dense forests give way to sulfurous swamps and volcanic landscapes. Ruins from the time of the White Mantle occupation in the original Guild Wars® era and a bloodstone crater highlight the thinning barrier between Janthir and the Mists, bringing magical storms known as Mists Tides. Additionally, ancient titans, once rare, now emerge in greater numbers.
Warclaws in the Wilds
In Janthir, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with a warclaw mount and pursue a new Mastery line that enhances its PvE capabilities. The warclaw is a highly agile mount adept at navigating diverse terrain, offering unique combat and exploration skills:
- Chain Pull: Inflicts damage and draws enemies closer.
- Battle Maul: Commands the warclaw to leap forward, stunning enemies in the area.
- Sniff: Enhances nearby allies and detects nearby enemies; with Mastery, it locates treasure.
- Lance: Throws a spear to damage and knock down enemies.
Mastery tiers for the warclaw include abilities such as Nine Lives for reduced fall damage, Feline Reflexes for extended jumping, and Feral Fury for enhanced damage and additional stun effects.
WvW Enhancements
In response to player input, we’ve updated the warclaw’s abilities for World vs. World (WvW) gameplay. These changes improve the warclaw’s effectiveness in siege situations, such as amplifying damage to gates and walls and highlighting damaged structures for both allies and enemies.
Pre-purchase any edition of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds to receive the “Homesteader” title, Whispering Serpents Pauldrons skin, and a choice of one Serpent’s Wrath weapon skin.