Dungeons & Dragons Online will receive at least four major updates in 2014, adding a classic module and several new areas to explore.
As outlined in a producer’s letter on the DDO forums from franchise director Aaron Campbell, Turbine is committed to a confirmed list of four updates in 2014, “barring divine intervention or disaster”.
The first 2014 update will add two level 30 raids in the dwarf ruins of Thunderholme. The new area includes seven levels with multiple raid and group encounters, including a raid against a pair of red dragons and a battle with with Aurgloroasa the Sibilant Shade. A third raid may be added later in the year.
Since the first update coincides with the 40th Anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons, it will also include a tribute to the classic Ed Greenwood module Haunted Halls of Eveningstar. There will be two instances of the dungeon – one matching the published version, and another drawing on Greenwood’s unpublished notes for an extended version, including the Whisper’s Crypt. Greenwood will provide his vocal talent as the DM and an optional author’s commentary.
The content of this update will be free to VIPs.
The second update will be pirate-themed, and will include new Guild Airship models, layouts, decorations and amenities. It will also bring an overhaul to Three Barrel Cove, to extend it into Epic levels.
The third update is set in Anauroch, a desert to the north of Cormyr, and will pit players against the armies of Netheril and new enemy the Phaerimm.
The fourth and final 2014 update will increase the level cap to 30, “which is intended to be DDO’s ‘permanent’ level cap and complete the Epic levels”. Turbine will sue this update to complete and improve existing systems like Epic Destinies.
Turbine is also toying with but cannot confirm several more features and improvements; hit the link above for a full run down, as well as discussion of what the team feels it succeeded and failed at over the source of 2013.
Thanks, Massively.