Everquest Hits 23rd Expansion!

Slaying Gnolls Since 1999

Empires of Kunark

 

How many games have more than 10 expansions? It's the rare Pokemon, Magic the Gathering or games with player-created levels/scenarios like Civilization 2 that have such numbers. For MMO's, Everquest (a grandfather title in the genre) has just hit expansion #23. That's pretty amazing. Sure the game looks like 1999 in many ways, but we live in the age of Minecraft... and the modern EQ zones have done some spectactular stuff with the "old graphics engine". The learning curve of stepping into an old game can be tricky, but Everquest fans will tell you it is worth it.

Will you play Empires of Kunark? Or are you one of many that is either happy in progression servers or fine with being behind the level curve on the regular servers? I personally own several of the more recent expacs that I have barely zoned into, but that is a topic for another editorial. Empires of Kunark pushes into sacred Lore and land with a return to the beloved continent of Kunark. Some familiar zones make an appearance while other favourites are missing --hopefully there is an EoK 2.0 to add onto that.

 

It's going to be hard for a modern-sized expac to live up to what Kunark was in it's day (a doubling of the world in a very popular mmo, with a far greener player base). My thoughts? Enjoy that Daybreak continues to develop this game, no matter if you are years away from this level of content.

Tidbits from the official boards after the jump.

 

From Daybreaks official site, this is the official launch news:

 

Norrathians! Are you ready to return to Kunark?

EverQuest’s twenty-third expansion, Empires of Kunark, is now available. Make haste and return to Kunark and choose your side in the coming turmoil. Tsaph Katta has rebuilt the capital of the Combine Empire in the treacherous lands of Kunark, and now focuses on uniting the races of Norrath – but not all are ready to bend to the will of the Combine Empire. Will a unified Norrath prevail or will the Combine's arrival lead to a war of catastrophic proportions?

If you want to be even more prepared before you log in, make sure you watch the reveal livestream replay. For a detailed look at the Lore, read the Empires of Kunark Preview: Lore. And make sure you’re familiar (yes, pun intended) with the new Familiar Key Ring, included with your purchase of Empires of Kunark!

Load Balancing Zones

To help with how crowded some of the expansion zones can get, we added “Load Balancing Zone” tech to Empires of Kunark zones. Once those zones reach a certain threshold of players (it varies based on the size of the zone), it will spawn another version of itself. You will be able to choose which version of the zone you want to enter upon zoning in, or you will be able to use the /pickzone command to choose another version of the zone you are in. This should let people group up with friends, while reducing crowding so players can find NPCs and things to kill.

Are You Ready to Tame the Savage Lands of Kunark?

Do you need to purchase a copy of Empires of Kunark? Do you want to upgrade your expansion to the Collector’s or Premium edition for more great items and features? Visit the Empires of Kunark page for more information!

 

And Here is the earlier preview from Daybreak:

After decades of slumber, Imperator Tsaph Katta awakens and vows to reform the Combine Empire. With the former glorious capital of his nation rebuilt in the treacherous lands of Kunark, Tsaph Katta vows to cement his place in the annals of history as The Great Unifier. Not all are ready to bend to the will of Katta and his allies, least of all the current inhabitants of Kunark.

Make haste and return to the ruins of Kunark and be ready to play your part in the coming turmoil. Empires of Kunark is scheduled to launch at noon PST on Wednesday, November 16.

Expansion Previews

Empires of Kunark Stream Replay - Did you miss the expansion stream? We've got you covered!

Empires of Kunark Preview: Lore - Learn the story behind EverQuest’s 23rd expansion, Empires of Kunark.

Empires of Kunark Feature: Familiar Key Ring - Congregate your companions with the new Familiar Key Ring!

Beta Reward - Cowl of the Dreadlands Yeti

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Pre-Order!

If you purchase the expansion prior to the day we launch, you’ll get Ganak Monument, a massive monument to Emperor Ganak for your house. Don't miss your chance to get this bonus item when you purchase EverQuest: Empires of Kunark! 

Ganak Monument

If you haven't already pre-ordered Empires of Kunark, you can pre-order here. Empires of Kunark is scheduled to release at noon PST on Wednesday, November 16.



And some lore:


 

Empires of Kunark Preview: Lore

10-20-2016

Kor-Sha

After being poisoned and narrowly escaping death, Tsaph Katta has reemerged from his stasis and finds himself more determined than ever. His time in stasis and brush with death has strengthened his resolve.

He has reformed the Combine Empire, building over its ruins on the Kunark continent and inviting those from all races to join him in creating a single peaceful and prosperous empire. Driven by a desire for diplomacy and a head full of noble ideas, Tsaph has plans for his empire to span all of Norrath. And his plans begin with expanding throughout Kunark. Tsaph, however, is not the only one trying to take control over the continent.

Many years after the fall of the Sebilisan Empire, the continent of Kunark is far from peaceful, but no single race rises too far above the others.

The Sarnak still inhabit Kunark, and they are much more powerful than they were before. The King has left Chardok, and Queen Velazul Di’zok has unified all of the Sarnak under her rule. The Sarnak no longer face internal strife and are more organized than ever.

The Sarnak Empire is experiencing a resurgence and, like Tsaph, they have their own plans for conquering Kunark. They have rallied around Atrebe Sathir. Atrebe, a master of elder magic, has not been seen since the time of the Sebilisan Empire, after an explosion destroyed his lab. Many mistook this prolonged disappearance for his death. Atrebe and the Sarnak have many motivations for wanting to control Kunark, but one thing is certain - they are more than willing to wipe out whatever (or whomever) stands in their way.

The Empires of Kunark are clashing, and many of Kunark’s other inhabitants have found themselves caught in the middle of the conflict. In this relentless time of war, you’ll have to do whatever it takes to secure the future of the Combine Empire.

There’s more to uncover in EverQuest’s 23rd Expansion: Empires of Kunark! Check out the official EverQuest website for more sneak peeks and information on this expansion. Empires of Kunark is scheduled to launch on Wednesday, November 16.

If you’re an All-Access member, you get 10% off this expansion. You can pre-order EverQuest: Empires of Kunark and join us in beta now!

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