Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) players have the opportunity to acquire the Dragon Lord fighter archetype at no cost, as part of the Year of the Dragon celebration. This offer is valid through March 26th, 2024. To obtain the archetype, players are directed to visit Xatheral, a Silver Dragon character, located in the Eberron Hall of Heroes within The Marketplace, specifically in the lower level’s northeastern corner, near the House Kundarak Bank.

The Dragon Lord archetype draws inspiration from the Dragon Lord prestige class featured in the 3.5e Dragon Magic book, providing players with abilities that emulate the power and tactical prowess of dragons. This archetype is designed to enhance the Fighter class with skills focused on crowd control, defense, and the utilization of Draconic power, aiming to improve their combat effectiveness.

For comprehensive details regarding the Dragon Lord archetype and its capabilities, players are encouraged to review the Update 66 Release Notes.

Key Information:

• The archetype is available for free to VIP members of DDO, but acquiring it requires all interested players, including VIPs, to interact with Xatheral in the Eberron Hall of Heroes. Following the March 26th deadline, the archetype will become a part of the monthly VIP benefits, with the condition that it has been claimed from Xatheral before this date to ensure permanent access.
• Players need only speak to Xatheral once on any game world to unlock the Dragon Lord archetype for their entire account.
• Post-March 27th, 2024, the Dragon Lord archetype will be available for purchase in the DDO Store for 995 DDO Points.

This initiative is part of DDO’s Year of the Dragon event, aimed at enriching the player experience with new content and opportunities. Participants are encouraged to act before the March 26th deadline to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Fans of The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) and Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) are in for a treat this March. Standing Stone Games, the developer behind these beloved MMORPGs, is inviting the community to a special meetup during PAX East 2023. The event promises to be a fantastic gathering for fans, with no PAX East ticket required to join the fun.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, March 21st
• Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Eastern
• Location: Harpoon Boston Brewery, 306 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA
• RSVP: Required (Link to be provided)

The meetup is set to take place at the Harpoon Brewery located in the vibrant Boston Seaport, offering attendees not just the chance to mingle with fellow fans but also to enjoy some of the best brews in town. The event marks a collaboration with Darkpaw Games, the studio behind the EverQuest series, hinting at a night full of MMORPG camaraderie.

To ensure a spot at this eagerly anticipated event, participants will need to RSVP. Standing Stone Games has announced that a link for RSVPs will be made available on their website soon, urging interested attendees to stay tuned for updates.

For those planning to attend, the evening offers a rare opportunity to meet and share experiences with other community members, as well as potentially meet some of the minds behind their favorite online worlds. The developers have promised a lively party atmosphere, making it an event not to be missed.

For more information on the meetup and to keep an eye out for the RSVP link, visit the official Harpoon Brewery website at https://www.harpoonbrewery.com/boston-brewery/.

The world of Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) is gearing up for an epic year as 2024 is proclaimed the “Year of the Dragon.” The game’s producer, Amanda “Tolero” Grow, recently shared a comprehensive outline of the thrilling updates and celebrations planned for DDO’s community in a new producer’s letter.

Celebrating D&D’s 50th Anniversary

As Dungeons & Dragons marks its 50th anniversary, DDO is set to kick off a yearlong celebration beginning in February. This milestone coincides with the lunar year of the Dragon, making it an opportune moment for DDO to honor the legacy of D&D. Starting with DDO’s own 18th anniversary on February 28th, players can expect monthly surprises, commencing with a dragon-themed archetype.

Special Coupon Code for Quest Packs

To add to the festivities, Grow announced a special coupon code, FREEDDO2024, valid through February 11th, 2024. This code will grant players access to a plethora of free quest packs, enhancing their gaming experience.

Major Expansion: Myth Drannor

One of the most anticipated updates is the summer launch of a major expansion set in Myth Drannor, a fan-favorite location in the Forgotten Realms. The expansion, which will raise the level cap to 34, is set to explore the intriguing concept of Wild Magic areas and the Red Wizards of Thay. The presale for this expansion will start in June, offering players new challenges and deeper explorations into the D&D universe.

Dynamic Event and VIP Program Updates

DDO is also introducing a new Dynamic Event, focusing on narrative and canon, inclusive of all character levels. This event, expected in the fall, will replace the Hardcore season, allowing broader player participation. Moreover, the game’s VIP program is slated for updates in the spring, with changes based on player feedback.

Game Enhancements and New Features

The game’s infrastructure upgrades last year paved the way for several enhancements. These include updates to Crystal Cove and Night Revels, support for the higher-level cap, and the addition of a new dungeon in Night Revels.

Recent features such as the new dungeon “Catastrophe,” Class Archetypes like Blightcaster, Dark Hunter, and Acolyte of the Skin, and updates to long-standing content like Chronoscope and Attack on Stormreach, continue to enrich the DDO experience.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Grow highlighted DDO’s commitment to community engagement, evidenced by behind-the-scenes content creation like the dungeon “Catastrophe,” where players were involved in decision-making. The team plans to attend PAX East again this year, with details to be announced soon.

The introduction of the Deck of Many Curses, a new treasure modification feature, has added an exciting dimension to gameplay. Initially part of the Illithid Invasion dungeons, these cards have now been integrated into the Legendary sagas.

As 2024 unfolds, the DDO team promises even more updates and surprises. With a focus on both honoring the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons and advancing the game with innovative features, DDO is poised to offer its players a year filled with adventure, challenges, and community-driven experiences.

Amanda “Tolero” Grow expresses gratitude to the DDO community for their ongoing support and invites players to stay tuned for more updates. With a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking innovation, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Dungeons & Dragons Online.

Dungeons & Dragons Online Kicks Off 9th Hardcore League Season on December 6

December 6th, 2023, marks the start of the highly anticipated 9th season of the Hardcore League in Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO). Titled “Return to Grace,” this special event will challenge players with the ultimate risk of permadeath, testing their skills and strategies in a high-stakes environment.

This season, which runs until February 7th, 2024, reintroduces the popular +4 level lockout and allows players to earn extra lives at levels 8 and 16. The Hardcore League features two competitive ladders: one for completing as many quests as possible and another for survival skills. The top 100 players in each category will be honored in the Hall of Heroes.

Rewards for this season include the Death Walker’s Sash IX, Archon Helm, a Celestial Mount, and more, based on various achievements like reaching level milestones and collecting Reaper Enhancement Points.

Notable aspects of this season include a +20% Reaper XP Boost on the Hardcore server and the persistence of extra lives through all forms of Reincarnation, except True Reincarnation. Players are advised to save their Creature Companion Certificates for transferring them to their home game world, as these are not transferable between worlds.

The Hardcore League is open to all DDO players, with standard account restrictions for VIPs. Free character transfers from the Hardcore server will be available at the season’s conclusion.

The DDO Hardcore League is set to kick off its 8th Season on May 17th, 2023, offering players an exhilarating challenge with the ultimate consequence: permadeath. This hardcore experience pushes players to their limits, testing their skills and resilience like never before. The season will run from May 17th at 2:00 PM Eastern (-4 GMT) until Wednesday, July 19th at 9:00 AM Eastern (-4 GMT).

During the Hardcore League, players will have specific goals to achieve, and their progress will be measured in two distinct ladders. One ladder focuses on the player’s ability to complete quests, while the other gauges their survival skills in the game’s most challenging mode. The top 100 performers on each ladder will earn a coveted spot in the Hall of Heroes, immortalizing their achievements.

Participants will have the chance to collect rewards by reaching their goals. These rewards are account-wide and can be accessed by any character on any server. Some of the rewards for the 8th Season include the Glittery Golden Eyes Toggle at 1750 Favor, the Death Walkers Sash VIII upon reaching Level 20, the Death Walker’s Cloak VIII for gaining 10 Reaper Enhancement Points, and the Solid Gold Mimic Creature Companion for acquiring 20 Reaper Enhancement Points.

One of the unique aspects of the Hardcore League is the ability for all players, regardless of their account type, to access the Hardcore server. However, standard account restrictions apply based on VIP status. Additionally, at the end of each season, players are given a limited time to transfer their characters from the Hardcore server to other game worlds for free. It’s important to note that transfers from other worlds to the Hardcore League are not possible.

The Hardcore League introduces several changes to the gameplay. There is a level lockout to prevent characters from attempting quests beyond their intended difficulty. Iconic characters start at Level 1 instead of Level 15, and veteran status is disabled for all characters on the Hardcore server. The /death feature is also disabled in the Hardcore League.

The competition in the Hardcore League is intense, with two leaderboards showcasing the top-performing characters. The first leaderboard ranks characters based on total favor earned, while the second focuses on Reaper XP. Players can check their standings by speaking with the designated NPC at various locations in the game.

While death in the Hardcore League means the end of a character’s journey on the server, the items in the character’s shared bank remain intact. Characters can also create or join guilds, with guild management available as usual. However, guild airships and guild deposits are exclusive to the Hardcore League server and cannot be transferred.

The Hardcore League offers a thrilling and challenging experience for players who are willing to risk everything for glory. With the 8th Season about to begin, it’s time for adventurers to prepare themselves for an intense test of skill and survival.

In a show of gratitude to their loyal players, Standing Stone Games has announced a free questing coupon that will give players access to a treasure trove of quests, raids, and adventure packs. The coupon code, which is “DUNGEONCRAWL”, can be redeemed in the DDO Store in-game through 11:59 pm Eastern (-4 GMT) on April 23rd, 2023.

The coupon code grants players access to an impressive list of quest packs, including Against the Slave Lords, The Catacombs, The Temple of Elemental Evil, and White Plume Mountain and Other Tales, among others. This content will be permanently added to the player’s account, regardless of whether they are a free player, Premium, or VIP.

In addition to the free questing coupon, Standing Stone Games is also offering a limited time sale on select Expansion quests in the DDO Store. Players can purchase Masterminds of Sharn, Menace of the Underdark, Mists of Ravenloft, and The Shadowfell Conspiracy for only 99 points through 11:59 pm Eastern (-4 GMT) on April 23rd, 2023.

“We would like to thank you for supporting us!” said the teams at Standing Stone Games in a statement. “We are happy to have you here and hope you enjoy this free questing coupon and the limited time sale on select Expansion quests. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to providing you with more exciting content in the future.”

This offer is a fantastic opportunity for both new and seasoned players to experience more of the game’s content for free. So, be sure to redeem the coupon code before the deadline on April 23rd, 2023, and take advantage of the limited time sale while you can.

Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) has just celebrated its 17th anniversary with the release of Update 58: Unlikely Heroes. The update was launched on February 22nd, 2023, and it comes with a lot of exciting new features.

The Anniversary Event is back, and players can participate in House Phiarlan. The dungeon has received some fun updates, and players can get new rewards as they explore it. The Anniversary Event is available until March 5th, and players can find the portal to the event next to Gnoa Bn’for near the Phiarlan Chapterhouse.

To celebrate the anniversary, players can also pick up a free cosmetic armor. Players can speak with the Djinni in House Phiarlan to get the armor, and it can be acquired once per day per game world. Players who missed last year’s free gift can turn in Party Favors to select it from the prize list.

Three new free Archetypes have been added to the game in honor of DDO’s 17th anniversary. The Acolyte of the Skin, Blightcaster, and Dark Hunter are now available to everyone who plays the game. Players can get more detailed information about each Archetype in the release notes.

Players can also enjoy a new free dungeon called “Kill Ten Rats.” The Gatekeepers need heroes to help them transport the Codex of the Infinite Planes to Morgrave University. However, an unexpected threat arises, and players must help protect the artifact during transportation. The quest is level 18 in Heroic difficulty and level 34 in Legendary difficulty, and players can start it by speaking with Frelda Brumlyn near the boat to Morgrave University in the Cliffside Docks District of Sharn.

Standing Stone Games will be hosting a panel discussion at PAX East 2023 titled “Dungeons & Dragons Online: How game devs build dungeons LIVE!” The presentation will take place at the PAX East Albatross Theatre (Room 210) on Thursday, March 23rd, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Eastern (-5 GMT). The expert panelists, including Senior Game Designer II Robert “Nohbob” Hess and Senior Content and Systems Designer Brent “Torc” Walton, will discuss their creative process and show how they build dungeons for Dungeons and Dragons Online. The audience will even have the chance to vote for what they would like to see implemented in the dungeon that they can play in the game at a later date.

In addition, a community meetup will be held on the evening of March 23rd within walking or short public transportation distance from the convention center. The event will be open to anyone in the area who is close enough to attend. The community meetup will be a fun hangout for chat, swag, and more.

To help build the dungeon, a brief survey is available until 12:00 pm Eastern on Thursday, February 23rd. The panel will be live-streamed by the PAX East organization on Twitch.tv/PAX2. More information on the stream and the community meetup will be available in the coming weeks.

Dungeons & Dragons Online, the popular MMORPG, is set to have a year full of new features and content in 2023, according to a recent Producer’s Letter from Amanda “Tolero” Grow. The game is celebrating its 17th anniversary this year with new free content, including three new free Archetypes and a free Dungeon for all players. The anniversary content will set the stage for a mini-expansion in the spring, where players will help Morgrave University neutralize the threat posed by the infamous D&D villain Vecna.

DDO will also be continuing its efforts to reduce lag and improve game performance in 2023. The development team is focusing on optimizing the way the game communicates with itself and making some of its more complex systems more efficient. These improvements will result in steady performance gains over time.

Later in the year, players can expect a Legendary revamp of Droaam content and another Hardcore redux season, along with other yet-to-be-announced features and content. DDO promises to provide players with an exciting and immersive gaming experience in 2023 and beyond.

The Snowpeaks Festival in Dungeons and Dragons Online is taking place from January 25th to February 12th. Players can expect to battle new Champion type monsters, the Scourge of the Snowpeaks, and collect rewards such as Bronze, Silver, and Gold Snowpeaks Coins, as well as Frozen Keys. These can be turned in for access to the Snowpeaks and rewards such as Filigree, Snowpeak’s Gifts, rubies and sapphires, and other cosmetics.

Players can also purchase Elixirs of Frosty Luck and Frozen Keys from the DDO store to increase their chances of finding rewards and access to the Snowpeaks challenge.

Dungeons and Dragons Online has released Update 57: Grip of the Hidden Hand. The update brings a new quest pack to the game and a bunch of gameplay changes and updates to the game.

The most notable addition in this update is the new quest pack titled Grip of the Hidden Hand, which introduces continues the Planar Eyes storyline with five new quests.

The story of the Planar Eyes continues in a new quest pack – FREE to VIPs! Finish collecting the Planar Eyes for Morgrave University for a wealthy benefactor before the Cult of the Hidden Hand meddles in your plans. This new adventure pack offers five new quests for levels 16 in Heroic and 33 in Legendary! Visit the Lower Quad of Morgrave University, which can be accessed via the Sharn Clifftop Tower District, to get started!

In addition, there have been lots of gameplay changes and updates implemented with this patch, so be sure to check out the patch notes.

DDO’s brand new producer Amanda “Tolero” Grow has posted her first producer’s letter. In the letter Grow shares a development roadmap for 2022, beginning with the Snowpeaks Festival, update 53, and the “extra sweet” 16th anniversary that is around the corner

Q2 will be dominated by dinosaurs which will make their appearance as Update 54: Isle of Dread becomes available. Even beyond Isle of Dread, it looks like the year will be packed with content for DDO, head over to the official website to read the full update.