GW2's Next Story Chapter Brings A New Mount, New Fractal, New Legendary, And Lots More Joko

ArenaNet's a little behind schedule with its latest chapter of the Living World for Guild Wars 2, but the wait seems to have been worth it. In addition to the usual goodies, like a new zone and story to go with it, "Long Live the Lich" delivers -- among other things -- the first new mount seen in the game since the launch of Path of Fire.

The new story chapter focuses on uberlich Palawa Joko, who seems to be ready to launch his invasion of Tyria, an event which makes Taimi feel "equal parts exhilarated and terrified." The action takes place in a new zone, the Domain of Kourna, and the update also includes a new legendary warhorn, the Verdarach, and new Fractal, Deepstone.

The most notable new addition, however, is the roller beetle, the game's sixth mount, and the first one added to the game since the expansion that introduced them. It's a little tough to tell which parts of the video are simply cinematic and which show the beetle's actual abilities, but, if everything's on the up-and-up, it looks like it can plow through walls and launch itself and its rider off inclines. Also, it's kind of cute.

Long Live the Lich comes to Guild Wars 2 next Tuesday, June 26. If you don't have either expansion yet, you can pick up both Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire from the GW2 store for half off until June 27.