Wizard101 Makes Big Changes To The New User Experience

New and aspiring students in Wizard101's magical academy will now have an even better beginner experience, thanks to a big update from KingsIsle Entertainment. The well-named Summer Update makes significant changes to the First Time User Experience, or FTUE, which are "designed to offer new wizards a welcoming start through a revamped beginning world of Wizard City with fully modernized content."

Dozens of quests have been revamped to better explain the early storyline of Wizard101. Game Director Leah Rubin said that the revised quests offer "the Wizard101 experience that dedicated players know and love from the later worlds the moment you create your character." Creative Design Lead Sam Johnson added that the new early game would offer "a faster and smoother experience that includes lots of hidden easter eggs and punny phrases along the way."

The new content includes "lost pets to help find" during your time in the starter areas of Firecat Alley, Cyclops Lane, Dark Cave, and Nightside" and "a proper introduction to Bartleby in the mainline story."

The Summer Update also adds Beastmoon Monster Mayhem, introducing the Avalon map and new monsters to battle, as well as the ability to earn spell upgrades via the Spellwrighting system. Summer season events are also underway, such as the Deckathalon tower climb and the Pet Promenade.

The team at KingsIsle has also taken the opportunity to improve upon Wizard101's community aspects. New with this update is Adventure Parties, which makes it possible for groups to create meet-up appointments. Previous updates have given players the chance to put up a "Friendly Flag" or designate themselves as "Team Up Volunteers" for when they're in a mentoring mood.

Learn more about the Summer Update on the Wizard101 site.