In this Q&A with Community Coordinator Andy Belford, ZAM asked about some of the new features introduced in the new patch 1.3.3, including the "Underdog System," new HDR effects and the annual Keg End event.

ZAM: Does Mythic have anything new planned for the Keg End Live Event this year?

Belford: We’ve removed a lot of the PvE elements from this year’s Keg End Live Event. We found that many of the players didn’t care for some of the more 'grindy' aspects of the quests associated with it. Veterans of last year’s Keg End will (happily) recognize the return of several elements of the Live Event such as the Battle Brew Backpack and special in-game fireworks. They’ll also be pleasantly surprised with the addition of new in-game pet rewards; the Goblin Bar-back and Dwarf Keg Handler. Who doesn’t want a keg-toting servant at their beck and call?

ZAM: How can players obtain some of the more exclusive items associated with the Keg End event?

Belford: If players want some of the cooler items they had better get out into the RvR Lakes! Many of the rarer items can only be obtained from killing your fellow players and of course the Live Event influence rewards are obtained from completing RvR Live Event tasks.

ZAM: Any big patch like this comes with a load of changes for the various classes. What are the biggest adjustments to the careers this time?

Belford: As far as 'Combat and Careers' goes, 1.3.3 focused on ferreting out some pesky bugs which had been plaguing various Careers. As a result, we didn’t implement many radical changes to the existing Careers.

ZAM: Are you still hearing a lot of complaints from people about classes being ridiculously overpowered, like the early iterations of the Bright Wizard career?

Belford: For many of our players, Career balance is the best it’s been since launch. We’ve made several changes over the last six months that have brought several Careers more in-line with the rest. Area-of-Effect abilities, which once played a much larger role in combat, have seen their damage decreased, radii reduced and overall effectiveness rebalanced.

Of course, we’re not done yet as there is plenty of work still to be done on the existing Careers as we move forward.

ZAM: How would you sum up the overall changes and theme of patch 1.3.3 to WAR fans?

Belford: Whether you’re new to the WAR or a returning veteran, there’s never been a better time to join us on the battlefield. We've been hard at work on improving the core aspects of the game and giving the players more of what they want: hard-hitting, fast-paced and skull-crushing Realm vs. Realm action. All of this and you can play free, forever, with our new Endless Trial. If there’s anything we can say to WAR fans it’s that we’re committed to our players and giving them the best RvR experience there is.

We look forward to the next 12 months and the bright future ahead for WAR.

ZAM: Thanks for your time, Andy! We're looking forward to seeing what Mythic has planned next year.