Expansion/Adventure Pack Guide

Everything You Need to Know About EQ2's Expanded Content

By: Savanja

MMOs are forever expanding games that are constantly being added to, to keep the virtual world that you are gaming in, fun and interesting.  Without expansions, those that play MMOs would grow out of the content, get bored, and move on to some yet to be conquered game.

I've always thought that the strong point of EverQuest II was in the fact that our developers desire to keep the world of Norrath fresh, new, and exciting.  They have done this fabulously in the way of many live game updates, expansions, and adventure packs.  But are those expansions and APs necessary?

Generally, each bit of content that is added on, is targeted to a certain set of players.  With expansions, high end content is often highlighted to give the high end players something to do after hitting the previous level cap.  Adventure packs are great because they are small bits of content that has a much broader range of appeal.  So then which expansions and APs are for you?  Well, hopefully this overview of each added content will answer that for you!

The Bloodline Chronicles

This was EverQuest IIs first adventure pack.  I don't think that it gained the popularity that it should have because I believe that people were still a little uncomfortable paying money for what appeared to be just a miniature expansion.  Bloodline is geared towards players level 30-50, with limited solo content, as this adventure pack was clearly designed for heavy grouping.  The smaller instances working up toward access to the main instance make for great solo and duo content, but the further you work into the Bloodlines storyline, the more you will likely need a group.

I'd recommend this adventure pack if you have a regular group that you play with that would enjoy experiencing this amazing storyline together.  It's just not the best choice for solo and pick up group play.

The Splitpaw Saga

I have a particular affection for this adventure pack.  This is the second AP that EQ2 released.  The storyline is less intense than Bloodlines, but the solo-ability of this AP is outstanding!  Splitpaw is intended for players level 20-50.  Since it scales in level depending on the levels within your group, it is always just right for play!  The upper tunnels of Splitpaw is broken up so that solo and heroic content is on separate branches of the zone.  The Den works out in the same way, where instances are either solo or heroic, making it very easy to pick a play area that will suit your needs.

I really can't think of a downside to the Splitpaw Saga.  I think it's a well done AP that encourages gameplay for all types and skill levels of players!

The Fallen Dynasty

The third and newest adventure pack, and this one is a beauty!  Meant more for the upper level set, mid 50s-70, there are a lot of interesting, lore filled quests in this zone.  Unlike Bloodlines and Splitpaw, this AP boasts scenic outdoor zones, and a full range of various mobs.  There is plenty of solo content along with a plethora of heroic areas, including one of the toughest (if not the toughest) zones in game currently.  This AP also gives the big bonus of allowing owners to level their characters to 55 without the expansion packs.  If you are a tradeskiller, you will really want to check out the furniture that comes along with this!  I was wow'ed by the style and look of the whole AP, but the furniture made me drool.

It's unfortunate that this AP doesn't have more content for the lower levels, but if you are 50+ it's definitely an AP to check out!

The Desert of Flames

This is EverQuest IIs first full expansion pack.  Designed for levels 45+, this expansion raises the former level cap of 50, up ten levels to 60.  The Desert of Flames takes you into a world that seems so different from everyday Norrath.  The city of Maj'Dul, a city that you may choose to reside in, is a rich oasis amongst a harsh desert backdrop. The city is full of strife, so to be able to make it there as a visitor or resident, you'll want to align yourself with one of the few factions.  Maj'Dul also happens to have the very interesting addition of the PvP arena.  Now to be honest, I don't think that this picked up the popularity that the developers had been hoping for.  I kind of look at it as a temporary solution to answer the yells for PvP, until the PvP servers were opened, so the arena doesn't get a whole lot of attention these days.  

But none the less, the expansion is a must have if you wish to adventure beyond level 50.  It has a great combination of solo and group content, lots of various types of quests, and if that doesn't sell you, it has the quest to get the nifty magic carpets to float around on!

The only downside of this expansion is that it gets rather repetitive.  A few of the instanced zones have the same layout, and when you play a lot, this can make things grow old rather fast.  As much as I enjoyed Desert of Flames, I was very happy when the next expansion came out and I could move on to something different.

The Kingdom of Sky

Kingdom of Sky is the second and most recent expansion pack, and in my humble opinion, far better work than the former expansion.  This expansion raises that level cap again, all the way to level 70!  Go easy though, because I hear the next expansion to come out will not raise the level cap, and you'll really want to take your time enjoying these zones.

Set up as a series of islands, suspended high in the air, there are three major zones, split up by level range.  The lowest of these, being the Tenebrous Tangle, allows for adventurers as low as their 50s to enjoy.  As you grow in levels and skill, you'll want to check out The Barren Sky and The Bonemire.

This is my favorite part of EQ2, the solo content is fabulous, giving you many options for your skill level.  And with many dungeon areas and heroic content, grouping here is a blast.  Heritage quests, and regular quests are all over the place, and we have the introduction of class hats!  I still haven't gotten my monk class hat, but it's on my list of things to do because they do look very cool.  And keep an eye out for those old friends from EverQuest I, the Aviaks!  They have gotten very impressive over the several hundreds of years since we have seen them last.

Sadly, these expansion packs don't have much for the lower levels, but keep a look out for the next expansion pack, "The Echoes of Faydwer", now in development (due out November 2006), aimed at all adventure levels, and introducing a new playable race, the Fae!

Be sure to check out the main page of Ten Ton Hammer for zone guides to most of these areas. You don't want to venture into unkown lands without them!

If you have questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line!