Together with the upcoming switch to the F2P model for TERA in February 2013, we’ll also release a new content patch. Today we want to talk about the two main new content additions in this patch. On one side there is the brand new 3vs3 Arena “Champions’ Skyring” and on the other hand we have the new dungeon “Crucible of Flame”. So both PvE and PvP players can look forward to the next month with these exciting new additions!

3vs3 Arena – Champions’ Skyring

You were waiting to finally prove that you’re among the best and most feared warriors in TERA? Soon you’ll have the chance to prove yourself in the 3vs3 arena. This special arena will offer the perfect battleground for fighters and small teams.

In order to participate in the arena you’ll need to form a party of 3 players. The group must include a healer class and cannot contain more than one member of a class. Meaning you won’t be able to create an arena group with 2 or 3 sorcerers.

In order to leave the arena as the winning team, your party needs to win at least 2 out of the 3 rounds in total. To make the battle even fairer you will not be able to receive certain buffs from charms, potions and other items. Additionally you won’t be able to use consumables. Each round is also time limited. If there is no winner when the time is up, the team with the most remaining members alive will win the round. Though if both teams still have 2 members of the team alive and kicking, the round will be counted as a draw. In case a match ends with 2 rounds drawn the whole match will be counted as a draw.

If you die in one round, you will be able to watch the ongoing round from the perspective of another team member. This spectator mode is a new addition in the 3vs3 arena. Of course we also added a rating system for the arena battleground. Your personal rating depends on the win/loss ration and you’ll be matched with other opponents which are close to your own rating.

The 3vs3 arena is open to characters of level 60. Two sorts of arena matches can be chosen, either regular or matches with rating enabled. During regular matches you’ll be able to earn Bellicarium credits, if you win. In rated matches you’ll earn the so called “Killing Spree Credits”. We’ll further introduce new rewards which can only be obtained by participation in the arena. You’ll need the new credit type in order to acquire this new and powerful PvP equipment. If you manage to achieve a very high personal rating you’ll even gain access to a new and powerful skill, though this skill can’t be used in the battleground.

Dungeon – Crucible of Flame

The Crucible of Flame dungeon will be a complete new dungeon experience for you. In this special dungeon you’ll compete with other players for new high scores. A special ranking list will show the best groups and players who reach a high rank can look forward to some exceptional rewards. This dungeon will also feature diverse difficulty levels, so everyone will be able to enjoy this new experience. Oh and before we miss it, you’ll face a brand new boss monster in the dungeon.

Access to the dungeon is possible through the matchmaking system or through a new NPC in Velika. A new quest is also available, which will reward you with a nice amount of gold for clearing the dungeon.

If you plan to take on this unique challenge you should be prepared and have a plan at hand. After you entered the dungeon with your group you’ll need to distribute your party members towards different areas before you actually activate the event timer which will count down from 30 minutes after the activation.

Your task will be to defend different areas in this dungeon. The rooms will be under attack by various groups of enemies, so you’ll need to figure out which class is best fitted to defend a certain room in the Crucible of Flame dungeon.

In case you manage to be successful, the next stage can be launched by talking to an NPC which will spawn in the dungeon. A dragon mount will bring your group safely to the next spot. At this place you’ll need to decide the difficulty for the upcoming battles. If you dare to choose a tougher setting you’ll be able to gain more points. You’ll now need to fight off several boss monsters. Last but not least you’ll be able to gain additional points if you are successful in the mini games which are coming up during this stage. We heard some rumours about gigantic gold coins...

At the end of each run you’ll be able to see the points you have gathered and the rewards gained.

Get ready for a true challenge of speed, action and never forget, time is of the essence.