Rift: The Ashes of History – What’s Ahead in Patch 1.5

While still slated as ‘Coming soon’, Trion’s next update for Rift contains an impressive amount of content. The Ashes of History patch is set to offer something for everyone, beginning with the ability to progress beyond the current max level of 50 via Planar Attunement, a form of alternate advancement granting your character small upgrades.

This is a feature that should really be implemented in any MMO, as more often than not reaching max level results in a gradual decline in interest. Of course, there’s usually raiding and PvP to fill that gap, but players tend to stop actively taking part in the non-instanced game world when there’s no real incentive to do so.

Next up is a feature called Chronicles – new solo and duo instances for those who don’t necessarily have the time (or patience) to run 5man or raid content. In addition, a challenging new Master Dungeon mode will be added to the Darkening Deeps instance. This is the most annoying instance in my experience, mostly due to a pickup group’s inability to co-ordinate, especially on the final boss. Attempting the Master version with a PuG is likely going to be akin to beating your head against a brick wall.

For PvP enthusiasts, an all new Warfront in Hammerknell will be available. The Library of the Runemasters has you combat the enemy faction in order to gain control of forgotten dwarven secrets.

As usual, the patch will launch with a World Event, this time the race to prevent two dragon cults plaguing the landscape with earthquakes and firestorms. Players will need to reconstruct ancient Travel Stones in order to do prevent this menace.

Veteran rewards will also be added to the game for those with several months under their belt, or new players with multi-month subscriptions. These rewards are mainly cosmetic, although the summonable personal vendor at 6 months and the mobile mailbox at 18 months stand out as highly useful rewards.

Finally, the most clamoured for (and against) feature of patch 1.5, the ability to utilise AddOns, will no doubt change the way the game is played. Rift’s UI already offered impressive customisability, but was lacking in several ways, particular for healers. No doubt other mods such as threat meters and raid warnings will also be quickly adopted.

More on patch 1.5 can be found here, along with information on the veteran rewards scheme.