Neverwinter: Ravenloft takes MMO beyond Forgotten Realms to macabre Barovia

Neverwinter: Ravenloft is now available on PC and will come later on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. It’s the 14th module for the free-to-play MMORPG from Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios, calling adventurers beyond the Forgotten Realms fantasy world to misty Barovia, where they’ll face Strahd’s cursed land and all of its horrors.

This departure from the Sword Coast brings gameplay features unique to Ravenloft such as a meaningful day-to-night cycle, Tarokka Card collections and readings, an Endgame Dungeon in Castle Ravenloft and much more.

“When we look at the vast number of exciting settings Dungeons & Dragons has to offer, Ravenloft has been one that both we and our players have long wanted to explore,” said Gordon Fong, executive producer of Neverwinter. “Strahd is an icon and his cursed land of Barovia made for some really interesting gameplay opportunities. This module is a bit of a departure for the game: it’s the first time we’ve left the Forgotten Realms and it’s a much different tone than anything we’ve done before. On behalf of the Neverwinter team, we hope our players enjoy our gothic adventure and can’t wait to hear what they think!”

More from the game’s promoters:

Vistani wanderers appear outside of Protector’s Enclave prompting adventurers to investigate their arrival. This eventually leads to a Tarokka Card reading by Madame Eva, tying their fate to the cursed land of Barovia. A mysterious mist pulls players into the iconic Ravenloft setting, making them intruders in a hostile land filled with monsters and ruled by the dreaded vampire lord, Count Strahd von Zarovich. The campaign sweeps adventurers through many locations in Barovia, including the village itself, a Vistani Camp and Castle Ravenloft. While the heroes of Neverwinter are banding together to free this cursed land from Strahd’s control, they will experience new features such as:

● Barovia Adventure Zone – From the Vistani Camp surrounded by a dense forest to the Ruins of Berez, Ravenloft’s setting is a stark change of scenery from the bright and lively Protector’s Enclave. The gothic horror theme plays a huge role in this new module.

● Castle Ravenloft Endgame Dungeon – The infamous lair of Strahd von Zarovich makes its Neverwinter debut and provides an endgame challenge for the most daring and powerful adventurers in (or out of) the Realms. Challenge the lord of the land for impressive rewards.

● Meaningful Day-to-Night Cycle – Fear the night! The time of day in Barovia determines which creatures, object and NPCs will spawn throughout the land as well as how ferocious enemies will be.

● New Heroic Encounter & Monster Hunts – At the edge of Strahd’s domain rests the fabled Yester Hill where Druids worship the vampire lord. Party up to tackle this new heroic encounter, then learn how Ravenloft redefines the “monster” in the Monster Hunt activity where players can modify difficulty with unique hands of Tarokka Cards for unique rewards.

● Ravenloft Campaign – Barovia is cursed and adventurers have been summoned to free its denizens. In Neverwinter’s latest campaign, players will explore the darkest corners of Barovia to get the upper hand on Strahd and his vast army of evil. Completing the campaign unlocks a unique set of boons to aid in future adventures.

● Tarokka Card System – Like the devious playing cards that summon players to the domain of dread, overcoming the many obstacles within Ravenloft unlocks unique cards. Wager these cards in Monster Hunts or collect the whole set and turn them in to Madame Eva for a special reward.

Beginning the afternoon following Ravenloft’s launch, through July 26, 2018, Twitch Prime members can link their Twitch account to an Arc Games account and receive a package of in-game items for the PC version of Neverwinter. Twitch Prime members will receive a Purple Owlbear mount, a Stone of Health consumable, and an exclusive Troll Summoner in-game title – all of which will aid players on their journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond, to the Domain of Dread.

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About the author

Jayson Peters

Jayson Peters

Born and raised in Phoenix, Jayson Peters is a southern Colorado-based newspaper copy editor and website designer. He has taught online media at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and now teaches at Pueblo Community College. A versatile digital storyteller, he has led online operations at the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Arizona, followed by the Pueblo Chieftain, Colorado Springs Independent, Colorado Springs Business Journal and Pueblo Star Journal. He is a former Southern Colorado Press Club president and founder and curator of Nerdvana.