Neverwinter, the popular free-to-play Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG, is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Gearbox Publishing, Neverwinter has captivated players for a decade, allowing them to immerse themselves in the legendary world of Forgotten Realms. To commemorate this achievement, a special version of the game’s yearly anniversary event, the Protector’s Jubilee, is taking place, featuring the renowned creator of Forgotten Realms, Ed Greenwood.
The Protector’s Jubilee event commenced on June 15th at 7:30 am Pacific Time and will continue until June 22nd at 7:30 am Pacific Time. During this limited-time event, players have the unique opportunity to join forces with Elminster, who is voiced by Ed Greenwood himself. Elminster, a beloved character in the Forgotten Realms universe, accompanies adventurers on various missions throughout the event. Engaging in these missions grants players exciting rewards, including the highly coveted Elminster Simulacrum companion.
Neverwinter has experienced an extraordinary journey since its initial release in June 2013 on PC. Subsequently, the game expanded its horizons by launching on Xbox One in March 2015 and PlayStation 4 in July 2016. Over the years, Neverwinter has garnered immense praise from players and Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts for its faithful portrayal of the captivating world of Forgotten Realms. It has become one of the longest-running Dungeons & Dragons MMORPGs, boasting an impressive repertoire of 25 major modules, or expansions, packed with content. Explorers can delve into more than 40 adventure zones meticulously crafted based on the 4th and 5th editions of Dungeons & Dragons.
Throughout its decade-long existence, Neverwinter has taken players on thrilling journeys across iconic campaign settings and regions within the Dungeons & Dragons universe. These include the Feywild, Underdark, Icewind Dale, Avernus, and the recently added Menzoberranzan. Moreover, the game has introduced a host of renowned characters from the Dungeons & Dragons universe, both heroes and villains. Players have had the chance to encounter legendary figures such as Drizzt Do’Urden, Dagult Neverember, Minsc, Bruenor Battlehammer, Tiamat, Vanifer, Strahd Von Zarovich, and many others.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Neverwinter presents players with an enhanced version of the beloved Protector’s Jubilee event. Running from June 15th to June 22nd, this event offers exciting content and numerous prizes for participants. The event incorporates the Protector’s Speech Skirmish, a revamped skirmish experience featuring the inclusion of an Elminster Simulacrum companion. Notably, this companion is voiced by Ed Greenwood, the mastermind behind the creation of Elminster himself.
Daily missions play a significant role in the anniversary celebrations. Elminster seeks the assistance of players in preparing Protector’s Enclave for the momentous event. Each day during the anniversary, Elminster will present a new quest, ranging from placing decorations to fostering a celebratory atmosphere among the locals.
Escort missions form another integral part of the festivities. As Lord Neverember endeavors to explore fresh business opportunities, traders and merchants from various regions of the Sword Coast converge on Neverwinter.
Elminster’s Messages provide players with the chance to aid Elminster Aumar in his visit to Protector’s Enclave. Adventurers are tasked with delivering important messages to the Harper agents scattered throughout the Sword Coast. This entails traveling to different zones, engaging with Harpers in the field, and completing two randomly assigned quests based on the player’s level.
Participating in the anniversary event yields a range of epic rewards for players to discover. By actively engaging in the festivities, players can unlock the following exclusive anniversary event rewards: the Elminster Simulacrum Companion (voiced by Ed Greenwood himself), the Hand of Neverwinter Mount, the Mini Minotaur Companion, Neverember’s Throne, and the Entangled Thread Costume Set.
Brett Norton, the executive producer of Neverwinter, expressed his enthusiasm for the game’s remarkable journey over the past decade. He acknowledged the honor and privilege of exploring the iconic locations, encounters, and characters that have defined the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. Norton also conveyed the team’s excitement about delving further into the new content introduced in Dungeons & Dragons. Most importantly, he extended heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated community of players who have faithfully explored the realms of Neverwinter throughout the years.
As Neverwinter’s 10th anniversary celebrations unfold, players can anticipate a week filled with thrilling adventures, unique challenges, and valuable rewards. The game’s faithful recreation of the Forgotten Realms universe, combined with its continuous updates and expansions, has solidified Neverwinter as a cornerstone of the Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG genre. With its rich history and passionate community, Neverwinter remains an immersive virtual world for adventurers to embark on unforgettable quests within the vast realms of Dungeons & Dragons.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now
