![](\"\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/The_witcher_2_33180Geralt_Fighting_The_Undead_516276595.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCD Projekt Red is prepping a chunky new Witcher 2 update for launch, bringing the game up to version 2.0 and scheduled to go live on 29 September.<\/p>\n
The update bundles 40 new tech and gameplay enhancements, as well as all nine previously released DLC add-ons, and three new features.<\/p>\n
First up, a tutorial section has been added to the start of the game, apparently in response to complaints about the initial difficulty, and “takes the form of a short quest set in a small village in a forest”.<\/p>\n
There’s also a new “ultimate challenge” Dark Mode, that adds new armour, weapons, and quests, and is allegedly so brutally hard that the developer is offering an as yet unconfirmed prize to the first person to finish it. I’m guessing it’s an oil painting of the “forever alone” guy.<\/p>\n
Last up, there’s a new Arena Mode, featuring time-based kill challenges.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In official, press-release list form, that’s:<\/p>\n
• New Tutorial System – New, more comprehensive tutorial is designed as a separate part of the game and takes place in the Kingdom of Keadwen. New Tutorial System gradually explains all gameplay mechanics, from very basic to the most sophisticated systems. The Tutorial ensures that start of the game for everyone will be a pleasureable experience without too steep a learning curve.<\/p>\n
• Special “Dark” difficulty setting – A new, intensely challenging difficulty setting that provides the ultimate challenge for players. On the “Dark” setting, The Witcher 2 is nearly as difficult as “Insane,” but allows players to save the game. It also provides a completely new set of dark-themed gear with very high stats. “Dark” mode also includes other special elements related to the “dark” theme. This setting is yet another reason to play the game again for those seeking new Witcher challenges.
o New items in the “Dark” setting: 3 new sets of dark armor (light, medium, and heavy); 6 new dark swords (3 silver, 3 steel); Other “Dark” themes\/elements in the game.<\/p>\n
• Completely new, arcade-style Arena Mode. Infinitely replayable and progressively more challenging, Arena Mode lets you hone your combat style and techniques against all the different opponents from the game as well as a new monster type, the Werewolf. Dispatch wave upon wave of increasingly more difficult enemies, earning awards that you can use to upgrade abilities, weapons and armor, and to test alchemy. Hirelings can also assist you in battle for a price. Combat waves will continue until your character is defeated, when you’ll see a statistical summary of results. Players can share their results with their friends by uploading this summary to the forums or to Facebook.<\/p>\n
• Arena Mode includes:
o New location – forgotten stronghold in the Kingdom of Keadwen.
o Dynamic, responsive audience reacting to the events.
o A new monster type, Werewolf.
o 30 different waves of enemies, looped with increasing levels of difficulty.
o 3 different prizes to choose from in each wave.
o 3 new characters (mage, knight, and dwarven fighter) that can serve as allies during clashes.
o A shopkeeper offering gear and enhancements.
o 3 new GUI panels designed specifically for the mode.
o New dialogue.
o New background music.
o New Witcher Forum and Facebook integration.<\/p>\n
CD Projekt Red is also doing good on its promise to not charge for content by not charging for this content. Let your joy be unconfined.<\/p>\n
![](\"\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/The_Witcher_2_screenshot_review_9_877322668.jpg\")
<\/p>\n