Lion's Arch
This article is about the current version of the city. For the original version of the city, see Memory of Old Lion's Arch. For the city during Scarlet's attack, see The Battle For Lion's Arch. Lion's Arch
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Map of Lion's Arch
- Type
- City
- Region
- Kryta
- Connects to
- Lornar's Pass (E)
Gendarran Fields (N)
Bloodtide Coast (S)
Lion's Arch Aerodrome (S)
Black Citadel
Chantry of Secrets
Crystal Oasis
Divinity's Reach
Hoelbrak
The Grove
Rata Sum
Southsun Cove
Arborstone
The Wizard's Tower - Pets
- Armor Fish
Blue Jellyfish
Krytan Drakehound
Lynx
Pig
Shark - API
- 50
Loading screen
| Image(s) |
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Click to enlarge. |
“Lion's Arch, built upon the wreckage of the Krytan City of the same name, has grown and prospered in the years since the rise of the Orrian Dragon. Founded by pirates and dependent on trade, the city has become a common ground for all the races of Tyria.
— In-game description
Lion's Arch (sometimes shortened to LA) is a coastal city zone in the Kryta region. It is the most diverse and cosmopolitan city in Tyria, a melting pot where all races gather and trade. It owes no allegiance to any race or nation, but stands on its own – and does so by virtue of its active navy, its financial strength, the intelligence and cunning of its leaders.
Lion's Arch figures prominently in the game's storyline. One of the main themes of Guild Wars 2 is bringing together disparate, even opposed groups in order to fight a greater enemy: the Elder Dragons. Alone, no race will survive their awakening. Only together can the races of Tyria survive. Nowhere in Tyria is that belief more strongly held than the city of Lion's Arch.
As the cultural and economic hub, Lion's Arch serves as the central focus of holidays and festivities such as Halloween. During Halloween, Mad King Thorn walks the streets of Lion's Arch telling jokes, and the city is full of spooky, dark, and pumpkin decor.
Getting there[edit]
Note that Free to play accounts can only access Lion's Arch at level 35.
- From Gendarran Fields — portal in the southeastern part of the map, south of the Cornucopian Fields Waypoint — .
- From Lornar's Pass — portal in the central western part of the map, south of the Durmand Priory Waypoint — .
- From Bloodtide Coast — portal in the northern part of the map, north of the Archen Foreland Waypoint — .
- From capital cities:
- Black Citadel — asura gate on the ledge northwest of the Imperator's Core, near the Ligacus Aquilo Waypoint — .
- Divinity's Reach — asura gate in the southeastern part of the District Promenade, the central area of the city, near the Palace Waypoint — .
- The Grove — asura gate in the Marshaling Field on the top layer of the city, the closest waypoint is Upper Commons Waypoint — .
- Hoelbrak — asura gate in the Peeta's Gate, western part of the city, near Peeta's Waypoint — .
- Rata Sum — asura gate on the top level in the northern part of the city, near Magustan Court Waypoint — .
- Black Citadel — asura gate on the ledge northwest of the Imperator's Core, near the
- From Lion's Arch Aerodrome — portal in the northern part of the map.
- From Memory of Old Lion's Arch — using the Lion's Pride Gizmo in old Lion's Arch to travel to the modern version of Lion's Arch.
- Southsun Cove — asura gate in the southeastern part of the map, near Pearl Islet Waypoint — .
- Arborstone — asura gate in the southeastern part of the map, on the second level.
- The Wizard's Tower — portal in the eastern part of the Outer Ring, at Lion's Arch Connector — .
- Using portals or portal managers in most of the lounges, accessible by purchasing a pass in the Gem Store.
History[edit]
Early years[edit]
Lion's Arch went through multiple changes over the years since its days as the capital of Kryta in the original Guild Wars to its current incarnation as a free city in Guild Wars 2.
City of Pirates[edit]
In 1219 AE, the Elder Dragon Zhaitan woke from its slumber. The Rising of Orr created a great flood which destroyed and completely submerged the old capital. The ruins of Lion's Arch were utilized as a safe harbor by ships looking to escape the horrors of the sea.
A decade later, in 1230 AE, the wreckage of old Lion's Arch was slowly turned into a refuge for Corsairs and other pirates, smugglers, and other independent vessels. Shanty towns were created, and as the waters slowly receded, a settlement formed that owed no allegiance to Kryta. This settlement was unified by a human named Cobiah Marriner, who fought against the scourge of Orr alongside charr, asura, norn, and any other race that would lend their vessels to the cause. Out of that staunch and allied front, the city of Lion's Arch was reborn.
For generations, the people of Lion's Arch were on the front line of the war with Zhaitan, the dragon of Orr. Their city was destroyed, only to be rebuilt in defiance of the Elder Dragon's power. The elite Lionguard built a fortress on Claw Island, a small body of land in the harbor, in order to defend against Zhaitan's attacks. No ship sails from their docks without a wary eye south toward the dark waters of the undead. They live each day with the knowledge that they are a bastion against the destruction that the Elder Dragon would bring—regardless of whether or not the other nations of the world recognize, or care about, their ongoing struggle.
For decades, Lion's Arch has been run by the Captain's Council, a committee of wealthy merchants and sea captains. Those who wish to take an active hand in the city's governance must prove themselves regardless of their race and heritage. They must be respected as a noted ship commander, and they must have contributed to the city's growth or health. If they are seen as a leader in the city, then they may purchase one of the seats on the Captain's Council—when one becomes available. This system of political governance leads to a great deal of one-upmanship among the local captains and on the council itself.
Battle for Lion's Arch[edit]
In 1327 AE, after months of preparation, the arch-villain Scarlet Briar descended on Lion's Arch with all of her deadly forces. The city was razed and the smoldering husk of the proud port city was occupied, and it was weeks before the siege was broken. After days of battle, Scarlet was slain in the skies above the city aboard her airship, the Breachmaker.
Word of Scarlet's demise has spread like wildfire throughout the wards of the city. With renewed vigor, the heroes of Lion's Arch, the Lionguard, and Order forces have driven out the remainder of Scarlet's armies, their morale and ranks shattered. Cheers and celebrations erupted at the refugee camps and nigh across all of Tyria. All the while, the Breachmaker—the enormous airship looming over Sanctum Harbor—continued to drill uncontrollably before it mysteriously exploded a few days after hitting a magical leyline which was Scarlet's target. The resulting blast caused the pieces of the Breachmaker to be flung out across the city—mostly concentrated around the harbor but with debris landing as far out as the Farshore Ward and scarring the landscape. With the pieces being so immensely large, the resultant rebuilding of Lion's Arch was taking place around these seemingly immovable chunks of metal.
New Lion's Arch[edit]
Lion's Arch finished its rebuild in 1328 AE. Parts of The Breachmaker were molded into new metal used to build several new structures, such as an aerodrome, a fortress, turrets, a new harbor with a shipyard amongst others. Some of the new buildings and structures are based on sea creatures and the city now has more of a maritime flair than the previous pirate flair. Several points of interest also had their names modified or replaced. The previously destroyed waypoint in Fort Marriner was restored and is now usable. Many citizens and services were moved including those for guilds that are now at Guild Initiative Headquarters.
In 1330 AE, many elonian refugees flee to Lion's Arch due to Balthazar wages war against the Elder Dragons in the Crystal Desert.
Unique features[edit]
Lion's Arch is unique among the cities of Tyria since it is the central trade and cultural hub. It has features not found in other cities:
Asura gates
- To the capital cities of all playable races, located in Coriolis Plaza.
- To far-flung destinations including Pearl Islet in Southsun Cove, Arborstone in Cantha and The Wizard's Tower in the Horn of Maguuma, located in Coriolis Plaza.
- To World versus World, located in Fort Marriner.
- To Structured PvP, located in Fort Marriner.
- Portals exiting within or near each of the 3 Orders. Reach
- Chantry of Secrets via the portal within the safe house at Order of Whispers Headquarters.
- Durmand Priory via the portal north-east of Cavern Waypoint.
- Vigil Keep via the portal to Cornucopian Fields.
Connection to the Dungeons, located in Fort Marriner.
Connection to the Lion's Arch Aerodrome and the raid portals located within.
Fractals of the Mists, located in Fort Marriner.
Strike Mission: Old Lion's Court, located in Grand Piazza.
Dungeon Armor and Weapons, located in Fort Marriner. Sells items from all dungeons.
Guild Commendation Trader, located at Guild Initiative Headquarters.
Ectoplasm vendor, located in White Crane Terrace
Legendary Weapons crafting vendor (the only one in the entire game)- Legendary Weapons trophy collector (the only one in the entire game)
Mystic Forge, located in Trader's Forum
Tri-key Chest, located in the Undermarket
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Locations[edit]
Interactive map[edit]
Pets[edit]
- Sanctum Harbor (near the Wreckage of the Breachmaker)
- Sanctum Harbor (southeast of Old Lion's Arch)
- Captain Theo Ashford Memorial Bridge (named Tomme's Dog in the bridge's archway directly west of the PoI, appears shortly after someone has acquired Tomme's Cat)
- Captain Theo Ashford Memorial Bridge (named Tomme's Cat in the bridge's archway directly west of the PoI, appears shortly after someone has acquired Tomme's Dog)
- Farshore Ward (on the farm southwest of Cavern Waypoint)
- Sharkmaw Caverns (in the cave's lake)
Diving location[edit]
- At the very top of the lighthouse (west of Phoenix Roost) right next to the Vista
Jumping puzzles[edit]
- Historical
- Troll's End (available in the Memory of Old Lion's Arch)
Gallery[edit]
- Screenshots
Trader's Forum.
Postern Ward.
Fort Marriner.
Inner Harbor.
Guild Initiative Headquarters.
Lion's Arch Aerodrome.
The Gate Hub at Coriolis Plaza.
Sanctum Harbor.
Deverol Gardens.
Commodore's Quarter.
Old Lion's Arch submerged under water.
Order of Whispers Headquarters.
- Before Living World Season 1
- Primary article: Memory of Old Lion's Arch#Gallery
- During Scarlet's attack
- Primary article: The Battle For Lion's Arch#Gallery
- During Living World Season 2
The devastated Trader's Forum.
The destroyed Old Gangplank bridge.
Breachmaker parts near Lion's Gate.
The memorial dedicated to the heroes of Lion's Arch at the destroyed Gate Hub Plaza.
The ruined Canal Ward.
Breachmaker part at Farshore Ward.
The damaged Gangplank bridge.
The destroyed fountain at Lion's Court.
The ruined Fort Marriner.
Breachmaker parts at Diverse Ledges.
Wreckage of the Breachmaker in Sanctum Harbor.
The wrecked Western Ward.
The wreckage of Lion's Gate.
The ruined Black Lion Trading Company auction floor.
Cemetery at White Crane Terrace.
The destroyed Moran Memorial.
The wrecked Macha's Landing.
Destroyed bridge between Grand Piazza and Western Ward.
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- Concept art
Early concept.
Retribution loading screen.
Lion's Arch auction house by Levi Hopkins.
Lion's Arch Anchor Lighthouse by Levi Hopkins.
Suspicious Activity loading screen.
Forearmed Is Forewarned loading screen.
Lion's Arch boat gate.
Invasion plan from the Battle for Lion's Arch.
Rebuilt Lion's Arch.
Rebuilt Lion's Arch.
Rebuilt Lion's Arch.
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- Historical loading screens
Original loading screen.
Throughout Living World Season 2.
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- Holiday loading screens
Halloween loading screen.
- Previous maps
Map of Lion's Arch during The Edge of the Mists.
Map of Lion's Arch during Living World Season 2.
Version of the above map (likely unused ingame) but with underwater structures visible.
Map of Lion's Arch during reconstruction.
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Related achievements[edit]
Community: Friends in High Places — Enter Lion's Arch in the month of February. (1
)
Explorer: Lion's Arch Exterminator — Find Turl Sharptooth in the Commodore's Quarter, and use one of his special rifles to deal with the karka hatchling infestation. (10
)
Notes[edit]
- There was an extensive sewage system beneath the city previous to its rebuild in 1328 AE.
- As this isn't a racial city, there is no home instance.
- During the original Wintersday, the city was visited by Toymaker Tixx, and Snowmen roamed the snow-covered, festively decorated city to give presents. All subsequent releases of Wintersday take place in Divinity's Reach.
- The map used to be able to be broken out of by going to the Shuttered Gate and relogging in the right corner of it. An invisible wall was placed along it in a bug fix introduced in autumn 2017.
- During Living World Season 1, through the original Escape from Lion's Arch and the Battle for Lion's Arch episodes, the usual city services such as crafting stations and trading post access were moved to the Vigil and Durmand Priory headquarters.
- Map complete rewards for Lion's Arch is experience and a transmutation charge.
- The pirate's version/second age of Lion's Arch, that was removed from the game during the 2014 Escape from Lion's Arch release, was restored in the form of the Memory of Old Lion's Arch lounge during the Battle for Lion's Arch 2022 re-release.
Trivia[edit]
- Internally at ArenaNet, this area was known as "Valley_Arch."
- The composite image in the loading screen includes parts of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, including one of its iconic lions.
- Story instances from the Personal Story that take place on Lion's Arch use the original appearance of the city, prior to the events of Living World Season 1. Further, a sepia filter is added which can be disabled by turning post-processing off. This sepia filter also affects the cinematic that welcomes players to their chosen Order; players might wish to disable post-processing to watch the original cinematics without the filter.
See also[edit]
- Memory of Old Lion's Arch
- The Battle For Lion's Arch
- Lion's Arch (Under Attack!) (Original version from Escape from Lion's Arch)
- Lion's Arch (Enemy Controlled) (Original version from Battle for Lion's Arch)
- Sea of Sorrows (book)
External links[edit]
|
The Guild Wars Wiki has an article on Lion's Arch. |
- Lion's Arch: Building the Heart of the City – Archived copy of the article from ArenaNet's Blog
- The City of Lion's Arch - YouTube
- Guild Wars 2 - Escape from Lion's Arch Destruction Cinematic - YouTube
- Guild Wars 2 - Welcome to the New Lion's Arch - YouTube
- Hidden Arcana: Designing the New Lion’s Arch
