Lineage II will soon be releasing its fifth and one of the largest free expansions to date. Chronicle 5: Oath of Blood offers significant additions and changes for players of all levels. What makes this expansion more notable is the attention to system aspects of the game, particularly increased PvP balancing, enhanced solo play, and a revamped beginner experience. Furthermore, the level cap has been increased and exciting content for mid and high level characters has been added.

The modified beginner experience combined with the attention to solo play makes it much easier for new players to pick up the game and get ahead. Dialogue options for helper NPC's (conveniently called "Newbie Helpers") have been fixed up with added details so that navigating the world of Aden is much easier. They even offer some friendly advice for mystics about what spells they should try out. Low level creatures offer slightly more experience, so burning through the grind to level 7 (the level where you start to learn new skills and spells) is less of a hassle. Players can spend less time worrying about rushing to 7 and more time learning the basics of the game.

Chronicle 5 offers a long list of improvements for veteran players too, including more balanced PvP combat and enhancements to the clan system. Not only has the clan limit been increased through the addition of the Royal Guard and the Order of Knights, but clans can now build training academies so new members can level up faster. Additionally, there are new clan halls and even clan-based skills for players to learn. Two castles (Rune and Schuttgart) have been added, giving clans and alliances a shot at their coveted bonuses. While Schuttgart's throne room is definitely large and enticing, it's going to take a lot of might to take and hold this fortress, especially since there is a powerful monster named Benom wandering around, ready to repel intruders. Further adding to the excitement are the contestable clan halls. The Wild Beast Reserve and The Fortress of the Dead offer valuable bonuses to whichever clan wins ownership of it through combat. The Rainbow Springs Chateau can only be temporarily won through a unique contest.

Complimenting all the changes is the increased level cap to 80, and a ton of content to go with it! New hunting grounds are being added, with fresh environments and brand-new creatures. A frozen labyrinth guards the way to an ice queen's castle challenging players in their high 50's or low 60's. Don't expect the queen, or her servants, to be pushovers, though! If that wasn't enough, the Pavel Ruins were built by a giant but have long since been abandoned... except for the insane dwarf scientist named Dr. Chaos, who has taken over the area and walks around in a giant robot. Creatures here are a mix of mechanical creatures who are ready to beat down players in their 40's and 50's.

Perhaps one of the most publicized additions coming with Chronicle 5 is the raid boss Frintezza, who will be arguably the toughest raid boss of Lineage II. Up to 45 players can come together to help defeat this formidable boss. There are plenty of obstacles in the way, including an army of monsters and a magic wall that you need to overcome. Should you make it to his inner sanctum, you'll have to fight off some of the strongest creatures in the game, all while Frintezza practices his musical expertise, causing massive debuffs across the invading party. His champion, a demon named Scarlet von Halisha, who is also a raid level boss. This creature will charge straight into battle, stunning opponents who stand in his way. As he takes damage, he will change into different forms, each more powerful than the last. A great deal of strategy and coordination will be needed to take these bosses down.

With these immense additions and changes, it's a great time to be caught up in the world of Lineage II. Luckily, players won't have to wait very long for them to go into effect. Everyone should prepare themselves for the Oath of Blood!