A public beta for an all-new player vs. player (PvP) mode will soon be available to all Guild Wars 2 players in North America and Europe.

Called Stronghold, the mode takes place in the Battle of Champion’s Dusk map and allows teams to play as pirates and knights while working to overthrow the opposing team’s lord. NCSOFT and ArenaNet hope to introduce new strategy elements to the mode by including NPCs that can be hired (sounding somewhat like Heroes from Guild Wars 1’s Nightfall campaign) to help fight enemy resistance and giving players options and new “strategic opportunities” to keep each player engaged.

This public beta will be accessible through Guild Wars 2’s Unranked Arena. The developer notes that classic PvP mode Conquest will still be available through the Ranked Arena. ArenaNet invites those interested to visit their official website to learn more.  But, to get started in Stronghold, you’ll need to head to the Heart of the Mists, which can be accessed through the main portal in Lion’s Arch or through the PvP panel icon located at the top of your screen. Once you’re ready, queue for an Unranked Arena match. You’ll see Battle of Champion’s Dusk as the featured map; vote for it, hit “Accept” when your queue pops, and enjoy the battle! Conquest matches can still be played in Ranked.

Stronghold will be included in Guild Wars 2’s upcoming expansion Heart of Thorns and the beta will be available for 24 hours and will take place on Tuesday, April 14.
Those who choose to participate may use the character currently tied to their account.

To celebrate this huge moment for Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns, ArenaNet will also be streaming live for 23 hours nonstop, from 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday to noon Pacific Time on Wednesday. The stream will feature some of your favorite Guild Wars 2 livestreamers and shoutcasters, as well as appearances by ArenaNet developers! (Well, all except me of course)