It’s Turtles All the Way Down
The Siege Turtle, introduced in Guild Wars 2’s End of Dragons expansion on 28 February 2022, marked a significant innovation as the game’s first cooperative combat mount. This armoured reptile combines unique collaborative gameplay with a deep connection to the lore established in the original Guild Wars. Unlike traditional mounts focused on mobility, the Siege Turtle emphasises combat, requiring two players to operate effectively, blending historical resonance with modern mechanical design.
The concept of Siege Turtles originates from the Luxon Armada in the original Guild Wars: Factions, released in 2006. These nomadic warriors employed massive turtles equipped with cannons to traverse the petrified Jade Sea and defend their caravans. In missions such as Fort Aspenwood and The Eternal Grove, these creatures demonstrated tactical behaviours, including stationary attacks when enemies were within range and resistance to interruptions. Only every third attempt to disrupt their attacks succeeded, though the skill Juggernaut Toss could overturn them, temporarily nullifying their defences. Their abilities, such as Carrier Defense and Turtle Shell, underscored their role as transport and combat units in Luxon society.
Approximately 250 years later, within the narrative of Guild Wars 2, the descendants of the Luxons have preserved and advanced Siege Turtle technology. Modern Cantha’s jade tech has enhanced these creatures with jump jets, health boosters, and advanced weaponry. The End of Dragons expansion allows players to nurture a Siege Turtle from hatchling to maturity, intertwining personal investment with Canthan military heritage. This progression reflects both historical continuity and technological evolution, positioning the turtles as potential light tanks in contemporary Canthan forces.
Functionally, the Siege Turtle requires two players: a driver controlling movement and a slam attack, and a gunner operating twin jade cannons. Its movement mechanics include a gradual acceleration in straight lines, visualised through a speedometer, and a drifting turn reminiscent of the roller beetle. With a health pool of 40,000, it excels in durability. Notably, it traverses underwater environments by walking rather than swimming, sharing this trait only with the upgraded skimmer. During idle moments, the driver character dozes in the commander’s seat, adding a touch of character to its design.
In combat, the driver’s slam attack damages groups without dismounting, while the gunner’s ground-targeted siege blasts inflict approximately 7,000 damage per shot, plus burning, across ten enemies. Limited to five shots, ammunition replenishes over time, faster at full speed. Certain enemies exhibit vulnerability or resistance to these attacks, necessitating strategic deployment. Developers balanced the mount to offer burst damage without overshadowing standard combat roles, ensuring it complements rather than replaces traditional combat approaches.
Acquiring a Siege Turtle involves completing the Stomping Around achievement, beginning with obtaining an egg through the Dragon’s End meta-event or purchasing it with 200 Writs of the Jade Sea. Subsequent collections require gathering food items like chopped kale, carrots, lettuce, and strawberries, followed by fish fillets of varying quality. Finally, assembling saddle components—Luxon Tools, Turret Plans, and Deluxe Leather Seating, among others—culminates in receiving a fully operational mount from Rota in Arborstone.
The development of the Siege Turtle fulfilled a long-standing ambition for a two-player mount, which had previously been attempted during the Path of Fire expansion. Challenges included balancing combat utility, ensuring engaging roles for both players and integrating the mount into existing systems. Designers aimed for situational power, avoiding pervasive use by implementing mechanics like ammunition limits and cooldowns. This approach received community approval, preserving the relevance of elite specialisations and gear.
Player reception highlighted excitement, particularly among veterans familiar with Guild Wars: Factions. The mount’s cooperative dynamics drew comparisons to Halo’s warthog, fostering camaraderie in activities like Drizzlewood Coast or Dragonstorm. While its utility is niche, excelling in specific scenarios requiring siege damage, it also serves social and recreational purposes, from transporting allies to role-playing. Its distinctive appearance and animations, such as underwater locomotion and idle drowsiness, further enrich its appeal.
Trivia surrounding the Siege Turtle references Japanese mythology’s load-carrying turtles and the creature’s Galápagos tortoise inspiration. Lore notes their fondness for carrots, while achievements related to feeding hatchlings unlock a baby turtle in home instances. These details, alongside its combat and movement quirks, contribute to a mount that is as rich in character as it is in function.
The Siege Turtle bridges Guild Wars’ past and present, merging nostalgic elements with innovative cooperative mechanics. While less versatile in traversal than mounts like the Skyscale, its specialised combat role and social interactivity carve a unique niche. This synthesis of historical homage, tactical gameplay, and communal experience underscores the enduring creativity within Guild Wars 2’s evolving world.
