Players often say that the community in RIFT is better than the community in other MMOs, but that doesn’t make random dungeon groups any less intimidating for new or inexperienced players. You don’t know the map, you don’t know the bosses, and who knows what kind of temperament the other four random strangers in your group will have.

But take heart! We were all new once, and there are definitely a few ways to prepare for new dungeon runs and improve your chances of it being a fun time for everyone.

The weekend starts a little early around Telara this week. From Wednesday, July 25th to Sunday, July 29th, Trion’s hosting a special Conquest event, and inviting everyone to take part. The team is even giving players with previous subscriptions a few days of free, unrestricted game access. Conquest itself doesn’t seem like it will receive any special limited time bonuses during the event, but there will be special titles obtainable for players who take part. And just in case you’ve ever wanted to chase after a RIFT developer and smash them in the face with a virtual sword– well, now’s your chance!

Somewhere in a forested corner of Telara, lies a newly-opened level 17 rift. Not an uncommon thing, nor surprising, but yet– there it is, shooting tendrils of light toward the elemental planes. Waiting for a dangerous denizen to journey through and stake their claim in a seemingly-peaceful land. Kinda like me. Except, you know, I’m not that shiny.

Welcome to Reopening the Rift, a weekly column about rediscovering the lost corners of Telara’s wilderness, and enjoying the game from the ground up– for the second time around. Most of you know me as Serrain, and have seen my goofy editorials around Rift Junkies for a while now. After taking a break from my Cleric main and the raiding scene, I decided it was time to dive back into RIFT on a completely new character, and figure out what the game has to offer for returning and new players at this post-first-year moment.