[Update] Those went fast! We're all out of beta keys for now! If we should get more, stay tuned for an update!

[Update 2] We have more beta keys! Get them quick, the beta has already begun and runs through Sunday!

Get your TERA Closed Beta Keys here!

It's time for another action-packed weekend of TERA! ZAM and En Masse Entertainment have partnered up to get you into this weekend's closed beta test! There have been some big improvements going into this latest build, with a second character slot allowed per server, as well as an increased level cap of 27. This means that players will be able to jump into the Sinestral Manor dungeon for some more grouped combat. Finally, En Masse Entertainment has also enabled PvP on all of the PvP TERA servers, allowing players to use the skill "Outlaw Declaration" to attack any other character above level 10 (and not in their guild or party) for 60 seconds.

The beta test window takes place from Friday, February 24 @ 12pm PST and will end on Sunday, February 26 @ 11:59pm PST.

Remember to also check out ZAM's TERA Closed Beta Preview from the previous test!

If you are itching to get your hands on more playtime in TERA, you don't have much longer to wait! TERA's next closed beta test begins Friday, February 24 at 12:00 PM PST and ends Sunday, February 26 at 11:59 PM PST. Players can look forward to an increased level cap of 27 and an additional character slot per server. This will allow players to try out new classes and races while keeping their main character intact. 

As for new content, characters will be able to enter the Sinestral Manor dungeon as well as explore new areas. Players on the PvP server, Valley of Titans, will gain a skill called "Outlaw Declaration." Activating this ability will allow you, for up to 60 seconds, to attack any character above level 10 that is not in your guild or party. This status effect will persist until combat ends, so this doesn't mean you have to secure the kill in this timeframe. 

If you want to be apart of the closed beta test, but aren't invited yet, simply pre-order TERA now for immediate access to all the remaining tests.

TERA was always going to have trouble trying to win me over. After trying out a series of Asian MMOs in the past without success I was beginning to give up on this unique facet of online gaming. But then discovered that En Masse was attempting a "westernization" of TERA, Bluehole Studio's first MMO. Would this be the holy grail of an eastern MMO finding success with a western audience, or would it flounder like others before it? 

During the TERA Europe Sneak Preview Beta, I spent the weekend digging into the game with the aid of a Human Sorcerer. What I found surprised me; among the rough edges of an unfinished beta were some interesting ideas, including a radical take on MMO combat. Combine that with gorgeous graphics that had me hammering the screenshot button, and you have the recipe for an interesting few days.

If you are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to get back into the TERA beta on February 24th, be sure to take advantage of the downtime and start patching the beta client right now! The latest patch introduces a number of fixes and adds high-resolution textures to the game. This latest patch is 7 GB and if you are wanting to jump into the game the moment the next beta test goes live, you may want to considering patching the game now. Some of the updated features and fixed issues include:

• The mouse pointer will no longer skipping the opening cinematic when moved.
• LFG, Vanarch, and Party Alert chat channels are now being moderated.
• Achievements will now display properly in the chat window. 
• High resolution graphic integration.

There is also a list of known issues that they are working to fix. To see all the changes coming to the next TERA beta weekend, be sure to check out the latest patch notes.

Who's still preordering their MMOs from brick-and-mortar retailers? Who calls physical game stores brick-and-mortar retailers? The answer to the former question is "many," according to TERA Community Manager Evan "Scapes" Berman, and the answer to the latter question is, well, Evan "Scapes" Berman. If that made no sense to you, take your time and it should.

Regardless, apparently enough players are pre-ordering TERA through their physical game stores, because they're beginning to raise a ruckus over difficulties in getting pre-order game codes to access the first TERA closed beta test. Well, today TERA has taken to their very blue website to reassure players that they are looking into getting those beta access codes to them, even if it means speaking sternly to their retailers. Hopefully this means physical copy pre-orderers will be seeing their codes sometime soon!

The award-winning, PC-based action MMO, TERA, is now available for pre-order via En Masse Entertainment's website and retailers throughout North America for $49.99. Players who pre-order TERA will have access to all of the game's Closed Beta Tests, which will take place from February through April. In addition, pre-orderers will get an exclusive Head Start play period over the weekend before the game's launch on May 1st. These dates are as follows:

• Closed Beta Test 1: February 10 - 12
• Closed Beta Test 2: February 24 - 26
• Closed Beta Test 3: March 9 - 11
• Closed Beta Test 4: March 23 - 25
• Closed Beta Test 5: April 6 - 8
• Closed Beta Test 5: April 19 - 22
• Head Start: April 28 - May 1

The game will also be released as a collector's edition which can be purchased as a digital download or the traditional boxed edition. Both will come with unique in-game items, including the Regal Frostlion Mount and two equippable items for level 15 and 40.

For the most hardcore of fans, available at $79.99, there is the physical Limited Collector's Edition. This edition comes with collectable items such as a Letter of Marque, a canvas world map, a field guide, a Valkyon Federation-issued compass, and a game soundtrack.

And, finally, to celebrate the upcoming launch, En Masse Entertainment is bringing the action combat of TERA to life. In this series of videos throughout the closed beta period, you'll find yourself being asked: Are you an MMO-FO?

In anticipation of their May 1st launch, TERA has been doing some tweaking behind the scenes, and today they've come out with a brand new website! In addition to looking brand new (and a little more blue), the new site features more manageable account systems and a TERA customer support knowledge base. En Masse Studios is also bringing their new forums online, but they do apologize if there are some technical difficulties in getting them live.

Also, is anyone else really bothered by that blue spot gradient background on the main text box? Maybe I'm just crazy.

Some troubling news for TERA fans out there, as NCsoft has filed another lawsuit against Bluehole Studios, but this time with the intention of squashing their North American launch of TERA. As a quick summary of the events thus far, TERA developers Bluehole Studios employs a large number of ex-NCsoft employees, and this is no odd concidence. Back in 2008, Lineage 3 project lead, Yong-Hyun Park, left NCsoft with a large number of employees in tow. Together, this group formed Bluehole Studios and created TERA, which NCsoft claimed at the time was very similar to Lineage 3 (in other words, NCsoft accused YHP of stealing L3's ideas).

Rumours run rampant from here, and Yong-Hyun Park has since left Bluehole Studios, citing stress from the NCsoft lawsuits and accusations. It was rumoured that NCsoft has since scrapped work on Lineage 3, instead releasing news of Lineage Eternal at this year's G-Star 2011 trade show. Regardless, NCsoft sued Bluehole Studios and won in 2009, but the case was appealed down the line. Now, with the announced launch of TERA, NCsoft is back at it again, as MMO Culture is reporting that another lawsuit has been filed, accusing Bluehole Studios of making off with "copious amounts of confidential and proprietary NCsoft information, computer software, hardware and artwork relating to Lineage 3." We'll keep you posted on how this turns out in the future.

[UPDATE 1/27/2012] En Masse Entertainment's Publishing Vice President, Chris Lee, had this to say on the subject:

"We are disappointed that NCsoft is attempting to mar the launch of TERA. Unfortunately we can't discuss much publicly due to the sensitivity of legal actions, but we do outright reject the NCsoft claims, and we are going to do everything in our power to defend and protect ourselves.

To all our supporters who have been anticipating the arrival of TERA – please know that this situation has no impact on our continuing efforts to realize the vision we have for our game. We are committed to making TERA awesome and delivering the game to you on time on May 1. Thank you for your patience and support."

All I can think of while watching the trailer is that their armor must be very, very uncomfortable. That being said, TERA has released a brand new trailer that really redefines what it means to be a "reveal trailer." This new trailer lets players see various Castanics in action while showcasing their uber-sultry outfits. While not quite NSFW material, maybe you should close the door before watching. Just a suggestion.

Some big news for TERA fans hoping for an early Spring release: TERA will be launching in North America on May 1, 2012! Featuring a Standard and Collector's Edition at retail and digital distribution, TERA is looking to kick this spring off with a bang.

For European players, Frogster has confirmed that they plan to launch on May 3, 2012.

If you're looking to try out this gorgeous triple-A MMO, it's not too late to sign up for TERA's beta sign-ups, or you can take part in TERA's mouthful-of-a-contest, the "Beta Retweetstakes" for the chance to receive an all-access TERA beta invitation for every closed beta and open beta test. Get a-twitterin'!