Third party programs and hacks have always been the bane of any MMORPG, and in this news update about K2 Network's MU Online, we find out about the steps that they're taking to combat the negative effects of such elements. Can you say rollback and GameGuard patching? Yes, you can. Here's hoping other MMORPG hosts can, too. All the details in the full article.

K2 Network has announced that their Free2Play title Global MU Online, the banner under which the Korean MMORPG title MU Online is being marketed worldwide, will be getting a new expansion later this month.

Dubbed Global MU Online Season 2, the expansion will bring new armor sets, weapons, monsters and maps to the game. Also in the expansion is a new PvP Shield feature called the SD Shield. This feature will allows classes to engage in combat with one another based on level, rather than on stat point distribution or individual classes' strengths and weaknesses.

The expansion will also give players access to a new Windowed Mode. Just as the name suggests, this mode will let players run the game in a window rather than the usual full-screen mode so they can do other stuff on their PCs while playing the game.

For a look at Season 2, check out the screenshots below as well as the lone piece of concept art up top.

Click on Full Article for screenshots from the new expansion!

MU Online was first released in South Korea in 2003, and because of its success, publisher K2 Network decided to market it worldwide under the banner Global MU Online. The game is basically, about this lost continent of Mu, which is pretty much like Atlantis. A great war destroyed all of its rulers, and it is now up to the players to restore order.

Anyway, K2 Network just announced that it will be releasing the first ever expansion, Cry Wolf, on March 27. Cry Wolf will only be available for premium users, so sorry free players. K2 has cited a list of improvements which will be made possible by the expansion:

• Explore Aida and the Fortress of Cry Wolf. Adventure and quest your way in Aida to level 380 and prepare for the Fortress of Cry Wolf.
• The ability to build and ride the powerful wolf Fenrir plus unique weapons and armor sets for each class.
• Never before seen monsters and NPCs including Werewolves, Witch Queens, Death Trees and Dark Elves.

K2 also added that a bi-weekly Cry Wolf event will be held. A total of 1,500 humans and elves will fight against the Kundun and their tyrannical boss Balgass. Global MU Online: Cry Wolf will be available for download in Europe, North America, and South America, so watch out for it.

Oh my God! what's this? MU Online gamers are losing their pets already and yet, our last coverage on this MMO dates back to the Old Stone Age? But wait, what if we stole the pets and that's exactly why we're so mum about this MMO. Haha, don't laugh. It could be a possibility. Don't you think so?

At any rate, we guess we'll just have to proceed. Apparently, a recent migration affected Dark Lord pets. Now, players are having a hard time and finding these poor little creatures. Fortunately for them, developer K2 Network has already come up with a solution to the problem. The company's official statement reads,

K2 Network is currently fixing Dark Lord pets affected by the migration. However, in order for us to fix your pet's level, you must submit a ticket; it will not automatically be done. Additionally, we can only restore your pet's level if you are in possession of it.

Once we receive your ticket, the pet's level will be restored. After your pet's level has been restored, it will be placed back in your vault.

So there, they've replace your pets already. What else do you need? And just to keep records straight, we didn't steal your old pets. Honest, we didn't...

In an effort to put the needs of their gamers first, Global MU Online became the first highly subscription model MMORPG to be converted to the cutting edge hybrid K2 Network Free2Play and Pay2Play pricing model. K2 Network has added an array of features with the commercialization of Global MU Online.

In the Free2Pay model, players can download and play full versions of the title without putting a dent on their wallets since it's free. Users also have the option to access enhanced gameplay including extensive in-game events, new items and unlimited customer support on the Pay2Play model.

The people at K2 Network believe that the 2 pricing models are the best solution since they should only pay when they are already receiving a high level of quality and enjoyment. Now, Pay2Play users can choose from two purchase plans: Pay per minute with rates starting at $7 for 30 hours or pay per month with rates starting at $12.

This change spawned more changes in the gameplay since new event maps were added. Blood Castle features an array of divine weapons and the introduction of Archangel as well as new monsters. The Devil's Square map pits 10 players against a wave of incoming monsters. Those that survive are rewarded with an experience bonus and the prestige of mastering the map.

This coming summer, K2 Network has big plans for MU for they plan on introducing Castle Siege and Cry Wolf which have new maps, a fortress, castle invasions, new combatant mounts, new monsters, new skills, new items to equip, and the addition of the Lord's Mix.