Patch 3.0.0 also known as "Phase One" of Runes of Magic's Chapter III: The Elder Kingdoms update, will hit live servers sometime this week. This latest update will raise the level cap to 60, add the new "Thunderhoof Hills" zone, introduce a new collectible card system to the game, improve the game's party recruitment and public encounters interfaces, add new guild castle features and minigames, and more.

A special leveling promotion dubbed "Expedition 60!" has also been announced. The promotion will go on for 10 weeks, with the first "event" having taken place this past weekend. This weekend players enjoyed a nice 50% boost to experience gain, and from the sounds of it, the following 10 weeks may see additional bonus XP weekends, though we'll find out for sure as Frogster promises to release updates on their plans for the promotion on a weekly basis.

Find out more about "Phase One" of Runes of Magic's Chapter III: The Elder Kingdoms update here.

[Thanks Christopher8 for the tip!]