Guild Wars 2

So have you ever stumbled across an area that really wows you, but for obvious reasons such as hearts, dynamic events, and hostile mobs, you can’t really use it as a social area? I think I have an idea that might work!

Essentially, what I’d like to see are ‘Alternate Versions’ of certain areas in the game — take, just for example, the pirate ville in Lornar’s Pass or the beaches across Lion’s Arch — instances that sort of work like a personal story instance, except it isn’t ‘personal’ in the sense that the Salma District might be, but it simply allows players to zone into a version of the area that is an open instance simply lacking in events, hearts, or enemy targets. Anyone could enter and the zone should never be personal/closed off.

Players could enter the instance through speaking to, perhaps, a ‘Fractal Representative’ that teleports the player to a “Fractal” version of certain areas in the game—small little areas that are purely there for social purposes. Whether you want to throw a party, take epic screenshots or soak up the scenery of this beautiful game without the interruptions of PvE in the way, you could simply arrive there and start partying or roleplaying or whatever floats your boat, really.

Things could be taken a step further and perhaps non-intrusive additions could be made to these areas, such as mini-games and environmental/scenery props you can make use of like chairs or diving boards. Guild leaders and officers could unlock an upgrade through perhaps the Architecture tree that lets the guild use a ‘Guild’ version of the instance (for meetings / events or what have you) for a small Influence fee.

All that said, I think it’d be pretty cool if it were done right. I feel it would be best if these alternate instances were restricted to open social instances and a guild instance that can be opened by guild leaders/officers with the proper upgrades to their guild, but that’s mostly because I have a fear that allowing for personal ‘1-5 player’ versions of these instances will lead to segregation of groups and players.

Do you agree? Do you disagree? Do you have a different take on the matter? Voice your thoughts below, please!

Peace out and enjoy the new year!
-Runo