Guild Wars 2

Hello everyone,

As the title says, I have been away for about 4 years. I have forgotten just about everything about Guild Wars 2, so it is all new to me again. Trouble is that what I do remember seems to have been changed a bit. I figure GW2 has gone through many changes in 4 years and I definitely need a refresher. I seem to be having more fun this time than I did before I quit the game for awhile. Now my only frustration was downloading the game and that is over so no more frustration.

Hmm, I guess what I am asking is how many changes have been made? I purchased HoT already so I have that level 80 boost… is it worth it to use that token? I feel as if I want to experience the journey to 80, so perhaps I will just let it sit in my inventory.

I have been away so long, I regret that a little. I don’t remember seasons and episodes being a part of the game when I last played, and I don’t remember masteries.

Well, that is all I can think of at this point. I hope you all have GG time in GW2. I would appreciate any kind of advice or critic.

There have, indeed, been many, many changes. For a quick run-down, you can peruse the ‘Releases’ (link above); for more in-depth information, you can read the Game Update Notes in the Wiki (link above).

I would suggest you leave the L80 Boost until you are more familiar with the game. Leveling naturally will afford you tutorial tips and rewards.

Welcome return, and good luck.

Start from scratch and the game will teach you what you need as you go along. Dont use the boost, itll will only confuse you more until you settle back in.

Season 1 is go e for good im afraid, but seasons 2 and seasons 3 are buyable from the store when u get to that point.

There is way too much to really list for 4 years, but id perhaps use wiki to peruse the following subjects

- heart of thorns
- masteries
- elite specialisations
- fractals
- ascended equipment

Most apply to level 80 but will give you an idea of where you are headed should you wish to know

I’m not sure where to begin listing all the changes, I think it would actually be easier to list things that haven’t changed. I agree with Randulf that the best approach would be to start a new character, don’t use the level 80 boost and just play through the game normally, you’ll learn it as you’re going along.

But if you come across anything that doesn’t make sense you can always ask here or in-game. Or check the Wiki, there’s a lot of good information on there.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the advice.

Yeah, the level 80 boost seemed a bit too tempting to me but I also enjoy the journey, so it will just have to sit.

Ok, the Wiki will come in handy. I will look through it if I can drag myself from the game long enough, hehe.

As pretty much the others have said, there have been a lot of changes, in the past 4 years. Way to many to list, especially if you were gone for that long.
Just play the game and don’t worry about the differences between back then and now.
Without the play time, you won’t know what you missed, the good and the bad.

As for the insta 80, it is pretty cool to have.
But even if you do use it, you can always create new characters and go through the stories naturally.

The game has changed A LOT!
Why not play your current character and learn most of those changes first.
Then you could take a more educated approach to using that level 80 boost.
There is a new character type that you might decide you want at level 80 as your main
character with that new knowledge. Even the old character types have very many changed skills and abilities that could also interest you as a main,
The level 80 boost is a very nice thing to have. Tempting as it is to use though, I hope you wait and use it when your sure you did the right thing.

Have to agree the new user experience has vastly changed since you have been gone and has a whole system of tips and next up’s built in that it would be well worth the time to start at level 1 and go from there. Save the booster once you want to start alt-ing. The wiki is a good resource but its that, a resource to point question to as you go if the in game details weren’t enough. Mind you wiki is player managed and edited so there might be some info that could be off but the wiki people do put in a lot of time to maintain. Welcome back and hope that you enjoy!

Yeah, I plan to hang onto the level 80 boost, at least with my current main which I started last night. Human warrior, because I have trouble with ranged characters in most RPGs. Thanks for all the advice folks.

One thing I did notice is that it seems easier to gain experience and level up a character. I don’t know if that is because the starter area is less populated, or if there was some sort of QoL change done by Anet. I hope I don’t get overwhelmed later on when I make it towards the end game. I will enjoy the journey though, you can bet on that.

They did change the first 10-15 levels to be faster (and easier?) It’s difficult for vets to tell, I think, as we are so used to the mechanics/game.

Take your time, the journey is beautiful. =)