Guild Wars 2

Before when I went into lower level zones, I got:
some lv 80 blue gear,
some gear at the level of the zone.

Now when I go into lower level zones I get:
some lv 80 blue gear,
some gear at the level of the zone.

What has changed?

It depends on your definition of low-level.

Before, if memory serves, there was a floor-limit of 50 levels in difference.
If you’re level80 and you went to a level20 zone, you wouldn’t be getting level80 drops… EVER.

Assuming that’s correct, then what’s different is, NOW you can get level80 gear in the beginning zones. You can explore more freely without worrying about a level-gap.

Basically, it’s more rewarding to roam into a beginner zone. Whereas before, if you’re even remotely concerned about drops and walked into a starter zone, it’s not a “Ugh, time to turn around” moment.

It’s not meant to be game breaking. It’s just a subtle nudge of freedom.

Before the patch you have 75% to get 80lv item.
Check for “item”
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/info/news/Game-Update-Notes-November-15-2012/first#post808152

nelopp.6140:

Before the patch you have 75% to get 80lv item.
Check for “item”
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/info/news/Game-Update-Notes-November-15-2012/first#post808152

That patch was -175% to get ANY item, now it’s only like +5% moldy bags.

nelopp.6140:

Before the patch you have 75% to get 80lv item.
Check for “item”
https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/info/news/Game-Update-Notes-November-15-2012/first#post808152

Ah, so the difference is actually greater. (That’s a good thing)

I thought it was anything within 50 levels. It was in fact anything with 1/3 of your level.

If you were level80
Before: Areas level55~80 for gear your level
After: Areas between level1~80 for gear your level

Any complaint about drop-rate is pretty anecdotal and not to be trusted. The patch has only been out for about a day, and getting any level80 drops at all in areas below 54 is completely new – So the intended purpose of the change is an overall success: We can go to any zone freely and still expect drops of our level.