Guild Wars 2

As I was typing in another thread, I started to think about the way traits are handed out now, and it seems like a problem to me. There should be a smoother way to show a sense of progression in the game, and here’s what I suggest:

As far as the traits go, why change it up so much? Since we’re using 1 trait instead of 5 for each “tier” and we used to get a point every level, why not get them every 5 levels starting at level 15? That gives players 5 levels to start playing around with crafting, and starts the player out using trait points when they should be entering the next zone (exiting the beginner 1-15 zone). The Apprentice traits should unlock at lvl 15 of course, the Master at lvl 35 (when the player will have reached 5 trait points) and Grandmaster at level 55 (when the player reaches 9 points).

Additionally, I think we should learn to swap weapons at level 5, by that time people have unlocked and gotten used to their weapon’s abilities, and giving the ability to swap will allow them to equip a second set to unlock skills and switch back to the first set if needed a little earlier. Then at lvl 10, unlock a utility slot, this is a direct progression move (crafting is optional and may not serve as a sense of progression for many people). Then unlock utility slots every 10 levels, with the second at lvl 20, the third at 30, and hold the elite til lvl 40 (or 50). I find that on most of my characters, I skip grabbing any of the 6 point utility skills while leveling up so I can save up for an elite skill when it becomes available. Deferring the elite til later will not only allow players more freedom to choose those 6 point skills they want and use them but it pushes a point of progression later in the game. [Personal Story Spoiler] IIRC, the Battle for Claw Island is around lvl 50 which is a big turning point in the story, making the elite available at lvl 50 may be a nice companion piece to go along with that story quest to build it up even more (think, the first time you’re able to really use it, you’re in the midst of a large battle!)

With the big surprises out of the way at lvl 55 (with all left to do is gaining trait points every 5 levels and unlocking more utility skills with skill points to empower your character) the player can focus on the personal story which really starts to focus on the main antagonist at that point. The player will really be able to play with builds at this point as they level up to 80.

I think this would be a much smoother transition than what we have now. Thoughts or suggestions?