Guild Wars 2

Does anyone else here play GW2 for the pure joy of exploration and discovery?

My kids and I spend hours and hours exploring different corners and overlooked places in Tyria, just like we did in GW1, but most of the people we run into complain that our “Builds” are wrong.

We build our characters the same way we approach the rest of the game: to explore different things. Sure, our equipment, traits, and skills may not meet all the requirements for a PvP or WvW beatdown, but we have a great time discovering what each change can do for our GW2 folks.

I was just wondering if there are any other players like us, or if the whole player base is made up of 6 cookie-cutout elite build types?

-Chris

Been playing since launch and I still find new things I haven’t seen before.

i love exploraiton too
i tried to explore everything beyond the normal map borders, glitched under every map voidjumped in every map to see every spot possible

but i dont get why exploration and meta builds dont work together in your world? xD

Orangensaft.7139:

but i dont get why exploration and meta builds dont work together in your world? xD

It’s not that they don’t WORK together, it’s that if I just go online and choose a metabuild to stick with because it kicks butt all the time, I feel like I’m missing out on exploring the -character- side of the game.

It’s like buying a lego set and only using the blocks to build what’s on the directions.

-Chris

i discovered a typo in your title!

on topic; yes ,yes i do.
While i try to do zones and things in some sort of order like doing the lvl 15 zones first i end up knowing those early zones like the back of my hand.

But later after i got to lvl 80 and the gear i wish to explore with its fun all day with discovering mini dungeons, jp, hidden treasures ect

I think this type of gameplay is further enhanced with a thief with his ability to sneek pass mobs to get their treasure and a ranger that always keeps a eye out for a new pet

I absolutely love map completion because it brings me back to areas that I might not come across in my day-to-day routine.

I know others may have done it many times more, but I’ve obtained map completion 5 times (soon to be 7). It’s partly because the rewards/materials are pretty handy (I’ve gotten lucky with some BL key drops), but mainly because it’s so relaxing. There are plenty of other ways I could make gold faster in game, but this way suits me best.

I enjoy it as well and wish I was more focused about it. The darn game just has too many things to do and I don’t have enough time to give attention to them all. That’s OK though, I just keep plodding along at my own pace and enjoying it.

I love exploring in pretty much every game, but especially in GW2 because I feel like there’s always something to find. It really feels like they put more effort into encouraging not simply completing maps but poking into every little corner.

Even now I’ve got 100% exploration on my main character I’m still finding new things. A lot of it is probably trivial to most people, like different dialogue with minor NPCs, but I still enjoy it.

Yes. The exploration is probably the reason I play Guild Wars 2. In fact, sometimes I wish there were fewer enemies because they get in the way of my exploration.

I still find little bits of lore whenever I’m running around working on map exploration. The cannibalism that you partake in if you’re a human character to complete Kessex Hills is the one that stands out the most to me.

Its nice that you have your fun with that, for me that was the first 1-2months after release, but now i care more about making money so that I can make my character look good/ fill my wardrobe. I also played around with builds a bit early on, but the meta is the meta for a reason, and I would not want to run dungeons/fotm with someone running a full Magi’s gear set specced for healing because they find that fun to play as (not saying you run this but just as an example), as them running that build makes it less enjoyable for the rest for the rest of the party

they cant complain about ur build if they never see it! i do lv 50 fractals and they STILL dont know i hate the meta! but that doesnt mean i use it =DDDDD

hrasna.3017:

Does anyone else here play GW2 for the pure joy of exploration and discovery?

My kids and I spend hours and hours exploring different corners and overlooked places in Tyria, just like we did in GW1, but most of the people we run into complain that our “Builds” are wrong.

We build our characters the same way we approach the rest of the game: to explore different things. Sure, our equipment, traits, and skills may not meet all the requirements for a PvP or WvW beatdown, but we have a great time discovering what each change can do for our GW2 folks.

I was just wondering if there are any other players like us, or if the whole player base is made up of 6 cookie-cutout elite build types?

-Chris

Yeah, it’s depressing.

Almost as depressing as how I was signed out of this forum, just as I tried to post my reply to you and lost it all.

What brilliant forum design from a multi-million dollar company!

…but, I digress.

I tend to think that, while it is fun to make random builds (I do it myself), the system is just not “fit for purpose”, if it’s so unbalanced and you can so easily make “wrong” choices.

If people are just going to look their builds up online, anyway (and then lecture others), it would be better to just make a system similar to the current WoW one, where all choices are equivalents and are all pretty much equally viable.

Then, you still have choice, just no “wrong” ones.

I know it’s, potentially, slightly less interesting and in a way, it’s giving in to the boring idiots; but, unfortunately, those boring idiots effectively run the random grouping, instanced side of the game.

Hope you and your family keep enjoying the exploring.

Duke Nukem.6783:

they cant complain about ur build if they never see it! i do lv 50 fractals and they STILL dont know i hate the meta! but that doesnt mean i use it =DDDDD

Problem is, they can ask and if you refuse to tell them, they can make their assumptions and decide to lecture you anyway, or even kick you.

The choice shouldn’t be: comply, or lie.

Simple as that.

hrasna.3017:

Does anyone else here play GW2 for the pure joy of exploration and discovery?

My kids and I spend hours and hours exploring different corners and overlooked places in Tyria, just like we did in GW1, but most of the people we run into complain that our “Builds” are wrong.

We build our characters the same way we approach the rest of the game: to explore different things. Sure, our equipment, traits, and skills may not meet all the requirements for a PvP or WvW beatdown, but we have a great time discovering what each change can do for our GW2 folks.

I was just wondering if there are any other players like us, or if the whole player base is made up of 6 cookie-cutout elite build types?

-Chris

If you’re just out exploring with kids how in the world does anyone know what your build is to tell that it’s wrong, much less “most of the people?” I’m sure no one knows or cares about my build out in general PvE. No one I’ve ever encountered while wandering around has asked me about my build and certainly never commented on it.

The “cookie cut-out” builds (aka the meta builds) are there for a reason. They work, and they work well. Usually it’s zerk, zerk and more zerk.

Up until yesterday I’ve been running a condi build on my main, purely because I dislike being told what to run where (unless it’s a friend giving me advice and not a random person screaming at me because I’m not running the meta), I was used to condi, and I didn’t have the dedication or gold to switch my gear over to zerk. With that being said, I’ve really enjoyed the zerk build that I’ve been testing out on an alt, and I plan on making it my main build.

Unless you’re going into WvW, sPvP or fractals, don’t worry about what people say you “should” be running. Run what you enjoy. Period. If someone upsets you or one of your kidlets, block them and move on.

I love exploring the map. In particular I love finding places or things to jump on top of and survey my surroundings. Kind of like a cat. The other thing I still really enjoy is jumping puzzles, even though I’ve finished them all, I’d still do them again if I was in the vicinity. The best part is making it to the top as a mesmer and then portaling those you’ve passed with your superior JP skills >:3

ya, to know the little stuff is fun. AND

I know those ask for mounts wouldn’t care. “Is that a tower or mountain? couldn’t tell, already fly pass~~”

I don’t explore as much as I should do. I love exploring in games, and GW2 has some great areas to wonder around. I also think its great to see other players playing around with different builds, outside of the meta.

Also, don’t be put off by others complaining about your builds, it’s your character and your entertainment. So long as you are not intentionally doing anything to disrupt the gameplay of others (which I cannot imagine you are if you are exploring) I do not see any problem with creating any build you like. If it works for you and you are having fun with it, that is all that matters.

On the topic of exploration though, there has always been a little bugbear I have had about exploration in GW2, but it is only minor. When I explore, I like to feel like I am setting the direction. Now I know you do have that option in GW2, but the fact you have vistas, points of interest and all manner of other things highlighted on the map, I can’t help but feel like I am being directed. I could ignore them of course, but the fact they are there is a little annoying at times. Its not enough to stop me enjoying exploring, its just one of those preference things that I feel would make for much better game if there weren’t so many breadcrumbs put in front of you.

Anyway, that little niggle out of the way, I think next time I log on I am going to walk from Divinity’s Reach to some random location and see what I can see, and see what happens, along the way. Sometimes its good to stop farming or winning points for your world, and just go out into the world and enjoy the scenery.

Thanks for the post, Chris, you have insired me to exercise the explorer in me again .

Don’t bother with exploring. Haven’t done it since I finished map completion the first time.

Tigaseye.2047:

Problem is, they can ask and if you refuse to tell them, they can make their assumptions and decide to lecture you anyway, or even kick you.

The choice shouldn’t be: comply, or lie.

Simple as that.

If you want to play with a group of people you have to adhere to their philosophy and have common goals, interests and methods. This is true everywhere – from real world to gaming.

If you don’t want to conform to the group’s standards you can find another group.

Nobody has to play with people they don’t want to play with. If I don’t like your build I can subject a kick vote. If enough people from my group agree then you get kicked and have to find another group.

How is that wrong?

Definitely love exploring, finding the many hidden beauties of Tyria. So many details many miss as we run from 1 event to the other: The silly/funny and sometime sad conversations/stories of many NPC. Schools of beautiful fish at the bottom of a hidden lake. Amazing colors in out of the way gardens. Who can resist that adorable little charr female tending to her garden in a garbage dump. So so much more to discover and admirer.

I love exploring, there are still very few maps that I know so well that I can predict exactly what I will come across. I play to relax after a day at work and just wandering where I want doing what I want is the best way for me. The only areas I really am less keen on are Dry Tops as I have problems with the crystal movements, and Silverwastes, as for me, the area is too busy. I love the larger empty spaces and smaller events.

As far as meta builds go, I just don’t bother about them. They are fine if you are willing to play like a machine and in one specific type of play. The one thing all the stats can not take into account is the player and their play style. I’ve tried meta builds in other games and never done well with them, while there are plenty of DPS metas, and for other games, tank and healer meta, I have yet to see a solo survivor meta worked out. I also love proving that it is possible to do well with out using a meta. Some of my favourite memories are the surprise I have heard when I DPSed a Holy Paladin in WoW when they were only meant to be able to heal, and in GW2 when a dungeon party realised that my Ranger pet was able to tank the boss and I was able to keep them up by careful switching while I rezzed other party members.

Enjoy yourself, play the build you want, but if a dungeon party asks for zerg only don’t be surprised if they can’t understand that other options can work well if you know how to play the way you want to play.

I’ve played the game since the first beta weekend, but my family has joined only recently. I love that while playing with them they discover new things I’ve never encountered.

Yes, I do play for the joy of the discovery and the exploration.
Every time I log on, it is a new and different world.
Sure, I have 5 toons that have map completion, but with each different toon, the map is approached in a different way.
None of my 17 toons are the same build, so they can’t explore or fight in the exact same way. My learning the strengths and weaknesses of my specific toons is fun for me. Granted, at times a little exasperating, especially when I bite off more than I can chew.
I look at loot boxes the same way. Its not about what comes out, it is about the mystery that is inside the box. Don’t get me wrong, I like loots. I like all loots, even the junk. I would rather open a box and get junk than open a box and get zip. Take for instance the Orrian Jewelry boxes, 9 times out of 10 I get karma container and an unidentified object. But that one one, I get something cool. Heck I got 12 unidentified objects once out of a single box, sorta made me wonder what those 12 things were.

I play because I enjoy the game. For the pure thrill of discovery and exploration. If I did not enjoy it, I would not be here.

hrasna.3017:

Does anyone else here play GW2 for the pure joy of exploration and discovery?

My kids and I spend hours and hours exploring different corners and overlooked places in Tyria, just like we did in GW1, but most of the people we run into complain that our “Builds” are wrong.

We build our characters the same way we approach the rest of the game: to explore different things. Sure, our equipment, traits, and skills may not meet all the requirements for a PvP or WvW beatdown, but we have a great time discovering what each change can do for our GW2 folks.

I was just wondering if there are any other players like us, or if the whole player base is made up of 6 cookie-cutout elite build types?

-Chris

PvE Open World:

• What build you run in OWPvE is none of anyone else’s business. I would be surprised if anyone would question your build out there.
• There is no wrong build in OWPvE, just varying levels of effectiveness for each particular situation.

PvE Dungeons:

• Now this one is a little different, since you are grouping up with others normally but as long as you don’t try to get in a speed or elite group you should be fine with any standard build.

PvP Structured:

• Since for most PvP people winning IS everything, ineffectual team builds would naturally be frowned upon.

WvW:

• I have 100% WvW map complete on all 5 characters and nobody has ever asked to see my build.
• If you are roaming by yourself then the effectiveness of your build should only matter to you.
• And if you are in the Zerg, builds are utterly meaningless unless you are on Tier 1 server

In summary: Play the game with any build you want, this is encouraged by ANet. If somebody doesn’t like your build they will kick you from the party; if you complain they will either block or berate. If so, block them right back and move on.
Life is too short for in game interpersonal tension.

7 times map completion and working on the 8th now.

By far the most beautiful world in any game I’ve played.

Absolutely love it!

Image.8630:

Definitely love exploring, finding the many hidden beauties of Tyria. So many details many miss as we run from 1 event to the other: The silly/funny and sometime sad conversations/stories of many NPC. Schools of beautiful fish at the bottom of a hidden lake. Amazing colors in out of the way gardens. Who can resist that adorable little charr female tending to her garden in a garbage dump. So so much more to discover and admirer.

Where is this? I now have to see it…. I remember the first time I was on by myself because my friends weren’t able to play that night. I spent the entire night slowly exploring Lion’s Arch (pre-destroying) and I kept telling my husband how beautiful everything was… I’ve kind of let my map completion quest overtake slowing down to see the sights… but I still stop and admire the detail and places in the game…

I liked exploring in GW2, right up to Dry Top. For some reason, that zone bugs me. However, the vanilla game exploration was great. I use the past tense only because I’ve done it on enough characters that I very seldom find anything new anymore.

Having 15 characters and 8 times world completion I must say there are only few places I haven’t been…. I love secret corners like the strawberry farm or the turkey room.

If you do not run meta…. Well not dungeon meta, I guess you might be running exploration and discovery meta… It fits well in the huge list we already have.

DPS builds for dungeons, fractals, open world bosses, specialized builds for world bosses, wvw support, roaming, condi, zerg,healing builds, pvp meta…. I think there is planty of space for 1 or a few more.

I think exploring builds is also a part of exploring the world.

I play builds cause I like them OR because they are effective or both Or because I have a specific wish, I remember my mace/mace, hammer weakness cc build…. bola, fear me!, kick, rampage……

It works very well against igniters, each time they open up you shut’m down, unfortunately it leaves only 1 fight in cof …. or shaman ardureus the guild mission bounty…

Enjoy sightseeing.

I’ve only been playing for a month and I’m obsessed with exploring and farming. Have played little wvw, pvp and fractals but starting to get into it. But exploring is awesome.

As for the build I personally don’t give a hoot. I don’t like following “proper build guides” and love building as I see fit and what works for me. In fact my lvl 80 guardian still runs around with a mismatch set of lvl 30 to 50 armor and whatever runes, sigils or whatever upgrades I have to dump in there. I am working towards crafting my own proper set while I still decide what it is exactly I wanna do. It’s supposed to be fun after all.

It sounds like you and Gibson are having a blast with the family. I so whish my wife wouldcatch an interest

Keep on enjoying.

Harper.4173:

Tigaseye.2047:

Problem is, they can ask and if you refuse to tell them, they can make their assumptions and decide to lecture you anyway, or even kick you.

The choice shouldn’t be: comply, or lie.

Simple as that.

If you want to play with a group of people you have to adhere to their philosophy and have common goals, interests and methods. This is true everywhere – from real world to gaming.

If you don’t want to conform to the group’s standards you can find another group.

Nobody has to play with people they don’t want to play with. If I don’t like your build I can subject a kick vote. If enough people from my group agree then you get kicked and have to find another group.

How is that wrong?

Yes, I’m aware you can do that, that was basically my point.

It’s wrong only in that it’s antisocial to put saving a few minutes of your life, over the freedom of choice of other players/customers of a game.

This is not cutting edge raiding we’re talking about here, it’s a few old dungeons…

But, ultimately, it’s the designers of the game’s fault for designing it to favour certain (very rigid and boring) playstyles, classes and builds.

It’s only your fault, in the sense that nicer people tend to be more patient and openminded towards others and are less overly-concerned about efficiency.

Even then, that probably isn’t so much your fault, as the way you’re wired.