Guild Wars 2

I dont know why, might be really subjective, but I like the beauty of the Sylvari start place, how it naturally progresses and the nature all around. It does not feel boring at all, this might be really subjective since I did started off as a Sylvari, but even now, when I start a new profession, I find it alot of fun.

Just wanted to know if it was simply subjective, or others also do find this place to be the best…..so:

Which start place do you like, and why?

in terms of fastest leveling through em, human, in terms of beauty, metrica province

Caledon Forest for me as well. It’s very well designed and accessible, probably the most immersive starter area.

I find Metrica Provice to be the best looking zone, and it just flows right. It also has lots of interesting NPCs, dialogues, and events which really adds to the zone. It is always the first place I go when creating a character (after the cities).

Shiverpeaks! I immediately put all my new characters there, regardless of race. Although, the human maps are easier and faster to complete in my opinion. Each area really does have it’s own charm, but I love the snowy areas best of all. Hoelbrak is my city of choice too.

I’m actually partial to the human areas, because they have the most buildings that look like actual settlements that a number of people can live in. Not that there aren’t token buildings for the other races (Asura actually get some serious installations, for instance), but they tend to feel like set dressing rather than lived in spaces.

Plus I like green grass and blue skies.

The Charr and Norn areas are my favorite starting areas. The charr area snuck up on me. I didn’t even realize it until you posted this question. lol

I hate them all equally.

Metrica Province, for the sheer amount of NPC dialogue and amusement happening.

I’m a fan of Caledon Forrest.

I personally find the world more engaging with 1st person mode and removing HUD with ctrl + alt + right shift + H.

(still yet to explore anywhere else though)

I love Queensdale.
I just love the human zones/characters/theme/buildings in general.

I don’t care for the other races to be honest.

I really like Queensdale, which works out nicely because I enjoy playing human characters. I haven’t properly played through norn, asura or charr starter zones, so I couldn’t really comment on those. I really enjoy the sylvari starter zone as well.

Human, then probably a tie between Norn and Charr. I don’t like the Sylvari and Asura too much they seem too compacted and everything all crammed in, no real open spaces and that sense of fresh air.

Oh and the horrible map for sylvari, I mean the physical map when you open the map or minimap. It just looks like a mess. Surely they could tidy that up some so the general feeling of the actual map does not look all crammed in so much and just a mess to understand what that or this is. But maybe that’s just me lol…

Charr and Norn areas neck and neck for the top spot. Queensdale a distant third. Not much on Caledon and Metrica.

paintpixie.7398:

Shiverpeaks! I immediately put all my new characters there, regardless of race. Although, the human maps are easier and faster to complete in my opinion. Each area really does have it’s own charm, but I love the snowy areas best of all. Hoelbrak is my city of choice too.

^ This. I always do Wayfarer Foothills first, after that mostly Queensdale.
Metrica is the starter zone i like the least.

Else also Hoelbrak is my home and mostly i’m playing in Dredgehaunt Cliff,
Timberline Falls and Frostgorge

Queensdale is the way to go.

Caledon and Metrica are too jungley. Ascalon is too dry and brown. Shiverpeaks are to snowy.

Green hills, calm rivers, crystal lakes, quiet forests… that’s the way to go.

I have to agree Caledon has, by far, the best area layout by level. It flows properly as you level up, making it difficult to wander into too high a level without you noticing. Ashford would be 2nd, but the open space doesn’t funnel you as well…. And the fact that 2 heart don’t spawn at all unless you talk to the Scout makes it insanely confusing if you didn’t start Charr.

Next I would rate Queensdale and Wayfarer’s. They split part of the map off so you can’t wander into the upper levels until at least lvl 6. This is nice for the beginning, but some areas on the other side have big level jumps that can get you off guard. There are also a lot of sheer hills used as dividers, but face the wrong way. Most players have a tendency to want to travel downhill if given the option; and will sometimes go that direction despite it being there as a deterrent.

Metrica Providence is the worst design wise. In true Asuran fashion, you have to be very cognizant about the design, as it regularly wants you to double back to reach a level appropriate area. Its also got a lot of non-obvious short cuts that get explorers into trouble. And don’t get me started on the Inquest complex entrance being on the other side of the map. However, it also has the most activity, and the most amusing dynamic events. I just wish the Battleground Plaza design and event timers were better so you’d realize the Golem fights have 4 major Krewes, each with their own events; And that periodically there is a major event where the 4 Krewes go Captain Planet against the Inquest.

Caledon for sure! The Norn area is my least favourite – I guess having lived in a place with snow 6 months out of the year made me less tolerant of it in any medium! It’s usually the maps I complete last.

Wayfarer Foothills. I love cold, snowy places, mountains with rivers and lakes (in games and in real life). The quests are fun too.

starlinvf.1358:

However, it also has the most activity, and the most amusing dynamic events. I just wish the Battleground Plaza design and event timers were better so you’d realize the Golem fights have 4 major Krewes, each with their own events; And that periodically there is a major event where the 4 Krewes go Captain Planet against the Inquest.

LOL! I have to see this!

Really, my favorite city is Rata Sum, I love the geometry of the city. As for Starting zone… I think Wayfarer Foothills is the best despite the fact I haven’t made a norn. I love the beautiful snowy area. Though, Metrica Province definitely has some of the best events and best hearts (talking with ‘big words’ to skritt, anyone?).

AegisRunestone.8672:

starlinvf.1358:

However, it also has the most activity, and the most amusing dynamic events. I just wish the Battleground Plaza design and event timers were better so you’d realize the Golem fights have 4 major Krewes, each with their own events; And that periodically there is a major event where the 4 Krewes go Captain Planet against the Inquest.

LOL! I have to see this!

Really, my favorite city is Rata Sum, I love the geometry of the city. As for Starting zone… I think Wayfarer Foothills is the best despite the fact I haven’t made a norn. I love the beautiful snowy area. Though, Metrica Province definitely has some of the best events and best hearts (talking with ‘big words’ to skritt, anyone?).

Oh man… I forgot about the Skritt observation lab. This was the place that first introduced hints of how Skritt intelligence works. It wasn’t until the Personal story that I finally realized how it all works; And to this day Skritt remained my favorite NPC race.