Guild Wars 2

and how much will it be?

You will still be able to keep playing without buying HoT.
You will not get access to certain HoT specific things however. Such as the Masteries and the Elite Specializations. Nor the new areas (I would assume).

As for cost we do not know. But I would guess somewhere between $39,99 and $59,99 for the standard version.

The aim is for people with HoT and people without HoT to be equally competitive, those with HoT will have more options (because of the Revenant and because of elite specializations) but they will not have a higher level cap or access to a higher gear tier.

lordkrall.7241:

You will still be able to keep playing without buying HoT.
You will not get access to certain HoT specific things however. Such as the Masteries and the Elite Specializations. Nor the new areas (I would assume).

As for cost we do not know. But I would guess somewhere between $39,99 and $59,99 for the standard version.

Really? that expensive??

Tomer.4098:

Really? that expensive??

That is standard price for MMO expansions at release.

Expensive? Lol what? I paid gw2 around 40 euros in store if i recall right.

lordkrall.7241:

Tomer.4098:

Really? that expensive??

That is standard price for MMO expansions at release.

I’d pay that much for a new stand-alone campaign. Well. I would have, before 2014.

Tomer.4098:

Really? that expensive??

Nobody really knows. It could be free. It could be a million dollars. All we can do is guess based on what we have seen vs similar things. Assuming multiple editions I would be surprised at any number lower than $20 for the no-frills one but I am just guessing too.

Menadena.7482:

Nobody really knows. It could be free. It could be a million dollars. All we can do is guess based on what we have seen vs similar things. Assuming multiple editions I would be surprised at any number lower than $20 for the no-frills one but I am just guessing too.

Actually we know for a fact that it won’t be free.

lordkrall.7241:

Actually we know for a fact that it won’t be free.

I was just being facetious in saying we do not know price info at all so any number from us is just a guess. One penny as the lower limit then.

I’m sure HoT will not be mandatory to buy, but I imagine it’s going to have the likes of how GW:EN was when it was released for Guild Wars 1. GW:EN was not required, but when it came down to it, I practically had to buy it. I wasn’t able to run any meta builds (because of quite frankly how OP was the EoTN skills were), no parties wanted me because I lacked these skills and could not fill out the standard meta builds, and I had a severe lack of access to improved content (builds, skills, heroes, etc) which had a very detrimental impact to my characters.

Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Unknown as yet, assume between 20-40 bucks

Crossflip.4390:

Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Unknown as yet, assume between 20-40 bucks

How is it mandatory?
You will still be able to play everything currently available in the game without HoT.

The expansions were never required in WoW.

And as for price, using LS2 pricing as a comparison, it should cost around what was said earlier, $40-$60.

Not sure what you mean by mandatory. None of WoW’s expansions were mandatory.

They were mandatory if you wanted to participate in the expansion content, but there were enough people who played vanilla WoW without upgrading to BC and so on.

Will you require HoT to access the expansion content. Sure, oherwise why sell an expansion?

Will you still have access to the game and everything you have access to now? Yes, so the expansion by all definitions is not mandatory.

Mandatory expansions are ones were you lose access to the game due to server version and your version being different.

Cyninja.2954:

Not sure what you mean by mandatory. None of WoW’s expansions were mandatory.

They were mandatory if you wanted to participate in the expansion content, but there were enough people who played vanilla WoW without upgrading to BC and so on.

Mandatory expansions are ones were you lose access to the game due to server version and your version being different.

“Mandatory” would be an expansion that puts you at a significant disadvantage to everyone that buys it. WoW expansions were like this, HoT will not be. ANet has said multiple times that HoT will give more options, but not better or more competitive options.

We’ll find out when the 2nd expansion comes out. If you need HoT to play that, then HoT is mandatory.

Garambola.2461:

We’ll find out when the 2nd expansion comes out. If you need HoT to play that, then HoT is mandatory.

I think i remember hearing(in a gw2 video) that any thing that comes out after HOT will require you to have HOT? Maybe?

All specializations I see as alternate play styles. If they are not, then they are improved versions of what we already have (only unlikely exception being a future spec that sucks so bad it detracts from the original). So, not buying HoT means we lose or miss out on the best of over half of all potential play styles if we have no access to specializations. Forgive me if it’s a bit presumptuous, but this sounds like it will hurt competitively.

Not that I wouldn’t buy the expansion. I’m not spending $60 cuz I’m a college going Scrooge, but I love this game and the work being put into the expansion. Moment I find it a decent price I’ll be joining everyone else.

Kury.8210:

All specializations I see as alternate play styles. If they are not, then they are improved versions of what we already have (only unlikely exception being a future spec that sucks so bad it detracts from the original). So, not buying HoT means we lose or miss out on the best of over half of all potential play styles if we have no access to specializations. Forgive me if it’s a bit presumptuous, but this sounds like it will hurt competitively.

Not that I wouldn’t buy the expansion. I’m not spending $60 cuz I’m a college going Scrooge, but I love this game and the work being put into the expansion. Moment I find it a decent price I’ll be joining everyone else.

1) ANet stated that the goal is for elite specializations to be different, not better. If they do this successfully then there’s no worry. So far the elites don’t seem to break anything, as there are distinct benefits and drawbacks.

2) Personally expecting 30-40$ based on absolutely nothing. Charging the same price as the base game is absolutely silly to expect though.

No it will not be mandatory. I, for example, am currently not intending to buy it. The price has not yet been revealed.

The new Elite specs will be exclusive to HoT, not the new core specializations. There was a statement that those will be added to the core game before HoT releases.

I’m more worried about if it’ll be worth spending the money on than how much it costs. If it’s just basically another Dry Top or Silverwastes with a few added weapon skills then idk lol.

Dante.1763:

Garambola.2461:

We’ll find out when the 2nd expansion comes out. If you need HoT to play that, then HoT is mandatory.

I think i remember hearing(in a gw2 video) that any thing that comes out after HOT will require you to have HOT? Maybe?

That was regarding LS updates. Basically if you don’t get HoT then no more content updates for you unless you are playing mainly WvW and PvP in which case no problem, you still get updates.

Khisanth.2948:

That was regarding LS updates. Basically if you don’t get HoT then no more content updates for you unless you are playing mainly WvW and PvP in which case no problem, you still get updates.

Aw okay then, still though, needed for more LS stuff, which im sure is how they are going to build up for their next expansion, if they do another.

Kako.1930:

I’m more worried about if it’ll be worth spending the money on than how much it costs. If it’s just basically another Dry Top or Silverwastes with a few added weapon skills then idk lol.

Yeah … right now HoT sounds like it is either FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR from completion or extremely lackluster.

People are aware that we didn’t really know much more than this before original release as well, right?

lordkrall.7241:

People are aware that we didn’t really know much more than this before original release as well, right?

We knew more before the original release because there was more to know.

But how much more did we really know?
The vast majority of the content of the game were completely unknown until the game was actually released.

lordkrall.7241:

People are aware that we didn’t really know much more than this before original release as well, right?

There were at least more “hey this sounds really fun and interesting”. Some of those things didn’t really pan out but that is more about the game not fulfilling its potential.

Then again some of that lack of excitement is because it is being tempered by those previous failures.

lordkrall.7241:

Crossflip.4390:

Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Unknown as yet, assume between 20-40 bucks

How is it mandatory?
You will still be able to play everything currently available in the game without HoT.

We’ve been told that future Living World content will require HoT. So it’s mandatory “if you want to experience any future story content” it seems.

1. Yes it is mandatory in the same way WoW is mandatory. All future content will require HoT to play, you will be at a significant disadvantage in both mats/economics, cosmetics, and story.

2. Probably $10-25 based on the amount of content being given to us.

Edit: actually it will be worse than WoW since you will be at a disadvantage in PvP without access to specializations. So it will be MORE mandatory than WoW is.

ZudetGambeous.9573:

Edit: actually it will be worse than WoW since you will be at a disadvantage in PvP without access to specializations. So it will be MORE mandatory than WoW is.

Not quite true. Some Specs are going to be used in PVP and theres already debates going on…on the few released already if they will be viable or not. Time will tell, but i could see them just being a different way to play, not better, or worse. if done right of course.

Dante.1763:

ZudetGambeous.9573:

Edit: actually it will be worse than WoW since you will be at a disadvantage in PvP without access to specializations. So it will be MORE mandatory than WoW is.

Not quite true. Some Specs are going to be used in PVP and theres already debates going on…on the few released already if they will be viable or not. Time will tell, but i could see them just being a different way to play, not better, or worse. if done right of course.

Yes because Anet is the master of balance and quickly change any problems and never ever introduce more powerful things later on….

Simple answer to the question.

Everyone who will not be getting the expansion raise your hand.

Palindrome.8904:

1) ANet stated that the goal is for elite specializations to be different, not better. If they do this successfully then there’s no worry. So far the elites don’t seem to break anything, as there are distinct benefits and drawbacks.

This response changes nothing from what I said. If all the specializations are different, then each specialization bring options people who didn’t buy the expansion won’t have.

Or I could just be terribly confused… What’s the difference between elite specializations and core specializations?

ZudetGambeous.9573:

1. Yes it is mandatory in the same way WoW is mandatory. All future content will require HoT to play, you will be at a significant disadvantage in both mats/economics, cosmetics, and story.

2. Probably $10-25 based on the amount of content being given to us.

Edit: actually it will be worse than WoW since you will be at a disadvantage in PvP without access to specializations. So it will be MORE mandatory than WoW is.

Except that in a wow expansion the level cap goes up, and that would put you at a disadvantage in WoW PvP if I’m not mistaken.

On topic:

You will still be able to play the base game and all it’s contents if you decide not to get HoT. Obviously anything HoT related will be locked away/not playable until you have bought that X-PAC.

I do wonder though if running around as a revenant will be a thing against players who have not bought HoT? Don’t know if there’s any unbalance there but still.

Vaguely on topic:

Guys come on, wake up. This is 2015. Please name 5 fully detailed, content-packed expansions released in the last 5 years under massive game companies in regards to mega popular games that were priced at $20 or less.

There’s probably not many. At all.

Guess what.

Age of Mythology was a popular old strategy game from ages ago and is sill being sold in stores to this day for around $20. That’s an old game. Your shiny new HoT X-Pac ain’t gonna cost $20. It WILL cost above $35 AT THE LEAST. And I’m not saying this because that’s how much I’d pay for it, no – I’d be willing to pay whatever price.. That’s aside the point though – but simply seeing all the EXPENSIVE COUGH $40+ price range COUGH popular game X-Pacs being released over the recent years won’t be making HoT’s price tag any cheaper, kids.

I bought GW2 for $50 AUD a year after release. I am not sure what the original price tag for it upon release was (probably $70+?) but X-Pacs are generally going to be on par with the base game price or a little under. LITTLE.

I’m laughing at people stating HoT better be within $15-$20. It’s almost cringeworthy.

lordkrall.7241:

Crossflip.4390:

Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Unknown as yet, assume between 20-40 bucks

How is it mandatory?

As mandatory as in WoW – which was the question. That means you won’t be forced to buy HoT in order to continue playing the game, but the devs assumption would be that everyone really playing it would buy the expansion (and the remainder can safely be ignored).

If you don’t buy it I will come to your house and you know what happens from there. Yes it is mandatory. Rules are rules.

Kury.8210:

Or I could just be terribly confused… What’s the difference between elite specializations and core specializations?

The differences are the following:
1) Core specializations are available to everyone, elite specializations are only available to those with the expansion.
2) You can either use 3 core specializations or 2 core specializations and 1 elite specialization. This doesn’t matter yet but it will when Anet introduces more elite specializations at some point in time after HoT.
3) Using an elite specialization changes your profession name (and also profession icon I think), while using a core specialization does not.
4) Using an elite specialization gives access to an additional weapon and additional healing/utility/elite skills, a core specialization does not.
5) Elite specializations somewhat change a profession’s profession mechanic, a core specialization does not.

If you plan on playing GW2 after HoT, yes its “mandatory”. Its silly to think otherwise. Imagine buying WoW today and just getting the original, because why the heck do you even need the expansions?!

I am hoping that Anet will use price to leverage player acceptance… selling it for $50+ would be kittened. but you never know.

Vayne.8563:

Except that in a wow expansion the level cap goes up, and that would put you at a disadvantage in WoW PvP if I’m not mistaken.

WoW PVP was balanced on level ranges, which the level cap pre-expansion was the pvp cap after expansion. So if the pre-expansion cap was 70, then 70 would be the cap of that tier and anyone above that would be in a different ladder. Other then alts or new races you wouldn’t be at a disadvantage. Which oddly enough depending on how they balanced the specializations in GW2 it maybe worse than WoW asfar as a disadvantage.

But in regards to it being mandatory, technically no.

Tomer.4098:

lordkrall.7241:

You will still be able to keep playing without buying HoT.
You will not get access to certain HoT specific things however. Such as the Masteries and the Elite Specializations. Nor the new areas (I would assume).

As for cost we do not know. But I would guess somewhere between $39,99 and $59,99 for the standard version.

Really? that expensive??

Well we don’t know so it’s all guesstimates.

Menadena.7482:

lordkrall.7241:

Actually we know for a fact that it won’t be free.

I was just being facetious in saying we do not know price info at all so any number from us is just a guess. One penny as the lower limit then.

We don’t have pennies around here, so that would be awkward.

Khisanth.2948:

Kako.1930:

I’m more worried about if it’ll be worth spending the money on than how much it costs. If it’s just basically another Dry Top or Silverwastes with a few added weapon skills then idk lol.

Yeah … right now HoT sounds like it is either FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR from completion or extremely lackluster.

So just wait until it’s released and reviews come out and you know for certain? Seriously pre-order culture…

Vayne.8563:

ZudetGambeous.9573:

1. Yes it is mandatory in the same way WoW is mandatory. All future content will require HoT to play, you will be at a significant disadvantage in both mats/economics, cosmetics, and story.

2. Probably $10-25 based on the amount of content being given to us.

Edit: actually it will be worse than WoW since you will be at a disadvantage in PvP without access to specializations. So it will be MORE mandatory than WoW is.

Except that in a wow expansion the level cap goes up, and that would put you at a disadvantage in WoW PvP if I’m not mistaken.

WoW tiers their PvP, or at least they did when I played. Levels 1-20 are a tier, 20-30, 30-40, etc…. 80, 81-84, 85, 86-89, 90.

If you don’t buy their expansions then you just stay in your tier. Granted there are a lot less players since most of the players do buy the expansion, but you won’t be at a disadvantage.

ZudetGambeous.9573:

Vayne.8563:

ZudetGambeous.9573:

1. Yes it is mandatory in the same way WoW is mandatory. All future content will require HoT to play, you will be at a significant disadvantage in both mats/economics, cosmetics, and story.

2. Probably $10-25 based on the amount of content being given to us.

Edit: actually it will be worse than WoW since you will be at a disadvantage in PvP without access to specializations. So it will be MORE mandatory than WoW is.

Except that in a wow expansion the level cap goes up, and that would put you at a disadvantage in WoW PvP if I’m not mistaken.

WoW tiers their PvP, or at least they did when I played. Levels 1-20 are a tier, 20-30, 30-40, etc…. 80, 81-84, 85, 86-89, 90.

If you don’t buy their expansions then you just stay in your tier. Granted there are a lot less players since most of the players do buy the expansion, but you won’t be at a disadvantage.

I’ve never played WoW but I heard they had world PvP. If you don’t buy the expansion, not only can you not get to the new areas with the new world PvP but you’re at least 10 levels below max. And can’t the new max levels still go to the old areas and beat up the players there? World PvP is still PvP and not buying the expansion puts those players permanently at a disadvantage,

So tired of people asking stupid questions about HoT. Why do people even need to worry about this stuff it makes no sense. Just buy the expansion if you do not like it you can go back to the regular game. Unlike others I do not think HoT will be any where near the price of a so called standard expansion. I would go more with $10-20 where of course $20 is the better version.

Arenanet seems to want people to play their games and just want to give a great product for everyone. Maybe they don’t do everything perfect but one thing they do is try new things others don’t. Also remember one thing Living Story was suppose to be the expansions for GW2. Because of the players they are making the HoT expansion. Arenanet is not your typical developer so they do not follow the so called MMO rules others have set.

There will be changes before HoT comes out the Traits will change to the new system if you do not get HoT then you will have I think 3 trait lines you can use. The same will be for HoT players but one will be able to use the specializations as the 3rd one.

WvW will have new maps which will be available for anyone HoT or otherwise. These maps will have places that will help defend you as you control it. It if I remember right will be on a rotation.

PvP will have both Hot players and regular players in it not sure how that will come out, but the HoT players will have more build diversity than the regular GW2 player.

What you will be missing is the start of one of the best ideas in my opinion. A system that keeps your hard earned leveling and armor the same while improving your abilities at the same time.
You will get Masteries (a new system that lets u gain knowledge for your account to be able to defeat the dragons, craft precursors, glide better, use jumping mushrooms better, and learn new languages.)
Specializations. ( a new system that lets your character have more than one profession and abilitys for both)
A new 3 level area to explore that is not as large in area as a regular expansion, but is suppose to be as large or larger in content due to the three levels of it.
A new profession the Revenant.

So no you do not need to buy HoT? No, but I think you will end up with it anyway out of jealousy of other players. Should you have to pay for it? Yes because they put a lot of work into it for everyone.

Your choice either buy it or not up to you.
Oh yea specialties and Masteries are said to be only the first of many so having HoT will be a good thing for that.

I think it will cost either $29.99 or $39.99.