Guild Wars 2

My only wish is the new masteries system is like WvW masteries. Each Character has seperate point.

Aidan Savage.2078:

Celtic Lady.3729:

Can we please get the temples that require traits on a timer or something? The temples I need for traits are never contested. I hate to be forced to buy them since these yellow traits are the priciest.

IIRC, it was changed so that the defense event for the temples also grants the trait.

Gates of Arah still are set so defense will not work.

And it’s now been a month of silence since the announcement that traits are “for sure” going to be changed. Yeah, no clue why I had my hopes up. I’m going back to my stance that I’ll believe in a change for the better when it is live and in game, and not a moment sooner.

When are we going to get information about the new-new trait system?

Guhracie.3419:

When are we going to get information about the new-new trait system?

I’m going out on a limb here, but i think the answer (as per history) is “When it is ready”.

Sadly I’m not sure what we will hear and when anymore either. I know that they (Anet) were planning on discussing the new WvW changes at PAX and the other event thing, but as far as I can tell from the info they’ve shared is that even the dev work going into the new class, etc are still being done with what basically looks like the current trait system.

This leads me to believe that either:
a) this new system is not going to be seen for some time (perhaps until after HoT launches)
OR
b) the only change to the system will be how we acquire the traits (which would be fine if they had some ideas to clue us in on the direction) and we might see that before HoT drops.

Still all just speculation however based on info that may or may not be related to the topic at hand.

What’s missing from the discussion is the “new to gw2” player and the “don’t read a wiki/research” player. Theses players go from 1 to 80 without knowing much about the trait system at all (something anet tried to fix..). I wonder how this new_erer_ trait system will affect them. Us seasoned players that read up, research and test the traits won’t be impacted as much as them that probably only looked up one build and use it for pve, wvw and pvp. I feel bad for them…

blakdoxa.7520:

What’s missing from the discussion is the “new to gw2” player and the “don’t read a wiki/research” player. Theses players go from 1 to 80 without knowing much about the trait system at all (something anet tried to fix..). I wonder how this new_erer_ trait system will affect them. Us seasoned players that read up, research and test the traits won’t be impacted as much as them that probably only looked up one build and use it for pve, wvw and pvp. I feel bad for them…

I don’t feel sorry for them at all. They’re playing the way they want to. Not everybody is interested in build-crafting.

If they want to dig deeper into it, all they have to do is open the hero panel and actually read through the traits. It’s literally that easy to figure out.

We have been told time and time again that ANET will not comment on what they’re working on until it is roughly ready to implement, or in the final stages of preparing for implementation. It’s a stance I thoroughly disagree with, but it’s their stance. So are we really expected to believe that they randomly decided to drop that policy in the case of traits? Either they:

• Have inexplicably decided that, after 10 months of waiting for news, they should abandon that stance only long enough to say that a new-new system will be implemented, and then promptly went back to the “cone of silence” stance again.

Or they:

• Are flat-out lying in order to bury the old thread.

Or they:

• Have a snazzy new system ready to go, but are inexplicably unwilling to give even a rudimentary piece of information about it to the people who have been waiting for a year.

Or, finally, they:

• Know the changes aren’t going to make a lot of people happy, and are waiting to secure some pre-orders of HoT before they let that information become common knowledge.

These are literally the only reasons I can imagine they haven’t shared the information. None of those reasons fill me with optimism or hope. I would love it if someone could come up with a plausible scenario I’m overlooking that would put this into a more positive light.

• They’ve agreed internally that they will change the system, and are encountering issues with implementing the fix they decided on, and won’t say anything until they work out the kinks.

6) The system is all worked out but marketing, or NCsoft, has decided that waiting to release information on the new system along with the expansion reveals will give HoT a higher perceived value.

Big news day for A-Net and HoT but once again NOTHING on the broken Traits system.

Indigo, your proposed reason is certainly less alarming than anything I could come up with. I’m not sure I find yours to be much more reassuring than any of mine, though, Ashen. Maybe in that it’s an actual fully realized system, it is.

I still think it would be better to announce the details, but I think I’ve made that pretty clear, too.

I’ve been saying it.. Pre-orders first… then the new Trait system will be revealed.
I have a 100gold bet with a buddy that involves this theory of mine….
I think I may actually win that bet..

Looks like they are taking care of everything that’s been bothering me about this game.

The only two things left to do is fix PVE combat (condi stacking) and fix rewards so it will actually feel rewarding to play again (instead of simply logging in to see if I got a present).

Thanks for what you are working on some of us appreciate it we really do!

Actual Feedback

I like and agree with a lot of the posts for returning to the old system, or ways to completely change the current system.

I also have just as much issue with the system as everyone else, and the ONE and ONLY character I made since the change I powerleveled to 80 in a day because I wanted to completely avoid the new system as much as possible. I USED to love creating new characters because I found this game to be the single most alt friendly mmo I have ever played.

This has been consistently changed for the worse, first with so many daily account locks on content and rewards, then with the massive kitten of the trait system.

But There is a simple solution to the current trait system that would make it so much better without completely reverting it, or replacing it.

Make it so that every trait unlock as it exists in game right now can be unlocked by doing something specific in a dungeon.

Then make it so every single trait can be unlocked by doing a specific jumping puzzle.

Then make it so every single trait can be unlocked by doing a specific event, preferably one with a boss.

Then make it so every single trait can be unlocked by something in wvw.

Then make it so every single trait can be unlocked via a pvp reward track.

The serious flaw in the system is forcing every player to do one specific thing, over and over for every character. The system is so spread out that it is virtually guaranteed that one or more traits WILL kitten off EVERYONE equally. That has been the problem more than anything.

There are many other issues which have been listed in this thread. And they are reasons the changes should be reverted, or the system completely changed. But the system as it is would work great if you could actually do things you enjoyed to unlock all the traits. So take each type of gameplay in the game and make it possible to unlock ALL of the traits via that specific type of gameplay, and people would be a lot happier.

I for one would not hate the system, and by extension now the entire leveling mechanic, nearly so much.

arenanet = Tony in IM3
players wanting info on change = Killian
Trait thread 1 = the roof
Trait thread 2 = new roof we were pointed to, after we caught up with Tony again and said “man that’s not cool sending us to the roof”.

Something about fool me once comes to mind.

Edited to add: Lack of basic details on upcoming changes and additions to a game(or any product) are only done when they know the majority of people are not going to like it.

IndigoSundown.5419:

• They’ve agreed internally that they will change the system, and are encountering issues with implementing the fix they decided on, and won’t say anything until they work out the kinks.

I truly hope this is not the case, because that would just make this “precursor crafting 2.0”.

traits come far too slowly now, compared to launch – adding significant tedium to the leveling process. returning to my 40 mesmer after a year was disappointing, and felt like i had lost 20 levels and was a new 20.

I rolled a new elementalist, and having to see how many levels i’d need to slog thru in order to get a fun and interesting trait build – led me to scrap that idea. this is not because my new elem would apparently have to go into the world to unlock new traits – but rather because trait tiers are now opened only at far later levels, limiting your build options severely while leveling.

This is really bass ackward. The leveling process should allow experimentation with traits, so that players can learn their options and for chrissakes HAVE FUN.

Wanted to return to GW2, and will probably continue to dabble – but this bad leveling experience cause me to download ESO and pay a sub to cure my MMO itch (it goes ftp on the 17th…yippee). I find leveling there more fun than GW2, and such a shame that the latter would actually regress in terms of leveling fun over the years.

They said they are scrapping this trait system and putting in a new one.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/27/guild-wars-2-is-replacing-its-trait-unlock-system/

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

Just a flesh wound.3589:

They said they are scrapping this trait system and putting in a new one.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/27/guild-wars-2-is-replacing-its-trait-unlock-system/

They just haven’t said when or how

And the requisite Traits 2.0 thread link : https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/gw2/Traits-Part-2/first

drogon.3546:

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

This is all like opinion man. I just leveled 2 alts, and enjoyed every bit of it.

Traits don’t give you addition skills to press. They give bonus dmg/utility and effects.

You will still play the game exactly the same way as before, except now you can deviate into using certain skills specifically.

Every mmo uses a skill/trait system of some sort, and NO game, offers it 100% upfront.

Mesmers are just weak without it. That’s a class problem. Maybe their revised system is better, but still all subjective.

Agreed, Current leveling Trait and skill system very sux.

Explorer dungeons mods well show this problem, attempt to run these dungeon mod by character < 80 lvl is pain.

drogon.3546:

but rather because trait tiers are now opened only at far later levels, limiting your build options severely while leveling.

In terms of time however, you unlock trait points at roughly the same time. Leveling from 1 to ~13 was greatly reduced, so everything is shifted.

Personally, I recently did an elementalist and had no major traits to level 80, at which point I went back and only unlocked what I needed. Except for slightly more damage, it’s not like it’s game changing.

Healix.5819:

In terms of time however, you unlock trait points at roughly the same time. Leveling from 1 to ~13 was greatly reduced, so everything is shifted.

Personally, I recently did an elementalist and had no major traits to level 80, at which point I went back and only unlocked what I needed. Except for slightly more damage, it’s not like it’s game changing.

Stop lying. Trait and skillz unlock provides about twice more damage and survivability.
Also you able to adjust skillz and trait for specific event and just do my best.

Having full set of traits and skill greatly change gameplay.
Playing without – is worst (unneeded) gameplay experience.

my experience of the game has been that traits make a big difference. on my guard, for example, being able to activate that virtue after every kill makes a huge diff (only avail now at lvl 60 to my knowledge).

or generating a clone with a dodge.

etc.

sure, you’re not adding buttons, but you are changing your gameplay.

leveling for many new player will be fun even without a trait system. but the system is there already allowing players to have MORE FUN. it makes better sense for the leveling experience if it were available earlier rather than later.

leveling for many will still be fun even without the trait system

I think the current Traits system is making players power-level alts to 80 with scrolls and tomes. They then either buy traits for a predetermined build or go unlock them for said build. It doesn’t promote experimentation while leveling which in turn allows a player to get to know a profession.

I’m hoping the new system will be much improved or I’m going to have a very sad Revenant who watches the expansion from the sidelines while his older brothers and sisters (fully traited from the first system) play.

I actually liked this trait system. Not everything should be handed to you. It’s fun and exciting.

Galphar.3901:

I think the current Traits system is making players power-level alts to 80 with scrolls and tomes. They then either buy traits for a predetermined build or go unlock them for said build. It doesn’t promote experimentation while leveling which in turn allows a player to get to know a profession.

Well you also forget that the leveling experience is to ease people into learning the character before you start delving into stuff. Hence why its lvl gates in every game ever.

the changes aren’t game breaking for most classes, unfortunately mesmers got the short end of the stick there.

The only reason i can think of why experimenting with builds early would be ok is if
1) they gave you all the points off the back, which NO game does, or will.
2) you had an option to say you were a “veteran” with that profession, to remove the “tips/leveling experience”
3)there was any need for it

most times its also a power gate. Most traits add utility and dmg that would just make the game too easy at lower levels too. What’s the fun in that?

Its not about just you guys who have remade every character in the game. There’s tons of people who are new too.

edgarallanpwn.8739:

drogon.3546:

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

This is all like opinion man. I just leveled 2 alts, and enjoyed every bit of it.

Traits don’t give you addition skills to press. They give bonus dmg/utility and effects.

You will still play the game exactly the same way as before, except now you can deviate into using certain skills specifically.

Every mmo uses a skill/trait system of some sort, and NO game, offers it 100% upfront.

Mesmers are just weak without it. That’s a class problem. Maybe their revised system is better, but still all subjective.

Obviously everyone is welcome to their own opinion on the changes, I’m just in the boat with people who dislike it. I recently came back after an 18 month break, and started up a new job (Necro). I was excited to go play with my traits, and was in shock that everything was locked. I mainly stick to PvE, but I really dislike the idea of being forced to do very specific tasks in order to unlock my abilities.

Anyhoo, I need to nitpick a bit here. The bolded part of your comment just isn’t true. The last two MMOs I’ve played let you have access to all your available skills as you’ve leveled, no need to backtrack to make sure you’ve completed X, Y & Z before using a trait/skill.

Healix.5819:

Personally, I recently did an elementalist and had no major traits to level 80, at which point I went back and only unlocked what I needed. Except for slightly more damage, it’s not like it’s game changing.

If all you’re getting for your traits is “slightly more damage”, then I suggest you rethink your trait choices.

arooboo.5143:

edgarallanpwn.8739:

drogon.3546:

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

This is all like opinion man. I just leveled 2 alts, and enjoyed every bit of it.

Traits don’t give you addition skills to press. They give bonus dmg/utility and effects.

You will still play the game exactly the same way as before, except now you can deviate into using certain skills specifically.

Every mmo uses a skill/trait system of some sort, and NO game, offers it 100% upfront.

Mesmers are just weak without it. That’s a class problem. Maybe their revised system is better, but still all subjective.

Obviously everyone is welcome to their own opinion on the changes, I’m just in the boat with people who dislike it. I recently came back after an 18 month break, and started up a new job (Necro). I was excited to go play with my traits, and was in shock that everything was locked. I mainly stick to PvE, but I really dislike the idea of being forced to do very specific tasks in order to unlock my abilities.

Anyhoo, I need to nitpick a bit here. The bolded part of your comment just isn’t true. The last two MMOs I’ve played let you have access to all your available skills as you’ve leveled, no need to backtrack to make sure you’ve completed X, Y & Z before using a trait/skill.

No offense but if you really want to nitpick… skills are NOT TRAITS. They are completely different things.

So that statement would be wrong.

Skills are what your character actually does, that fill up your hotbar. They require a physical animation, and a keypress.

Traits are more like enhancements, and don’t require you to do anything.

HUGE difference.

Skill tree’s are not skills(like the d2 skill tree, or the wow tree pre mop)

The only game that actually gates skills as traits that i know of was wow, which required you to uses the skilltree/traitline to get that particular skill. Im sure there might be others.

I level a warrior before the new traits and level a thief recently, i can’t complain, it’s a lot more “New Player Friendly” right now…i do remember being LOST the first time i loged in the game( was all alone, no friends, no guild, didn’t have anyone to explain things to me"

The only reason people say that the new traits sistem is worse, is because they are used to the old one and they already know the game. But if you are new…this is way better. My girlfriend had no problem with it(recently got the game) and it also makes you do/try different parts of the game.

edgarallanpwn.8739:

arooboo.5143:

edgarallanpwn.8739:

drogon.3546:

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

This is all like opinion man. I just leveled 2 alts, and enjoyed every bit of it.

Traits don’t give you addition skills to press. They give bonus dmg/utility and effects.

You will still play the game exactly the same way as before, except now you can deviate into using certain skills specifically.

Every mmo uses a skill/trait system of some sort, and NO game, offers it 100% upfront.

Mesmers are just weak without it. That’s a class problem. Maybe their revised system is better, but still all subjective.

Obviously everyone is welcome to their own opinion on the changes, I’m just in the boat with people who dislike it. I recently came back after an 18 month break, and started up a new job (Necro). I was excited to go play with my traits, and was in shock that everything was locked. I mainly stick to PvE, but I really dislike the idea of being forced to do very specific tasks in order to unlock my abilities.

Anyhoo, I need to nitpick a bit here. The bolded part of your comment just isn’t true. The last two MMOs I’ve played let you have access to all your available skills as you’ve leveled, no need to backtrack to make sure you’ve completed X, Y & Z before using a trait/skill.

No offense but if you really want to nitpick… skills are NOT TRAITS. They are completely different things.

So that statement would be wrong.

Skills are what your character actually does, that fill up your hotbar. They require a physical animation, and a keypress.

Traits are more like enhancements, and don’t require you to do anything.

HUGE difference.

Skill tree’s are not skills(like the d2 skill tree, or the wow tree pre mop)

The only game that actually gates skills as traits that i know of was wow, which required you to uses the skilltree/traitline to get that particular skill. Im sure there might be others.

A fellow nitpicker! But OK, let me rephrase. The last two MMOs that I’ve played do not require you to do arbitrary things in PvE (or elsewhere) in order to unlock any TRAITS. All available traits were provided to you as you leveled.

edgarallanpwn.8739:

No offense but if you really want to nitpick… skills are NOT TRAITS. They are completely different things.

So that statement would be wrong.

This is not wrong statement, it just not full.
They both affect and change your character gameplay. Traits ans skills work together
For example warriors shout:
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Lung_Capacity reduce shouts recharge by 20%.
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vigorous_Shouts Shouts heal.
Now both these traits make warrior healing support.
And with http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_the_Trooper – warrior become avesome conditions remover.
Such things available only on 80 lvl

Just my experience, but most new players I’ve played with don’t even know what traits are by the time the hit 80, an most haven’t unlocked more than 1 or 2. From my point of view it seems like you’re just delaying all the things that they need to know about character builds until 80, making the whole process a long drawn out tutorial without a skip button (they can’t afford traits).

But I do like the idea, its just so poorly implemented. Full map completions for low tier traits is ridiculous for example. It should build up instead of being so random imo

Snow.2048:

Just my experience, but most new players I’ve played with don’t even know what traits are by the time the hit 80, an most haven’t unlocked more than 1 or 2. From my point of view it seems like you’re just delaying all the things that they need to know about character builds until 80, making the whole process a long drawn out tutorial without a skip button (they can’t afford traits).

But I do like the idea, its just so poorly implemented. Full map completions for low tier traits is ridiculous for example. It should build up instead of being so random imo

Trait unlock is not random – this is big quest http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Trait_guide

vpchelko.4261:

edgarallanpwn.8739:

No offense but if you really want to nitpick… skills are NOT TRAITS. They are completely different things.

So that statement would be wrong.

This is not wrong statement, it just not full.
They both affect and change your character gameplay. Traits ans skills work together
For example warriors shout:
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Lung_Capacity reduce shouts recharge by 20%.
http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Vigorous_Shouts Shouts heal.
Now both these traits make warrior healing support.
And with http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Rune_of_the_Trooper – warrior become avesome conditions remover.
Such things available only on 80 lvl

yes but if you read my secondary statements, the whole point is traits are ENHANCEMENTS to skills. traits do not require any additional buttons to use. The work when you use your current skills. There is no physical interaction required to use them over your skills(because the skills activate them, and you have those already).

This would be a bit of power upfront, and might make the leveling experience “too easy” for a lot of people, which would also give a bad impression of the game, this especially being a casual game.

Event hough you can play “shoutbow” warrior, and heal your team, that doesnt change the fact that you don;t have to press anything additional to do that. There’s no added required interaction.

Also, do you really want lvl 5 warriors and 35 warriors running AC as a shoutbow? Without playing the game a first bit, they might not fully understand the trait system and its enhancements, again why its lvl gated. To allow players to understand the class and how it works first, then once they have the basics and some knowledge, they can begin to advance and experiment.

This is exactly why i said it would be ok IF: the 3 reason i listed.. but mainly if there was a “im a veteran, enable all traits and skills option”. Even then that’s still a huge powerspike, and would make the game too easy, when its already easy enough

The current system, due to the change in April 2014, is very unpopular and probably one of the most hated changes I have seen here. Even the most white of knights seem to dislike it. That is why there is a 83 page thread on the topic. It would probably be more but they closed the thread 24 days ago.

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/gw2/Game-Updates-Traits/first

I look forward to seeing how they revamp it after all the negative feedback on the current system.

Well the goal is a sense of progression, the old system didnt give that, the new one doesn’t seem to either. I don’t think they will go back to the old system, they will probably try something else.

The concept was the only good part of the trait change, in practice all they did was make backloaded profession more tedious and set that builds do not happen before level cap.

In my opinion, traits and the trait system matter so much that it is hampering my willingness to consider buying the expansion. Should the traits be fixed before the expansion, I know I will buy it. Should they not, then no way. I will be uninstalling this game instead. I’ve already waited over 10 months. I think that the company has had ample time to fix it, and in fact have said the current system will be replaced. Timing is everything.

edgarallanpwn.8739:

yes but if you read my secondary statements, the whole point is traits are ENHANCEMENTS to skills. traits do not require any additional buttons to use. The work when you use your current skills. There is no physical interaction required to use them over your skills(because the skills activate them, and you have those already).

This would be a bit of power upfront, and might make the leveling experience “too easy” for a lot of people, which would also give a bad impression of the game, this especially being a casual game.

Event hough you can play “shoutbow” warrior, and heal your team, that doesnt change the fact that you don;t have to press anything additional to do that. There’s no added required interaction.

Also, do you really want lvl 5 warriors and 35 warriors running AC as a shoutbow? Without playing the game a first bit, they might not fully understand the trait system and its enhancements, again why its lvl gated. To allow players to understand the class and how it works first, then once they have the basics and some knowledge, they can begin to advance and experiment.

This is exactly why i said it would be ok IF: the 3 reason i listed.. but mainly if there was a “im a veteran, enable all traits and skills option”. Even then that’s still a huge powerspike, and would make the game too easy, when its already easy enough

This is work only for new players.
Time gate is not easy or hard. It is just wasting you time. For veteran player – this is not fun wasting.
Game should be fun.

edgarallanpwn.8739:

drogon.3546:

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

This is all like opinion man. I just leveled 2 alts, and enjoyed every bit of it.

Traits don’t give you addition skills to press. They give bonus dmg/utility and effects.

You will still play the game exactly the same way as before, except now you can deviate into using certain skills specifically.

Every mmo uses a skill/trait system of some sort, and NO game, offers it 100% upfront.

Mesmers are just weak without it. That’s a class problem. Maybe their revised system is better, but still all subjective.

Traits offer 1 thing that every player can benefit from, 50% reduced fall damage. This is almost a requirement if you are doing WoW/EoTM or general mapping, as there are TONS of fall damage locations in the game. The fact this ‘Has’ to be a trait makes me wanna say ‘Traits need to be accessible at level 10 again’.

sirsquishy.8531:

edgarallanpwn.8739:

drogon.3546:

^Thanks for the good news. I hope they make the trait system available to levelers earlier rather than later.

This is all like opinion man. I just leveled 2 alts, and enjoyed every bit of it.

Traits don’t give you addition skills to press. They give bonus dmg/utility and effects.

You will still play the game exactly the same way as before, except now you can deviate into using certain skills specifically.

Every mmo uses a skill/trait system of some sort, and NO game, offers it 100% upfront.

Mesmers are just weak without it. That’s a class problem. Maybe their revised system is better, but still all subjective.

Traits offer 1 thing that every player can benefit from, 50% reduced fall damage. This is almost a requirement if you are doing WoW/EoTM or general mapping, as there are TONS of fall damage locations in the game. The fact this ‘Has’ to be a trait makes me wanna say ‘Traits need to be accessible at level 10 again’.

Never once died to fall dmg in EOTM. If you jump right youll be fine everytime. Not required.

vpchelko.4261:

edgarallanpwn.8739:

yes but if you read my secondary statements, the whole point is traits are ENHANCEMENTS to skills. traits do not require any additional buttons to use. The work when you use your current skills. There is no physical interaction required to use them over your skills(because the skills activate them, and you have those already).

This would be a bit of power upfront, and might make the leveling experience “too easy” for a lot of people, which would also give a bad impression of the game, this especially being a casual game.

Event hough you can play “shoutbow” warrior, and heal your team, that doesnt change the fact that you don;t have to press anything additional to do that. There’s no added required interaction.

Also, do you really want lvl 5 warriors and 35 warriors running AC as a shoutbow? Without playing the game a first bit, they might not fully understand the trait system and its enhancements, again why its lvl gated. To allow players to understand the class and how it works first, then once they have the basics and some knowledge, they can begin to advance and experiment.

This is exactly why i said it would be ok IF: the 3 reason i listed.. but mainly if there was a “im a veteran, enable all traits and skills option”. Even then that’s still a huge powerspike, and would make the game too easy, when its already easy enough

This is work only for new players.
Time gate is not easy or hard. It is just wasting you time. For veteran player – this is not fun wasting.
Game should be fun.

Not true.

1)new players
2) people who have a hard time grasping concepts(don’t have to be new to have this problem)
3)People new to that class or profession(not all professions play the same)
4)Casual players(still different from new, who don’t go through content as fast)

If you want pve content easy then that’s a personal decision, but thats entirely subjective too. I would never play a game that’s too easy. it’s not FUN to ME. But this is why games do this, because they make the best experience they can for the general populace. Special snowflakes who stand out are exceptions

Ragion.2831:

Well the goal is a sense of progression, the old system didnt give that, the new one doesn’t seem to either. I don’t think they will go back to the old system, they will probably try something else.

I’m sure they won’t go back to the old system. It will probably be some sort of hybrid between the two.

Just a flesh wound.3589:

They said they are scrapping this trait system and putting in a new one.

http://www.engadget.com/2015/01/27/guild-wars-2-is-replacing-its-trait-unlock-system/

That actually scares me because it may make things even more tedious and annoying. Nearly every patch ANET ever implements results in a net nerf in some way to gameplay or mechanics.

vpchelko.4261:

Snow.2048:

Just my experience, but most new players I’ve played with don’t even know what traits are by the time the hit 80, an most haven’t unlocked more than 1 or 2. From my point of view it seems like you’re just delaying all the things that they need to know about character builds until 80, making the whole process a long drawn out tutorial without a skip button (they can’t afford traits).

But I do like the idea, its just so poorly implemented. Full map completions for low tier traits is ridiculous for example. It should build up instead of being so random imo

Trait unlock is not random – this is big quest http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Trait_guide

Looking at that do you seen any logical order of progression there? Its just chores tacked onto traits in my eyes tbh.

And getting to that point, the fact that I have to keep that wiki page open while leveling to tell me which maps I need to do and what to skip if I want a good amount unlocked traits without paying tons of coin and skill points (something I would see as a reasonable considering the target audience is new players, who without 7 good traits that don’t conflict choice wise are not fully functional even if they are level 80) is definitely not an aspect I like in game myself.

How are new players supposed to know that they need to go out of the game to find a order of the traits (since you list it as one big quest) they can get. Ingame they can’t even see the parts of the map the trait thing points to, and have only a rough level range nearby the blur to see if they can do it. And what if they just go into Brisban Wildlands, thinking its the place to go after say Metrica Province? They just “wasted” their time, because the trait “quest” wanted them to go to Kessex Hills for their level 15-25 region. Or say they did Kessex, but if they arn’t looking for traits actively [and why should they be if no one told them to do it?] why would they know they should go do Diessa Plateau as well having beat a 15-25 already (and Brisban is closer if they arn’t ready yet)

Way too many limitations. The unlocks for minors are in several cases more work than the unlocks for top tier traits, with only level differences, so there isn’t tiered progression. The amount of traits a typical new player ends with at the end of a leveling experience (judging from my experience of only 5 people [another 4 quit before getting to the end] so take it with a grain of salt) doesn’t allow any building or experimentation which I would argue is a key feature of the game.

I like trait hunting, but its current implementation is not good.

Palador.2170:

If all you’re getting for your traits is “slightly more damage”, then I suggest you rethink your trait choices.

First, you are aware that you’re not level 80 while leveling correct? What might a lower level elementalist be missing? Assuming you don’t require help, a 10-20% damage increase, up to 30-40% closer to 80. The bigger change is going from randoms to exotics at level 80, which is what, a 300%+ increase?

Personally, I only equip what I find while leveling. Prior to the NPE, that meant hitting level 80, usually in Orr, wearing a mix of level 20-60 gear. After the NPE, gear is somewhat given to you, however you lose traits. For me, there was no major difference in terms of power, however the NPE version was definitely easier.

When you can kill enemies in just a few seconds while being undergeared, nothing really matters. You have to know how to play however, because in terms of defense, you’re practically naked.