Guild Wars 2

I have a question about the new system for getting a precursor. Namely, is it going to require completion/progress of the story in Heart of Thorns? I would really like to be able to actually enjoy using a legendary (Bifrost) during the new story content rather than have to wait until it is finished before the precursor quest(s) open up. So I need to plan accordingly.

I hope this isn’t too much of a spoiler to ask, but can someone please let me know if this can be completed without doing more than a negligible amount of HoT story mode?

Currently, we don’t actually have any confirmation on that topic. However, there are many assumptions that can be made:

The new system is included as a mastery line, and masteries are tied to Heart of Thorns with most mastery points being found in the new maps.

But in order to unlock the new precursor crafting, you must first complete the “Legendary Precursor Crafting Mastery”, which is within the “Pact Tyria Masteries” line. This suggests that you will need to complete things within Tyria, not the Maguuma Wastes, in order to gain mastery xp for that mastery line.

tl;dr: You will need to earn mastery points which can be from the new expansion maps or retroactive rewards from previous content, and then you will need to complete events in Tyria in order to level up the Precursor Crafting Mastery.

(Edit: Adjusted tl;dr as per Lanfear’s post)

From my understanding, you’ll need to train the Legendaries Mastery track line, the first 3 teirs of which apply to the core Tyrian legendary weapons. That will unlock the assorted collections you have to complete for the core precursors. All of which will have to do with the core game (including the xp grind). At least, that’s the sense I got from the recent beta. Could be wrong, could change between then and release, but that should at least give you an inkling.

Zalladi.4652:

tl;dr: You will need to earn mastery points which can be from the new expansion maps, and then you will need to complete events in Tyria in order to level up the Precursor Crafting Mastery.

There are mastery points being added for the core game as well (many of which will be retroactively awarded to players), and tracks that require xp grind in the core game. The central tyrian lines, I think is what they are calling them. So it’s not just the new maps.

(Yes I’m aware you mentioned that in your previous paragraph, but you didn’t in your tldr, which you might want to do)

Zalladi.4652:

tl;dr: You will need to earn mastery points which can be from the new expansion maps, and then you will need to complete events in Tyria in order to level up the Precursor Crafting Mastery.

From my understanding, you also get Mastery Points from core content completion as well:

Things like completing a chapter in your personal story, completing certain achievements, reaching hard-to-find locations, overcoming challenging encounters, excelling at adventures found within the Heart of Maguuma, or earning 100% completion for a map will award Mastery points.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/reimagining-progression-the-mastery-system/

Although it is entirely possible it’s referring to the new story and and maps.

LanfearShadowflame.3189:

There are mastery points being added for the core game as well (many of which will be retroactively awarded to players), and tracks that require xp grind in the core game. The central tyrian lines, I think is what they are calling them. So it’s not just the new maps.

(Yes I’m aware you mentioned that in your previous paragraph, but you didn’t in your tldr, which you might want to do)

True, though, the only ones they mentioned were the retroactive ones for Season 2, of which there were 8 episodes. I am only speculating here, but that might only equate to 8 mastery points, and the Precursor Crafting Mastery Line would require 10 points to be fully completed (in beta, so possible to be changed).

With that said, there are probably going to be other retroactive points added in other places, so in that case you are correct, and the OP would not even need to step place in the new regions in order to complete the Precursor Crafting if they wish.

the exp shouldent be so hard to get in pact mastery lines since dungeons give a fair bit each completed.

I hope not I have everything I need for Quip with the exception of the pre and would hate to hate do anything in the new maps really before I aquire the weapon.

I see people have stated that mastery points are retroactive but what we lack in knowledge still has me worried namely the mats that will be needed for crafting. Whether there off some monsters found in the final zone or a drop off the final boss we simply don’t know as of yet.