Guild Wars 2

A couple of basic questions -

I’m a little confused about the relationship of Legendary to Ascended items. Which comes first, or is that not really a valid question? I see they both have +5% over Exotic items. Is the only difference that Ascended can have its stats changed? Is there an order or progression from one to the other?

I am new to Ascended items and I’m considering buying the White Mantle Scroll once it’s debugged. What is required to initially set its attributes? Is it the same as is described in the wiki (https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Ascended_equipment) for changing attributes?

Thanks.

Legendary and ascended have the same stat levels. The difference is legendary stats can be changed on demand and have what many consider more prestigious skins and effects. Ascended weapons and armor can also have their stats changed but you have to do it through the mystic forge each time which costs materials, loss of upgrades (if not removed at a cost of expensive upgrade extractors), and can’t be changed on the fly like legendary can.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Anthology_of_Heroes

You can’t change stats on ascended back items though since that is what you mentioned you are interested in. Once purchased you will get a one time choice of the stats you want.

Legendary items are currently considered “top tier” not so much because of their stats which as mentioned are the same as ascended, but because of the skins and on demand stat swapping.

Thanks. Wait…so stats on Legendary items can be changed, too? I somehow missed that.

Yes, with a legendary stats can be changed instantly and with no material cost while out of combat where ascended weapons and armor must be changed via the mystic forge and at the cost of materials. Please see my edited post above if you didn’t catch it, I explained bit more.

Thanks. That sums it up nicely and answers my questions.

Just to add… there is one set of ascended trinkets and backpiece you can change stats… the ones from Bloodstone Fen. All others are permanent once your selection is made.

Also just as an add-on, legendaries will remain B-i-S even if a new weapon grade is added (just like how it happened when Ascended arrived).