Guild Wars 2

Is there a “best time” to use things such as Tomes of Knowledge when leveling an alt character? I was told that level 40-60 is the best time because there is the least content for those levels, but doesn’t doing hearts/world exploration give level-dependent exp? Is there an actual benefit from waiting to use them, or should I pop them right away?

My recommendation is to use them to pass level thresholds, such as if you’re waiting to get to the next level where you can use rare gear or if you’re approaching 80 and don’t want to grind those last few levels. Otherwise pop them whenever.

Hearts and map completion give exp based on their specified levels.
I’ve always done a mix of personal story and map completion. Usually hit lv80 at around the lv60 person story.

Mid levels give wool, cotton and linen which are pretty expensive. Would be advisable to use those items prior to level 25, then use them after lvl 65 where drops tend to be of poor sellability.

Leveling break points (IMO):

LVL 20 – First Masterwork / Rare crafting for T1 materials.
LVL 30 – Get access to first Elite Skills & Open Adept Trait tier.
LVL 35 – Masterwork / Rare crafting for T2 materials.
LVL 40 – Cultural items (RARE) available.
LVL 50 – Masterwork / Rare crafting for T3 materials.
LVL 60 – Open Master Trait tier and access to Cultural items (RARE).
LVL 65 – Masterwork / Rare crafting for T4 materials (3 stat equipment).
LVL 80 – T5 Master / Rare and T6 Exotic crafting. Grandmaster Trait tier opens. Cultural LVL 80 available (still RARE items).