Guild Wars 2

When a zone is a certain amount of levels below your level, the level of the zone on the map turns black, what does that mean?

It’s just an indication that the level of the zone is way below yours. It happens with players as well- if you’re in a city as a level 80 and a level 15 runs by, you’ll notice that their level is also grayed out.

In any case, your stats will be downleveled to fit the zone while exp/karma/money will be scaled up to fit your level. You usually get more exp/karma/money from doing events and hearts at zones your level, but not that much more. The main concern regarding a zone’s level is crafting materials, as crafting drops will be at the level of the zone.

Thank you so much! ^^ I’ve been wondering this for a while

Also areas that are too high level for you will be red or purple and ones at your level or just below will be green or blue.

I think it’s because the bright colours are meant to stand out to be a warning that everything in the area out-levels you, or letting you know that’s where you should be. So when you out level it enough it turns grey and doesn’t show as clearly – effectively saying the level doesn’t matter any more.