As an early player my recommendations would be to explore, explore, explore and try anything/everything. There is no grind here. I tend to play solo 99% of the time (unless I want to run a dungeon or kill a massive, epic, dragon) and I am thoroughly entertained just by running around doing whatever is around or whatever comes up. Often you will discover entertaining little scenes/scenarios, minigames, jumping puzzles or rewards, just by taking your time and wandering around.
If you want to fight the massive/epic thing you see in front of you then you can type in map chat to see who is around and wants to help. People will usually come for those as it drops a chest that gives at-level gear/materials. You will find level 80 people in the starter zones for that reason. Remember that your level changes to match the zones. Any/every zone can be challenging and rewarding and drop real-level gear depending on event.
Some characters can use multiple weapons, try them all out. For some everything changes based on a certain element or utilty skill. Experiement. Eventually you will find that all that customizing is golden and you can create a totally unique set of weapons, traits, skills and playstyle that works for you. If you click H and look at all the tabs you will have a snapshot of what that class can do.
You don’t need to be level 80 to participate in everything. For PVP you will be leveled up to 80. In fact if you want to play your low level character at top level to see what it’s like, go into PVP. (You can experiment with builds/weapons without having to actually fight anyone— or do the PVP tutorial or just go-for-it and try arena. All your starter gear/weapons will be free of cost.)
If you like crafting/exploring try cooking. All the foods give buffs that add experience when leveling plus it’s just plain fun to try mix/match ingredients and discover the recipies. It’s particularly good for people who would enjoy traveling the world to locate this/that speciality ingredient. I’ve never used my professions for income so can’t speak to that.
Know that you need to upgrade the axe, pick and harvesting tool as you get to better materials. If you are trying to mine and get junk instead of the ore, you have to upgrade your tool.
If you want to try dungeons, there is no LFG system in the game but there is a website called guild wars 2 lfg dot com (all abbreviated) that works well.
If you finish a heart, always talk to the vendor that opens up. They have some great upgrades you buy with Karma, you don’t need to spend gold.
Some of the middle and end zones have become barren. You will still be able to do things in them but you may not be able to clear every single thing in them without help. Type in map chat to see if anyone is there who wants to team up for something tough. Often they are in the same boat and appreciate the group. I’m told the drops are better in groups anyway.
My characters are all different races and classes and I can’t say that any one is better than they other. They are all very different which I enjoy. I did especially enjoy my Sylvari charcter story and love my Asura gestures/emotes. Know that Sylvari glow during all the night cycles and in dark places. Play with the light switch in the character creation screen if you make one.
Participate in all the Living Content and Holiday Events you can, they are usually very entertaining with at least one challenging event in them.
Sorry for the wall of text, I guess I like the game. LOL
