Guild Wars 2

Hi all,

Hope everybody is well and have been enjoying what GW2 has had to offer! Bit of context. I was, and still am, a massive fan of the Guild Wars Universe, I remember spending a lot of time many years ago visiting cons and getting very excited for the release. After endless hours I reached endgame Pre-Thorns on several characters, but due to other implications, dropped off. I now have a lot of spare time throughout the Summer and I would like to get back involved, but of course, I’ve got questions!

1. Is GW2 currently in a good place for returning players?
2. I assume I have to grab Thorns to get involved with current content?
3. Have there been any major graphical overhauls that will limit my system being able to run the game?
4. Any issues to be aware of?

Thanks all, and hopefully, I’m looking forward to getting back in.

1. Maybe yes, maybe no. Central Tyria hasn’t changed all that much. But the UI has and most assuredly your build will have. Also, leather prices…suuuuuck, they are extremely high. Like 30+ silver for a single hardened leather section.
2. Yes. Living World Season 3 is locked behind HoT, but just logging in while each episode is live unlocks it on your account. So when you do get HoT, those unlocked episodes will be available for you – but any you missed will have to be purchased.
3. Not enough info. Depends on your system, you’ll have to give it a try.
4. Heart of Thorns introduced 4 new maps – Verdant Brink, Auric Basin, Tangled Depths, and Dragon Stand – and the new mastery system. HoT maps generally are organized around a map meta event. And the jungle, like REAL jungle, is out to kill you. Expect a VERY steep learning curve. You are going to die. A LOT. Learn your class CC’s and learn to use them – breaking the break bar on everything that has one in HoT makes life much easier, and in some situations is mandatory – killing Vinetooth Prime in AB won’t happen without it, for just one example. The same goes for LWS3 maps – and there are 5 of those so far.

Good luck, and welcome back.

On getting HoT: Most of the current things to do, as well as the mastery system and the profession elite specs, are tied to owning HoT. If you get HoT you may well feel you’ve started a brand new game, there is so much content to catch up on at this point.

They could be announcing the next expansion very soon, however. Its purchase will (per previous and still extant comments from ANet that could be changed but remain canon for now) include HoT and the base game. Although HoT’s price has come down a great deal, if your finances are tight you may wish to wait another month or so to see if you can get more bang for your buck. (On the other hand, you might want to dive into learning all the HoT stuff and getting at least one character caught up so you’re able to head to the expansion with everyone else. Up to you and how concerned you are with seeing the new stuff right away).

On graphics: I don’t think so? I bought my current PC in April 2014 and it runs GW2 on max just fine. Mind you I did buy a nice rig aimed at gaming, so I have a good video card and the like, on the theory that I’d rather spend close to 2 grand and have it last 4 years than spend 1 grand every year to keep upgrading.

Actually they did make one change that helped, not hindered, they swapped to a 64 bit client. You might find yourself dc’ing less than you remember, as long as your system handles 64 bit.

Super helpful guys, thanks for the advice! Very thorough. Sounds like GW2 is more challenging which is certainly down my street. Cheers again.