Guild Wars 2

So I bought the game recently, used my free 80 on my necromancer. I had played her normally up to like level 49 or so, so I’m not completely fresh but I’m not sure what to do at 80 starting out. I don’t have enough points to go into my elite spec, not even close, so am I supposed to grind out exp to earn that?

You need hero points for your elite spec. Hero points are worth 1 point in Core Tyria and 10 points in Heart of Thorns maps.

There is no correct answer as to what you should do reaching level 80. There are various options;

- work towards a build. Including unlocking elites, getting the armour and weapon stats appropriate to your build, perhaps even working towards ascended (long term goal).

- work on your story. I have no idea where you are up to, but you have the personal story, season 2, HoT and season 3. Plus all the current events related to the latest story.

- pvp or wvw. Once you have nailed your builds, you can start running these for fun or rewards

- fractals. There’s a whole area of progression in these dungeons to be explored.

- explore. You have all of Core Tyria and HoT just to roam and explore. You’ll tick a lot of things off just doing this, including your hero points.

Whatever the heck you want.

I didn’t write this, but I thought it was very well done.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/5l1p4x/faq_new_and_returning_players/

I just went through this with a naturally leveled guardian. My recommendations:

1. Get Gliding basics. This means explore the beginner Heart zone Verdant Brinks, do the story quest and events there. Pop some ‘+xp in all modes’ boosts if you have them. Tinker with your build as you go, HoT is harder than core Tyria. Laurel vendors have ascended trinkets that come in handy, but use caution. Laurels are rare, so make sure that’s the trinket you want.

2. Finish your elite spec. You can do some of the easy Mastery points and hero points in Verdant Brinks (Dulfy’s has a guide that mostly requires just gliding basics). You can also work on the hero points in core tyria. The core personal story leads you into new zones and you can scoop up many HP there as you explore. You eventually reach a place with karma vendors that offer different exotic gear than what your boost gave you. Not sure if Necros need it, but its good to have the option.

Of course, the advice ‘whatever you want’ still applies. The twin goals of ‘Gliding basics’ and ‘finish elite spec’ do provide a framework at least.