Introduction
I’ve got the idea for this guide because of all those players who have asked advices ingame, to me or in general chat, about dyes and looks. It happened so many times that I decided to create (or to attempt to create since I may not be so good at this) a guide for all of you to consult when you don’t really know how to color your favourite character(s).
Since in GW2 most of the content revolve around having nice skins and stuff, to make your character nice, and since the art of this game, may it be the graphic style or the digital paintings, is awesome, it is important to know how to handle things here, because even eyes want their share.
Terms
First, I want to say that this guide doesn’t want to impose any look or prefer any choice on another: your look is your decision. Here you will find helping tips that hopefully will be useful to add that little something that it’s missing on your toon. Therefore I don’t force you to follow the looks you’ll find here posted in the examples, but you are welcome to use them if you get some ispiration.
Second, this guide will not include everything from the very beginning, not only because I’m a casual player (and quite busy right now), but also because it is a work in progress.
Third, the images and the advices are given based on the max graphic effects, so if you’re playing with a lower res, you may not be able to see all the differences in the various shades of the color. I may do it for low-res users too in the future.
Last, but not least, look up the list of dyes on the Trading Post when deciding which one to buy. In this guide I’ll try to give convenient solutions to get good results with cheap dyes.
Dyes’ prices on the TD
Useful Dye Galleries
Guild Wars 2 Wiki Dye Gallery
Dulfy’s GW2 Dye Gallery
Boojum GW2 Dye Chart
DYES – GENERAL TIPS
Get inspired by your profession: The art in this game separates the professions visually with marked colors. IF you don’t know where to begin with, you can start with this colors, and then develop your own style once you’ve got more confident:
- Blue, Azure and White for Guardians
- Orange and Amber Yellow for Warriors
- Green for Rangers
- Black, Purple and Dark Raspberry for Thieves
- Violet for Mesmers
- Dark Green for Necromancers
- Brown for Engineers
- Crimson for Elementalists
Remember your profession’s skill effects: A Necromancer uses a lot of skills who are dark green and blackish, while a Guardian uses a lot of azure skills. You can get ispiration by those too, and like every other part of your character, you can decide to match your colors with skills effects or not. If you are a perfectionist though, you may want to use colors that you like to match them with shades that fit the skills too, just to avoid contrasting results.
Guardian Blue Effects on a Ruby Armor
Keep an eye on the material: Different material means different effects. When choosing dyes, keep in mind that the quality and the shade of the color will be affected by the material of the armor. You can use the function “Sort by Material” in the Dye Panel. Dyes will look better if used on the right material.
Remember your gear: Different kind of armor means different effects that reflects on your colors too. In general we can sum it up to those rules:
- Cultural and Gem Store Armors have better reflections and effects than other armors.
- WvW Armor and unique Karma Armor is slightly less defined than above.
- Dungeon Armor is slightly less defined than above.
- Normal Armor is the least detailed of them all.
Different tiers of armor have different shades of colors:
Tier 1 Cultural Charr Heavy with Gold Dye
Tier 2 Cultural Charr Heavy with Gold Dye
Tier 3 Cultural Charr Heavy with Gold Dye
Unfortunately in GW2 it is not possible (yet?) to dye your weapon, but it contributes to your look. Remember: the skin and the colors of your gear make a huge impact on your character.
Green Natural Staff on Gold Armor
Flaming Golden Sword on Gold Armor
Your Race is important: The Race you choose defines your look, from your skin to your hair to your fur or trunk. Upon creating your character or using a makeover kit, remember to adjust your appearance so that your clothes and body don’t contrast. The small details are important.
Thanks to Lazuli, Lil Puppy and Behellagh for helping
(edited by Syrpharon.7491)