Guild Wars 2

I was wonder if you could give us the option to hide the backpack that shows when using kits and such. I dislike having this giant backpack cover my character, clipping into her hair as well as covering her armor and back item that I’d like to show off. Engineers utilize kits often, which makes it hard to enjoy my character when I am displeased about the look. Considering that the game is supposed to have a specific esthetic in terms of appearance, I’d think this would be something you would be willing to do.

Thanks

That would be very nice indeed.
The packs get on my nerves sometimes, and other times they seem fitting. So a toggle would be a simple solution.

agreed.

I also don’t like the idea that eng tosses out a giant neon sign to their foes that they are changing abilities.

I absolutely agree!

If we want to show our backpiece that kit-backpiece is really annoying (because you don’t see anything of the backpiece we want to show) and if we don’t want to show our backpiece (maybe because we like our armor over the backpiece) that backpiece is a smack in the face sayin “You don’t want to see a backpiece? Here you got one!”

So please, remove that kit-backpiece!!

I want a guild backpack that costs 5 gold to over ride the kit backpacks. I haven’t bought one for just this reason.

plasmacutter.2709:

agreed.

I also don’t like the idea that eng tosses out a giant neon sign to their foes that they are changing abilities.

I agree for the usefulness that this would provide. Or rather tone it down so that it won’t look too obvious that I just switched bags.

I fully support this idea. Shouldn’t be really hard because often my backpack and/or toolkit just bugs out and is not visible at all.

ANet actually replied on this one months ago. I can’t find its link but I’m pretty sure they said it’d be impossible because it will be unfair to enemy players in sPvP or WvW if they don’t see what kind of kit we are using. Seeing what kits engineers are using can help them make strategies and right decisions when fighting against us.

In a sense, they have a point but if you think of it in a more general way, most people don’t even care about our kits. They’re like “Oh, an engineer! FOOOOOOOOD!”

But yes, I’d like to have the option of hiding our backpacks too if possible.

i just wished for more vairety.
Grenade/Bomb kit can be like a belt of grenades across waist or back
FT/EG should be a tank on our backs.
Tool kit should be well a pack with tools in it, and it should allow our equiped sheild to show

Kyon.9735:

ANet actually replied on this one months ago. I can’t find its link but I’m pretty sure they said it’d be impossible because it will be unfair to enemy players in sPvP or WvW if they don’t see what kind of kit we are using. Seeing what kits engineers are using can help them make strategies and right decisions when fighting against us.

In a sense, they have a point but if you think of it in a more general way, most people don’t even care about our kits. They’re like “Oh, an engineer! FOOOOOOOOD!”

But yes, I’d like to have the option of hiding our backpacks too if possible.

If that’s true, I think that is a cop out answer. It’s no different than any other class changing weapons or something. Engineer kits also change the weapon the character is holding. Having the backpack thing gone would not be anything different from any other profession.

Kimbald.2697:

That would be very nice indeed.
The packs get on my nerves sometimes, and other times they seem fitting. So a toggle would be a simple solution.

I agree but it won’t happen. There is a reason the backpacks exist.

Backpacks are shown in engineer kits – it is because without them it is difficult to ascertain what weapon the engineer or what kit they ave equipped. There is a noticeable difference in each kit that to intelligent players can help them determine whether or not an engineer is a worthwhile target. Removing the backpacks would eliminate an aspect of PvP and WvWvW – it removes the aspect of class/weapon recognition.

BoAKaN.6052:

Kyon.9735:

ANet actually replied on this one months ago. I can’t find its link but I’m pretty sure they said it’d be impossible because it will be unfair to enemy players in sPvP or WvW if they don’t see what kind of kit we are using. Seeing what kits engineers are using can help them make strategies and right decisions when fighting against us.

In a sense, they have a point but if you think of it in a more general way, most people don’t even care about our kits. They’re like “Oh, an engineer! FOOOOOOOOD!”

But yes, I’d like to have the option of hiding our backpacks too if possible.

If that’s true, I think that is a cop out answer. It’s no different than any other class changing weapons or something. Engineer kits also change the weapon the character is holding. Having the backpack thing gone would not be anything different from any other profession.

It is most definitely a massive cop-out.

Elementalists only show their attunement in barely-visible “bracelets” on their wrists, and in the buff bar, and that’s it.

plasmacutter.2709:

BoAKaN.6052:

Kyon.9735:

ANet actually replied on this one months ago. I can’t find its link but I’m pretty sure they said it’d be impossible because it will be unfair to enemy players in sPvP or WvW if they don’t see what kind of kit we are using. Seeing what kits engineers are using can help them make strategies and right decisions when fighting against us.

In a sense, they have a point but if you think of it in a more general way, most people don’t even care about our kits. They’re like “Oh, an engineer! FOOOOOOOOD!”

But yes, I’d like to have the option of hiding our backpacks too if possible.

If that’s true, I think that is a cop out answer. It’s no different than any other class changing weapons or something. Engineer kits also change the weapon the character is holding. Having the backpack thing gone would not be anything different from any other profession.

It is most definitely a massive cop-out.

Elementalists only show their attunement in barely-visible “bracelets” on their wrists, and in the buff bar, and that’s it.

The symbols on the backpacks are about the same size as an attunement ring. From far off they mostly look the same.

It would be nice if we at least got some nice backpack models when we get our exotics. The old ragged bumpy look our backpacks have really ruins any kind of nice armor you’re wearing.

plasmacutter.2709:

It is most definitely a massive cop-out.

Elementalists only show their attunement in barely-visible “bracelets” on their wrists, and in the buff bar, and that’s it.

Hmm…how about having the option to remove the backpack visual, but adding a spot in our buff bar (equal to ele’s attunement symbol?) We only have 6 kits including med kit—how hard could it be to add 6 new symbols that would appear on our buff bar when we equip that kit?

I feel it’s unlikely that devs are going to create a ton of new visual content that can only be accessed by one of the eight professions, and the (probably) least-represented one at that.

NevirSayDie.6235:

plasmacutter.2709:

It is most definitely a massive cop-out.

Elementalists only show their attunement in barely-visible “bracelets” on their wrists, and in the buff bar, and that’s it.

Hmm…how about having the option to remove the backpack visual, but adding a spot in our buff bar (equal to ele’s attunement symbol?) We only have 6 kits including med kit—how hard could it be to add 6 new symbols that would appear on our buff bar when we equip that kit?

I feel it’s unlikely that devs are going to create a ton of new visual content that can only be accessed by one of the eight professions, and the (probably) least-represented one at that.

“a ton of new visual content”?

it’s a buff icon!

I want to use my quaggan backpack while I’m using my kits!

plasmacutter.2709:

“a ton of new visual content”?

it’s a buff icon!

No no, I meant new skin options for all our kits. Rather than adding those (unrealistic) Anet could give the option to hide the backpacks and add a buff icon (realistic).

They could put a Buff Icon under the Health Bar denoting Bomb, Grenade/Elixer/Heal etc to balance the lack of visible Backpack for PvP/WvWvW

Oops, didn’t read all the posts and missed the previously stated idea. FML

Pukknub.7368:

I want to use my quaggan backpack while I’m using my kits!

Exactly! I really wanna buy that Quaggan Backpack but I can’t put it on my engineer because I mostly use kits.

NevirSayDie.6235:

plasmacutter.2709:

It is most definitely a massive cop-out.

Elementalists only show their attunement in barely-visible “bracelets” on their wrists, and in the buff bar, and that’s it.

Hmm…how about having the option to remove the backpack visual, but adding a spot in our buff bar (equal to ele’s attunement symbol?) We only have 6 kits including med kit—how hard could it be to add 6 new symbols that would appear on our buff bar when we equip that kit?

I feel it’s unlikely that devs are going to create a ton of new visual content that can only be accessed by one of the eight professions, and the (probably) least-represented one at that.

That sounds like a good idea, and it is no different from what elementalists currently use. This would remove the need for the backpacks entirely, while still showing which kit they are using. I mean, if you’re stopping in the middle of a team battle to check which pack some Engineer is using, you’re costing valuable time or teamplay; not to mention, in that timeframe you will probably see which pack it is before that, by them simply attacking.

Currently as it is, there is no reason to even get a nice back item, because it’s not like we can show them off. That stinks because this is a game all about visual appearances, and Engineer is the only class that is limited on that.

Anyone actually trying to defend the ‘It lets enemies know what they’re using’ argument needs to take a good, hard look at what some better engineers do. Usually you jump into a kit on the fly, blow the ability you want, then return to what you were doing before. Kits aren’t like weapon sets for other classes – you don’t see them swap weapons, think ‘Oh, for the next 10 seconds I should expect XYZ’, and plan accordingly – you watch them swap to flamethrower, push 2, then go back to rifle and overcharged shot you into the explosion. Or the other way around. Point is, the weapons in your hand change just like other classes, so how is it fair that we have both a backpack to show what we’re wielding alongside a weapon (exception being grenade and medkit I suppose, although grenade kit is pretty obvious when.. well, grenades are flying around, and medkit making those BWOOP BWOOP noises), while other classes only have to display a weapon?

I would be happy with them making it so dyes apply to the kits packs, even if they just carry over the dyes on our chestpiece.

I would be most happy with some kind of option to have kit themes skins that you could apply to kits to change their appearance.

I don’t think we should be able to hide our kit any more than you should be able to hide your weapon. If the kits clip into your character I understand how that sucks, I feel the same about not being able to see my pistols or rifle on my Asura. But its not really that big of a deal.

Kamahl.3621:

you watch them swap to flamethrower, push 2, then go back to rifle and overcharged shot you into the explosion.

Pro. This is why engies are fun, there are so many ways to get a near-dysfunctional set of abilities to do wonders. I can’t wait to try this out…

This is something that’s really been bugging me as well and I’m glad its being brought up again.

I kinda felt bad for even bothering about this purely cosmetic issue when the devs are more urgently needed elsewhere when it comes to the engineer…
But then I gave it a second thought. GW2 is a game in which “high end rewards” are all about the appearance of our character;

legendaries with fancy animations and armor sets that aren’t showing off a certain spec but instead are being transmuted so every player can create that unique look, completely unrelated to the stats he is using. Obviously dyes are a big thing as well.

I second the idea of being able to dye kits.
I like my backpacks and I’d feel naked running without them but at the current state I feel forced into choosing mud-colors or that very specifc red to make them go with my kits.

Med kit is the most forgiving backpack since the colors are a bit more neutral. But it’s HUGE and as a medium-sized female human, I don’t get to see any of my armor anyway.

I bought the Quaggan Backpack and then I realized this…

backpack should simply use the skin of whatever you have in back slot. you want the backpack? choose it at char creation. you want toy bag? quaggan (FUGLY imo, hate, despise, loathe them, wish i could FT the lot of them underwater)? no problem. ascended quiver? why not

(if you dont choose backpack at creation, you get default, re-skin pack choice to make it unique)

adding dye options to kits would be a nigjtmare, as would reskinning each kit and giving us the option to alter them individually. but for soz sake, fix the gem bug on back slots.

edit: i really need to stop posting from my phone. typos!

I’d much rather have the ability to hide it over dying the packs. But I’d be up for both if there are some people that actually like the packs. However I will never be satisfied with this giant ugly backpack on my character.

plasmacutter.2709:

agreed.

I also don’t like the idea that eng tosses out a giant neon sign to their foes that they are changing abilities.

Well to be fair, eles have way bigger neon signs when changing attunements.

Gallrvaghn.4921:

plasmacutter.2709:

agreed.

I also don’t like the idea that eng tosses out a giant neon sign to their foes that they are changing abilities.

Well to be fair, eles have way bigger neon signs when changing attunements.

It’s really not that big, not to mention that Ele’s whole concept is about changing attunements. Basically, it’s pretty much expected that Ele’s are going to change.

ele attune change is huge, though i’d imagine it’s smaller on lower graphic settings. kits don’t even make the sound effect.

you also can’t see them if they’re facing you.

You will see them a lot if they run away though!

If (apparently according to ANet) kit-backpacks are here to stay, at least give us some racial variety. This would also apply to our turrets.

Imagine an Asura with a medical kit that actually looks like it was engineered by an Asura. Or a Charr with a metal container and sharp edges. Or a Sylvari that uses a gourd to carry around her items.

Same with the turrets basically. We see a lot of Asuran turrets everywhere, but when an Asura Engineer puts down their turrets; they look like some pretty generic human turrets.

Diversity is key. And whilst I do mind when my T3 Cultural Asura is forced to run around with a leather backpack that was clearly made by a human, or a flamethrower that looks like it was made by Charr; I would be a lot more forgiving if he was carrying some form of symmetrical contraption with glowing crystals on his back that would scream ‘Asura Tech!’.

Makes you wonder why everyone apparently shops at Engineers ‘R’ Us.

Daigle.8497:

you also can’t see them if they’re facing you.

You will see them a lot if they run away though!

which happens a lot in wuvwuv! just watch any of Maska’s vids.

(yes i am aware he doesn’t use kits)

emikochan.8504:

ele attune change is huge, though i’d imagine it’s smaller on lower graphic settings. kits don’t even make the sound effect.

All the more reason the argument for kits needing to be there for pvp doesn’t work.

I will never accept having this ugly kit forced upon me, and if I have to keep annoying anet about it, so be it.

Anet, it would be nice to have a (more recent) statement on this subject.

I wanted to push that thread myself, maybe ANET will see someday that we dont like that ugly backpiece…

This is going to sound bad but… there is a check box in the inventory section on your backpack. If you uncheck, it hides your backpack from view while still having it equipped.

The Bleu Elite.3127:

This is going to sound bad but… there is a check box in the inventory section on your backpack. If you uncheck, it hides your backpack from view while still having it equipped.

This thread is actually about the “backpacks” that appear when you are using a kit. Those don’t go away when you click the “hide back armor” button.

Hiding would not always make sense, like how could you have a flamethrower without its gas and liquid chambers? What I think would make more sense is different aesthetic options for the backpacks. Like the quaggan backpack, I wouldnt mind using a variation of it to store my fuel

NevirSayDie.6235:

The Bleu Elite.3127:

This is going to sound bad but… there is a check box in the inventory section on your backpack. If you uncheck, it hides your backpack from view while still having it equipped.

This thread is actually about the “backpacks” that appear when you are using a kit. Those don’t go away when you click the “hide back armor” button.

I see. Sorry.

Aveneo.2068:

If (apparently according to ANet) kit-backpacks are here to stay, at least give us some racial variety. This would also apply to our turrets.

Imagine an Asura with a medical kit that actually looks like it was engineered by an Asura. Or a Charr with a metal container and sharp edges. Or a Sylvari that uses a gourd to carry around her items.

Same with the turrets basically. We see a lot of Asuran turrets everywhere, but when an Asura Engineer puts down their turrets; they look like some pretty generic human turrets.

Diversity is key. And whilst I do mind when my T3 Cultural Asura is forced to run around with a leather backpack that was clearly made by a human, or a flamethrower that looks like it was made by Charr; I would be a lot more forgiving if he was carrying some form of symmetrical contraption with glowing crystals on his back that would scream ‘Asura Tech!’.

Makes you wonder why everyone apparently shops at Engineers ‘R’ Us.

Yea this would be cool. Right now all Engineer backpacks are colored dead dull brown like rags. I don’t want my Engineer to look like a poor hobo everytime I use a kit

Gallrvaghn.4921:

Yea this would be cool. Right now all Engineer backpacks are colored dead dull brown like rags. I don’t want my Engineer to look like a poor hobo everytime I use a kit

Exactly! They’re all dull brown backpacks with a red rag hanging at the back on occassion. Now it seems ANet tried to go with a generic ‘one pack fits all’ approach, but every time I wonder how much better it would be (aesthetically) if the different races also had different means to construct their kits.

I attached a screenshot of my Asura engineer. Now imagine her running around with those generic backpacks all the time. It just doesn’t match up; especially when you see all the technological gizmos, devices and golems they have in and around Rata Sum.

Personally I believe ANet did a great job in offering cultural weapons and armor. As such I really hope ANet might be interested to discuss the potential of cultural engineer kits during one of their meetings.

Heck, they could even put ‘<race> Engineer Kit’ packs for sale at the Cultural vendors for a few gold which would offer people a choice to either keep the generic/basic version or upgrade their kits to use cultural skins when equipped instead.

The problem with this is that those backpacks are meant to signify what kit you are using to your enemies. It’d be like hiding your weapon in combat.

The Gates Assassin.9827:

The problem with this is that those backpacks are meant to signify what kit you are using to your enemies. It’d be like hiding your weapon in combat.

Personally I believe that a giant jet of flame being sprayed in your general direction gives a good enough indication that they are using a Flamethrower Kit. Or getting hit in the face by a multitude of grenades being a good indication that the player is using a Grenade Kit.

And because the Kit-packs are so similar and generic in design (and can be swapped out for a different one instantly), it is almost impossible to tell from a distance which Kit a player is using solely by visual identification of their backpack. It only becomes apparent when said player actually starts using the abilities on their kit.

But that’s just my humble opinion on the matter. Half the time people don’t even notice my little Asura running around in WvW, so I can only assume that they can’t see which backpack I have on my back at all. Only when their loincloth suddenly catches on fire is when they realize that my Asura was using a Flamethrower instead of an Elixir Gun.

The Gates Assassin.9827:

The problem with this is that those backpacks are meant to signify what kit you are using to your enemies. It’d be like hiding your weapon in combat.

How often (before or during a fight) do we have someone standing BEHIND us to let him see which kit we are using?

IF Anet really wanted the kits-backpack to show opponents which kit we are using, it would make more sense to give each kit its own symbol next to buff/debuff-list!

Tobkilla.4612:

The Gates Assassin.9827:

The problem with this is that those backpacks are meant to signify what kit you are using to your enemies. It’d be like hiding your weapon in combat.

How often (before or during a fight) do we have someone standing BEHIND us to let him see which kit we are using?

IF Anet really wanted the kits-backpack to show opponents which kit we are using, it would make more sense to give each kit its own symbol next to buff/debuff-list!

Hey, it’s not as if each kit replaces our weapon(s) with whatever massive thing signifies the kit..

(flame thrower, elixir gun)

If you can’t tell the difference between a pistol and an elixir gun on an engineer without looking at their backpack, you have a LOT more problems in this game than difficulty determining what ability the engineer will be using next.