Guild Wars 2

I like diversity in life and entertainment. I’m a guy and I have mostly guy toons but also a few female ones. My female Sylvari necro, for example, named “Joy and Sorrow” has one of my favorite theme/persona/style. She is a giver of life and a dealer of death. She embraces the entire cycle of life and death. As a female, she can give birth (well, not as a Sylvari but that’s beside the point) so thematically it makes sense for this toon to be female.

Plus, she kicks ass and is fun to play!

I’ve never been hit on in-game nor has anybody made fun of me. I wouldn’t care if they did anyway because I love this toon. “Join me, creation; I give you purpose.”

Dahkeus.8243:

…you won’t see a lot of use for the ranger longbow because of its lower damage.

Not sure I agree since some top-rated PvE meta builds still use longbow. And you see people in-game all the time using longbow (myself included, although I’m hardly amazing).

Kreejaffa.3682:

I have been in love with Tyria since the original game.

Me too. I played GW before WoW and instantly fell in love with it. My friends tried it and hated it. Played WoW for a long time too but GW grabbed my heart more.

I want to see the new zones, especially because we’re going back to familiar territory. I want to develop my characters further. I’m curious where the story will go (it’s more interesting now that it’s more than just dragons). I enjoy the game. It’s less costly than some of my other hobbies (skiing and mountain biking).

I think it’s still relevant and I did raise the issue in the PoF preview feedback thread.

- It would be nice to have a new forge recipe to change the stats on ascended back/trinkets (like we can change armor and weapons). If the new “barrier” mechanic builds on vitality (as WoodenPotatoes suggested) then Marauder might be the new Berserker. I’d rather change what I have than grind for new back/trinkets with different stats (yes I know Bloodstone gear can be changed).

- Mount strafing please (keys q and e) to move sideways.

- It would be cool to have spear as a new land weapon, especially considering the SunSPEARs of Elona.

Sorry if any of these have already been mentioned—didn’t read the whole thread.

- It would be cool to have spear as a new land weapon, especially considering the SunSPEARs of Elona.

- It would be nice to have a new forge recipe to change the stats on ascended back/trinkets (like we can change armor and weapons). If the new “barrier” mechanic builds on vitality (as WoodenPotatoes suggested) then Marauder might be the new Berserker. I’d rather change what I have than grind for new back/trinkets with different stats (yes I know Bloodstone gear can be changed).

Yeah, take all your level 80 alts to BF and farm berries once per day per character. You’ll have stacks in no time! Right-click on a stack to “consume all” for a healthy chunk of unbound magic.

Vouch that it’s still a problem. Just submitted ticket number 2434696.

Update: message from GM said the devs are aware of the problem but there’s no estimate on a fix.

Loathar.9375:

Keeker.3854:

Inculpatus cedo.9234:

For anyone not familiar with the use of Command Line Arguments:

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Command_line_arguments#Using_command_line_arguments

Good luck.

Thank you for reminding me of the command line arguments. I ran my gw-64.exe with the -assetsrv set to 174.35.56.164 and it totally let me in. can some of you others try that and see if it works for you?

ps, I am in iowa on Qwest (Centurylink.net)

This totally worked for me first try. I put in the -assetsrv and the IP you provided and I’m logged in and playing. Also in Iowa but not on Centurylink.

Brilliant! Worked for me. I like this idea of isolating one specific change better than changing all my DNS settings (which work fine except for GW2).

Here’s a good place to get ideas.

http://metabattle.com/wiki/Ranger

I’m using Fractal/Raid Druid S/A LB Power and it works well as an overall fun/competent build. I also like how I can switch to staff and play-act healer without needing to switch gear.

If you don’t have Druid yet then S/A LB Spotter has long been popular.

Oh yeah those messages that I ignored. Except to remind me that I’d been playing for 5 hours straight and it was 2 in the morning and I should have gone to bed hours ago because I have work in the morning… lol.

Henry.5713:

Many pick… defensive gear even when staying at a long range to the boss or any target. They are there to have fun and enjoy what they do.

Just as you said, they will mostly find themselves in the backlines and fully healed because of it. They are in the perfect position to support the overall goal by ressing downed players.

I do enjoy the safety of range and I like surviving in Soldier’s gear. But I also like to melee on my Ranger when the risk is lower.

I’ve always like cooperative play and healing. I’ve been a healer in WoW and other games; I was a healer Guardian in WvW. I just like to help people get back up, especially since we all need help sometimes.

So yeah, I was happy when I could also heal on my Druid. It means I can get all that I want on one main toon and really learn that profession.

lorddavito.2395:

Sadly you used GW1 only as USP (unique selling point), the name, instead of bringing some actual GW1 stuff into this game.

Have you listened to recent WoodenPotatoes videos? The arch loremeister (who I’ve learned so much from) is excited that the game is making strong tie-backs to the core GW universe.

Anyway, just a few things that I’ve enjoyed…
- a vast beautiful world to explore
- I love the artwork on the loading screens
- scavenger hunts like Maudrey
- I did enjoy the HoT maps. As I’ve pursued achievements such as strongboxes, Ydalir (collection) and No Mask Left Behind, I’ve really come to appreciate the complexity and crazy design. Somebody really put work and thought into these maps!
- gliding is just fun
- a game that can be simply enjoyed, or I can spend many hours pursuing complex goals

Arakshaluum.5908:

As an NPC sitting under a tree with his dog once said in the full blossom of a peaceful evening, “I like it here.”

Jhoul.6923:

Is it… my baby Mawdrey becoming a legendary? Tell me more!

That would be fun! I enjoyed the Mawdrey scavenger hunt. It would be cool to have another step to make it legendary.

I like to play around with ideas and sounds that fit my character. I’m not happy with a character until it has a good name.

Kiria Jinkies – Human Ranger
She’s all about having fun while exploring!

Abaisser – Norn Guardian
My buddy had a band years ago called Abaisser which is a French word “to lower or to humble”. I thought it fit the mystique of a paladin/guardian/monk.

Grox of War – Charr Warrior
Grox was a family nickname for my bro years ago. To me it sounded like a nice powerful name for an aggressive character.

Fauxx Schnitzel – Asura Elementalist
A play on fo kitten but also trying to capture the double-consonant spelling common to Asura names (for example, Zojja or Tixx).

Reverend Tazo – Asura Revenant

3) I babble to myself vowels and consonants to look for combinations I like the sound of…

I do this too which is how I got reverend from revenant. Reverends preach about being born again which fits the class theme. And I was drinking Tazo tea one day…

Joy and Sorrow – Sylvari Necromancer
I was trying to capture the circle of life and death with this character’s theme. Sylvari are born from the pale tree but she is a master of blood and death magic. As a female she can also give birth to new life.

Tibert the Wizler – Charr Engineer
Tybalt (from Romeo and Juliet) shares the same name as the character Tibert/Tybalt the “Prince of Cats” in Reynard the Fox. Tybalt Leftpaw is one of my favorite characters so this is my tribute. Wizler is a username I thought of years ago. In this case it describes the wizardry of gizmos and gadgets.

Snarky Pants – Asura Mesmer
Cute little smarty pants girl with attitude.

Felonious Punkster – Asura Thief
Inspired by Thelonious Monk. Felon fits nicely with Thief.

Kastiel.1947:

Also there is https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Ley-Energy_Matter_Converter , which gives nice bags full of obsidian

Thanks, Kastiel, I have the converter but was not aware of the additional tabs. Still need to grind out Nuhoch rep but for now I have two extra chances per day for cheap shards!

After reading other posters, the words that came to my mind were faceroll versus challenge, meta builds, healing and survivability.

I’ve played Ranger since beta and I like how my power build is straightforward and easy to play when I’m tired from work. It’s entertainment for me, after all, and I don’t want frustration. But I also like how I can jump into the melee fray when I want more challenge.

I don’t mind playing a meta build if that’s what works best. But I always try to understand the synergies so I can be effective. Understanding options also allows me to tweak my build for particular situations.

I’ve always enjoyed healing and used to play my Guardian so I could help others. Now I can do that on my Druid main too!

Lastly, I usually run soldiers armor (with berserkers weapons and everything else) because I like to survive. I don’t mind if it takes extra time to kill something but I hate dying. Also, I like resurrecting people but hate to be the man down. And often I’m just running through mobs (even in HoT zones) because I like to explore; I don’t want to fight if I don’t have to.

I just started doing Fractals about six weeks ago and have enjoyed learning and progressing. I started to finish Mawdrey; I stayed because it was fun and something new to explore. Now I’m caught up in advancing my personal level and increasing my agony resistance (and chasing greater rewards).

I’ve also been grinding out central Tyria masteries and chasing mastery points (another reason to do Fractals). I need one more and decided that doing all eight dungeon stories shouldn’t be too bad. I had never set foot in most of the dungeons so that’s been yet another new thing to enjoy.

I have everything I need for my first legendary except lots of gold and a precursor. Maybe some day…

I tried Fractals long ago and was overwhelmed because I didn’t know what to do so I got yelled at. I avoided them for a long time after that and only returned about 6 weeks ago (after HoT) because I needed a Mists Stone to complete Mawdrey. I decided to pay attention and learn and ultimately enjoyed myself so much that I kept going because the reward was good and I needed more mastery points. I didn’t have much trouble completing 1-20 for the achievement. Some people were very kind and patient to explain mechanics. I like how they are relatively quick and not too hard (well 48 Thaumanova Reactor was long and painful lol).

I played Guild Wars before WoW and really enjoyed it. A couple friends tried it but didn’t stick with it. I really enjoyed the world, the story, the art and the gameplay of the first game and I greatly anticipated Guild Wars 2. Sometimes I’m really into it and other times I’m very casual. It’s nice that I can walk away for a while and not worry that my subscription will expire. To this day, I don’t know anybody in real life who plays GW2 but I still really like the game and the community (and threads like these).

My first character in beta was Ranger. I liked how I could attack with relative safety from afar but also dish out some damage in tight quarters. I like how my pet provides a distraction (I like how they survive better now). I like the mythos of adventure with a companion and a broad bag of non-magic tricks. I like hunting and taming new pets.

I find the class basically easy to play but with depth as I learn more subtlety and finesse (hard to master). I’ve enjoyed other classes but I always come back to my Ranger when I explore new content (which is something I most enjoy).

Hmm, the verbiage is strangely similar in these two posts from different users. Each user only has one post in their history (this one).

Erixen.7381:

So, I don’t really expect anyone to, but I hit 80 a while ago and in terms of what the people in my guild are doing, I’m unable to participate because I don’t have the expansion. If a super kind-hearted soul could buy me HoT that would be amazing!! That being said I know it’s a lot and honestly I’ll be amazed if I get a reply >.<

Prodical.1693:

So, I don’t really expect anyone to, but I hit 80 a while ago and in terms of what my friends are doing, I’m unable to participate because I don’t have the expansion. If a kind-hearted friend could buy me HoT that would be amazing! That being said I know it’s a lot and honestly I’ll be surprised if I get a reply!

I’ve dabbled in many classes but Ranger is still my main. It’s easy and fun to play for my casual style. I’m basically using this build but with Soldier’s armor (berserker trinkets and weapons) because I don’t like dying. I’m usually the guy resurrecting people in events (I like to be helpful that way).

I feel safe and comfortable at range and can solo many things (important because I mostly play solo). But I can also jump into the melee fray just for fun.

http://metabattle.com/wiki/Build:Ranger_-_S/A_LB_Spotter

Somewhat off topic but this sentiment triggered my reply.

Sytherek.7689:

GW2 still has fun things to do. So I’m still here.

After grinding SW and chest runs for a few ascended weapons, I got tired of the expensive goal-driven grind. My joy was always just relaxing, exploring and enjoying the adventure. During my journey to fully expore all four HoT maps (which proved to be a lot of work), I found myself frustrated if my goals were blocked or if it took longer than expected.

I tome-leveled my Revenant to 80 because I’d rather apply experience to mastery tracks as I learn how to play the class. I wanted to open up waypoints for all world bosses and found myself happy and relaxed as I ran around enjoying the beautiful scenery and participating in random events simply because I wanted to. Or going out of my way for a vista, POI or heart quest just because (world-completion is not a goal; I’ve already done that three times). It reminded me what I liked about the game in the first place and how my attitude/expectations/focus/priorities became skewed and robbed me of the fun.

Tommyknocker.6089:

Now I need to use a scheduler, allocate X hours for doing Y in order to unlock Z. TBH it sounds like more work than my job, maybe it is why I call in sick far to much.

8/10

I’ve enjoyed exploring the new maps and I love completion although it’s been challenging. I’ve spent a lot of time reading forums, looking at guides and watching videos to get what I want. It’s hard to feel “casual” when my self-imposed goals require such an investment. It has felt like a second job at times but that was my choice. And then I remember that Guild Wars always required (for me) a lot of wiki visits which is part of the frustration but also part of the achievement. When I got 100% completion of DS last night (after completing VB, AB and TD) it felt very satisfying and also a huge relief to be done!

Now I feel like I can relax and work towards my Central Tyria mastery. I opened up most of the tier 1 legendary precursor weapon collections and I look forward to the next scavenger hunt. But I also feel like this is a long-term goal so no rush.

I have 4 80s and only two with significant play time. I don’t have a lot of time for gaming these days so my “main” is the one I choose to relax and have fun with while I explore the new content. My first main was human ranger so I’ll stick with her for starters in HoT. My favorite alt was guardian but I mostly used him as healer in WvW.

I made a Sylvari necro called Joy and Sorrow. I really like the RP of this toon; she’s a syvlari, born from the pale tree (of life), and a practitioner of death. I think the character and the name represents the circle of life and death. She’s only like 22, not a character I play often, but I’m fond of her.

A name that I REALLY wanted but was taken was “Kvothe the Raven” (pronounced Quoth the Raven, like the poem by Poe). Also named from the book by Patrick Rothfuss. A norn character who can shapeshift into a raven… wow, I really liked the theme of this toon!

Actually, I don’t RP but I do generally have some sense of backstory/identity for each character.

Zaoda.1653:

It will be interesting though to see how we obtain the bloodstone shard for one of the gifts, being as skill points are being removed.

Wondering the same as the OP, especially about the Bloodstone Shard. I lack other materials but I have 200 skill points; wondering if I should buy the shard now or wait until things change.

Taking a break from games altogether to enjoy summer outdoor activites such as mountain biking, disc golf and ultimate frisbee league. Reading some books which I haven’t done in a while.

I do log in when I can to get the daily bonus. Once in a while I think about the legendary that I’ll never have… then I realize what it would take to get it and I’m unwilling.

- None of my real-life friends play GW2. A couple tried GW and didn’t like it but it was one of my favorite games.
- I enjoy playing melee ranger (e.g. gs or axe/torch). I use my black moa pet so informed people know I got at least 15/30 HoM (even though nobody’s ever said anything about it).
- I generally don’t care about status symbols in-game because I’m casual but I do care about my black moa because it represents a fair amount of work (for me).
- I just claimed to be a casual gamer but I’ve spent way too much time in-game because I’ve used gaming as an escape and a hideout.
- I was grateful to get two ascended items (essentially for little effort) by participating in the WvW Fall Tournament simply becuase my team did well (instead of having to grind out dailies/monthlies for laurels).
- I felt resentful that I had to do WvW for world map completion… then I discovered that I actually enjoyed it.
- I like getting free stuff just for logging in; maybe I’ll get a legendary some day after all.

- 44 year old male, recently married for the first time, no children (and no plans for them).
- I Live in Denver, CO; I used to smoke pot years ago but I don’t anymore—I did vote for it though.
- Love to ski and snowboard; picked up telemark about 10 years ago for a new challenge.
- I enjoy disc golf; very happy that I can still run around and play ultimate Frisbee; I also enjoy mountain biking.
- I love being active outside but I hate going to the gym.
- I used to read tons of fantasy and sci-fi but not so much anymore; now I like learning about “real” life.
- I Have a degree in computer science; I’ve done software test and development for 15 years now and I don’t really like it anymore.
- I think finance is interesting and I wish I knew more about investing.
- I hated history in school but now I find it fascinating.
- I haven’t picked up my guitar in years.
- I mostly like MMOs and RPGs; I don’t play that much anymore and I kinda regret how much time I’ve spent in-game. I feel like I should have been out doing “real life” more.
- I really like this thread and the “confessions” one. I wrote up my confessions but never posted—I’ll do that now.
- I’d love to learn scuba and travel more.
- I had lasik eye surgery years ago and it was one of the best choices I ever made. But it took me a year to build up courage and take the risk.
- My favorite recent concert was Michael Franti in Vail when it was 20 degrees and snowing and we were all bundled up in our ski gear.

Tachenon.5270:

I’d probably go with human… If it’s anything at all like a ritualist, I’d go with human female, and have her be a descendant of my Canthan rit from way back when.

Similar to my idea. I want to create a human female with an asian look and a backstory that ties with my Canthan ritualist. I have name that sounds exotic and foreign (to me).

Setting RPG aside, I’m tempted to go with Asura because they are my favorite. But I already have 4 Asura and only one of each other race.

maestrochino.7104:

When you wish you have waypoints between your house, your school and your workplace. And basically anywhere you need to be.

I pass this every day to work and think, “Ooh, an undiscovered waypoint!”.

Thank you for this guide and thank you (the whole GW2 team) for making it easier to know where to go in-game!