Guild Wars 2

It does certainly seem that WvW is both the most popular and respected aspect of GW2

In general, I find that the more hardcore players in this game tend to be the people who PvP, who (imo) have a somewhat negative view of players who would just pve. More specifically, I get the impression that pve players are seen as less skilled than pvp players.

I’m starting to understand the reason behind that too: everyone pve related requires a lower skill level than things pvp related. Consequently, the pve rewards are also observed as less impressive than pvp rewards.

It also even seen on the complains in the prof forums. Whenever I read any type of QQ message, it’s about something pvp related typically. You basically never see any post about about someone complaining fractals are too hard, or why a certain class is doing better than them in dungeons. You certainly don’t hear anyone saying “why is my prof so weak at doing dynamic events!”

I also notice the more disappointed people tend to be the players who are hardcore and prefer pve stuff like fractals

Wolfheart.1938:

mtl.5921:

I read a lot of replies along the lines of “I play FOR myself” or “I play for fun”

But then here’s the response I create in my head: Then why not just play a single-player game? I mean, if the things you gain are just for you, and you don’t care if anyone else sees it – then couldn’t a single player game actually provide a more impressive experience than than the time-sink associated with MMOs, which is also true of GW2.

But I can’t play single player games with other people. Boasting of one own achievements (which more often then not are not a testament of skill but time spent) is just a little part of playing with other players.

For example, one of the things I like in MMOs is the ability to be a part of something greater. I cannot get the same feelings I get in a guild raid in Planetside 2 (or GW2) with a single player game.

So many games now have co-op or multi-player, to the point where you can play as part of a team. If the only goal is to feel like like part of a greater good, there’s a lot of games that offer that possibility, no?

The reason I chose to play another MMO after leaving my previous one of several years was the real sense of community. People could see the accomplishments of others, it would motivate you to seek those things out yourself, and then when you accomplished something, other would be like “wow, that’s awesome”. It didn’t even have to be gear related at all. Just something that makes others go “wow”

I could answer things like: how good of a player am I? How far have I progressed compared to others? What are the BIG goals I could work towards that would make people go “wow, I know that took a long time”?

It appears that titles are the closest thing to that in this game.

So, follow-up question: What are the most impressive titles in the game, and what do they entail?

I read a lot of replies along the lines of “I play FOR myself” or “I play for fun”

But then here’s the response I create in my head: Then why not just play a single-player game? I mean, if the things you gain are just for you, and you don’t care if anyone else sees it – then couldn’t a single player game actually provide a more impressive experience than than the time-sink associated with MMOs, which is also true of GW2.

Navi.7142:

Why do you want and need that kind of attraction from other players? ^^

It’s not just about you, mtl (you just opened a thread where I post my thoughts), but I will never understand why so many players care that much about what others might think of them or how they can impress people. Is it really about who has the biggest …?

If you like a particular legendary (-> insert title, skin, rank, etc here), then go for it.
It might be other people see you and will like it, but why should that be an incentive to go for a legendary etc.?
Most of the players I know of do not care what other players wear or try to show off.
Yeah, sometimes I see someone with a nice weapon or armor and I congratulate to that chic piece of gear, but it doesn’t have to be the gear that is obtained the most laborious or expensive.

True greatness comes from within. ^^

Because this IS how I have fun.

Perhaps a good path for me is achievements. I was an achievement kitten in my previous MMO, and that they can actually lead to impressive rewards actually excites me.

But again, what I liked in my previous MMO is that others could actually notice those achievements and have a certain prestige attached to them.

Being able to then show off that title or skin is how I have fun.

You say you occasionally go up to someone and say a quick grats.

People like me LIVE for moments like that :P

Also, there’s quite a few people like that, so it does get noticed now and then, it feels good, and that basically is for me the ultimate reward.

It’s how I have fun in this video game.

Cause to be honest, if the only enjoyment is “playing for fun”, then that makes me consider even playing console games for the “fun factor.”

Being able to show off your achievements is something that I consider impressive and a unique aspect of an MMO because you can do it within the game. Single players games don’t allow that for the obvious reason you are the only person. The MMO brings the unique opportunity to show off your achievements in the game itself.

Dare I say it: I wish there was an armory . . .

Wolfheart.1938:

DonYawnful.1062:

mtl.5921:

Wolfheart.1938:

PvP leaderboards!

What about for the more pve inclined? :L

Fractals. Higher levels and whatnot.

The kitten boosting is not as strong as in other games, but having fractal weapons (special skins dropped in high level fractals) or Arah gear testifies that you are able to play mildly hard to quite hard content. I’m sorry to say, but I believe that’s it for PvE. Oh, and legendaries are no proof of skill, only time spent. I know personally a bunch of terrible players that own one or more.

Did you consider WvW? Aiming to be a great commander is one of the things one could go for if he was looking to enlarge his e-kitten. Dem commanders get all the ladies

I’ve honestly always not been a fan of pvp

Although I’ve also heard the pvp in this game is so good that even people who have hated pvp in the past end up enjoying it.

Sorry, I clearly had an alt on the brain.

I am using sword-pistal + staff.

So, I find it interesting that you mention sword because I find it’s stronger in terms of single target and I’m not the biggest fan of a move that works as long as people stand exactly where I am doing the animation :L

I will admit to having good success, but I am also feeling quite squishy. This becomes especially clear when trying to take on 3+ enemies. I’m basically op outside of events tbh. I’m totally unable to solo events though and it seems to always be when I can’t handle a swarm.

Example: A veteran + 3 mobs is basically death for me.

I think I will try sword/focus + GS

DonYawnful.1062:

mtl.5921:

Wolfheart.1938:

PvP leaderboards!

What about for the more pve inclined? :L

Fractals. Higher levels and whatnot.

Man, Fractals it is then.

I am totally the type of player that craves ascended gear >.>

But it could purely cosmetic and that would be fine. I just want shiny hat or t-shirt that says “yup, I did this fractal on the highest level and all I got was this shiny hat.”

I’d be good with that. . .

Wolfheart.1938:

PvP leaderboards!

What about for the more pve inclined? :L

It’s less about the items and more about the progression.

Like it’s awesome to see how far I progressed.

For example, I haven’t done fractals, but if they had something like 10 levels of difficulty, and some cosmetic award for beating the hardest level, I would really like that.

I would also LOVE the GW2 aspect that it is cosmetic only.

or perhaps titles? I saw a bunch of people with the title “been there, done that” and I thought to myself “oh wow, that most be a title for very hardcore players.” No idea if that’s true, but I just want to express a particular sentiment.

At some point, I will need to really determine which end game goals I want to obtain, and I think I’d like go after things considered more “hardcore.”

For example, I really like that getting a legendary in this game takes like forever and requires a lot of work. Those are things that appeal to me. It’s a “I took the road less traveled mentality” and I want to be able to display that choice.

Hi, new player, LOVE the mesmer!!!

For all the geeky reasons: love harlequin, love creating illusions, love blowing up illusions, it’s just a game mechanic I LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I am currently level 14, and while I feel quite strong one-on-one, but then when there are more than 2 mobs, I feel so so weak

I am currently using scepter/dagger and staff, thinking it would be a good idea to use great sword for better aoe?

Any other ideas for how to level a mesmer before reaching level 80?

For example, where should I place my FIRST 10 trait points?

I’m currently having a dilemma because a certain game might have ruined video games for me. I used to play for fun and didn’t really care about the game much beyond just beating the final boss. But this other MMO that I played for 3 years has put me in a mindset of “do x to progress, it shows you are a good player and not a baddie.” I hated that mindset so much, I left that particular game, but to be honest . . .

I am currently missing that aspect in GW2

So here’s my question:

What aspects of this game can lead to people inspecting you and saying “I can see you’ve put a lot of work into this game!”

-is it the skins? Do people find certain skins impressive?

-if someone is actually carrying around a legendary, do others notice and get impressed?

At the fear of sounding rude, what kind of things could I do that would make people recognize me as hardcore player rather than a casual player. Like even in Mario game, you can choose to just past the levels, or collect all the hearts along the way. Right now, the game is currently feeling EXTREMELY casual to me, and it’s proving to be an issue in how fun I find the game. I want to do things that will lead to others recognizing I am being hardcore rather than casual.

Is there a way to build your [kitten] in GW2?

What would make you look at a player and go “[kitten]”

[mod edit: removed offending content]

Thank you very much for that very detailed reply!

I’ve been trying to examine guides for gear, but they all seem to be for end-game/level 80.

However, already I bombarded with gear that has different levels and different stats.

How do I know which one is the best one for my profession?

For example, what would be best for my level 18 elementalist vs. my level 12 mesmer?

Also, is gear order: green>blue>white?

Raven – hadn’t seen your post when I was writing, and it’s really good!

Could you please explain gear a little better?

Gear for my level? You mean from the NPC sellers? How expensive is stuff from the trading post? or would it be better to craft it? Regarding runes, I used two that matched for my helm, but green gear in general seems rare – go see the trading post?

Maybe I need a good general gearing guide :L

THANK YOU for your advice regarding trait points.

If I follow you correctly, I should place all my points in water till 15, and then switch to placing points in arcana? I was actually placing them in fire for increased power :L

Favourite Playstyle? The one where they die fast.

I am level 18, and been using scepter/dagger.

More crucial, however, is my fire axe. Everything else feels like filler until I can finally use it and then stuff just dies so fast and makes me super happy.

Regarding movement and dodge – way way ahead of you there. Seriously, that’s the only way I survive. I was doing a solo group event this morning against a champion golem and killed it by just running circles around and around a house, dodging and healing whenever I could, until it finally went down.

But, the minute it reaches me, or the minute there are more than 2 enemies, no axe, it’s just GAME OVER. Everything else feels like filler till I can use the flame axe.

Some specific questions, and remember I’m only level 18:

-which spells would be best for this low level? I can currently have to 2, and I love my flame axe, but not sure which other one would be best

-which healing spell do you think is best for solo?

-Where should I place my trait points? Remember I have less than 10!

Starting the games, and events are starting to really really annoy me.

If I am alone where an event is taking place – should I even bother?

I work and struggle so hard to get it done, and then if 2-3 people join, it’s so so easy.

But it’s so rare now that I actually have other people there doing the event with me, that it’s becoming more frustration than anything. We’re not even talking the ones labelled group events. Things were I need to destroy 8 things while keeping an onslaught back – I can’t help but think these weren’t designed to be soloed.

I don’t mind other people btw, there is just no one around.

At the very least, is there a way to track which events I have completed, and which remain to be done? Kinda like how I can see I’ve completed all hearts. These events have a lot of lore and story, and missing a bunch = not really knowing the story of the zone. I want to ensure I obtain the lore at least.

NOT

-end game

NOT

-pvp

NOT

-dungeons

I am level 15 and simply would like to stop dieing every minute.

I am rotating my elementalist with 4 other profs, also around level 15, the difference is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am about to ditch my elementalist because I like actually living more than 5 minutes.

Curious to calculate how many of my keys have been drops of mobs.

5 alts, all past level 10, and done personal story up until then, so I guess that guaranteed me 5 keys?

I have completed zones too – so maybe 1 or 2 there.

I guess true drops for me is somewhere around 2-4 keys in the past 2 weeks, and 2 chests.

Which, I see, is still better than most people.

Will you also get upset if I tell how many celestial recipes I can’t use have also dropped for me?

I havent done the trading post yet, so wasnt too much of a thrill for me.

The buffs I’m already getting from achievement chests.

A mini though, yeah, that would have been sweet and I really did think I’d get one.

I’m on five alts, to be eight soon.

BTW, when I finally DID get that first chest, I was SO excited to open it.

I was like “wow, man, this is gonna be something AMAZING I bet!”

I was disappointed with the results and became even more confused :L

I was out chatting on “map” when someone said “oh joy! another chest (sarcasm)”

Well, I responded with my honest problem:

“I wish I had a chest! I’m sick of getting so many keys!”

and apparently, it’s usually the other way around to everyone basically going O.o at me

I began playing this game about two weeks ago and here is my count:

-10 keys
-2 chests

At one point, it was 9 keys and 0 chests.

I would actually get a key and go “man, when am I gonna get a chest?!?!?!”

So it really is strange that I’m currently more excited for chests than keys? :L

SO . . .

After the recent changes to longbow . . .

I will have to come to the conclusion that NO, Ranger are NOT in that bad a spot.

OMG, How much do I love longbow now . . .

TY ANET!!!

I’m starting to suspect there is a hardcore-casual difference here, am I right?

Hardcore players can play rangers, casual players can’t?

Like, I would imagine a casual player not having a gaming mouse and changing keybinds, in which case, I can see how pet management would be difficult.

I’m also finding the debate about weapons interesting. Yes, I did hope to use a bow when playing my ranger, but I always go into situations with the idea “what would be the best weapon here?” Like, I don’t care if a melee weapon is best, if it’s best, then that’s what I am using. But I suspect that’s me speaking as a hardcore player, whereas more casual players prefer to just role play as robin hood?

I really liked applying the conditions on double axe 5.

Along with the other potential conditions, stuff just melted, and I find I die much more from packs than anything 1vs.1. Consequently, I haven’t minded the range thing cause in my head it’s more like “you dare come near me, you die!”

Obviously, however, you have more experience than me, so I will definitely try out the axe/horn combo, and obtain a krytan drakehound when I can.

Really Impressed with all of the replies.

I am currently rotating through all 8 professions to get a feel for all of them.

I really only want to choose my main once I have all 8 professions at max.

I had previously leveled up to 15: necro, ele, warrior, mesmer, and had always imagined a ranger or thief as the fifth prof I would play, but it seems like a pretty nightmarish experience. Your replies have given me some relief, however, because I plan to only really do open world pve on my ranger till level 80. FYI, my favourite so far is mesmer, but that’s because I love harlequin and the use of illusions. It’s similar to why I like my necro: I like dark stuff.

At any rate, yesterday I bit the bullet and made a ranger, and, it’s not bad at all really.

The first and best thing anyone can do for themselves is get a gaming mouse and keybind everything. With good keybinds, pet management isn’t too bad.

It’s true, however, that the bear feels more like my partner than my tank, like a bonus to the rest of the rotation, and yes, it does love to aggro things.

Ranger doesn’t feel weak though. Using double axes right now and I thought AOE abilities were really good. I think reaching level 80 on my ranger might actually be easier than with other classes. Elementalist has so far actually been the most painful to level. Very Squishy, and I feel a little overwhelmed with the range of possibilities. Also, once again, keybinds for the win!!!!!

How are rangers in solo play?

Was also considering a thief, but they also are bad apparently

Well, this thread has actually made me further discouraged.

I played a warrior today from 1-15, completed the starting zone, and was switching the weapons to see what the warrior version was. When I got to the bow, I honestly thought to myself: “It’ll be exciting to be a ranger and a master of bows. I’d really like to play a class where shooting arrows is the main thing, that could be really fun. Oh, I see I can’t use the one-handed kind? I guess the ranger, master of bows, can”

And now ur saying bow isn’t actually pet, and the pet doesn’t serve as a tank for me?

That kinda eliminates my motivations for playing one . . .

and yeah, ok, maybe we are WoW Wash-outs, but we’re also just trying to find a new home and adjust. We’re just trying to find the right fit, that’s why we ask questions. Ultimately, it’s more players for you, which can only be a good thing for everyone.

What if I want to be a super competitive player but not sure if I want to make a ranger my main? How’s the experience from 1-80, relatively speaking?

Hi, Im a new player and been trying out different classes.

I also enjoy reading the forums, and after going through a couple places now, I can’t get over how many times people mention the Ranger class as the most “worthless” class or at least the most in need of repair.

I was honestly considering leveling one up to 80, but you’ve scared me off . . . O.o

Just HOW bad is it right now for Rangers?!?!

I’m not going to PvP.

I’m also confused by the post by hawkmaster.

I’m already switching weapons, I’m already starting to get used to different things.

I MUCH prefer learning things this way. Bit by bit, adapting, learning slowing along the way. It results it a really full understanding once max level is finally reached. If anything, this is far more complicated than WoW where there is one basic rotation and it’s pretty much the same from start to finish. You talk about needing to learn things properly at level 80 – well, how does that happen if I don’t even have the basics down?

Similarly, learn to play means understanding my abilities well, so isn’t it better if I spend more time learning how each one of them works?

For example, I like that it takes a while for a weapon to fully unluck its abilities. It ensures I will have an understanding of each one does before progressing.

I’ve always felt the best way to learn something is slow progression as opposed to power leveling and just trying to learn it all at max level. You end up understanding the nuances a lot better.

I just left an MMO that was the only game I played for over 3 years.

Something taking months . . . only that much? I thought it would take at least a year :L

Also, Honestly, I’m so new that I don’t even know where one zone finishes or ends :P
I can see I have a certain amount of hearts, etc., but I’m currently amazed by the size of these zones. Also, by not completing the zones, it makes me excited to return to them. Remember I have no idea about anything right now. Some of you guys are mentioning things which, truthfully, I have no idea what you are even talking about.
Right now the game feels like a movie that starts with different characters, all separate, I have no idea how they are connected or when/if they even interact. It makes things really cool for me I think.

Although it does make for interesting gameplay. I have no idea where I should go. I see the green circle with the personal story – BUT oh look, an event for here, oh, a look out there, oh look, hearts to complete! Eventually I go do the green circle, but it’s more to change the pace than anything :P

Most of the time I’m just running around doing whatever seems fun at that time, and having a blast doing it tbh. If that means I end up having months and months of fun, well, that seems like a good thing to me . . .

Thank you crashtestauto for that list – that’s perfect!

No, I seriously doubt levelling will get boring for me when I have seen NOTHING.

I think it WILL be boring if I get one character to max level, do everything, and then just power level the rest. Been there, done that, yes, it’s very boring. That’s why I’m avoiding it now.

Thanks for all of the responses.

I don’t want to get one to max level first because that effectively makes me pick a main, and trying to avoid that as much as possible until I find one that really really stands out for me. Right now, my favourite has been whichever I’m playing at the time.

What I think drove me to the forums was noticing I suddenly could buy traits at level 11. It make me wonder what other milestones might occur, and perhaps I should switch at those points rather than an arbitrary number. For example, I was originally going to switch every 5 levels, but saw I would soon get weapon, so extended it to 10, and then 11 due to traits :L

So knowing there are milestones at 30, 40, and 60, is really great.

Maybe those are the times I should switch – although I sometimes hear level 20 mentioned often, but not sure why. People sometimes say things like “will level to 20 and see if I like it” – any particular reason?

I have a dream: 8 level 80 Characters (i.e., one of each profession).

I only began playing the game last week, but one thing I wanted to do when playing GW2 was not ever have any regret about the main I chose, and the sense I need to “start over” with a different profession. So, here’s what I’ve been doing: level a character to level 10, then start a new character, level to 10, and so on. I’ve even bought three extra character slots in order to this for all 8 professions. It works great for me because everything is new. I’m constantly learning and experiencing new things, so that’s really fun. It’s also allowing me to get a really good sense of certain professions, or better put, how they differ. People say elementalist is squishier than a necromancer- let me tell you, you don’t need to reach level 80 to realize it!

I’m wondering, however, if every 10 levels is too small. Are there also perhaps certain levels where significant milestones take place? Perhaps it would be better to rotate at that point. I’m completely new to this game, so advice is greatly appreciated.

thanks, actually more informative than expected

I wasn’t really giving this much thought, but it seems to be pretty important.

Just started a necro, first time every play gw2, so wondering what conditions are?

Are they like the buffs and debuffs I can gain from staff spells?

What kind of builds allows me to cast conditions?