Guild Wars 2

For WvW, I recommend Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. (Outside our tiers, matches are often against the same old opponents, completely lopsided blowouts, massive queues and blobs or, conversely, sparsely populated.) We are a stable server with an active community TeamSpeak so come here to stay.

If interested, do visit the server webpage (www.stormbluffisle.com) or message me in-game for more information.

Stay Thirsty,
Grim

I recommend Stormbluff Isle Server.

For WvW, Tier 4-5 currently is offers varied and balanced fights between relatively competitive servers. Going higher often means the same ole matches, some which are completely lopsided or predictable every week. Going lower means relatively dead servers during your time.

Non-WvW mixes population due to megaservers, and so doesn’t matter.

Feel free to msg me in game.

Guardian and Elementalist are perhaps the most useful in every facet of PvE, PvP, WvW zerging, roaming and GvG – they will never be turned away. However, their play styles are very different: Guardian has and shares all defensive boons in game, plus access to reflects. Elementalist has and shares access to the most combo fields in game, plus possibly the highest DPS – and skillcap.

Warrior is effective too, but perhaps a tad less versatile, while being the easiest profession to play.

I’m available on [NA] Stormbluff Isle server most evenings during EST. Plus, our casual PvX guild welcomes new players to get started and have fun.

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size, we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Xcelsior! Welcome to Deux Ex [XX]: The Most Interesting Guild in the World.™ As a casual PvX guild with a mix of Xperienced and new players, we are more than just a clever tag with a kitten sexy emblem:

- For size, we are a smaller guild with all the trappings of a larger guild. Everyone is recognizable and not just a face lost in a crowd (unless you want to be – that’s okay too). We share full upgrades, maintain constant buffs, and access all content – be it daily PvE, PvP, WvW, or weekly crafting buffs and Guild Missions.

- For WvW, most of us are based on Stormbluff Isle server. Currently poised at the top of Tier 4-5, we fight at the ideal ranking for varied and balanced matches each week versus five other relatively competitive servers. Outside our tiers, matches are either heavily queued, against the same old opponents, and/or completely lopsided blowouts. We are a stable server so come here to stay!

- For community, we host our own website (deuxex.enjin.com) and use TeamSpeak to help coordinate and stay connected with guildmates as well as the greater SBI server.

If interested, do visit our site or message me in-game. We would be Xcited to welcome you.

Stay Thirsty, My Friends!
Grim

Hi Anubis, Deux Ex [XX] is a casual PvX guild with a mix of experienced and new players happy to help get you started. For more info message me in game or visit our website at DeuxEx.enjin.com. Stay Thirsty!

My technique is to maintain one armor set, usually berzerker, while swapping in ascended accessories as needed (e.g., berserker vs soldiers, so power always stays maximum for a non-condition build).

Armor and rune sets can be expensive! Plus accessories take up less space for storage.

The case for an Alliance system:

The problem of lopsided tiers will always remain due to bandwagoning and natural chance. The glicko ratings just determine the pace of that change. Currently the problem is very pronounced at t3 due to the limited musical chairs at t2.

A systematic problem demands a [self-correcting] systemic solution. One such solution would be to pair up servers under one color (i.e., “an Alliance”) so that, conceptually -
Green Team = highest + lowest ranked servers
vs
Red Team = second highest + second lowest servers
vs
Blue Team = third highest + third lowest servers

Basically this would halve the number of matchups while doubling yet leveling out the average population of each colored team. Overall Points for victory will be cumulative by Alliance color, but PPT contributions will still be calculated separately by server for glicko ratings.

And in another version (for those that don’t want the higher populations of this solution, say for NA) Anet could break down these pairings into two brackets:
#1+12 vs #2+11 vs #3+10
#4+9 vs #5+8 vs #6+7
and
#13+24 vs #14+23 vs #15+22
#16+21 vs #17+20 vs #18+19

In any setup, each server maintains its name and identity, but there may be options (need?) for improved cooperation well beyond what is seen in Edge of the Mists between Allied servers. Such details require fleshing out but this solution should help address fluctuating server population imbalances in a more self adjusting manner while preserving server identities. Thoughts?

The case for an Alliance system:

The problem of lopsided tiers will always remain due to bandwagoning and natural chance. The glicko ratings just determine the pace of that change. Currently the problem is very pronounced at t3 due to the limited musical chairs at t2.

A systematic problem demands a [self-correcting] systemic solution. One such solution would be to pair up servers under one color (i.e., “an Alliance”) so that, conceptually -

Green Team = highest + lowest ranked servers
vs
Red Team = second highest + second lowest servers
vs
Blue Team = third highest + third lowest servers
Etc.

Basically this would halve the number of matchups while doubling yet leveling out the average population of each colored team.

And in another version (for those that don’t want the higher populations of this solution, say for NA) Anet could break down these pairings into two brackets:
#1+12 vs #2+11 vs #3+10
#4+9 vs #5+8 vs #6+7
and
#13+24 vs #14+23 vs #15+22
#16+21 vs #17+20 vs #18+19
Etc
Overall Points for victory will be cumulative by Alliance color, but PPT contributions will still be calculated separately by server for glicko ratings. Therefore each server can maintain its name and identity, but there may be options (or need?) for improved cooperation beyond what is seen in Edge of the Mists between paired servers. Such details require fleshing out but this solution helps address fluctuating server population imbalances in a more self adjusting manner while preserving server identities. Thoughts? …perhaps for another thread…

Bring back No white swords. Was actually interesting figuring out what was going on and what to do, based on RI timers, sentry statuses, patrolling, etc.

Had more engagements, especially nonblob, than ever before. For fights, no idea why people need white swords given only so many paths to take. On offense, opened up options for smaller coordinated groups, that couldn’t otherwise counter one massive blob near their own WPs. And on defense, successfully killing the enemy WAS the reward for successful scouting and ambushes.

White swords is a crutch – but implementing their removal is/was missing a key piece: displaying Righteous Indignation timers of each flipped point on the WvW map itself.

Like the OP, after playing without white swords, I completely changed my views and now strongly support the change as having opened up the game – rewarding coordination, tactical anticipation, and small group effectiveness. This change has rewarded and therefore improved our server’s increased use of voicechat, militia and guild group cooperation, and map hopping activity.

That said, having read the opposing arguments, I think the missing ingredient that would alleviate much of their frustration is the inclusion of Righteous Indignation timers on the WvW map itself. Many of us have second screens find this information invaluable – why not just add it to the game itself?

https://forum-en.gw2archive.eu/forum/game/players/Returning-Player-Help-Picking-Profession/first#post4659755

Just pick one and get it to level 80. Either Warrior or Guardian make an ideal first character, and remain useful for the long term. Eventually you may have one level 80 of every profession.

Since you mentioned PvP, I recommend Guardian which has both defensive bunker and high risk DPS (meditation) builds.

Pick and level up one heavy profession to 80. Warrior tends toward offense and mobility; guardian is more defensive and group supportive. Starting out, both are very survivable and forgiving to learn how to play and explore. At endgame, both are in demand for PvE and WvW, and make optimal Commander builds. This level 80 toon will also help equip and level all your subsequent toons faster.

After that, advise picking one scholar (tend to specialize roles), then one adventurer (tend toward solo builds) profession. Fourth pick can be anything else – and four characters allow planning for all eight crafting disciplines. Fifth slot can be empty to experiment or try out different PvP builds, mule toon, etc. – until you obtain more slots.

Welcome to join Deux Ex [XX] on Stormbluff Isle. We are a casual PvX guild with a mix of experienced and new players who understand rl family, work, etc. > game but when online want to make the most or time and fun together. For more info see our guild site (deuxex.enjin.com) or after Thanksgiving msg me in game.

Agreed: removing the ability to resurrect from WvW would reduce the overwhelming advantage of blobbing zergs and would reward viable ambush and attrition tactics by smaller skilled groups.

Recommend this change as a step in the right direction.

Seems all terrain is not the same in Eternal Battlegrounds. In fact, Green towers offer a slight advantage for seige overwatching Stone Mist Castle. Meanwhile, Blue is considered the least advantageous.

As a solution, recommend assigning the highest server as Blue, and the lowest Green, to slightly level the battlefield.

The problem with the current league+swiss style system is how it sets up grossly lopsided fights. At least every other week, one server completely dominates the match and even decisively influences [via who to focus on] second and third places.

Instead, how about a self-balancing match up system? For the following week:
- first place server moves up to the next higher tier;
- second place server stays put;
- third place moves down to the next lower tier.
Remove all [Gold Silver Bronze] league groupings.

This match system is simpler, plus fits the theme of the new weekly rewards system. There is no perfect system but at least this provides fairer yet varying fights and discourages bandwagoning toward the top of each league – an ongoing concern unaddressed by the current match up system.

Recommendations for Guild Ranks Permissions:
1. Create “Invite New Members” – separate from “Admin Lower Ranks” permission.
2. Create “Deep Cave Deposit” and “Deep Cave Withdraw” – separate from Treasure Trove permissions.

Recommendations for Guild Ranks Permissions:

1. Create “Invite New Members” – separate from “Admin Lower Ranks” permission.

2. Create “Deep Cave Deposit” and “Deep Cave Withdraw” – separate from Treasure Trove permissions.

Welcome your feedback and further suggestions in this thread.