1) A new WvW borderlands map and some accompanying mechanic changed and new siege equipment. This could very well change the face of WvW and make it much better. But we will not know that until we try it.
Bad move if only HoT players can go there. But then, I don’t do WvW, so why do I care.
2) A new PvP game mode with Stronghold (which I have tried and feel I will enjoy just as much as conquest).
If not getting HoT means I won’t get that map, I ’m all for not getting HoT.
3) New ways to explore PvE zones via the mastery system. Currently we know about gliding and mushrooms. We also know that lore masteries will grant us ways to explore the map and conquest challenges that block our path.
You won’t miss those masteries if you don’t have the new maps.
4) New ways to create legendaries via the mastery system, which will also bring with it new legendaries.
I will have to play another 2 years anyway before I have the required materials again to even think about legendary crafting again
5) Guild Halls that will provide a variety of interesting options and activities, as well as some really nice QoL changes. This has the potential to offer a lot of content to consume and repeat. Also: Customizable guild arenas!!!! That feature alone I would pay $50 for.
I see it as a convenience which I’ve done without for 3 years already, I think I can do without for another 3 years
6) A new profession: the Revenant. The revenant will feel different to play and will bring with it many skills and playstyles with which to enjoy the different game modes.
which you can’t even create when you buy HoT. You have to pay extra.
7) Elite specializations for each profession, bringing further build options and a new weapon to each profession. This will change the meta big time and drastically refresh the combat system.
I read about that specialization for the ranger, I wdidn’t like it, which means I don’t need it.
8) Large three tiered zones, providing dense activities withing a large vertical playground. While we do not know how many maps we will be getting, we know they will be slightly larger than a normal map, with each having 3 vertical tiers. This will effectively make each map more than 3 times the size of a normal map. Not only that, but each map will have its own overall themed dynamic event cycle and many repeatable adventures.
Another reason to not pre-order: we don’t even know what we’ll be getting for a full priced game, only that it won’t be a full game (for those that already own the core game)
9) A continuation of the Guild Wars 2 story, which may well culminate in the defeat of Mordremoth. How big this story will be, we will not know until we play it. Anet is not going to give any spoilers in this regard. But judging by all the little lore tidbits they have been dropping here and there, it seems like they have gone into some pretty hefty depth on this.
The only valid reason so far to buy the game, but the price is too steep for me for that alone.
10) New mini games. While we do not know what these are, or how many there will be, we do know they are adding new ones.
see point 8. And keep in mind that they promised us a lot 4 years ago which we still don’t have.
For me, it looks like it is more than worth the price tag and I was happy to hand over my cash. I am not trying to convince you either way here, I just wanted to highlight some of the things we know and some of the things we can safely assume. And I wanted people to see it is a bit more than just some other nonsense.
for me, and I think many with me, it isn’t. We’re essentially paying for promises (keep in mind that a lot of the changes for HoT, especially regarding traits, skills andmasteries, are in the core, which everybody will be getting) and most people know the reputation of Anet about keeping promises.
The main reason why I think this price tag is unfair is because of point 6. I have to pay extra if I want to try everything HoT has to offer.
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