Guild Wars 2

Skaven Zverov.2984:

I am not saying there weren’t, never did say that. But only 1 build was viable to call OP. Same for Mes, W, Ele…I play without stealth, and still is very competitive. This is about stealth, not one build. And, for example, i had a massive problems with DD ele’s until i made one myself and learn the class. From then, it is MUCH MUCH easier to deal with them. Same applies for Thieves.

Eh, I found the mechanics behind the thief class to be the root, whereas with ele I found it to be one build. Hopefully with culling removed, it makes an impact. When I had my thief, I suspected culling was the major culprit of the faceroll, so we will see. At the very least, it was what needed to change before ANY nerfs happen to thief, imo. I am one of the few that doesnt see a huge issue with confusion either, so.. just take it for what its worth. Most wont agree with me on many things, and thats ok.

I have levelled both ele and thief (amongst other classes) to 80, as well as tried dozens and dozens of builds for each. Theorycrafting/testing is one of my joys in games like this. I am well aware of the strengths/weaknesses of each class, I just have an opinion about it.

AndresR.4532:

Keiran.1896:

Lyndis.2584:

Keiran.1896:

Now you can switch maps without asura portals with the UI. A lot easier!

You could always do that….?

Not really, TP button wasn’t available while in WvW, you had to be outside.

Then you had to use an asura portal or seek the right waypoint on your map. A lot easier with UI…

i used to switch between maps without using that asura gates, just WP

The waypoints dont always render in other maps. As far as that goes, this is a welcome change in my book! I also like being able to see more information when outside of WvW, I have been waiting for that for a while.

Skaven Zverov.2984:

So far, i still see only other complaining that thieves are still OP. Not vice versa.

I am pretty sure that when anyone gets beat by a class, it has nothing to do with skill.

I have even seen rangers and engis called OP. I dont give much credence to it, but if you really feel thieves werent a faceroll class before.. dont know what to tell ya! I deleted my thief (in full exos, though I did salvage them!) because I prefer a challenge. I will admit, Id like to try it out with these changes, but it will have to wait until I have another character slot.

I feel the same way about ele, for the most part. Though, I am a bit outspoken on that one. I just tell my fellow eles to go into each fight and just press 1-2-3-4-5 and switch attunement, then rinse and repeat. Surprising how good the class still is, but its mainly the arcana bunker which is the issue (thats rarely brought up). Just my opinion, of course.

Im just waiting for the thieves to start claiming they are now underpowered. Its coming, I would almost guarantee it.

As for the fixes, just have to see how it works out. Always takes a bit to really start seeing the differences, and culling alone is a pretty substantial change (not just for thieves).

That is all.

According to the announcement up there at the top of the page, they have temporarily disable WvW :\

Same on DH.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Gab Superstar.4059:

It’s kind of hard t be in WvW without contributing in some way. I guess I should say that I will never go out of my way (having fun) to earn points, because I frankly feel it’s pointless working for score when you can’t really affect it in the larger picture, and there is nothing gained or lost depending ono the outcome of the week.

For the most part, I agree about the contribution. Especially when holding choke points, etc. That wasnt really what we were talking about though. Basically, it all came from you saying you didnt approve of those who solely try to earn points, which was probably just a language thing. You also said that the main objective was “fun,” but in WvW it really is about points, just like in hockey it is about goals. “Having fun,” especially in a video game, is pretty much a given since those who do not have fun probably arent playing. Its just a comment that struck me, and apparently several others, as an odd thing to say. Especially with what was perceived (by me) to be an insulting way, as if playing the game as it is intended is wrong and we should feel bad about it.

And like I said, this is a game of points! It just is what it is. If a large majority of your server has no interest in points, then it may reflect in the point tally. Nothing about individual skill, or who wins the battles. WvW is about who wins the “war of the week” and that is done through capturing objectives. It doesnt matter how this win is rewarded in regards to the avenues taken to win.

There is nothing gained or lost from the individual fights either, really (beyond loot bags or repair bills). Just the satisfaction of victory or learning experience of defeat. People from both sides understand this, I would think!

Fizzlepip.5218:

I don’t want to bust your chops on this one, but that zerg would fail to a disorganized-but-for-the-fact-that-we’re-all-stacked-together zerg that spams AoEs. Trust me. I’ve tried commanding the former but come to realize it’s simply less effective. Because sure, you could be coordinating in your 5 man group, but beyond that you’re just spamming instead of concentrating on the intricacies that I mentioned.

No chops busted, as I have done this in previous games very successfully. I wouldnt disagree that its not “necessary,” as you can bring down pretty much any opponent with numbers alone (at least in these tiers, higher tiers may be different). After enough practice, the commanding, decision making, etc turns into habit for both you and your crew. This takes a lot of time and effort though, which seems to rise exponentially (not linearly) with each added member. And it could be argued that its not entirely necessary in GW2, however, that wasnt my point. My point was that the opportunity/possibility exists, not that it isnt feasible because its “too hard,” which runs counter-intuitive to the idea that it requires less skill. You are right that it will typically devolve, but thats why I said it takes a lot of practice, and definitely commitment from everyone involved. This also involves the skills of a leader to keep his/her crew motivated over extended periods of time. By “extended periods of time,” I mean months and even years.

So yeah, there are infinitely more variables. But those variables don’t matter. It’s basically: stick together, spam skills, blast into water fields, spam skills, revive downed, spam skills, spam skills, spam skills, etc.

While that is “basically” it, the same rings true for any size group. When facing equal numbers, at any scale, the amount of coordination and skill of each force will determine who is the victor. Basic example is one group who knows how to portal kite, and the other who is just spamming skills. With a large group, you can have enough mesmers to do this as much as needed with little downtime. This tactic alone would likely net you a victory, even if just added to the repertoire of spammage. Going further along this line of thinking, you start adding in units that do group stealth/flanks, along with mass stealthed jaguar charges from the rangers on single targets, etc. and you start getting some very interesting possibilities. Obviously, these are just off the top of my head, we are only limited by the game system and our imagination (and skill/coordination).

My point though was that it takes more effort, skill, dedication, and practice to coordinate more and more players (especially from the leaders), which we both seem to agree with (unless I am misunderstanding you). I think we both might also agree that since there are no groups like this (at least in our tier), that it isnt entirely necessary given the amount of time and effort it would require. But, the option is there regardless of how difficult it might be.

…Although I guess part of the problem is how we perceive zergs. I’m here talking about 1) a mass of people encountering another mass and acting as a current WvW meta acts vs. 2) Darkhaven’s history of zergs breaking down to skirmish in 1s and 2s spread out over a large battlefield.

I am thinking of it in general terms, based on other games I have played in, as well as some that I lead very large crews/guilds/corps in. To me, zerg just pretty much equals “large group.” So, I do think we are looking at it quite differently. I gave up that role several years ago, as I didnt have the time to dedicate to it in any game.

Plus, I got tired of drama. If you have ever been a guild leader, especially of a large group of people, you know what Im talking about with that.

@Fizzle:

That still makes no sense to me.

The 40 number was just arbitrary, so just think of it hypothetically. Now, everything being equal, you are just adding more variables into the equation. I think mathematically, and I just dont see how it can make it more simple.

How I would structure a 40 person zerg:

It is split into parties, with 5 people each. Specific party composition is also important, but a different topic (as a guideline though, each unit is self-sustaining). Each of those five are doing exactly what you are saying. In other games, the numbers change, but its the same basic idea (I used this in EvE, but that was with hundreds of players, so it was a bit different). The only difference is, they are coordinating with eight other teams who are doing exactly the same thing.

Each unit has the same possibilities of a 5 vs 5, with the major exception that the battle has eight other units that are coordinating alongside them. It takes much more effort to properly pull off. Of course, that also means that proportionally less people will be able to do so, meaning that you are less likely to find “good fights.” That is because a truly skilled group of 40 will be much, much harder to compose than a skilled group of 5 and will require much more structure, practice, and communication. So, it could be said that such efforts are not truly needed, per se, but the possibility is certainly there.

It requires all the same things as the single group, just times seven, basically. edit: This is, of course, all things being equal like I said (skill, etc).

Sol.4310:

Entangle isn’t bugged or anything

It can 100% bug.

Like I said, I just recently was “perma-tangled.” After a bit of time, some enemy players came by and kindly put me out of my misery. Was a lot like getting stuck in a wall!

Damage did nothing, healing spring did nothing, team mates attacks did nothing (by that time, the caster was spiked). I wasnt going anywhere until I died.

Acelerion.6820:

I would say large group combat is a lot less dynamic. The choices are a lot more obvious as you mention, fortify, mobilize ect. But none of this takes the person into account because at this level people are largely interchangeable. If you can follow someone and mash buttons you are 80% as effective as anyone would be in the same role.

On the other hand, small group direct pvp combat offers a wealth of complexity due to the timing, precision, and communication needed. Small choices you may not even know you made can be the difference between winning and losing. Plus it offers you personally the ability to try things differently and see the direct result. It offers you the ability to learn and be a better player.

How does adding more variables to the same system make it less complex?

That doesnt make sense to me.

All things being equal (skill, numbers, etc), it only provides more opportunities and strategies. Its all the same game though. If a skilled zerg of 40 faces another skilled zerg of 40, there will be more complexities to the battle than if a skilled group of 5 takes on another skilled group of 5.

Now, if you are talking about how it takes more skill for a group of 5 to beat a group of 15 than it does if the group of 15 were to beat the 5.. then.. yeah, of course.

Dynnen.6405:

Also since you have said we have a lack of focus on points for the week I’d disagree. Does murdering enemy players by the hundreds as they are trying to reinforce one of their defense points while someone from our server takes it not PTFO? Is sneaking into a bay keep while the other two servers fight over it, then killing everyone inside not PTFO? If you think those aren’t PTFO then maybe you should research some strategic strategies; and avoid using strategies like ‘Xerxes at Thermopylae’

Thats great and all, but I was only responding to what Gab said. And Gab made it pretty clear s/he doesnt care about points. The only thing that could have even been close to interpreted as a blanket statement was when I said it may be connected to the low point tally. The word “may” being the operative term there.

All of those things can help the server. Not sure what your point is? Maybe you misunderstood the conversation?

Either way, Ill keep an eye out for for those guilds.

Fizzlepip.5218:

WvW IS gauged by a point tally. Therefore most players who care about WvWing are going to be trying to earn points.

Just like hockey players trying to score goals. It just.. is what it is.

I’ll be in either DR or IoJ tonight, most likely in the southern half in and out of the center island. When my guildies and I aren’t busy doing things that help develop our server, we’re usually passing through there hoping for good fights.

There is your invite Gab! It could be exactly what you are looking for.

@Gab:

Scale-wise, thats why I said exactly like WvW. So, same 4 maps, three servers, etc. Only thing that is different is the score is added up solely by kills. Capturing towers, etc. has nothing to do with it other than providing a strategic advantage in getting more kills. Would you play that instead of WvW?

Are we able to PM cross-server? I thought they disabled that. I know I havent successfully been able to talk with some friends on a different server, but its entirely possible its a bug.

And, I usually solo roam when Im not PUGing. I would struggle to solo a zerg (to say the least)! Doesnt mean I wont try though. I do know, there are several guilds on DH that would give you exactly what you are looking for. Might not be the best thing to do an organized GvG, but it could be fun to try to plan on being in the same map at the same time. Just an idea.

Oozo.7856:

SOMEONE JUST RAN BY MY TOWER!! I shot at him with my cannon! But he dodged it and now he is gone.

The hunt continues…

I have to admit, thats exactly what I do when I eat. I might feel bad about it if we got queues much, but we dont, so Ill shoot cannons while I eat some mac and cheese!

You just got CHILLED sucka!

Zizanzi.4678:

Partunu.9845:

Final note: I am here to tell ya that killing those ADQQBtsy guys is a no go. I have litterally fired an AC at 1 for 5 minutes with no effect what so ever. Now I know you’ll say “Part… Aren’t you on the same server????” Ya, but I think it should still count towards my daily kill total. For everyone else play on.

Ya, we really don’t worry too much about arrow carts. I know the other day I stayed in range of an arrow cart for a long time while killing multiple people. People (our enemies in this case) believe that the added arrow cart firepower is going to help them kill us but we just use it as bait to get you out there so we can kill ya ;-P You are going to have to have skill with equal numbers or pure numbers to get us down in arrow cart range.

Stylii Elementalist (Slyvari)
Shoulda Rolled Kaineng (NoQQ) Leader
ADQQBsty Alliance

The only time I worry about arrow carts is if there are A LOT of them, or if there is a warrior on one!

@Gab:

Let me ask this;

If Anet offered two game modes, one WvW and the other.. AKLJDSFLKJDF mode. WvW is basically as it is, but AKLJDSFLKJDF mode has a score based on kills rather than captured points, which would you be playing? Lets even say the kills are based on an amount that is in proportion to group sizes, meaning that if you took out a large group with a smaller group, it would count more than the other way around. Would you still play WvW, or the other game mode?

I actually suspect that custom arenas, down the line, may be exactly like this. Its the only reason I brought it up. Some of us just might find it strange that you disapprove of others playing the game the way it was designed and intended (to gain points which results in a win, no matter the lack of reward other than that). This isnt specific to some server, or anything like that. WvW wouldnt have points gained by capped objectives if it wasnt designed for the teams to gain points and win the match by capping objectives.

It is entirely possible its a miscommunication too, with English not being your native language. Maybe just saying you prefer to not play for points, and choose to do it in WvW because Anet doesnt really give you another area to have the same experience. When you say you disapprove, sticking with the hockey analogy, I perceive it to mean the same as if someone were to tell me that they did not approve of people scoring goals. The goals are like captured points in WvW. In hockey, you will see smaller battles, but the main objective is getting the goal (or captured tower). So, people tend to focus on how to work as a team to get the objective, and this might mean skipping a battle that might result in the other team getting a goal (regardless of how fun the skirmish is!).

Feel free to replace “hockey” with the sport/competition of your choice!

I can understand the whole not posting your tag on the forum thing, but it definitely sits a bit strange to also brag. If you would feel more comfortable in a PM, I really would like to know who I am facing. If you think you have things you can teach me, then I want to learn. Any opportunity to learn is a good one.

Fizzlepip.5218:

I want to point out that the first week against HoD and GoM (IIRC) we didn’t come in first. Plain and simple, numbers swell as you win. We have tried advertising in LA getting keeps and stuff for PvEers map completion if they wanted it. Stuff like that might help.

I didnt remember that, but I think you might be right on it. I actually get the impression that all servers are pretty well populated, its just a matter of WvW participation that is a different story. And when your server is winning, the numbers absolutely go up. I think many of the people that try it out end up liking it though!

And, as far as I can remember (ironically, I started out on Devonas Rest, but transferred to DH a few days after release), DH has never really had 24/7 coverage. When we have coverage, we tend to be very strong which makes us rise in tiers, but when we face servers that have better around the clock coverage, its difficult to keep those point gaps from widening.

Looking forward to the 1v1s, the zergs, the small scale battles, the ganks, the ninjas, the fails, the everything else the rest of this week. Hope everyone else is too.

I know I am! Yesterday, I managed to die falling off a small cliff, because of the damage I received from “rubbing” the rocks on the way down. Took me a second to even figure out I had died!

@Togo:

WvW=Points.

Thats really it.

I do think people like Gab would enjoy having a game mode that did not include this. I think that custom arenas are a step in the right direction, and if done properly, will allow everything from fight clubs to GvG to take place in controlled environments.

While I have my doubts about DR being as outnumbered as is claimed, I dont have any doubt that GoM and HoD were outnumbered by us. But.. iirc, the points discrepancy was roughly the same (about double, I think). If DR plays against them, it should be a decent match even with DR having a numbers advantage. I never saw GoM or HoD field as large of zergs as DR consistently puts out, but they managed to get the same amount of points.

If that match ever happens, it should be a pretty darn good one!

DH is currently in a middle ground, we are able to get more PPT than our current tier, but struggle to match the server presence of someone like AR. I guess the only thing to do is get better!

@Togo:

My experience has been exactly the same. Due to the current incarnation of culling though (which favors rendering enemy models over friendlies), my (our) side, Darkhaven, appears to be heavily outnumbered in every fight. I know this isnt the case though. I would guess the same is experienced by every one on every server since the culling system is universal (not for long though!!!). Doesnt mean that we dont outnumber DR by as badly as its claimed, but there is too much subjectivity involved. It seemed pretty obvious that we outnumbered servers like GoM and HoD, but I dont get the same feeling here when they are actually fielding people. The starting weekend was some of the best and closest days in WvW I have had in a while.

Its actually why I am so curious to see actual participation numbers, maybe even in specific areas like Orr. It would also make it easier for players to find a server that fits them in the ways they want.

It will be very interesting to see how the game adapts and changes with the removal of culling.

Gab Superstar.4059:

I run a lot of different tags. I don’t represent any of them on the forum though. What I say is completely based on my opinion and my experience in WvW, not the guild as a whole.

Thats really too bad.. :\ I was looking forward to seeing this skill in action.

I dont disapprove of your playstyle or anything. Just saying that what you are looking for is inherently limited, and even discouraged, by the systems in place for WvW. It doesnt need to be that way for every game mode though, and I am quite curious to see what GW2 looks like in a couple of years.

I also would be curious to see what the participation numbers of each server are in different areas (Dungeons, WvW, etc). Would definitely take the massive subjectivity (exacerbated by things like culling) out of the equation. Though I get the feeling Anet may never release this data.

I apologize, I took it to mean from these things:

Gab Superstar.4059:

When I get my fun from the good fights though, and after having seen none of them so far it does hurt MY fun.

we simply cannot find any fun fights in WvW.

you are hurting MY fun.

That your fun was being affected by those playing WvW as its intended.

I wasnt necessarily referring to spvp, but in how they will handle custom arenas. I am hoping that they implement relatively large maps, with large scales (maybe even a tower/keep, siege, etc), so that gvg can happen in the custom arenas (at least in time). And to me, it sounds like gvg is right up your alley. No points, no “war,” just one battle where two sides duke it out with explicitly approved numbers for each side (usually even). No points, etc, just whoever is standing at the end of the battle is the victor.

I do agree we play MMOs for the people quite a bit. Though, at this point, I am playing because I enjoy the game. Those I enjoy playing with are gone.

My point was that wvw IS a points game. Period. I was just saying that I hope they implement something which is more to your liking, since you are not interested in the actual game of WvW, but more the environment and people. Those can exist in any game mode, and is why I hope they come along with something that is more to your liking. I meant it with the best intentions, actually. While some in WvW may be against it (maybe even me a little :P), have you tried organizing a GvG event? You might find the fight you have been seeking.

Your lack of interest in points and a low point tally may be connected.

Its like going to a hockey game and telling them to stop keeping score, because people going for higher scores (with a playstyle that inevitably reflects that) are hurting your fun. Why are they constantly trying to get that puck in the goal? The REAL fun is at the backline!

I get what you are saying, believe it or not. If anet implements a large scale map with custom arenas, I really do think that would perfectly mirror what you are asking from WvW.

See ya on the battlefield! (or not!)

@Gab:
WvW is a points game. So, people will inevitably use the points to gauge their success.

Even then it doesnt dictate whether someone has fun or not, so we are on the same page there Gab. That doesnt mean I wont play the game though, and work towards points. Given that you are losing, and you are complaining about having no one skilled to fight, it would seem that there is plenty of room to improve strategy. Obviously, the ones you are using arent working, at least in the game of WvW (which, I do understand if its not really your thing).

It sounds like, if properly implemented, the custom pvp arenas will be perfect for you! I just hope they make them decent scale so people can gvg. Ill still prefer wvw, but it will give options to others.

To be blunt though, the most common response to losing is one of three things;

1: We are outnumbered
2: We are training new players
3: Other side is cheating

While one of these may explain things in specific situations, there are more options. They are just never considered or communicated. How often do you see someone, anyone, admit that they were simply outplayed? It is rare, at best.

I havent seen anything particularly impressive from any server, as a whole, since Fort Aspenwood (I am including my own server in this assessment too, fwiw). And, that was more just sheer coordination and specific tactics, not individual skill. I LOVE their use of LoS blocking to hide numbers, which seemed to be a server-wide tactic. Every server has teams/guilds/parties with a great amount of skill, so seeing players with individual skill is not particularly impressive to me even if I do actively seek them out to fight. I expect it from every single server to have these groups, and every single server DH has faced has them. Now, what impresses me more is when those groups can coordinate with other groups!

Those who can outsmart their opponent along with outplaying them is the reason I do PvP. So, we might just be looking for different things. Though, it sounds like the people playing the game of WvW are ruining your fun, so I hope Anet eventually implements a game mode that you can enjoy more!

I have noticed that entangle is just outright finicky and unreliable.

However, it CAN bug in your favor. Not sure if it ever has in my favor, but certainly in some of my opponents. Just a couple of days ago, I got entangled essentially permanently. Damage wouldnt destroy them, and I couldnt WP due to condi keeping me in combat.

Luckily some “kind” people came by and killed me. I certainly didnt object or put up a fight, haha. This all lasted a minute or two, as I remember (not too long).

I dont use the skill at all anymore, fwiw.

Bllade.1029:

So much buthurt. It is a buthurt fiesta in here.

This is the first time I have heard about our “completely awful but numerous” zergs since the HNN days. Kind of fun.

@Gab:

Some of us do play for fun, but we also play with the intent to win. Whether it is in individual battles or the entire “war.” I think it would be difficult to argue that we are playing against the intended incarnation of WvW.

As for me, like I said before, its not very respectful to let a skilled opponent win one “every now and again.” If they are skilled, they will do it naturally.

I had plenty of DR /laugh at me whenever I charge headfirst into a zerg of 20+ on my own. I knew how many there were, and I knew what my chances were, but my intent was to tie up the opponent for as long as possible (ideally giving my team mates time to fortify, etc). I usually last about 15-20 seconds (enough to flash build 1 or 2 siege). I am working on improving that to 30 (enough to flash build 2 or 3 siege). I did this repeatedly last night, and it was probably perceived as some idiot rushing the zerg. It had a very specific purpose though.

I have also seen PLENTY of IoJ and DR run from fights where they heavily outnumbered us. DH does it too. Its just the game. We have PLENTY of roaming groups, its just that our zergs are constantly on the move (even from map to map). There is a good chance you met the same zerg, just in different places.

The QQ we see would happen in exactly this form if it were any other servers in any of the positions, btw. Anyone who has been doing WvW since release has seen this same thing over and over and over and over again. I have no doubt plenty of DHers would be saying exactly the same complaints, since it is never even considered that the people you are playing against may just be skilled (not everyone is a “zergling”). For me, its disappointing that respect is lost so quickly when one starts losing. :\ I even saw it internally on DH last night, when we werent steamrolling everything as fast. "You all suck! You should do “x”!!!" “You people never listen!!” hahaha. Then, I looked at the point tick and just rolled my eyes.

I would never claim I am some elite player, but I always do my best out of respect for my opponent. I never underestimate an opponent, and DH has seen a couple of times where our massive lead was cut short, very quickly, by other servers. I will always be putting up a fight, just hope the same rings true for those I am playing against. On a good note, this past weekend was still one of my favorites I have had in WvW. The fights were close, tactics were numerous, and it was great fun all around. I ended up netting over 1,000 kills, which is a personal best (I have no doubt plenty of people do better). Then the weekdays hit.. Even then though, the groups I have run up against always put up a pretty darn good fight. So, even despite the insinuations that no one on DH could ever be skilled, I tip my lil asura hat to those who are still fighting. Regardless of numbers (groups I have run in were both outnumbered, and did the outnumbering in various engagements), there always seems to be a good fight.

“You shoulda seen the one that got away!!!”

Gab Superstar.4059:

Dynnen.6405:

“I want to kitten kill those mother kitten kittens!”

- Gab Superstar

Gab Superstar.4059:

Because having fun IS the single most important aspect of playing this game, and killing people is what makes me turn into a frenzied monster that lives only to slaughter the poor pugs mercilessly, not stopping until Charrcat sits down on my poor asura and squashes her. That, or pineapples. I kittening love pineapples.

Fix’d!

Peaches and anarchy..

Peaches. And. Anarchy.

It really will be difficult for others to tell you what you like. We can tell you what we like, but that may or may not apply to you!

My advice is; you have 5 character slots, use them! I am a very experienced MMO player, and I have ~1500 hours in GW2 at this point. It was only in the past week or so that I finally decided on Ranger as my main. This is after leveling a thief, necro, engi, and ele to 80 and a mesmer to 60. So, even for some of us that have been playing this type of game since Ultima.. we can still take our sweet time figuring out what we like best!

Gab Superstar.4059:

The thing with pugs is though, that they are usually dedicated WvW players themselves, they just don’t like to run in a guild, or their guild is not into WvW / running WvW at the moment. That’s why I feel many people don’t give them enough credit.

Oh, and I don’t take pride in wiping large groups of pugs. It’s just what AD/NoQQ/BSty does on the battlefield. I don’t have any illusions about us being the best players on the server or that the dude who trebs SM for an hour from WC is doing anything less important.

That being said, I do believe the work that we do is also no less important. Having a group who can easily wipe zergs twice their numbers is an important aspect of WvW. And even if it wasn’t, I would still be doing it. Because having fun IS the single most important aspect of playing this game, and killing people is what makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Well, I am technically a PUG, so kind of preaching to the choir :P No one in my guild logs on and due to some bug in the game, I cant be invited to other guilds (or at least couldnt up until a month ago when I stopped trying!).

I think its an important aspect too. One of my plans for my guild was to actually have an elite team, like many guilds have, that practices and hones their teamwork in spvp as well as wvw.

Though, like I said, it appeared every fight I was part of my side was outnumbered. Its a bit deceptive with the culling system revamps. Of course, none of that will be applicable after the next update (woo!).

My point was more the same you are making. That the PUGs are important, and tend to outnumber the organized groups. Because of the mechanics in place, numbers really do have a nice advantage. The better the PUGs become, the better the server will become. Its like herding cats though, haha. The same can be said about the smaller organized groups, but because of numbers alone, I dont feel it has as much impact. If a group of 10 elite players comes up against a group of 40 elite players, we both know exactly how it will go! No worries either way, I have voiced this opinion quite a bit, and it really all goes back to the respect thing. I make the choice to respect others, but certainly dont expect it in return as that only leads to disappointment.

The elite teams can hold up a server with weak PUGs, but a server with both those elite teams as well as very strong PUGs will be a force to be reckoned with. This may happen in higher tiers, honestly, but I dont know. As it stands, most of those organized groups deride and insult PUGs, even on the same team. It just leads to a weaker server over the long run.

ColinJohanson.2394:

Doing something fun on April 1st is a good idea, hmmm…

Uh oh..

I smell trouble a-brewin!!

CureForLiving.5360:

So many of the negative post on these forums are from people who are literally not even playing the game anymore. No idea why they didn’t move on, but they’re here and they’re loud about it.

This is true for every single MMO forum in existence.

I think it almost turns into an obsession. It still boggles my mind though, seems like such a massive waste of time.

The only time I will post negatively is because I care about the game, and want to see it improve. That obviously doesnt stand true for many who are doing what you say. If I dont care, or straight up dislike the game, I just wont set foot in their forums or software again. I feel my time is worth more than that.

As far as the OP goes, just remember: you only speak for yourself! I LOVE playing on RP servers, but am not a fan of actually taking part. Why? Because it creates a living dynamic world that gives me the option to RP if I so desire. The same is applicable towards guild membership.

Fiery greatsword is pretty excellent for WvW.

As was mentioned, you can queue up skills while whirling. FG5 is one, and you can actually cast it right behind you as you go so it hits the same people as the whirl. You can also have your whirl hit the same person twice by using lightning flash in the middle of the animation (takes some practice).

As you are whirling, you can also turn your camera around and queue up FG4 to run back through the people you whirled through seconds earlier.

Quite a bit of fun, except when the auto attack is sent back your way due to retaliation, etc. Then it burns!

Crimson Magdelana.9024:

A DH commander once told me we’d never own our own borderlands again after what the IoJ night shift did to you guys….shame on him (Rina Latrix). I can’t wait to see what the weekdays hold.

Yeah, some of our commanders… That one in particular told a number of us to basically “eff off” if we werent part of their guild yesterday in a BL. That sort of thing is fine by me, just dont be surprised when those same people dont listen to a word that is said in the future. Not being part of the guild, and all, I think if the help isnt welcome, then it isnt welcome. Of course, they didnt tell anyone what they were doing either so the people who were told to scram couldnt work on separate objectives, or try to avoid the GvG, or whatever was going on. Awesome teamwork from DH on that one!

I am pretty sure all servers have dealt with the same. Certainly isnt uncommon in PvP!

To those questioning skill, on every side, PUGs will generally be the “easiest” to take down with less ability to communicate with one another. But at the same time, they are the backbone of any server. Ive said it a lot before, but the server that is able to get its PUGs to actually play together towards the same objectives is going to be a powerhouse. I actually am starting to see this a lot from my server (DH) where PUGs are utilizing fields I am laying down and ressing, etc. Sticking together and spreading out as the need arises, and more. I have been very impressed actually. SOMEONE needs to make up for the lil asura (me). In my defense, I constantly lay down radiation field!

Its easy to only remember our victories, but its in defeat that we learn the most. Every portal bomb I took part in was successful, btw. Its a technique that can either immediately work, or immediately fail. I personally wouldnt do it after I learned about all the hammers that would be swung in response, but thats just me. Remember too, with the changes to culling, it will almost always look like your side is outnumbered since it tends to cull same server players instead of opponents. In most fights, it only looked like 5 people were holding off 40, but in reality, there were much more of my team mates there than showed on screen.

Loved the fights again last night, but we will see what the week has in store.

@Gab:

Laying down conditions then getting the heck outta dodge? Youre like.. my bro, bro! Ranger shortbow is great for stacking conditions to an unknowing party. I used to laugh at all the plinking when it was done to me, but man those conditions catch up fast!

Deimos Tel Arin.7391:

hmmm true.
well, perhaps WXP gained from the events are much more than defeating players so the amount is fixed and not varied then?

That would be what I assume. It will probably be close to the XP we already earn now, at least in proportion. Capturing something like stonemist is worth a decent amount of normal XP, so I would assume it will also earn a decent amount of WXP.

We will just have to wait and see though.

Simplicity.7208:

I don’t know that they’re harder to learn though. Most classes have a few different builds that work. Elementalist has one.

I just say harder to learn because the average player starting the game will start to understand a class like warrior in a shorter time span than an ele. It may not be a huge difference, but I would definitely say it takes longer.

I dont quite agree that there is only one build for eles though. The arcana bunker is, imo, one of the most effective (if not the most effective). But, I have run other builds and been completely capable doing wvw solo roaming. The one I ended up with was a s/f build with a focus on crit damage and a good amount of fury. Ended up with something like 80% crit damage and 65% crit rate with fury up. Really, really enjoy it but it did take more practice to play/survive than on any d/d build I have tried. edit: Build here The crit rate I remembered was with the sigil of perception. As you can probably tell, it relies heavily on arcane skills. If I can find a couple of people to stack might, the build becomes devastating and uses traits/mist form for tanking damage.

Blackhat.4016:

You forgot to mention CDs during combat, skill rotations, combos, proper engage and disengage, etc.

I think that applies to all available classes, doesnt it?

Saying a profession has a low skill cap because it lacks build diversity is a pretty bad argument imo. Yes, you have to play less builds but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to know about the other traits/skills. If you want to master your profession you need to know all these things.

I know I am part of a minority with this one, but like I said, I feel that eles have several viable builds. The arcana bunker is probably the strongest of our available builds though.

Ideally, all classes would have an enormous amount of equally viable builds. I think thats the “endgoal,” but we will see how well arenanet does towards achieving it over time.

I run shortbow and sword/dagger and mostly play WvW. I ended up with more of a hybrid, with a focus on condition damage rather than critical. I tend to try out every build I can possibly imagine once I get access to three stat gear (level 60 I believe) and usually end up with something that complements my playstyle well.

This is what I ended up with. edit: the effective power stat the site shows does not refer to attack power. Or, if it does, it is not accurate. In game, on this defensive build, I have ~3k attack power. This is the build I am currently running.

I also have a bit more offensive of a build, which I am starting to like more and more here

The only issue I have with going full power/pre/crit damage is that it seems, proportionally, not as good of an investment since our total damage is reliant on a large percentage from the pet. Whereas investing into toughness/vitality and condition, we get the full benefit of the stats equal to other classes. Our skills are programmed to have a lower damage specifically because of our pets. So, our base damage is lower inherently. But for stats like toughness, they are directly applied just like any other class.

At least, thats how I convinced myself!

Deimos Tel Arin.7391:

Zorby.8236:

I would believe they are indeed WvW events, otherwise I have no idea what other events they could possibly be talking about…

aye, because 3 lines of text further explaining the WXP from defeating another player may give people the impression that WXP can only be earned from defeating players only.

i.e.
“The amount of WXP you receive from defeating another player is directly related to how long the victim has been alive. Players who have recently been killed are potentially worth no points, while a player that has survived for a longer period of time is worth more.”

i dun see them mentioning something like:

“The amount of WXP you receive from capturing Supply Camps, Mercenary Camps, Towers, Keeps, Stonemist Castle is directly related to how long these objective has not been captured.

Objectives that have recently been captured give normal points, while an objective that has not been captured for a longer period of time is worth a whole lot more points."

btw killing dolyaks should offer some WXP too.

My guess is, when they refer to events, they are referring to events. So, when they say events will give WXP, that means that events will give WXP. Killing dolyaks is an event, and since they are saying that events give WXP, I would guess it is included.

Since they do not say that a supply camp, etc WXP is based on time, then I would guess that it is not based on time. They say that the longer a player is in the world, the more WXP they will give, so I would expect a player who is surviving longer to give more WXP where an event will just give a standard amount of regardless of how long the camp/tower/keep/etc has been capped.

As indigo says though, I cant say for certain as I am not an anet employee. Even if I was, I probably couldnt guarantee it would WAI right off the bat anyway.

Again, I am going to suggest this program.

Not only will you have to remember just one password (to access the program), it will come up with far, far more complex passwords for individual applications than you could probably hope to remember. Also works portable (just put program/associated protected file on a USB stick and you can access your stuff anywhere and everywhere).

So, better passwords for individual sites/apps, more secure as it randomizes the passwords at creation according to parameters you set, you only have to remember one password ever again, and its completely portable. And since you only have to remember the one password, you can make it as long as you want. I think the limit is something like 120 characters (could be entirely off on that one).

I suggest you give it a go, its one of the best pieces of software I have ever encountered. Just make sure you back up the files externally

gennyt.3428:

The gold income in WvWvW is awful, unless you run around solely to kill other players and don’t regularly plop down siege(on different characters even), upgrade camps, towers and heavens forbid a keep, then I can’t see how anyone can say its fine. Take one for the team or hope the person taking upgrade donations is honest, either way, cough it up. Most hurdles in GW2 hang on gold and there are very limited avenues to earn, it draws out shallow content and encourages RMT.

Roughly 5 gold in 3 hours leaves a lot to be desired IMO. That might be one exotic and it definitely won’t buy a divinity rune and even in upgrades and blueprints it’s still not good, trebs are 24s and ACs and Rams are used and abandoned very frequently, forget it if you’re pitching in for a golem rush. I’m not expecting to make “kiss my kitten” money but come on.

Dunno, its certainly better than it was. I constantly put out siege, upgrades, etc. Though, I do push everyone involved to carry their share of the expense. Once I geared out my level 80s, money hasnt been too much of an issue. Though, I will concede that when you are actually gearing them up (especially with the prices as they are now on some of those runes/sigils.. kind of ridiculous), it takes a while.

I also tend to use my badges for siege, so that does save some gold. I expect you do the same though.

Pretty much, our opinions on it just differ. I was right alongside ya though a few months ago. The fact that I had only received 3/4 rares in 1k hours of playtime was too low imo. Even with RNG, it should have been weighted to balance out a bit better (and it seems they have done that). I dont think it is out of the realm of possibility that they are still tweaking it, either. While I think its fine, I certainly do not accrue any wealth really, just kind of maintain. I hear that playing the TP can earn boatloads of money, but that doesnt interest me at all. If it did, I would be playing EvE, haha. I earn enough to cover everything I need (repairs, siege, and upgrades along with food occasionally), and I am ok with that. You might not be though, and if enough agree, I have no doubt arenanet will continue adjusting it. I wouldnt be opposed to it.

As it stands though, I am just excited about the removal of culling. And hoping and praying that it doesnt make the skill lag even worse… I also look forward to the WvW ranks a great deal, despite being pretty wary on how well it was implemented. Just have to wait and see on that one.

Slagtron D Wise.7183:

The wonder is, that anyone still plays this game…

Different people like different things. I dont think its anymore complicated than that.

I do see some validity in your complaints. They would probably be applicable for pretty much any recently released game. If I wanted a pure PvE experience though, I would be looking at either Vanguard (their revamped f2p model is much better than when it was first introduced) or LOTRO.

I play this game for WvW, pretty much. And find enormous enjoyment in it.

Gab Superstar.4059:

ghoriar.3410:

Darkhaven must have some awesome jokes, there’s a lot of /laughing going on within their zergs, just wish our 3 man could hear what they are.

“Those guys only killed half of us in that 15v3.”
“Haha, what terribads!”

/laugh

“Did anyone record it?”

I will actually call people out when they disrespect others. Of course, this can lead to me becoming the center of their attention, haha. Meh, its my least favorite aspect of playing with other people. My only rule is “respect others.” I dont expect the same, but I stand firm in my conviction on it. Doesnt mean Im not playing to win though, giving an easy win to someone skilled isnt very respectful in my mind.

As a mini-game, I try to /salute individual players who impress me even in the middle of a zerg fight. Obviously, this leaves me vulnerable and can lead to trying to get out of some tricky situations! I find it funny too, since I am pretty sure amongst all the particle effects, etc. that no one can see it. Oh well!

Gab Superstar.4059:

See you on the battlefield!

Kitten yeah!

I look forward to it! Im the only one in my guilds that logs in anymore, so youll know if you see one of the tags in my sig, its me.

xXTattsXx.4361:

In response to my previous “folks taking a break” Reset night doesn’t really show for much other then people rushing for a foothold then PvEing or breaking the rest of the week, that is usually the largest showing. If we had Q’s all week long I would agree folks aren’t taking a break from WvW. I know a lot of RGTG and SoCo are in other area’s right now, hoping after patch we will return to the numbers we previously had.

That said we are on day two so again.. here is to a good match.

I didnt mean anything bad by it. I suspect that every server will see much greater numbers after the patch. There are also several large DH guilds that are in other areas as well, specifically the bounty missions. Though, I have seen a lot more doing dungeons now too, as well as fractals. I think it applies to every server, in every match. Though, perhaps it is a bit different in tier 1 where a larger majority of the server is WvW oriented. For the most part, I think servers in these tiers are more PvE or S/TPvP oriented so we see a lot a guilds move from WvW to PvE depending on what they feel like doing and what is currently the most “profitable.”

It just is what it is. If its a good match thats all I care about.

Day one was one of my favorites in recent history, definitely looking forward to more of the same.

I look forward to seeing you all on the battlefield

Kain Francois.4328:

Well I made this thread so others could educate me. I’m looking for strategies and ideas which could actually make me a decent member of my team which isn’t better done by my alts.

How familiar are you with combo fields and finishers?

While they are extremely useful with every class, I have found some real strength in the ranger with their use. Especially when I time them with the rest of the group. Like I said in an earlier post, one of my favorite things is to lay down healing spring and a red moa fury in the middle of a mesmer time warp. I also tend to lay down a radiation field either before or after, but that is an asura racial and isnt accessible to all rangers. The same could be accomplished with traiting for ranged traps though!

One of the most important things to consider with fields though is that a finisher will apply to the first field it touches. So, you wont get all of the field effects at the same time. Because of this, its sometimes better to stagger things out. You can lay down a healing spring behind the time warp, or to the right/left of it, etc. so the team can move into whichever field they want to apply. Or, have someone do a blast finisher to just do area healing instead of stacking regen (which is what projectile finishers do).

Remember too, for healing, you can use leap finishers through your healing spring for some ok healing. This can be done most easily with either greatsword 3 (swoop) or sword 2 (hornet sting->monarchs leap). Neither of them require a target, so pretty handy.

Neb.4170:

No matter how much you keep telling yourself that your ranger brings so much group support and utility, it just isn’t true. Other classes are simply better, more fleshed out and bring more to the table.

Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t play it if you enjoy it. However a spade is still a spade, whether you want it to be or not.

While that may be true for you, it isnt for me. Like I said, I have multiple level 80s and since the ranger “jives” with how my mind works better than any other class, I bring more to the table with it than I would with another.

Rangers have good group support. I see your line of thought quite a bit with these types of games though. When it is harder to use, or slightly less effective overall, things are considered “completely useless.” You can see this most clearly in the ele forums, where it is claimed the ONLY effective build is x/x/x/30/30. The truth is that it is only one of the most effective, not the only effective build.

Of course, I have never been one for ultra min-maxing, or perfectly assembled experienced groups, etc. So, that may be a fundamental difference I have. I dont feel either one is the “right” way, just different. Though, inherently, the min/max way will consider any other way to be worse/wrong. The ranger has all of the tools to be effective. Perfectly on par with other classes in specific areas? No. I would agree with you there. But to imply that they offer nothing to a group is a bit disingenuous. Some, like me, dont really care about speed runs and things like that. I do care about succeeding, and having a ranger in the group will not prevent that. We undoubtedly have to put more effort in though, and it could be said it doesnt necessarily show in the output. The amount of combo fields we have, alone, is fantastic. At least for me though, those combo fields are the lynchpin of my playstyle. Ideally, I constantly have a field down to be fired through at the opponent. And the way they are put down works better for me than on my ele. Though, I do feel that utilizing them is more important to the ranger than it is the ele. Maybe even imperative.

So, it boils down to this: Will having a well-played ranger in a group prevent it from succeeding? If the answer is no, then the rest is just subjective.

I am more effective on my ranger than I am on my ele. And the predicted response might be that I just dont know how to play the ele, but the inverse would be true as well. I remember when the ele was considered the worst and most underpowered class in the game. I disagreed at that time, and it eventually came to light how powerful they can be. I feel the same way about the ranger, even if I do think the class has some fundamental things that need to be fixed.

Like you say though, when it comes down to it.. its a game. The purpose is to have fun. If you arent having fun on the ranger, definitely try another class. You might find your perfect one, like I have with the ranger. Getting frustrated about feeling ineffective is no way to spend free time. Thats what a job is for!

KensaiZen.3740:

I am having so much fun on the Ranger I barely play my guardian anymore.

That has been my experience too. I have a level 80 ranger, engineer, necro, ele, and had a level 80 thief (deleted for the ranger!). I also have a level 60 (?) mesmer.

Not only do I have more fun on my ranger, but I feel there is SO much more to learn on it. I absolutely love that. Even though I am quite effective on the class, I feel like I am just a padawan. Well, I am at least effective when compared to when I play other classes. When I was sub-80, taking on 6+ mobs that are 5+ levels above me is pretty decent at least for me. I have no doubt many can do it with their eyes closed, but its a real challenge to me. There is so much more to get better at, and learn, and practice that I think I will be occupied by the class for quite some time.

My only regret is not giving ranger more of a chance earlier!

mrstealth.6701:

I don’t have any problem with holding it down to look/pan the camera/character direction, but what I do have a problem with is right click being a secondary “select target” and secondary “interact/attack”. This causes so many problems with losing the intended target in a group, becaues you start holding down the button to turn while it’s hovering over an ally or the wrong enemy, then that target gets selected when you release.

A toggle option would definitely help this, but I think what we desperately need is an option to disable the right click’s target/interact/attack function, making right mouse only camera control

That is exactly what I want. I never use the right click to select anything whatsoever, at least not intentionally. I have unintentionally changed targets more times than I could possible remember. I want an option to turn that off. I dont mind using it to turn the camera, have definitely gotten used to that from many other games and have ended up preferring it for the most part.

pixieish.9627:

I’d like to think my guild and GOLD gave a good showing in IoJ’s map last evening. I did want to take more than just a tower and Bay, but when I started to push to the north, Darkhaven started pushing in from the east, and when I redirected our forces to pummel Darkhaven, IoJ cheerfully charged in from the north again. It is a bloody pain trying to fight a war on two fronts, you know.

Thats one of the interesting things I noted last night. It seemed like EVERY fight had all three servers there! I found it to be a lot of fun to be able to sneak out, let the two other sides battle and then tactically approach further into the fight. I have no doubt every side was doing the same thing. I enjoy it immensely!

Just when I think we have held off the DR zerg somewhere, IoJ comes in right after. Then, if that gets held off, DR is right there again!

While the three way fights happen in every match, I swear it was more frequent last night than I have seen before (at least in EB). We’ll see if that continues, but last night was one of my favorites I have had in WvW. Didnt hurt that I FINALLY got to 10k kills too. I know plenty of people have tons more than that, but Im happy about it.

The ranger is my favorite class, by a good margin at this point. I dont think they are even close to as bad as people make them out to be. So, feel free to consider me a Ranger fanboy through and through!

That said, I definitely havent found them to be the most effective ranged DPS. They are programmed to have a large percentage of their damage reduced due to the fact the pet is expected to make up the difference. Thats an important point, since in many places in the game your pet will at best miss constantly, and at worst, be dead all the time. If that was the role I was going for, I would go for other classes like warrior, thief, or ele. Not only do they all have massive DPS at range (if traited, of course), they have extensive options to keep their opponent at range. I know one warrior who literally just uses the greatsword to mainly keep distance for the rifle.

While the ranger also has these options, it is all mitigated by the fact their damage in reduced due to having a pet. If they were more reliable, it might put them closer but as is, their effectiveness comes from other areas like combo fields (healing spring is the best water field in the game, imo).

For me, I feel the ele is one of the harder classes to learn. But one of the easiest to master. Once you have learned how to stance dance, individual use of the skills is just common sense. Basically, once you have learned how to use the class, there isnt as much room for improvement beyond that.

Classes like the thief, warrior, and guardian are all very, very easy to learn how to play. However, there is a significant amount to learn beyond that. It is comparatively easy to succeed with a low skill level, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Still though, the amount of skill needed to succeed is, on average, less than an ele.

With the ele, once you have turned the stance dance into habit.. thats pretty much it. Using utilities, etc is only secondary to just moving through your attunements. You might be surprised how effective you can be in WvW by literally just hitting 1-2-3-4-5 then switching attunements that are off CD. Then just rinse and repeat. I was a little taken aback when I tested it. I was less effective than when I was carefully picking and choosing what to do and when/where to do it, but it wasnt by nearly as much as I predicted.

In my experience, the hardest classes in this game are the ranger and engineer, with maybe the necro in there as well. They are not particularly hard to learn, but being able to use their skills effectively can take some time and effort to master. These are also the classes that I do believe need some work, but I dont think they are nearly as bad as they are made out to be.

They are more difficult to master, meaning that most will find them utterly ineffective even though they know the basic rotations. The same doesnt really stand true for classes like thieves, warriors, and eles. Its just that the basic rotation is a bit more complex on the ele with the addition of attunement changes.

Still love the ele! But I have to admit, my ranger has been getting much, much more playtime recently. I just feel there is so much to learn and improve on, and I never really felt that way with the ele once I got past switching attunements constantly.

I would never suggest to someone that they stick with a class they dont enjoy playing.

Rangers really can be effective as part of a team, though I cant offer much advice as far as dungeons go (I am waiting for good AI to give me a PvE challenge, not arbitrary mechanics).

Things like healing spring though… are absolutely incredible. Your spirits can be extremely useful, but I have found in PvE that they do tend to get targeted constantly. In WvW though, they are almost always left alone if put outside of the AoE storm. Their range should allow you to place them (PvE or PvP) behind an obstacle to block LoS. Their buff does not require LoS, so this can be used to your advantage.

Other things, like traps, can be used to reduce the damage that the mobs can dish out as well as laying down combo fields. As I have played my ranger more and more, I have found that their ability to access combo fields is actually pretty substantial. Putting down fields HUGELY benefits the group and will make everything they do more powerful. Learn them and love them, because regardless of PvE or PvP, they are massively useful. Learning placement of the fields for best effect is also paramount. You can also study what attacks from different classes do as far as finishers. If you pay attention to rotations, you can time your fields to be put down right about when the groups CDs are up for their finisher skills. This knowledge also transfers to every class you might play, so I find it pretty useful.

Different pets also provide some great group support. Ones like the moas can provide relatively decent healing, as well as buffs like fury, protection, etc. In the case of the Red Moa, the fury it provides is very long and if used in conjunction with a mesmers time warp and a healing spring, can really wreak some havoc.

Lately, I have found myself making completely acceptable money in WvW.

Last night was definitely a good night for me, but in ~3 hours I had made 4.5 gold. This amount of income is a lot closer to what is needed when buying siege, tower/keep upgrades, etc. Obviously not on par with dungeons, but I am ok with it personally. This is in contrast to earlier in the games life, where I would be lucky to make 1g in 6 hours of playing. I even got 3 rares last night! If I remember correctly, they changed loot tables semi-recently? Before that, even though I have 1200+ hours in the game, I could count the number of rares I had received from drops on one hand. Now, in one night, I can get the amount of rares that would have literally taken me 1k hours of playtime to get. I still havent gotten an exotic at any level (excluding map completion rewards).

Basically, I was one of the largest supporters of upping the loot, but it seems they have done this and I am happy with it.

If the WvW ranks are done similar to the speed of levelling, I will be fine with it being character specific. However, if it is closer to the WvW acheivements (like I said before), then it will be difficult to get them done on one character, much less alts.

I am really interested to see how this update pans out. Though, I feel it is just smart to wait to see it in action before making any conclusions. It may be terrible, but it may be well done. Some of anets actions have had me shaking my head, but overall, I am pretty happy with the effort they are putting into the game. It could always, always be better but in other games I have played, something like culling would have persisted for years.

All I hope is that Anet continues to do better and better with GW2, and that they dont become any more complacent and accepting of current issues.