Guild Wars 2

Here’s my story.

When I started Sanctum Sprint, I was coming off getting the achievements for the Sky Crystals. Needless to say I was already in a low mood, because I hate jumping puzzles with a fiery passion and that was basically a night of jumping puzzles. So I was hoping Sanctum Sprint would lift my spirits a bit.

Starting out I wasn’t sure what all the powers did exactly or how to use them, and wasn’t familiar with the course. The first few races I placed 9-12, the next few hovering right around the middle between 5th and 6th. I was definitely learning and progressing, but the goal, that first place finish that would save me having to do two more stupid jump puzzles to get at kites, remained elusive. As the night wore on and I got closer to ticking away the 25-race achievement, first place seemed elusive as ever. I started to get a little frustrated and down.

Then, during one race, as I came up to the finish line I saw two people just standing there – I couldn’t comprehend why. So I bolted through and got first! It was like Christmas morning. I couldn’t believe it – the clouds had parted, I finally had both 1st and 3rd place achievements, I’d have my BotFW meta that very night – I was elated! At the same time, a little sheepish, because I did sense that I had been given the first, rather than earned it.

So, after hitting 25, I kept at it. I became an expert at the abilities, I learned each bit of the course, knew exactly what to fire and when. I perfected a playstyle which focused almost exclusively on using defensive abilities for maximum effect, and in a very short amount of time soared up the ranks, getting to the finish first every time. There is no doubt, at this point, that in a straight up race against an entire group with the Sanctum Sprinter title I could not only hold my own but beat them.

Nonetheless I’ve also remembered the circumstances from when I started. So when I get to the line, if I’m in first place I willingly stand off to let 3 people through. If I can save anyone the intense frustration I feel doing a jump puzzle I will do so gladly, even if it means I get less loot in the equation.

I hope ArenaNet keeps balancing it so these sorts of measures aren’t necessary anymore. I also very much hope that the Sanctum Sprint lives on past BotFW – racing is maybe the most fun I’ve had since starting in the game, and I’d love to see more courses and features (like, say, team racing) added.