Question about add-ons and general play and resources

Just started playing again - and finally found a weapon/class set up I'm enjoying and not struggling hard core (52 Ranger core axe/axe - GS).

I've seen some mention on add - ons and I've looked at the list on the wiki and I'm curious if there are any you would suggest to run!Currently I just have the core game and will look to buy the expansions come my next paycheck, but is there any huge benefit to doing map completion early on - or is it something I can just put to the side and do after I get 80 and mount? I'm dying with how slow I'll move through the map compared to some of the people on mounts that I see, if I didn't see how cool af some and how fast some of them go, I wouldn't really care, but now that I have I'm like oh man I just wanna rush to get that first Raptor!

Lastly, can any of yall recommend some good beginner youtube links or posts - I've looked up some stuff and I find myself just more confused than ever since I haven't played much and my highest level account is a 67 elementalist from.....the first year the game was out and I don't remember how to play it nor can I keep up with the elemental attunements at the moment.

Cheers!

No benefit, feel free to wait until you have mounts.

I recommend MuklukYoutube. I don't see an Elementalist guide yet, but he has lots of other stuff, and is currently actively making new stuff (and streaming).

When you buy an expansion, you also get extra character slot(s) and free boost-to-80 token.

What I did:

• got expansion
• boosted new alt from 1 to 80
• just did first Path of Fire mission to unlock basic Raptor
• continue playing with other characters
• boosted-to-80 character become extra bank space

I was never sorry I did it this way. Even just basic Raptor is veeeery good :)

@Pirogen.9561 Just unlocked the Raptor and very happy with it! Thanks for that, I made a good ole simple warrior since I figure I would have an easier time learning how to play warrior and may just redo content on it :)