Just want to report that the solution supplied by > @Healix.5819 said: Launch GW2, confirm it's stuck, then exit and launch with: -log -image -assetsrv 54.84.216.160 -patchconnections 1 (see the wiki for how to launch from the terminal) If it's not stuck, let it download a few files, then exit and launch normally; repeat if necessary. If it's stuck, let it download for about 5 minutes, then exit. Post Gw2.log (~/Library/Application Support/Guild Wars 2/Gw2.log) If you have an alternative connection, also try that. For example, if you're using wireless, try wired, or connecting through another device or a VPN. Has fixed the same issue I was having :)
Just be patient and let the launcher download for a while even if the dl/rate is spiking all over the place. Give it some time then re-start the launcher without the command prompt.