What would you of done different?

[LanfearShadowflame.3189]

Skipped the other comments (for now), so may repeat what others have said:

Advice for first characters:Throw out assumptions about how a mmo is "supposed" to be.

Take your time exploring and leveling your character. Get to know your class and the game mechanics. The game isn't always straight forward about teaching you things, so be hyper observant and don't be afraid to ask questions in map chat.

Don't be afraid to ask for help either. Plenty of super helpful people around.

If you want ascended gear (and I'm assuming you do), start saving the materials for leveling the crafting now. Salvage everything you can. Collect every node you see. If you can't use it, you can likely sell it. Every copper helps along the way. Dont just trash the junk runes and sigils, actually merch them. It does add up over time.

Do events. They are excellent for leveling. They are excellent for karma. (People claim karma is worthless, ignore them) They are ok for meeting new people.

Don't fuss over upgrading your armor every 5 levels. You will bleed yourself dry trying to keep your armor the same level as you. Every 10-15 levels should be sufficient.

Don't worry about 'looking pretty' right away. You're going to start out with limited transmutation charges. As you do map completion and other things, you'll get more. Just hang onto them until you have at least lvl 80 gear. Then spend some time making your character "fabulous."

Recommended purchases from the gem shop: (over time, not necessarily "right now")Minimum 1 set of infinite gathering tools (usable at any level, super convenient, if you have multiple character you may eventually want more sets)Copper fed salvage o maticShared inventory slot (to hold the salvage o matic)Bank space (highly recommended as you grow)

Helpful sites:The wiki (obvious reasons) - https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Main_PageDulfy (guides, achievements) - http://dulfy.net/MetaBattle (build ideas) - http://metabattle.com/wiki/MetaBattle_WikiGW2 Efficiency (account tracking, rich node locations, crafting calculators, etc) - https://gw2efficiency.com/GW2 Timer (event timers) - http://gw2timer.com/GW2 Skills (for build crafting, cause who doesnt like playing with numbers?) - http://en.gw2skills.net/editor/

I'm sure more will come to me. That's just off the top of my head.

[STIHL.2489]

Started crafting early, it's actually viable at lower levels.. and not some end game gold sink..

[LanfearShadowflame.3189]

@STIHL.2489 said:Started crafting early, it's actually viable at lower levels.. and not some end game gold sink..

Ive always used it as "part" of my leveling regimen. Give you a break from the "same old routine" of mapping and events. Of course, I do a little bit of everything it seems.

[Teratus.2859]

After a while playing with my first character (Ranger) I actually abandoned him for a new main.. (Necromancer)

But as fate would have it.. around the time LW2 started I actually started using my first character again.. and now it's my main once more and one of my favorite characters :)

My only real regret is that I didn't invest more time playing Living World Season 1.. it's absence from the game is strongly felt these days.. specially as I take new alts through the story and I have to skip an entire chapter of it.For me personally this is my biggest issue with the game.. if I had a choice in the matter I would choose to delay all new content until LW1 was reworked and added back into the game in some way.