What changed?

[SoulGuardian.6203]

Hi everyone.I haven't played in almost a year.I would like to see from your own words what changes have happened, and in your own oppinion; what did you like and didn't.

I would like to hear about skills changes since last april/may.Nerfs, buffs, and new skills.

I wanna see your opinions on all the changes.

What did you like/dislike the most.What did you find more amazing.

Thanks guys.

[Linken.6345]

Install the game and check for yourself.

[ugrakarma.9416]

LOTS of contents.

[SoulGuardian.6203]

@Linken.6345 said:Install the game and check for yourself.

If I could, I wouldn't be asking. ?Thank you for your answer nevertheless.

[SoulGuardian.6203]

@ugrakarma.9416 said:LOTS of contents.

Indulge me...

[Inculpatus cedo.9234]

Here you go: https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/releases/https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Game_updates

[Randulf.7614]

It's only been a year so not much will have changed. We've had the continuation of the Icebrood Saga and that's about it

• Drizzlewood map plus very long associated meta
• Visions of the Past probably launched before you left, but brought in Eye of the North as the main game hub outside of LA, pulled the strikes together for ease of play every day and added some basic level LS1 story instances.
• Champions - a 4 part story to conclude the Icebrood Saga early so the expansion can be focussed on. This is very story lite and has no maps, rather a series of coop missions which act like mini instances. They're fairly samey and haven't been entirely well received
• A quest to allow skimmers to go underwater
• New fractal Sunqua Peak which has a Canthan theme

That's it really. Some skill changes - the vast majority of which go unnoticed probably. The PvP crowd will probably see a greater effect, but there isn't really much in terms of signficant changes that I can see. Obviously new skins, weapons, collections, achievements, masteries etc that comes with Living World content

TLDR: The game is largely what it was when you left, just with a bit more content in pve

[SoulGuardian.6203]

@Randulf.7614 said:It's only been a year so not much will have changed. We've had the continuation of the Icebrood Saga and that's about it

• Drizzlewood map plus very long associated meta
• Visions of the Past probably launched before you left, but brought in Eye of the North as the main game hub outside of LA, pulled the strikes together for ease of play every day and added some basic level LS1 story instances.
• Champions - a 4 part story to conclude the Icebrood Saga early so the expansion can be focussed on. This is very story lite and has no maps, rather a series of coop missions which act like mini instances. They're fairly samey and haven't been entirely well received
• A quest to allow skimmers to go underwater

That's it really. Some skill changes - the vast majority of which go unnoticed probably. The PvP crowd will probably see a greater effect, but there isn't really much in terms of signficant changes that I can see. Obviously new skins, weapons, collections, achievements, masteries etc that comes with Living World content

TLDR: The game is largely what it was when you left, just with a bit more content in pve

Thank you so much Randulf.It's always good to hear from you.Really like your abbreviated but very well explained list.

Cheers bud.

[Leo G.4501]

@SoulGuardian.6203 said:Hi everyone.I haven't played in almost a year.I would like to see from your own words what changes have happened, and in your own oppinion; what did you like and didn't.

I would like to hear about skills changes since last april/may.Nerfs, buffs, and new skills.

Also please feel free to rant.I wanna see your opinions on all the changes.

What did you like/dislike the most.What did you find more amazing.

Thanks guys.

Well, your first mistake was asking on the forums. Most are going to be jaded vets that only see annoying updates that don't give them what they want.

I actually haven't played since, like, the roller beetle was introduced? It was just before that and I remember hearing people were hyped about it. How many years ago was that? 3 years? I wouldn't dare ask what were the best features added in that period. I'll just discover it myself lol

[senki.1046]

Regarding WvW and PvP nothing has changed. Those 2 game modes are still dead sadly.

[mercury ranique.2170]

not much has changed to be honest. Aenanet is working on a new expansion. When it comes is unknown, but it seems most of the effort goes into that.The icebrood saga continues, but the last episode is released in 4 parts but with no new maps (atleast so far). Instead they added dragon response missions (7 so far). Tomorrow there will be a new batch released.

One new fractal is released

For the rest some balances and minor stuff.All in all, not much has been changing.

[Randulf.7614]

@SoulGuardian.6203 said:

@Randulf.7614 said:It's only been a year so not much will have changed. We've had the continuation of the Icebrood Saga and that's about it

• Drizzlewood map plus very long associated meta
• Visions of the Past probably launched before you left, but brought in Eye of the North as the main game hub outside of LA, pulled the strikes together for ease of play every day and added some basic level LS1 story instances.
• Champions - a 4 part story to conclude the Icebrood Saga early so the expansion can be focussed on. This is very story lite and has no maps, rather a series of coop missions which act like mini instances. They're fairly samey and haven't been entirely well received
• A quest to allow skimmers to go underwater

That's it really. Some skill changes - the vast majority of which go unnoticed probably. The PvP crowd will probably see a greater effect, but there isn't really much in terms of signficant changes that I can see. Obviously new skins, weapons, collections, achievements, masteries etc that comes with Living World content

TLDR: The game is largely what it was when you left, just with a bit more content in pve

Thank you so much Randulf.It's always good to hear from you.Really like your abbreviated but very well explained list.

Cheers bud.

No problem. I forgot about the fractal mentioned by the above poster so I've added that in as well

[SoulGuardian.6203]

@mercury ranique.2170 said:not much has changed to be honest. Aenanet is working on a new expansion. When it comes is unknown, but it seems most of the effort goes into that.The icebrood saga continues, but the last episode is released in 4 parts but with no new maps (atleast so far). Instead they added dragon response missions (7 so far). Tomorrow there will be a new batch released.

One new fractal is released

For the rest some balances and minor stuff.All in all, not much has been changing.

Thank you.Response missions seem interesting.I'll sure check them out.

[ShadowCatz.8437]

@SoulGuardian.6203 said:

@"mercury ranique.2170" said:not much has changed to be honest. Aenanet is working on a new expansion. When it comes is unknown, but it seems most of the effort goes into that.The icebrood saga continues, but the last episode is released in 4 parts but with no new maps (atleast so far). Instead they added dragon response missions (7 so far). Tomorrow there will be a new batch released.

One new fractal is released

For the rest some balances and minor stuff.All in all, not much has been changing.

Thank you.Response missions seem interesting.I'll sure check them out.

Dragon Response Mission or DRM for short are repetitive (especially if your goal is to complete achievements - look in Hero Panel>Achievement and for Champion section). To complete these achievement you need to use Private instance (not Public) as you need to talk with a NPC with a red flag above its head and pick Challenge Mode [CM] (which to not make use of any Support that are possible or reduce damage taken).

I would suggest to start with Drizzlewood to get your Mastery unlocked for United Legion Waystation and get access to buy EMP (which is useful to add extra CC against boss Defiance bar). While you are working on your Mastery you will also be able to purchase Scroll to get there faster in the future and same with Eye of the North (as that is the main hub for getting to DRM and some Strike Mission from an Asuran Gate way that are stationed here). You farm War supply (currency) in Drizzlewood Coast and buy EMP from UL waystations that you can either buy from UL waystation other people set up or from main waypoint in DC where there is a permanent UL waystation standing (you will see it on map with a special icon).

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Drizzlewood_Coast(explains which part of story you need to do to unlock this map - and what to do for Mastery etc)

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Eye_of_the_North(level 80 Character will unlock this Waypoint automatically with Tome you will also get access to go there directly and it is the same Tome you will place the Scroll that can buy to get to Drizzlewood Coast).

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Dragon_Response_Mission

As this is by now the End game content meaning that most player have also most mounts from PoF it also means that you will gain mount skills that are helpful to do DRM CM. If you lack Beetle or any faster mount then swiftness (boon) then it will make hard to complete challenge based on time as a lot time will go from your start in DRM to get Morale boost (doing certain things where you first spawn) and then move on to some other place where you need to complete and fight last boss before it will time out for that timed challenge (count down). I will recommend to search on GW2 wiki for a more complete explanation. GW2 wiki are rather good to explain how things are connected in this way. Springer and Raptor skills can do CC so those are useful for extra CC.

As you fight two Dragons: Destroyer which is fire based (condition damage) and Jormag's Ice Brood which is based on Chill (condition damage) it is useful to have condition cleanse in some form, be able to use stun break (Destroyer have some ranged attack which do knock down and there are some Svanir that have a telegraphed movement that also can knock down if you stand in the way). Bring your own soft CC (Blind, Immob etc) and hard CC to help cut down Defiance bar in the last phase.

I hope this is enough to have a starting point to catch up and where to start to focus in what you need to do as I don't know how far you are in Mastery, what profession you are playing etc. or even if you have unlocked all mounts and their skills yet. If you lack mounts then the easier one would probably be those DRM CM where you don't need to get a distance to fight like in Brisban Wildlands. Here you only follow/escort a NPC group and make sure they stay alive to end boss which is rather stationary boss and it should be possible to keep up even without mount. The other might be harder if you lack Raptor or any other fast moving mount.

[edit]

On BLTP you can buy food that boost your damage depending on which type of Dragon's Minion you are going to fight like Destroyer or Ice Brood there are also Sigils that boost damage for weapon depending on enemy type that might be useful if you play a lot of DRM CM. 10% increased damage and same reduction against one type of enemy and last for one hour are pretty good and don't cost that much compared to power or condition based boost.

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Powerful_Potion_of_Destroyer_Slayinghttps://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Powerful_Potion_of_Ice_Brood_Slaying

(Good duration with 1 hour as you might need to wait for a group in LFG and this make it less a problem that you mid fight need to activate this utility buff again as it timed out.)

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Loaf_of_Saffron_Bread(reduce damage from condition and while you get stunned/knocked down - only 30 min duration so it might need to be refreshed while you are at boss - or use a Primer to extend its duration. It is cheap enough to use as often you need compared to buy Primers from Gem Store or through Black Lion Statuette Tickets).

Weapon sigil:https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Sigil_of_Destroyer_Slaying

https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Sigil_of_Icebrood_Slayinghttps://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Superior_Sigil_of_Wrath (Not as many mobs as Ice Brood and probably most useful at some end bosses in DRM CM which are Svanir type).

Those are permanent damage boost and might be an option the general purpose one like Force +5% damage boost which is much more expensive on TP.

[SexyMofo.8923]

All this: https://en-forum.guildwars2.com/categories/game-release-notes

[Infusion.7149]

If you play mesmer in any form, the past year has returned mesmer to viability due to the chronomancer clone-less shatter change. (https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Game_updates/2020-07-07)

In addition, Dragonhunter has been hit in terms of quickness on the elite "Feel my Wrath".

[SoulGuardian.6203]

@ShadowCatz.8437Thank you so much for taking time explaining all that I should focus on.That's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for.Nothing like first hand experience.

[Yggranya.5201]

@"senki.1046" said:Regarding WvW and PvP nothing has changed. Those 2 game modes are still dead sadly.

I'm sure you meant to say "those 2 game modes are as dead as from the moment they were introduced". I doubt i need to explain why, and so i won't.

[otto.5684]

@SoulGuardian.6203 said:

@ugrakarma.9416 said:LOTS of contents.

Indulge me...

Not much. I think one new map, silverwaste style, and there was one pve balance patch. If you are into spvp, you should stay away lol. WvW I dunno. Honestly, until the expansion is out there is not any reason to come back, unless you did not have PoF.

[vier.1327]

WvW Alliances

[Omega.6801]

@SoulGuardian.6203 said:

@Linken.6345 said:Install the game and check for yourself.

If I could, I wouldn't be asking. ?Thank you for your answer nevertheless.

If you can't, why bother?

[SoulGuardian.6203]

@otto.5684 said:

@SoulGuardian.6203 said:

@ugrakarma.9416 said:LOTS of contents.

Indulge me...

Not much. I think one new map, silverwaste style, and there was one pve balance patch. If you are into spvp, you should stay away lol. WvW I dunno. Honestly, until the expansion is out there is not any reason to come back, unless you did not have PoF.

I'm just waiting for the covid restrictions to be lifted so I can either fix my computer or buy a new one.Then I will istall the game.I miss playing it so much, it's driving me crazy.