

I think it left the game feeling segmented. I’ve always had an issue with the way the Guild Wars 2 Living World content has tackled horizontal progression. That puts a lot of pressure on the game’s horizontal progression systems to keep you entertained and coming back for more. Once you reach the maximum level of 80 and have crafted or acquired Ascended level gear, you’re at maximum power. Guild Wars 2 is an interesting MMORPG because it doesn’t have any form of vertical progression. Personally, I think it’s creative and I love the concept. That’s probably not something Thief players wanted to see. It turns the traditionally damage-focused class into a support class. One that could be a cause for concern is the Specter, the new Thief Elite.

If the other Elite Specializations are as well done as the Virtuoso and the Willbender, there will be a lot of happy players running around.

I had so much fun experimenting with and improving my Virtuoso build, that I honestly don’t feel the need to ever play another class in Guild Wars 2. The major change is that you create illusionary daggers instead of clones. It’s an absolute powerhouse with plenty of utility to keep it dodging dangers. I have always loved the Mesmer class in Guild Wars 2, but it’s never been an easy class to play in PvE content. But my favorite new Elite Specialization is the Mesmer’s Virtuoso. The mobility and dual swords look like they’ve come straight from an anime. I spent a bunch of time on the new Guardian Elite, the Willbender. There are nine new Elite Specializations in Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons – one for each class. But once I finished the story and the final zone’s meta, I was left with a sense of accomplishment - and a feeling that it was time to move on. It’s heartwarming, it ties everything together well, and, of course, it ends with an epic battle. Having said that, I do think this is an excellent conclusion to the Guild Wars 2 narrative. You’ll finish it in under a week – just a few days if you don’t get too sidetracked. It’s fortunate that ArenaNet has done such a good job building the zones and filling them with distractions, because I thought the story was a little short. Getting lost in Cantha is an absolute pleasure. The game has always done a superb job rewarding you for your exploration with achievement points. The story often took a backseat as I wandered around the different points of interest in the different zones and got caught up in the dynamic events that make the world of Guild Wars 2 feel so alive. They’re bright, buzzing with activity, and they provide you with a playground to experience all the new End of Dragons features. Particularly, Seitung Province and New Kaineng City. Wish you were hereĪs I mentioned in my preview of New Kaineng, Cantha is one of the most inviting locations Guild Wars 2 has ever had. This is soon broken when the Aetherblades lure you and Aurene into an aerial battle that results in Aurene’s power being drained by a mysterious machine, and both of you crashing in Seitung Province. Jormag has been dealt with and, although there is the looming threat of another Elder Dragon somewhere in the world, Tyria is in a rare state of peace and balance. The story of End of Dragons picks up after the events of the Icebrood Saga. It gives you new ways to explore, as well as some handy perks. Saving the best for last, you’ll also be given a Jade Bot soon after landing in Cantha. It serves the dual purpose of giving you a break from the bustle of the zones and allowing you to gather some new materials. Fishing has also been added to Guild Wars 2. It’s not the only mount you’ll be able to unlock: there’s also the two-person Siege Turtle. The Skiff is your newest mode of cruising the waterways – solo or with a crew. If anything, the continent has become more vibrant and fantastical.Īlong with a new continent of content, End of Dragons also introduces some new features to Guild Wars 2, along with nine new Elite Specializations. A lot has changed in the 200 years that have passed in-game, but the excitement and wonder I felt the first time I arrived in Cantha are still there. Ever since I heard players would be venturing to Cantha in Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons, I’ve been eager to return to the continent that first drew me into the MMORPG franchise.
