Best order to play the game in to get the most out of the story - Guild Wars Forums

Draconus Xen · May 10, 2011, 08:37 PM // 20:37

So I have decided to start a new character to play through the campaigns so I can be ready for GW2. However, I am worried about the story, and where to start. It seems like everything is connected to prophecies, and so I made my warrior there to use through everything, however, I am wondering if this is the wrong way to go about it. Anyone have some advice?

cthulhu reborn · May 10, 2011, 08:40 PM // 20:40

If you haven't played all the way through, it is best to start with prophecies but in any case do prophecies and factions before nightfall and then EotN if you want the storyline to be in order.

But GW2 is like 250 years after GW1 so a lot happens in between. It's not like Mass Effect where you can import your character from the first part and continue on in part 2.

NerfHerder · May 10, 2011, 08:43 PM // 20:43

If you want to see the whole story as it unfolds, you want to do Prophecies--> Factions--> Night Fall--> Eye of the North. Then do the War in Kryta story line.

Plutoman · May 10, 2011, 09:04 PM // 21:04

It'll help with a lot of the lore, and background knowledge of the game to be sure. Plus, the game's got a lot of value for it. Do it as the guy above says - in the order of release. After War in Kryta, do Hearts of the North and then the Winds of Change when it's released.

Fay Vert · May 10, 2011, 09:41 PM // 21:41

You could do eye of the north after prophesies, then move on to cantha or elona; should work from a story perspective though the game mechanics (heroes and different professions) will be a jump. Make sure you do Sorrow's Furnace as part of prophesies, it's not on the main mission line.

jray14 · May 10, 2011, 09:43 PM // 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by NerfHerder

If you want to see the whole story as it unfolds, you want to do Prophecies--> Factions--> Night Fall--> Eye of the North. Then do the War in Kryta story line.

This, except once you get to Lion's Arch maybe zip over to Nightfall and Eye of the North to grab their initial heroes (Koss W, Dunkoro Mo, Melonni D, Tahlkora Mo, Ogden Mo, Vekk E, Gwen Me). You get all those heroes from just two quests (and can get one more---either Jin R or Sousuke E---with just one more). In particular the 5 casters will help you get through Proph and Factions just fine even if you don't find human teams. Then if you want the full storyline of the other campaigns after finishing Prophecies, you can start characters in Factions and Nightfall until each gets off the starter islands, then continue with your main character from there.

Chrisworld · May 11, 2011, 12:36 AM // 00:36

Prophecies -> Factions -> Nightfall ->EoTN. Don't forget the bonus mission pack for added lore.

Steps_Descending · May 11, 2011, 01:06 AM // 01:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fay Vert

You could do eye of the north after prophesies, then move on to cantha or elona; should work from a story perspective though the game mechanics (heroes and different professions) will be a jump. Make sure you do Sorrow's Furnace as part of prophesies, it's not on the main mission line.

About Eye (also called GWEN), it fits well, but you're jumping from easiest to hardest.

Concerning Faction and proph, they are not really related and can be made in any order. Be awarew tought, if you do this, you'll live the GW equivalent of a zombie apocalypse before haveing what should look like a ride in teh park.
Faction si still doable as a first, but you'll probably need some help on a place or 2.

Draconus Xen · May 11, 2011, 02:48 AM // 02:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steps_Descending

About Eye (also called GWEN), it fits well, but you're jumping from easiest to hardest.

Concerning Faction and proph, they are not really related and can be made in any order. Be awarew tought, if you do this, you'll live the GW equivalent of a zombie apocalypse before haveing what should look like a ride in teh park.
Faction si still doable as a first, but you'll probably need some help on a place or 2.

Oddly enough, I have heard proph. is the hardest to start in since both +15 attribute quests, and switching secondaries take more time. I just wish there was an official time line, since it all can't be happening at the same time, there has to be an actual order intended.

Kojima · May 11, 2011, 03:39 AM // 03:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draconus Xen

Oddly enough, I have heard proph. is the hardest to start in since both +15 attribute quests, and switching secondaries take more time. I just wish there was an official time line, since it all can't be happening at the same time, there has to be an actual order intended.

Spoiler alert:

There is a timeline:

http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Timeline

Prophecies + Factions = same time
Nightfall = a little after
EotN = after that

Skyy High · May 11, 2011, 03:59 AM // 03:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draconus Xen

Oddly enough, I have heard proph. is the hardest to start in since both +15 attribute quests, and switching secondaries take more time. I just wish there was an official time line, since it all can't be happening at the same time, there has to be an actual order intended.

It's both hardest and easiest for that reason...yes, you level up and unlock stuff at the slowest rate there, but you also have the most time to get accustomed to your abilities before getting thrown against difficult enemies. Most of Prophecies is actually sub-lvl20, whereas most of NF and Factions is lvl20 content.

Draconus Xen · May 11, 2011, 04:21 AM // 04:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kojima

Spoiler alert:

There is a timeline:

http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/Timeline

Prophecies + Fractions = same time
Nightfall = a little after
EotN = after that

So here is what gets me, and yes I understand, its all just a game, doesn't really matter, but how are mhenlo and co. helping take care of the events in factions and in prophecies at the same time.

majoho · May 11, 2011, 04:22 AM // 04:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kojima

Prophecies + Fractions = same time

It's Factions not Fractions

Also I don't really think it makes any difference what order you play it in, the events in the different campaigns don't really relate to each other much.

Silverdawn · May 11, 2011, 08:10 AM // 08:10

Mechanics-wise Factions pits you against stronger foes than Prophecies. Also, if you are just learning the game, Prophecies has a longer learning curve than Factions, giving you more time to become proficient.

chuckles79 · May 11, 2011, 04:12 PM // 16:12

There are three philosophies at work here:
1. Go through the Story sequentially; Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall, EotN, then GW:B content.

2. Maximize playability and do Nightfall and EotN first for quick access to heroes and PvE only skills. Factions and Nightfall have early access to the extra 30 att. points as well.

3. Start in Prophecies, get guild to get you to Lion's Arch quickly. Switch between and explore different campaigns at your leisure.

I personally recommend number 3. Being able to jump over to Nightfall and the EotN and geting the basic heroes will greatly aid your progress through Prophecies. It can also allow you to jump over to Factions and the Kaineng Center quests will get you to lvl 20 very quickly.

The number one thing that will help you, is find a friendly, PvE oriented guild. If you are flexible (and don't expect them to run you through 5 missions a day) and friendly, they'll get you where you need to go. Even a small guild can help you get where you need to.

Good Luck.

majoho · May 11, 2011, 04:48 PM // 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckles79

3. Start in Prophecies, get guild to get you to Lion's Arch quickly. Switch between and explore different campaigns at your leisure.

I personally recommend number 3. Being able to jump over to Nightfall and the EotN and geting the basic heroes will greatly aid your progress through Prophecies. It can also allow you to jump over to Factions and the Kaineng Center quests will get you to lvl 20 very quickly.

I think that's what most existing players do, but do you really think that's good for a completely new player?

Personally I think it messes things up, also getting run on your first char?

MithranArkanere · May 11, 2011, 05:03 PM // 17:03

Prophecies->Factions->Nightfall->Eye of the North->Beyond(WiK, HotN, WoC, Whatever gets added later)

Belzebu · May 11, 2011, 10:24 PM // 22:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draconus Xen

So here is what gets me, and yes I understand, its all just a game, doesn't really matter, but how are mhenlo and co. helping take care of the events in factions and in prophecies at the same time.

If you note, many outposts in Tyria don't have "Mhenlo and co" (I liked that) as henchmen, that may indicate they are helping in Cantha.
Even in game, Cantha story ends faster than in Tyria, allowing them to help both events.

bergetl · May 12, 2011, 04:21 AM // 04:21

I would definitely do the Prophecies story line first, because that one lays the groundwork for Eye of the North, WiK and a few events from Factions and Nightfall. I enjoyed the Proph campaign the most, dunno why. If it is possible and you know what you're doing I would suggest getting heroes as soon as you can. If you feel like you wont get confused by getting run to Lions Arch early on I would do that and then jump to Nightfall briefly to get those heroes. With those heroes, the rest of the proph storyline should be a breeze in normal mode and with you're choice of wiki to guide you. After that I would personally do Factions cause that'll go pretty quick. Next would be Nightfall and last Eye of the North. If you're still ambitious and not pve'd out then there is the War in Kryta story line with the tack on Hearts of the North to do. If you want to get the most out of the story of guild wars though, I would suggest you make a native character for each campaign, you just get to see everything there is to offer then. That's my two cents anyways.

Draconus Xen · May 12, 2011, 05:44 AM // 05:44

I have already played through the starting of all 3 campaigns, I just never finished them. This is just me wanting to finally play through all the campaigns as my warrior. Starting in prophecies just feels right from a story point, if only because of pre-searing being set 2 years earlier then the rest. I just arrived in lions arch today, and picked up M.O.X and the starting nightfall heros, who all out level me, so I am in essence using my heros to run myself.

May 10, 2011, 08:37 PM // 20:37	#1
Draconus Xen Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: May 2005	Best order to play the game in to get the most out of the story So I have decided to start a new character to play through the campaigns so I can be ready for GW2. However, I am worried about the story, and where to start. It seems like everything is connected to prophecies, and so I made my warrior there to use through everything, however, I am wondering if this is the wrong way to go about it. Anyone have some advice?

May 10, 2011, 08:40 PM // 20:40	#2
cthulhu reborn Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: the Netherlands Profession: W/Mo	If you haven't played all the way through, it is best to start with prophecies but in any case do prophecies and factions before nightfall and then EotN if you want the storyline to be in order. But GW2 is like 250 years after GW1 so a lot happens in between. It's not like Mass Effect where you can import your character from the first part and continue on in part 2.

May 10, 2011, 08:43 PM // 20:43	#3
NerfHerder Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Apr 2010	If you want to see the whole story as it unfolds, you want to do Prophecies--> Factions--> Night Fall--> Eye of the North. Then do the War in Kryta story line.

May 10, 2011, 09:04 PM // 21:04	#4
Plutoman Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jul 2010 Profession: E/	It'll help with a lot of the lore, and background knowledge of the game to be sure. Plus, the game's got a lot of value for it. Do it as the guy above says - in the order of release. After War in Kryta, do Hearts of the North and then the Winds of Change when it's released.

May 10, 2011, 09:41 PM // 21:41	#5
Fay Vert Desert Nomad Join Date: Apr 2006 Profession: R/	You could do eye of the north after prophesies, then move on to cantha or elona; should work from a story perspective though the game mechanics (heroes and different professions) will be a jump. Make sure you do Sorrow's Furnace as part of prophesies, it's not on the main mission line.

May 11, 2011, 12:36 AM // 00:36	#7
Chrisworld Krytan Explorer Join Date: Aug 2010 Guild: Gameamp Guides [AMP] Profession: W/	Prophecies -> Factions -> Nightfall ->EoTN. Don't forget the bonus mission pack for added lore.

May 11, 2011, 08:10 AM // 08:10	#14
Silverdawn Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Sacramento, CA, USA Guild: Xen of Onslaught Profession: E/	Mechanics-wise Factions pits you against stronger foes than Prophecies. Also, if you are just learning the game, Prophecies has a longer learning curve than Factions, giving you more time to become proficient.

May 11, 2011, 04:12 PM // 16:12	#15
chuckles79 Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Mar 2009 Guild: FILA Profession: P/	There are three philosophies at work here: 1. Go through the Story sequentially; Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall, EotN, then GW:B content. 2. Maximize playability and do Nightfall and EotN first for quick access to heroes and PvE only skills. Factions and Nightfall have early access to the extra 30 att. points as well. 3. Start in Prophecies, get guild to get you to Lion's Arch quickly. Switch between and explore different campaigns at your leisure. I personally recommend number 3. Being able to jump over to Nightfall and the EotN and geting the basic heroes will greatly aid your progress through Prophecies. It can also allow you to jump over to Factions and the Kaineng Center quests will get you to lvl 20 very quickly. The number one thing that will help you, is find a friendly, PvE oriented guild. If you are flexible (and don't expect them to run you through 5 missions a day) and friendly, they'll get you where you need to go. Even a small guild can help you get where you need to. Good Luck.

May 11, 2011, 05:03 PM // 17:03	#17
MithranArkanere Underworld Spelunker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigo Guild: Heraldos de la Llama Oscura [HLO] Profession: E/	Prophecies->Factions->Nightfall->Eye of the North->Beyond(WiK, HotN, WoC, Whatever gets added later)

May 12, 2011, 04:21 AM // 04:21	#19
bergetl Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Nov 2010 Profession: N/A	I would definitely do the Prophecies story line first, because that one lays the groundwork for Eye of the North, WiK and a few events from Factions and Nightfall. I enjoyed the Proph campaign the most, dunno why. If it is possible and you know what you're doing I would suggest getting heroes as soon as you can. If you feel like you wont get confused by getting run to Lions Arch early on I would do that and then jump to Nightfall briefly to get those heroes. With those heroes, the rest of the proph storyline should be a breeze in normal mode and with you're choice of wiki to guide you. After that I would personally do Factions cause that'll go pretty quick. Next would be Nightfall and last Eye of the North. If you're still ambitious and not pve'd out then there is the War in Kryta story line with the tack on Hearts of the North to do. If you want to get the most out of the story of guild wars though, I would suggest you make a native character for each campaign, you just get to see everything there is to offer then. That's my two cents anyways.

May 12, 2011, 05:44 AM // 05:44	#20
Draconus Xen Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: May 2005	I have already played through the starting of all 3 campaigns, I just never finished them. This is just me wanting to finally play through all the campaigns as my warrior. Starting in prophecies just feels right from a story point, if only because of pre-searing being set 2 years earlier then the rest. I just arrived in lions arch today, and picked up M.O.X and the starting nightfall heros, who all out level me, so I am in essence using my heros to run myself.