Help: Game worth Buying? Still a active player base? - Guild Wars Forums

xGlakex · Nov 26, 2011, 10:13 PM // 22:13

Hey all, I've always wanted to get into Guild Wars, and with the up coming Guild Wars 2, I'd like to get a taste of it now. If I start playing the MMO, I'll probably be playing it for awhile.

My question is, at this point in it's lifetime is it still worth buying? Are there still a lot of people playing? PvE & PVP still active? Also will this game have any connections with Guild Wars 2 at all as far as unlocking things go or something.

I'm willing to pick it up and start playing right away, but I do not want to get into a game that's dead.

P.S

Do I need each expansion if I'd like to play the further games? Or could I just go out and buy Nightfall or something and be able to play?

Ayano Mitsu · Nov 26, 2011, 10:36 PM // 22:36

As far as activity - some will tell you this game is dead, others will tell you it isn't. Personally, it's obviously not as active as before but find an active guild/alliance and you're good to go. The activity level spikes especially during holiday events as there's a large influx of people trying to get their hats and stuff...I'd say the game is still pretty active considering its age.

The Hall of Monuments allows you to unlock items and stuff in Guild Wars 2 depending on how much you do in GW1. More info here.

You could just pick up NF and play from there but you would obviously only have access to the content in NF...this includes skills as well. Eye of the North is the only expansion that you need at least one other campaign to play; keep in mind that EotN shares a map with the Prophecies campaign but you'll only have access to EotN outposts unless you buy Prophecies.

Hope this helps

firadesunna · Nov 26, 2011, 10:37 PM // 22:37

The community is still alive! Maybe not as active as years ago but we are still alive!

And now would be a good time to get into the game

They are still updating the game with new content (guild wars: beyond) and you can either get the trilogy (which can be picked up for around ??15) or buy any of the three campaigns separately and start playing ( eye of the north requires at least one campaign)

Aeronwen · Nov 26, 2011, 10:38 PM // 22:38

Recent similar threads are:

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/t...t10498075.html

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/b...t10496872.html

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/w...t10496580.html

Get the trilogy, you will want all the games anyway.

PVE is fine, you will probably want to join a nice guild there are plenty still active. But you can go through the game mostly alone if you prefer.

If you work at it you can unlock items for GW2 but they will be cosmetic and have no effect on gameplay.

nuclear_herring · Nov 26, 2011, 11:00 PM // 23:00

I think the game is still active enough for it to be worth 15 quid. Once you've paid that you can play as much or as little as you wish. I've bought many games and put in 20-30 hours of gameplay and then moved on.
Guild wars is the only one where i've put in 5000+ hours of gameplay (works out maybe 5-10p per hour played) and while you're too late to get that much mileage out of it I still think you'll find it worthwhile.

Raven Wing · Nov 27, 2011, 12:02 AM // 00:02

Short answer: Yes Guild Wars is being sold much cheaper than when it came out and there are still lots pf people playing it. But many areas are quite deserted and for that you get bots abailable, called heroes that you can customise. In the major hubs there are still lots of people and you can either play all alone (not recommended) or get in touch with them and join a guild and go play with them. The guilds are everything from small bands of newbies to large groups of players doing everything to smaller elitist bands doing only advanced farming or pvp.

AndroBubbles · Nov 27, 2011, 01:17 AM // 01:17

As was said before, the trilogy is extremely cheap when bought together, and connecting with others on guru will help you get through the difficult part of starting a game you know nothing about on top of that. If you do end up buying it, feel free to add me and send me a message. Some of us enjoy helping people learn the ropes.

My in-game name is Calista The Shadow

Denim · Nov 27, 2011, 02:27 AM // 02:27

Hi, you picked the right time to buy. Ncsoft is having a half-off sale this weekend.
http://us.ncsoft.com/en/news/ncsoft-...of-heroes.html

Also, available from the in-game store, i believe.

Edit: changed time from "thru Nov. 28th" to "this weekend".

wilebill · Nov 27, 2011, 08:13 AM // 08:13

Just from the tenor of your post, wait for GW 2. GW is still doable, but start with Nightfall, get heroes, and even with a good guild plan on completing a lot of content on your own. if you are a social player you probably do not want that.

Lot of us are lone wolf players. We are out with out heroes in the interests of time and efficiency. We don't group because we do not need to. WoW has gotten a lot the same way until you get to a moderate high level, at least so it seemed my last run though it last summer.

Tripolityx · Nov 27, 2011, 01:42 PM // 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aeronwen

Get the trilogy, you will want all the games anyway.

I come second this.

Quaker · Nov 27, 2011, 02:25 PM // 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by xGlakex

My question is, at this point in it's lifetime is it still worth buying? Are there still a lot of people playing?

There's not as many as there was, but still lots. The game has morphed from an MMO, to an RPG with co-op options. That is, in some ways you can think of it as a solo RPG that you can also play with others on-line. At the current price, there is more value in it, than in most games.

Quote:

Also will this game have any connections with Guild Wars 2 at all as far as unlocking things go or something.

Not really. There are some cosmetic "bonus" items you can unlock for GW2, but given the overall differences in gameplay, etc, there is no real reason to play GW1 in preparation for GW2. You might just as well play Wow or Skyrim to prepare for GW2

Quote:

Do I need each expansion if I'd like to play the further games? Or could I just go out and buy Nightfall or something and be able to play?

To get the most out of the game, it would be best to get the Trilogy. In order to have any connection to GW2, you'll want Eye of the North as well.

dasmitchies · Nov 27, 2011, 02:38 PM // 14:38

One of the nice thing about GW is the presence of guilds. Some are very helpfull and the game won't seem empty to you. Have Fun!!!

Gladiator Steven · Nov 27, 2011, 02:47 PM // 14:47

The game has certainly declined especially with the player base thus I would not recommend popping up into the game this late in it's life.

Just my 2 cents

Improvavel · Nov 27, 2011, 10:47 PM // 22:47

A good thing (or a bad thing depending of individual taste) of guild wars is that it is a very good single player game or small co-op game (very enjoyable with 2 players) - there is no need to have a reputation and establish yourself in the community to have access to end-game content.

If you don't demand an extremely social game and like figuring builds and tactics, Guild Wars is one of the most interesting team based RPGs (in the sense you require a party with different and multiple roles per team member, be it players or AI heroes/henchmen).

ruk1a · Nov 27, 2011, 11:07 PM // 23:07

It's not really dead, but you won't be running into too many people willing to do every mission with you while first starting out, pvp isn't what it used to be.. there's like no devs to balance the game because they are working on GW2 but if pve is your thing you will have no problems finding groups easily for end game content and what not.

Download the trial, if you like how it plays then buy it.. shits mad cheap these days get the trilogy and expansion you don't want to just buy 1 of the games because they each add skills that your character could use (and needs) for certain builds. I have played the game for 4 years and also play WoW etc. I always come back to this game for some reason even though I hate what it's become :3

Definitely something fun to do until GW2 comes out at least.

ruksak · Nov 27, 2011, 11:30 PM // 23:30

Certainly not dead. Many active players...however. The biggest difference I've noticed is the attitude of the players. Elitism and impatience with new players is at an all time high.

I can understand the intolerance with inexperience with speed clear groups, UW, FoW, HM ZQ's, DoA etc......but some of these nerd-raging assholes will dress down new players in a most harassing and harsh manner during trades, relatively relaxed missions and even in guild chat.

The key is to get invited into a friendly guild (they all say they are, however this often isn't true). The activity of the guild roster is key, leave any guild that retains members that have been gone for months and nobody ever seems to be online or willing to answer questions, let alone willing to help you.

The funny thing about some of these experienced "elite" players is that they tend to commit the most grievous errors....popping chests in the middle of a fight, running too far ahead and getting themselves killed trying to be Captain Save-a-Pug, leaving the group mid-mission because someone hurt their feelings or they feel far too superior to be in such an unworthy group.

As to buying the game now so late in its inception; Dollar wise it's acceptable because of the low cost. You will learn the basics of the GW culture going into GW2, lingo, terminology and such. Thought he 5-6 year players will have some advantage going into GW2, we will all be noobs again.

Luphrecio · Nov 27, 2011, 11:46 PM // 23:46

whether or not the game is dead or not depends on a few things;

First, the timezone you live:

if you live in Australian/asian timezones do not buy this game, you will be playing alone, period.

Second the type of gameplay you prefer:
if you prefer pve and live in europe and the usa timezones (more for Europe though) then it should be fine and you shoul dbe able to meet people.

If you intend to do it for pvp:
wait untill guild wars 2, the pvp part of this game was murdered by a.net in 2007(introduction of nightfall) and slowly died, and is pretty much now completely dead except for the same 30-40 peopole reforming after each tournament win to sell their gold trimmed guild for RLMoney.

also the random arenas and Heroes Ascent are full of tools so, if you want to pvp here (which I always felt was the best part of the game till a.net and to some extent the pvp community messed it up.) really, just wait untill guild wars 2.

whether you want to buy the game is up to you. I just told you whats really happening here without sugar coating it. Some parts of the game are dead, especially at certain timezones.

Personally If I were in your shoes, I would definately wait for gw 2, and spend the time now to prepare for it e.g: get a nice gaming mouse, upgrade my computer, find ways to open up your schedule as in doing a lot of work/saving up vacation days in advance now so that you can have more time to play gw2, look for people who are forming guilds for gw2 in your timezone that would like to do your style of play. (you can scour various guild wars forums for that) or you can form you own guild in preparation for guild wars 2.

But of course, you can do what you want, and feel would be the best use of your time. Its up to you.

Dar Drakor · Nov 28, 2011, 02:44 AM // 02:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denim

Hi, you picked the right time to buy. Ncsoft is having a half-off sale this weekend.
http://us.ncsoft.com/en/news/ncsoft-...of-heroes.html

Also, available from the in-game store, i believe.

Edit: changed time from "thru Nov. 28th" to "this weekend".

Regarding this, if I already have an account with all the campaigns on it already and want to get a 2nd account (need storage mules), I can still buy it from ncsoft and basically just use the code to setup a 2nd account from the guild wars login screen right?

EDIT: NVM I got what I needed...it works...2 accounts...woohoo!!!

leonn56 · Nov 28, 2011, 11:47 AM // 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruksak

Certainly not dead. Many active players...however. The biggest difference I've noticed is the attitude of the players. Elitism and impatience with new players is at an all time high.

I can understand the intolerance with inexperience with speed clear groups, UW, FoW, HM ZQ's, DoA etc......but some of these nerd-raging assholes will dress down new players in a most harassing and harsh manner during trades, relatively relaxed missions and even in guild chat.

The key is to get invited into a friendly guild (they all say they are, however this often isn't true). The activity of the guild roster is key, leave any guild that retains members that have been gone for months and nobody ever seems to be online or willing to answer questions, let alone willing to help you.

The funny thing about some of these experienced "elite" players is that they tend to commit the most grievous errors....popping chests in the middle of a fight, running too far ahead and getting themselves killed trying to be Captain Save-a-Pug, leaving the group mid-mission because someone hurt their feelings or they feel far too superior to be in such an unworthy group.

As to buying the game now so late in its inception; Dollar wise it's acceptable because of the low cost. You will learn the basics of the GW culture going into GW2, lingo, terminology and such. Thought he 5-6 year players will have some advantage going into GW2, we will all be noobs again.

i agree with this.
i started playing from scratch about 2 months ago.i wouldnt touch most of these guilds with a barge pole.having just stood by and watched from a distance members of these guilds ranting and raving at each other useing sexist and racist taunts on a par with 12 year olds in a playground.
luckily for me there are at least 8 new players,all of whom i know in real life who have bought the games and we play together on occaision.
the game is very doable solo with henchmen\heros however and i have a lot of fun doing that too. not really thinking about gw2,this game is a lot of fun in any case.definatly worth a purchase.cheers

Griffenex · Dec 02, 2011, 07:52 PM // 19:52

This site might help a bit too.

http://dragonseason.com/Home/tabid/5...Monuments.aspx

Nov 26, 2011, 10:13 PM // 22:13	#1
xGlakex Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Nov 2011	Help: Game worth Buying? Still a active player base? Hey all, I've always wanted to get into Guild Wars, and with the up coming Guild Wars 2, I'd like to get a taste of it now. If I start playing the MMO, I'll probably be playing it for awhile. My question is, at this point in it's lifetime is it still worth buying? Are there still a lot of people playing? PvE & PVP still active? Also will this game have any connections with Guild Wars 2 at all as far as unlocking things go or something. I'm willing to pick it up and start playing right away, but I do not want to get into a game that's dead. P.S Do I need each expansion if I'd like to play the further games? Or could I just go out and buy Nightfall or something and be able to play?

Nov 27, 2011, 02:27 AM // 02:27	#8
Denim Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Feb 2011	Hi, you picked the right time to buy. Ncsoft is having a half-off sale this weekend. http://us.ncsoft.com/en/news/ncsoft-...of-heroes.html Also, available from the in-game store, i believe. Edit: changed time from "thru Nov. 28th" to "this weekend". Last edited by Denim; Nov 27, 2011 at 02:41 AM // 02:41..

Nov 27, 2011, 02:47 PM // 14:47	#13
Gladiator Steven Academy Page Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: United States Profession: R/Mo	The game has certainly declined especially with the player base thus I would not recommend popping up into the game this late in it's life. Just my 2 cents Last edited by Kamatsu; Nov 27, 2011 at 08:32 PM // 20:32.. Reason: PM a mod if you want to discuss.

Nov 27, 2011, 10:47 PM // 22:47	#14
Improvavel Desert Nomad Join Date: Apr 2007	A good thing (or a bad thing depending of individual taste) of guild wars is that it is a very good single player game or small co-op game (very enjoyable with 2 players) - there is no need to have a reputation and establish yourself in the community to have access to end-game content. If you don't demand an extremely social game and like figuring builds and tactics, Guild Wars is one of the most interesting team based RPGs (in the sense you require a party with different and multiple roles per team member, be it players or AI heroes/henchmen). Last edited by Improvavel; Nov 27, 2011 at 10:51 PM // 22:51..

Nov 27, 2011, 11:07 PM // 23:07	#15
ruk1a Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: May 2008 Location: UR MOM LOL Guild: ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES Profession: A/	It's not really dead, but you won't be running into too many people willing to do every mission with you while first starting out, pvp isn't what it used to be.. there's like no devs to balance the game because they are working on GW2 but if pve is your thing you will have no problems finding groups easily for end game content and what not. Download the trial, if you like how it plays then buy it.. shits mad cheap these days get the trilogy and expansion you don't want to just buy 1 of the games because they each add skills that your character could use (and needs) for certain builds. I have played the game for 4 years and also play WoW etc. I always come back to this game for some reason even though I hate what it's become :3 Definitely something fun to do until GW2 comes out at least. Last edited by ruk1a; Nov 27, 2011 at 11:10 PM // 23:10..

Nov 26, 2011, 10:36 PM // 22:36	#2
Ayano Mitsu Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Mar 2007 Guild: Servants of Fortuna [SoF]	As far as activity - some will tell you this game is dead, others will tell you it isn't. Personally, it's obviously not as active as before but find an active guild/alliance and you're good to go. The activity level spikes especially during holiday events as there's a large influx of people trying to get their hats and stuff...I'd say the game is still pretty active considering its age. The Hall of Monuments allows you to unlock items and stuff in Guild Wars 2 depending on how much you do in GW1. More info here. You could just pick up NF and play from there but you would obviously only have access to the content in NF...this includes skills as well. Eye of the North is the only expansion that you need at least one other campaign to play; keep in mind that EotN shares a map with the Prophecies campaign but you'll only have access to EotN outposts unless you buy Prophecies. Hope this helps

Nov 26, 2011, 10:37 PM // 22:37	#3
firadesunna Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Nov 2007 Guild: The Ruby Knights of Ascalon [Ruby] Profession: Mo/E	The community is still alive! Maybe not as active as years ago but we are still alive! And now would be a good time to get into the game They are still updating the game with new content (guild wars: beyond) and you can either get the trilogy (which can be picked up for around ??15) or buy any of the three campaigns separately and start playing ( eye of the north requires at least one campaign)

Nov 26, 2011, 10:38 PM // 22:38	#4
Aeronwen not so much fell as..... Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK Guild: bone Profession: R/	Recent similar threads are: http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/t...t10498075.html http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/b...t10496872.html http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/w...t10496580.html Get the trilogy, you will want all the games anyway. PVE is fine, you will probably want to join a nice guild there are plenty still active. But you can go through the game mostly alone if you prefer. If you work at it you can unlock items for GW2 but they will be cosmetic and have no effect on gameplay.

Nov 26, 2011, 11:00 PM // 23:00	#5
nuclear_herring Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New Zealand Guild: Impus Jaenellus (Imp) Profession: R/Mo	I think the game is still active enough for it to be worth 15 quid. Once you've paid that you can play as much or as little as you wish. I've bought many games and put in 20-30 hours of gameplay and then moved on. Guild wars is the only one where i've put in 5000+ hours of gameplay (works out maybe 5-10p per hour played) and while you're too late to get that much mileage out of it I still think you'll find it worthwhile.

Nov 27, 2011, 12:02 AM // 00:02	#6
Raven Wing Jungle Guide Join Date: Nov 2005 Guild: The Imperial Guards of Istan [TIGI] Profession: N/	Short answer: Yes Guild Wars is being sold much cheaper than when it came out and there are still lots pf people playing it. But many areas are quite deserted and for that you get bots abailable, called heroes that you can customise. In the major hubs there are still lots of people and you can either play all alone (not recommended) or get in touch with them and join a guild and go play with them. The guilds are everything from small bands of newbies to large groups of players doing everything to smaller elitist bands doing only advanced farming or pvp.

Nov 27, 2011, 01:17 AM // 01:17	#7
AndroBubbles Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Dec 2009 Profession: Mo/	As was said before, the trilogy is extremely cheap when bought together, and connecting with others on guru will help you get through the difficult part of starting a game you know nothing about on top of that. If you do end up buying it, feel free to add me and send me a message. Some of us enjoy helping people learn the ropes. My in-game name is Calista The Shadow

Nov 27, 2011, 08:13 AM // 08:13	#9
wilebill Desert Nomad Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mt Vernon, Ohio Guild: Band of the Hawk Profession: W/Mo	Just from the tenor of your post, wait for GW 2. GW is still doable, but start with Nightfall, get heroes, and even with a good guild plan on completing a lot of content on your own. if you are a social player you probably do not want that. Lot of us are lone wolf players. We are out with out heroes in the interests of time and efficiency. We don't group because we do not need to. WoW has gotten a lot the same way until you get to a moderate high level, at least so it seemed my last run though it last summer.

Nov 27, 2011, 02:38 PM // 14:38	#12
dasmitchies Lion's Arch Merchant Join Date: Nov 2007 Guild: Sacred Forge Knights Profession: W/P	One of the nice thing about GW is the presence of guilds. Some are very helpfull and the game won't seem empty to you. Have Fun!!!

Nov 27, 2011, 11:30 PM // 23:30	#16
ruksak Academy Page Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: INDY Guild: PvE Profession: P/W	Certainly not dead. Many active players...however. The biggest difference I've noticed is the attitude of the players. Elitism and impatience with new players is at an all time high. I can understand the intolerance with inexperience with speed clear groups, UW, FoW, HM ZQ's, DoA etc......but some of these nerd-raging assholes will dress down new players in a most harassing and harsh manner during trades, relatively relaxed missions and even in guild chat. The key is to get invited into a friendly guild (they all say they are, however this often isn't true). The activity of the guild roster is key, leave any guild that retains members that have been gone for months and nobody ever seems to be online or willing to answer questions, let alone willing to help you. The funny thing about some of these experienced "elite" players is that they tend to commit the most grievous errors....popping chests in the middle of a fight, running too far ahead and getting themselves killed trying to be Captain Save-a-Pug, leaving the group mid-mission because someone hurt their feelings or they feel far too superior to be in such an unworthy group. As to buying the game now so late in its inception; Dollar wise it's acceptable because of the low cost. You will learn the basics of the GW culture going into GW2, lingo, terminology and such. Thought he 5-6 year players will have some advantage going into GW2, we will all be noobs again.

Nov 27, 2011, 11:46 PM // 23:46	#17
Luphrecio Academy Page Join Date: Apr 2005	whether or not the game is dead or not depends on a few things; First, the timezone you live: if you live in Australian/asian timezones do not buy this game, you will be playing alone, period. Second the type of gameplay you prefer: if you prefer pve and live in europe and the usa timezones (more for Europe though) then it should be fine and you shoul dbe able to meet people. If you intend to do it for pvp: wait untill guild wars 2, the pvp part of this game was murdered by a.net in 2007(introduction of nightfall) and slowly died, and is pretty much now completely dead except for the same 30-40 peopole reforming after each tournament win to sell their gold trimmed guild for RLMoney. also the random arenas and Heroes Ascent are full of tools so, if you want to pvp here (which I always felt was the best part of the game till a.net and to some extent the pvp community messed it up.) really, just wait untill guild wars 2. whether you want to buy the game is up to you. I just told you whats really happening here without sugar coating it. Some parts of the game are dead, especially at certain timezones. Personally If I were in your shoes, I would definately wait for gw 2, and spend the time now to prepare for it e.g: get a nice gaming mouse, upgrade my computer, find ways to open up your schedule as in doing a lot of work/saving up vacation days in advance now so that you can have more time to play gw2, look for people who are forming guilds for gw2 in your timezone that would like to do your style of play. (you can scour various guild wars forums for that) or you can form you own guild in preparation for guild wars 2. But of course, you can do what you want, and feel would be the best use of your time. Its up to you.

Dec 02, 2011, 07:52 PM // 19:52	#20
Griffenex Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Deep in the north where the polar bears are pets and the meese are horses. Guild: Sleep Is For Noobs [Sleep] Profession: Mo/Me	This site might help a bit too. http://dragonseason.com/Home/tabid/5...Monuments.aspx