Thinking about buying the game - Guild Wars Forums

dreamer2008 · Mar 29, 2010, 04:24 PM // 16:24

I had in the back of my mind the idea of buying this game for a long time, but I was never sure if I should, my avarice level being quite high.

But now I am giving it a very serious thought to buy it, after starting to play the 10 free hours and seeing that although the game has quite a few years, the environment still looks great and the game seems fun to play.

The only things that makes me unsure is that I don't know if enough people play so at least I can find some to finish the main PvE missions, and second, with Guild Wars 2 coming soon I'm afraid that I will invest in a game world that will be abandoned. Is this fear correct?

In general I like to play PvE, and I heard that the story is great, the world huge and there are many beautiful places, so I am very tempted. Could you approximate in hours how much would it take to finish most of the secondary quests and the main quests in all the campaigns and the expansion?

Thank you!

Laraja · Mar 29, 2010, 04:50 PM // 16:50

Personally, I think the game is still worth buying. In my guild (a large active guild that was at once point guild of the month) we still have new people coming in and us old timers (although I'm not as old as some having only played this for 26 months) are more than happy to help the new people with missions, quests, builds, and very often giving common materials for armor, handing out weapons etc.... So the best way to play the game at this point is to find a guild almost immediately that doesn't mind and or likes helping new people. That way you can ask on alliance chat if someone can help with a mission or quest. PuGs (pick up groups) is an okay way to go, but during the week you'll have a hard time finding people, although on the weekends it's easier.

Although you'll get the usual people complaining about the game (I think in general they're probably whiners anyway), in my opinion Anet is doing a good job with it and I have no complaints. There are daily missions called Zaishen Missions, bounties and PvP areas that give money and coins that can be used to purchase cool items and there some kind of special activity going on every weekend.

So bottom line, the game is both gorgeous and fun and my advice is to find a guild that is friendly to newcomers and you'll enjoy the game a lot more.

End · Mar 29, 2010, 04:53 PM // 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamer2008

In general I like to play PvE, and I heard that the story is great, the world huge and there are many beautiful places, so I am very tempted. Could you approximate in hours how much would it take to finish most of the secondary quests and the main quests in all the campaigns and the expansion?

The storys in my opinion are...so/so...proph is just confusing if you run through it to fast...factions...well...factions was always intended to be a PvP oriented campaign(although my favorite storyline it seems many people view it as the worst as well as the most confusing area design).. Nightfall...Everyone loves nightfall...It has a great storyline...especially if you pay attention and have played the other campaigns first...EOTN...no comment...(although dragon age origins reminds me a ton of eotn xD )

They were correct in saying there is tons of amazing scenery in guild wars...in my mind I find nightfall to be the best for that specifically vabbi and the realm...

Now...hours...that's hard to say...With a good build and rushing each campaign can be done in 24 hours...however...being a new player (i.e. probably not the most efficient builds, not know shortcuts, getting lost in missions, and getting distracted by sites that most of us have seen hundereds of times) it will add a good bit of time onto that...not saying that it's bad as a matter of fact those were probably my favorite times playing guild wars...when I was completely oblivious xD... also....adding all the side quests will add tons of time as there are tons of side quests...not to mention the underworld fissure of Woe and DoA to keep you occupied...

These days though guild wars has become pretty much a single player Mmo if that makes sense...people tend to play with AI accompaniment rather then other players...the exception being z-quests (you'll figure these out later) some high end areas, and within guilds...The reasoning behind this is...the game is old...the game is expansive and such...so you have a somewhat dwindling player base spread out over a huge area... so you usually wont see other people doing what you are...

Guild wars 2 is "coming out"..."soon" (yeah...right....) no one really knows when though...while you might get unlucky and have them announce the beta the day after you buy the game...at least it's not a huge investment anymore...

Keep in mind when buying though...the game is old and the developers are all working on Guild Wars to...so content updates are few and far between and skill updates are...well...every half a year if they keep up with what they have been doing...

So...while the game is a great game...you may here many people pissed at anet (including myself) because of there lack of care anymore about the game...

Hope this helps...

Fedetic · Mar 29, 2010, 05:11 PM // 17:11

If you worry about the number of people playing the game u won't be disapointed. It's true that it has less players compared to the last 2 years, but it still has a decent population

caballo_oscuro · Mar 29, 2010, 05:28 PM // 17:28

As you can see there's positive and negative opinions about this game.

As a new player you'll find tonnes to do, luckily though when you start playing, the gradient isn't too steep and as you get the hang of it, you will pretty soon be overwhelmed with skills and things to do. I've been playing for over 4 years and still loving the game.

Luckily there are resources to help you out. My advice would be to play the game as follows:

GuildWars (also called Prophecies)
Factions
Nightfall
Eye of the North.

This is the correct timeline of the storyline of the three campaigns and the expansion.

As you become more familiar with how the game works, you will learn how to utilise all the features available to you, but don't worry if you feel overwhelmed, you'll pretty soon be up to speed.

The levelling of Guildwars isn't all too important. The gradient is nice and slow for prophecies players, vey fast in factions and kindof in between for nightfall.

Don't worry though about hitting the level cap because the levelling is really just the initial learning experience. The game truly gets into gear only after you've hit level 20.

Once you've gone through the storylines, and all the side quests, there's bonus quests, elite missions, dungeons, mini games, special events and daily quests, and also the ability to play in hard mode, the hall of monuments, with titles related to these to keep you going.

If you take it nice and steady and enjoy the story/lore you're looking at hundreds or maybe thousands of hours of playtime if you play multiple characters.

And that's just the PvE side of it. There's also a pretty large PvP community still playing so get in and enjoy.

I'd recommend you get the complete collecion in one go as it's fairly cheap and gives you access to all the content. Good luck and enjoy!

snaek · Mar 29, 2010, 07:21 PM // 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamer 2008

with Guild Wars 2 coming soon I'm afraid that I will invest in a game world that will be abandoned.

1. i don't really consider 1-2 years "soon".
2. a lot of what you can earn in gw1 is transferable (in a metaphorical way) to gw2 via hall of monuments.
3. don't take my word for this, but from what i read it seemed to me that they want to keep gw1 and gw2 running simultaneously with updates to both. so abandoned? no. dead? most likely (although who's to say that gw1 isn't already dead?)

*Darcy* · Mar 29, 2010, 07:43 PM // 19:43

Guild Wars is not disappearing on the release of GW2. It will remain a different type of game from GW2 and retain a fan base. It is a great game, free-to-play, and far out surpasses other FTP games available.

You will have people tell you you can finish the game (all campaigns) in a week or less, but then you miss out on all the side quests, the add-ons to the story line, and the sheer beauty of some areas. As I said in a thread last week, I've been playing for over 4 years and still have plenty left to do.

The game is well worth the investment of cash and time.

Cuilan · Mar 29, 2010, 08:16 PM // 20:16

Guild Wars 2 is not Guild Wars, it's a different game.

Guild Wars has a lot to love about it despite its age and how everyone rages at Anet.

Knowledge and skill makes a player valuable, not level and not so much profession (despite some PvE balance issues and one sided synergy pushed by Anet).

Worth the try.

End · Mar 29, 2010, 08:23 PM // 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuilan

Knowledge and skill makes a player valuable, not level and not so much profession (despite some PvE balance issues and one sided synergy pushed by Anet).

This...I must disagree with...unless anet changes its ways only certain professions will be able to really pug anything... many professions are underpowered (compared of course to other professions...some would say that those professions are balanced and the others are overpowered). I.e. mesmers are widely considered to be unloved by anet...

Angela Sitsonit · Mar 29, 2010, 08:23 PM // 20:23

Mar 29, 2010, 09:21 PM
snaek

Quote:

a lot of what you can earn in gw1 is transferable (in a metaphorical way) to gw2 via hall of monuments.

Did i miss an update on this ? How and what is going to be transferable ?

to my knowledge the whole HoM and it's contents is still kind of a vague subject of little or nothing is known in regards to GW2

Cuilan · Mar 29, 2010, 08:28 PM // 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by End

This...I must disagree with...

Well, a fair player can outperform a complete idiot in some (but not all) cases.

But you are correct and Anet indeed does have a very strong bias against certain professions. The next skill update will without a doubt have more mesmer, dervish, and paragon nerfs.

dreamer2008 · Mar 30, 2010, 06:42 AM // 06:42

Thank you for all the information. Since I don't know very well the classes and I am mostly interested in PvE maybe the whole idea of some classes being more "balanced" than others wouldn't affect me much, I think.

So, after seeing that the forums are still active and you people say that you still love the game after many years of playing, then the game is truly worth the money and the time, so I guess I'm gonna go buy the complete collection.

End · Mar 30, 2010, 06:48 AM // 06:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamer2008

So, after seeing that the forums are still active and you people say that you still love the game after many years of playing, then the game is truly worth the money and the time, so I guess I'm gonna go buy the complete collection.

These forums aren't active...they're all my alt accounts on here I use to have interesting arguments with myself...

but no really...we is here to ask...just remember to search before ya ask ;P

oooo and wiki is a wonderful utility wiki1 did ya know this forum seems to ignore multiple spaces? wiki2

WhiteAsIce · Mar 30, 2010, 07:09 AM // 07:09

GW now is relatively cheap, especially considering no monthly fees. Get one campaign, or get all, you should be able to enjoy it regardless. Having all campaigns used to be for the more serious player, since this gives your character the obvious advantage of having skills exclusive to a campaign. However, the complete set is cheap enough that even casual players will enjoy it.

snaek · Mar 30, 2010, 05:58 PM // 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by angela sitsonit

Did i miss an update on this ? How and what is going to be transferable ?

to my knowledge the whole HoM and it's contents is still kind of a vague subject of little or nothing is known in regards to GW2

hence why i used the word 'metaphorically'--although perhaps, that is not the best word to use. 'figuratively' maybe? in other words, your hard work that you spent on getting that elite armour will be transferred over to gw2, just not the armour itself (like you said, no one knows exactly what the reward will be).

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamer2008

Since I don't know very well the classes and I am mostly interested in PvE maybe the whole idea of some classes being more "balanced" than others wouldn't affect me much, I think.

depends on whether you like playing with other people or whether you like playing with henchies/heroes. but if i had to recommend something, it'd have to be monk.

dreamer2008 · Mar 30, 2010, 06:42 PM // 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by snaek

depends on whether you like playing with other people or whether you like playing with henchies/heroes. but if i had to recommend something, it'd have to be monk.

The character that I always liked in many games was the necromancer, so I guess that I will play with him the first time, with secondary elementalist.

Neith · Mar 30, 2010, 07:00 PM // 19:00

remember you get more then one slot when you buy the campaigns. Make your necro then try a melee character see which you like best. or make one of each. Then decide which you like best and use that one as your main character.

dreamer2008 · Mar 30, 2010, 07:28 PM // 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neith

remember you get more then one slot when you buy the campaigns. Make your necro then try a melee character see which you like best. or make one of each. Then decide which you like best and use that one as your main character.

Okay, thanks for the advice, I think I will do that.

End · Mar 30, 2010, 08:58 PM // 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamer2008

Okay, thanks for the advice, I think I will do that.

Necro is a very good choice actually...wonderful capabilities based partially on a wonderful primary attribute...when you first look at it might not seem like much but in reality it is incredibly powerful...It's all about play style though so I as always recommend trying EVERYTHING at least once...see what you like and what works for you...

Autumn Crocus · Mar 31, 2010, 03:19 AM // 03:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falynn Firestorm

Personally, I think the game is still worth buying. In my guild (a large active guild that was at once point guild of the month) we still have new people coming in and us old timers (although I'm not as old as some having only played this for 26 months) are more than happy to help the new people with missions, quests, builds, and very often giving common materials for armor, handing out weapons etc.... So the best way to play the game at this point is to find a guild almost immediately that doesn't mind and or likes helping new people. That way you can ask on alliance chat if someone can help with a mission or quest. PuGs (pick up groups) is an okay way to go, but during the week you'll have a hard time finding people, although on the weekends it's easier.

Although you'll get the usual people complaining about the game (I think in general they're probably whiners anyway), in my opinion Anet is doing a good job with it and I have no complaints. There are daily missions called Zaishen Missions, bounties and PvP areas that give money and coins that can be used to purchase cool items and there some kind of special activity going on every weekend.

So bottom line, the game is both gorgeous and fun and my advice is to find a guild that is friendly to newcomers and you'll enjoy the game a lot more.

Great reply! Yes, it's definitely worth buying, and there will still be lots of people around.

Mar 29, 2010, 04:24 PM // 16:24	#1
dreamer2008 Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Mar 2010 Profession: N/E	Thinking about buying the game I had in the back of my mind the idea of buying this game for a long time, but I was never sure if I should, my avarice level being quite high. But now I am giving it a very serious thought to buy it, after starting to play the 10 free hours and seeing that although the game has quite a few years, the environment still looks great and the game seems fun to play. The only things that makes me unsure is that I don't know if enough people play so at least I can find some to finish the main PvE missions, and second, with Guild Wars 2 coming soon I'm afraid that I will invest in a game world that will be abandoned. Is this fear correct? In general I like to play PvE, and I heard that the story is great, the world huge and there are many beautiful places, so I am very tempted. Could you approximate in hours how much would it take to finish most of the secondary quests and the main quests in all the campaigns and the expansion? Thank you!

Mar 29, 2010, 07:43 PM // 19:43	#7
Darcy Never Too Old Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Rhode Island where there are no GW contests Guild: Order of First Profession: W/R	Guild Wars is not disappearing on the release of GW2. It will remain a different type of game from GW2 and retain a fan base. It is a great game, free-to-play, and far out surpasses other FTP games available. You will have people tell you you can finish the game (all campaigns) in a week or less, but then you miss out on all the side quests, the add-ons to the story line, and the sheer beauty of some areas. As I said in a thread last week, I've been playing for over 4 years and still have plenty left to do. The game is well worth the investment of cash and time. __________________ That's me, the old stick-in-the-mud non-fun moderator. (and non-understanding, also)

Mar 29, 2010, 04:50 PM // 16:50	#2
Laraja Krytan Explorer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Guild: Descendents of Honor Profession: Rt/	Personally, I think the game is still worth buying. In my guild (a large active guild that was at once point guild of the month) we still have new people coming in and us old timers (although I'm not as old as some having only played this for 26 months) are more than happy to help the new people with missions, quests, builds, and very often giving common materials for armor, handing out weapons etc.... So the best way to play the game at this point is to find a guild almost immediately that doesn't mind and or likes helping new people. That way you can ask on alliance chat if someone can help with a mission or quest. PuGs (pick up groups) is an okay way to go, but during the week you'll have a hard time finding people, although on the weekends it's easier. Although you'll get the usual people complaining about the game (I think in general they're probably whiners anyway), in my opinion Anet is doing a good job with it and I have no complaints. There are daily missions called Zaishen Missions, bounties and PvP areas that give money and coins that can be used to purchase cool items and there some kind of special activity going on every weekend. So bottom line, the game is both gorgeous and fun and my advice is to find a guild that is friendly to newcomers and you'll enjoy the game a lot more.

Mar 29, 2010, 05:11 PM // 17:11	#4
Fedetic Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: The Netherlands Guild: FoE Profession: R/	If you worry about the number of people playing the game u won't be disapointed. It's true that it has less players compared to the last 2 years, but it still has a decent population

Mar 29, 2010, 05:28 PM // 17:28	#5
caballo_oscuro Krytan Explorer Join Date: Aug 2008 Guild: Aura	As you can see there's positive and negative opinions about this game. As a new player you'll find tonnes to do, luckily though when you start playing, the gradient isn't too steep and as you get the hang of it, you will pretty soon be overwhelmed with skills and things to do. I've been playing for over 4 years and still loving the game. Luckily there are resources to help you out. My advice would be to play the game as follows: GuildWars (also called Prophecies) Factions Nightfall Eye of the North. This is the correct timeline of the storyline of the three campaigns and the expansion. As you become more familiar with how the game works, you will learn how to utilise all the features available to you, but don't worry if you feel overwhelmed, you'll pretty soon be up to speed. The levelling of Guildwars isn't all too important. The gradient is nice and slow for prophecies players, vey fast in factions and kindof in between for nightfall. Don't worry though about hitting the level cap because the levelling is really just the initial learning experience. The game truly gets into gear only after you've hit level 20. Once you've gone through the storylines, and all the side quests, there's bonus quests, elite missions, dungeons, mini games, special events and daily quests, and also the ability to play in hard mode, the hall of monuments, with titles related to these to keep you going. If you take it nice and steady and enjoy the story/lore you're looking at hundreds or maybe thousands of hours of playtime if you play multiple characters. And that's just the PvE side of it. There's also a pretty large PvP community still playing so get in and enjoy. I'd recommend you get the complete collecion in one go as it's fairly cheap and gives you access to all the content. Good luck and enjoy!

Mar 29, 2010, 08:16 PM // 20:16	#8
Cuilan Forge Runner Join Date: Mar 2008 Profession: Me/	Guild Wars 2 is not Guild Wars, it's a different game. Guild Wars has a lot to love about it despite its age and how everyone rages at Anet. Knowledge and skill makes a player valuable, not level and not so much profession (despite some PvE balance issues and one sided synergy pushed by Anet). Worth the try.

Mar 30, 2010, 06:42 AM // 06:42	#12
dreamer2008 Ascalonian Squire Join Date: Mar 2010 Profession: N/E	Thank you for all the information. Since I don't know very well the classes and I am mostly interested in PvE maybe the whole idea of some classes being more "balanced" than others wouldn't affect me much, I think. So, after seeing that the forums are still active and you people say that you still love the game after many years of playing, then the game is truly worth the money and the time, so I guess I'm gonna go buy the complete collection.

Mar 30, 2010, 07:09 AM // 07:09	#14
WhiteAsIce Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: May 2008 Profession: R/	GW now is relatively cheap, especially considering no monthly fees. Get one campaign, or get all, you should be able to enjoy it regardless. Having all campaigns used to be for the more serious player, since this gives your character the obvious advantage of having skills exclusive to a campaign. However, the complete set is cheap enough that even casual players will enjoy it.

Mar 30, 2010, 07:00 PM // 19:00	#17
Neith Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas Guild: One in Guild Wars Profession: R/	remember you get more then one slot when you buy the campaigns. Make your necro then try a melee character see which you like best. or make one of each. Then decide which you like best and use that one as your main character.