The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.

[GW2]New LAUNCH DAY THREAD is here. Go post in it.

CorehealerCorehealer The ApothecaryThe softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
edited July 2012 in MMO Extravaganza
PRE-ORDER/PRE-PURCHASE DETAILS HERE (LAUNCH IS 25TH OF AUGUST FOR PRE-PURCHASERS, 28TH FOR GENERAL ADMITTANCE):
https://buy.guildwars2.com/ and wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/User:Stephane_Lo_Presti/GW2_prepurchase_retailers_list
For PA GW2 Teamspeak 3 server info and FAQ, as well as Launch Server and PA Guilds Info, please scroll down to posts 3 and 4. Launch server is (ostentatiously) Fort Aspenwood.

Welcome to the Guild Wars 2 Thread! (Wherein is discussed Arenanet's upcoming font of gold plated awesome, their sequel to their original MMO hit, Guild Wars).

The Venerable Wall of Erections:
God... Every time I come in this thread I need a change of pants.
Joshmvii wrote: »
Every time I come in my pants I visit this thread.
Zzulu wrote: »
I feel I don't even need any more info on the game. I've been sold for many months now and I just want to buy it and play it already.
Klyka wrote: »
I have to be completely honest here:

I would pay double price if I could have the game NOW.
I can't look at this topic any more. I'm so hard I can't even breathe.
Avynte wrote:
GW2 is going to force me to see a doctor because I don't think holding an erection until Q1/2 is going to be good for my health.
Sarksus wrote:
DROP THIS GAME INTO MY MOUTH ANET I WANT IT
naengwen wrote:
Coming into this thread is like Christmas.
The most important thing I've gotten out of this thread is that ice cream is god damn delicious. So I went out and got some.

Thank you.
Enig wrote:
I'm getting pretty concerned that GW2 will just be too much fun, and people won't be able to handle it. This could really hurt the game long term.
ironzerg wrote:
I know nothing about GW2 other that what I watched a couple hours ago. The manifesto video. My body is still trying to recover from the sudden explosion of blood that rushed into my penile extremeties.
Caedere wrote:
There is no other game coming out that I am excited for more than Guild Wars 2. In fact, there are no entertainment properties that I anticipate more than this game—no book, movie, TV show, videogame, nothing.
Rend wrote: »
I'M STILL NOT ON THE WALL

We aim to please.

Welcome to Take 7 of our ongoing saga of Guild Wars 2 game hype, MMO industry discussion and offering praise to ArenaNet. Core is EXCITED FOR LAUNCH YAY! The old threads can be found in the MMO archive because I’m too lazy to waste space here linking to them, awesome as they were. They live on in an ever growing save file on my computer, brought here for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

As you might remember, Guild Wars was an interesting hybrid multiplayer RPG game with MMO elements released during the early years of WoW's dominance in the MMO market, a stylish, robust offering most notable for being free to play without any restrictions or item shops with the purchase of the retail box. It featured six core classes, PvE content containing 25 storyline missions of epic scale and scope, and a PvP component, the fondly remembered Guild vs Guild and World vs World style combat. With the level cap at only 20, players could reach it rapidly or even start new characters for PvP at the level cap and fully trained. Since 2005, it's gotten 3 expansions and countless patch updates. It's still going strong on it's own and is one of NCSoft's most successful forays into the MMO market.
And now, ArenaNet, the developers behind the game under NCSoft ownership, are back with a new beginning for this great franchise, the highly anticipated and 6 years+ in the making...

182577.png


Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em0Sd60iI2w

Guild Wars 2 Design Manifesto: (The real reason you should have a boner for this game despite past MMO genre failures)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJJA_veYQ5s

Behind the Scenes Retrospective Video: (Another reason to have a boner for Guild Wars 2)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GwKGbNKQHE

Various ArenaNet devs talking about the game and the community it has already built around it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZMJ3sw_IcY

Those videos sure are great, but how about a bit more detail on what makes GW2 different and awesome? Here's the straight poop you need to know, and if you want more details, read on!

- No monthly fees. GW2 requires only the box purchase to play, and has a microtransaction store in game that sells optional consumables and cosmetic stuff; no pay to win items.
- Dynamic Events, or, imagine actually looking forward to running into other players in an MMO world. The dynamic event system replaces traditional questing with a system of events, some independent, some tied together, that play out in the world independent of player action. You automatically enter and leave them at will, and do not need to ask a quest giver for them or return to one after it's completion. All you need to do is participate, and everyone involved is rewarded based on how much they participate.
- A Truly Personal Storyline. Be a hero, make choices, learn about the overarching situation in the land of Tyria, Save the World, etc. Your character can experience a tailored, GW campaign style story in addition to the dynamic event system that you shape with your choices.
- Epic-scale PvP. Love sieges, keeps, chaos? Want blood for the Blood God? WvWvW, lovingly nicknamed wuvwuv, is three servers pitted against each other in vicious combat to dominate an inter-dimensional battlefield known as the Mists for glory and for the benefits victory brings to one's server. Think DAOC Borderlands skirmishes and sieges, but with no factions. Servers are unified against other servers.
- We also have Small-scale E-sport PvP. Think WoW battlegrounds/arenas, but more finely tuned and balanced.
- Sidekicking allows you to always be able to play with your friends, no matter what level you are.
- No Holy Trinity means you will always be able to play with anyone and not need to spam chat looking for tanks and heals for hours. Players need to be more skillful, self-sufficient and work as a team to succeed at challenging content.
- No grind. Thanks to the variable level sidekick system and dynamic event systems, the devs have little reason to drag out the leveling process. It follows a linear progression of about 1.5 hours per level up to a max level of 80.
- No gear treadmill. As in GW1, max-stat gear will be readily available as soon as you reach the max level. The challenge of dungeons, PvP and other high-end content will provide your character more awesome looking equipment and give marginal upgrades to stats and some unique abilities, but you can’t out-gear your problems in GW2.
- Beautiful graphics, smart user interface, extensive Armor-Dye System, and more! Such as:
- Useful and convenient Crafting system,
- Multiplayer Skill Combos,
- Complex Trait System for Character Skill Customization,
- A Fully Featured Auction House known as the Marketplace, with buy orders and other economical trend reports (like EvE) and,
- For quick fixes of fun and bar brawls, Fun Mini Activities. Think carnival games and tests of skill.

If any of this has piqued your interest, continue reading, watching and checking out the many links and articles.

Playable Races Section:

The 5 Races: (It isn't just humans anymore!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEdr8HHJ-zU

The Humans:
hero-human.jpg

The resiliency of the noble human race has been tested many times. They have paid a dear cost for their security and liberty, yet their spirit remains unshaken. Only through courage, will, and unity can the humans retain their storied culture and reach once more to rise above. The characters you played in the original Guild Wars won't be able to follow you here, but the human race still struggles on in their name to find a place among the new scheme of things, and this time they will need your help. They have also gotten a lot of upgrades in the last 2 centuries, which will be interesting to see when compared to the original game.

The Charr:
hero-charr.jpg

Ascalon's conquerors, the charr are ferocious, warmongering creatures--the intractable foes of humanity. Now, as greater dangers threaten their conquests, charr legions and their war machines prepare for battle. Think steampunk meets bipedal sabertooth cats. With guns! These guys are no joke, and guaranteed to be the most rolled MMO race since the blood elves.

The Norn:
hero-norn.jpg

The norn are towering brawlers from the frigid northern lands who can shape-shift into mighty bestial forms. Driven from their homeland by a force beyond reckoning, the norn have regrouped among the dwarven ruins of the Shiverpeaks. The Vikings have nothing on these guys. If you ever wanted to become a polar bear and tear your opponents limb from limb, this is the race for you.

The Asura:
hero-asura.jpg

The asura, who once ruled the caverns and tunnels below Tyria, are an advanced race of small size and great intellect. Now that they have risen from below, the asura aim to rule the surface world with their powerful golems and ingenious plans. This aesthetic feels similar to many a small yet smart race from other lore (Gibberlings in Allods, Gnomes in WoW and elsewhere, Halflings from LoTR and D&D, etc), but what these big eyed fellows lack for in originality they more then make up for in technology and and having enough differences in viewing the world around them to make them unique among those who love being small and mischievous.

The Sylvari:
hero-sylvari.jpg

Not much is known of the sylvari, save that they are a race of sentient plant-beings, newly blossomed into the world. The sylvari are the youngest of the races, bound together by a common dream and awesome power. They are a race that was created at the end of a long quest in the original Guild Wars involving a peace loving centaur who planted his dream of a better world in the form of a tree which is now a forest from which this race has been born. I think this was a great idea for a new player race and i'll definitely be interested to see where their story goes.

Professions Section: All classes are now revealed. We all agree they are all awesome and alt worthy; the big question is, which one will you play first?

3 Scholar Professions:
hero-elementalist.jpg
Elementalist. The Mage/Shaman-esque caster class who calls upon the four traditional elemental powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water to do everything from nuke things to healing allies, buffing their abilities, modifying their attacks and generally making things explode. They use an Attunement system to focus the elemental powers to the element most suited to their needs in any given situation. GW2 Site link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/elementalist/.
hero-necromancer.jpg
Necromancer. Anyone who knows anything about time honoured fantasy IPs, like D&D and Everquest, know that Necromancers are feared, dark magic using spellcasters, who create vile diseases with their evil spells and summon up terrifying undead minions from the very earth to smite their enemies. In Guild Wars 2, they are very much akin to this ideal, and can be seen as a WoW warlock turned up to 11 with more AoEs and, in this game's case, a monopoly on fear mechanic skills, as well as many deadly attacks that hurt opponents while healing allies and giving the Necromancer an exclusive energy type known as life force, with which they can fuel their most potent skills. Another fine, and certainly scary, addition to the profession list. (Now officially confirmed after the Gamescon reveal.) GW2 Site link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/necromancer/
hero-mesmer.jpg
Mesmer. Do you like being FABULOUS? How about shooting laser beams? Teleporting around the battlefield and fucking with your enemies? Then mesmers are for you. These masters of illusion and charm can change the flow of a battle and distract and fool enemies with a wide variety of cool abilities, including splitting into mirror images that shatter and damage close foes, AOE invisibility and mantras, abilities which can be charged up prior to an engagement and then used in conjunction with other skills at any time for powerful combos. They are among the more complex classes in GW2, but are sure to delight anyone interested in a unique magic profession that can do some pretty incredible fakeouts and tricks. And look great while doing it! (Officially confirmed after a short pre-reveal by some European game journalists who linked the skill trailer (in French) to Youtube two days early, thus spoiling Arenanet's humorous "Minstrel" class reveal stunt, which still went ahead and was still full of fun and bad vocals. The first of many Mesmer tricks to be sure). GW2 Site link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/mesmer/

3 Adventurer Professions:
hero-ranger.jpg
Ranger. The bow and arrows trailblazer, a survivalist of the wild who is the master of the lonely places of the world and nature, calling forth a loyal animal companion and the spirits of the elements to aid them and their party in any situation. Versatile and awesome, think WoW's hunter with less retarded pets and more interesting skillsets. This profession was a fan favourite of the original and promises to be all that and more in GW2. GW2 Site Link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/ranger/
hero-thief.jpg
Thief. This is the trademark rogue style class, a sneaky and stealthy assassin who sticks daggers in mans and dances around the battlefield picking enemies off at will. This incarnation of the rogue style class structure comes with some marked differences over a WoW style rogue, among the biggest being the limited, tactical nature of stealth, the use of small firearms as active weapons, and the ability to steal generic objects from a target (and not their inventory) which creates new, powerful skillsets on a whim to be used against the target with devastating results. Thieves are all about being subtle, graceful, ambushing from the darkness and keeping an enemy preoccupied, as well as setting traps, and will fit in nicely with support groups in need of a backup plan. GW2 Site Link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/thief/
hero-engineer.jpg
Engineer. Engineers are a sexy departure from regular MMO class conventions. They throw down turrets like Team Fortress 2's beloved practical problem solver, concoct grenades and alchemical healing potions among other things to aid in battle and help allies, and generally control the tactical situation of the battlefield with mines, traps and a good old fashioned firearm at their side. This class, the much hypothesized gun class of GW2, as well possesses tool kits and other useful skills to further customize their role in the field, making Engineers that much more expert at what they do. These guys are no joke, and are sure to be the bane of many a foolhardy player in PvP. GW2 Site Link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/engineer/

2 Soldier Professions:
hero-warrior.jpg
Warrior. The typical damage sponge plate wearing melee fighter. Warriors have a variety of skill and damage options related to the variety of weapons they can use in game. They use an adrenaline system, similar to WoW warrior's rage, to build up the energy nessecary for performing a variety of cool abilities, including burst abilities for quick attacks. They also use a variety of buffing abilities related to Shout commands and the use of banners to target enemies and buff allies on the fly in combat. (Now officially confirmed, this class was in the previous Guild Wars and has been mentioned in various Guild Wars 2 Combat and Gameplay articles released so far, side by side with the released Elementalist. It's safe to say Warriors will be returning to GW2, and their combat videos attest to not only their awesomeness, but to the fluid appearance and natural flow of combat gameplay in GW2). GW2 Site Link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/warrior/
hero-guardian.jpg
Guardian. The penultimate paladin-esc class described aptly by Ravious of Kill Ten Rats as "a warrior steak with a side of monk potatoes and a small helping of ritualist carrots all covered in paragon gravy". Guardians excel at battle control, defence and support of their allies without the need to make red health bars go up or hold aggro on big scary monsters, preferring instead to think more like a tactician and leader. They can put up wards and shields, buff themselves and allies, and put the hurt on enemies as good as any other. Roll this profession if you want to play Guild Wars 2 as a more support minded character, minus the strict role settings of the Trinity design. (Confirmed by ArenaNet, this class is the second Solider plate wearing class in GW2 as well as the noteworthy first major game reveal of 2011. Grab your popcorn! It's only going to get better as the months pass). GW2 Site Link: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/professions/guardian/

Guild Wars 2 Skill Calculator (Work in Progress, input race, class and weapon to see preliminary skills and their descriptions available to that combo):
http://gw2.luna-atra.fr/skills_tool/?lang=en

Dungeon Section: (This section will expand as we gain more information on Dungeons in the game, indexed based on level requirements.)

From what we know from this article (http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/10/19/gu...ngeon-reveals/), courtesy of reVerse, dungeons are entered for the first time in a setting known as Story Mode, where your characters interact with one or more members of the adventuring group known as Destiny's Edge. These characters will guide a group through their personal story and connect it to the overarching plot as well as what's going on story wise in the instance, and aid the player in combat.
Explorable Mode unlocks afterwards for when you return each time to the instance once you've beaten it in Story Mode. Explorable mode is a random generation dungeon type where the actions you took with your group in Story Mode have consequences to what enemies will spawn and what events will occur within the instance.
This is intended as being a replay friendly mechanic, so that dungeons remain vibrant and fun after the first few runs.
Both modes will have loot, including sets for each profession, and grouping is reported to be very easy, in lieu of as of yet unreleased game systems for grouping. NPC heroes like those from GW1 will not be returning, so expect to group like in other MMOs with players for GW2, which is arguably better anyways.

UPDATE (06/24/11): Watch these videos and read this blog article for more updated info, impressions and a showcase of one of GW2's premiere mid range dungeons, Catacombs of Ascalon.

The videos:
The article: Dungeons article at GuildCast (Courtesy of Enig)

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Corehealer on
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Posts

  • CorehealerCorehealer The Apothecary The softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
    edited July 2012
    Part 2 of the OP:

    PvP Section:

    Clash.jpg
    I considered writing something thoughtful and provocative here, but really, all you need to know about how amazing this game's Player versus Player components are can be found in the below image:
    gw2-beta-8.jpg

    The WvWvW map. 3 server territories and one neutral area in the bottom middle. Takes about a half hour to walk from one end to the other, for size scale, though you probably will never need to do that as there is plenty of fast travel waypoints between key areas available.

    And some videos:

    You got World versus World versus World, which is three servers fighting over an inter-dimensional battlefield filled with castles and stuff to capture, and you have more structured PvP formats like the Battle of Kyhlo, where the focus is smaller and more traditional and very skill based. All of this is separated from the PvE experience to prevent griefing and factional server splits. ArenaNet is committed to creating a PvP experience that is both accessible to the wider playerbase found in PvE and making it exciting and engaging for them to try from time to time, while also making the system balanced and deep enough so as to support competitive E-sports style PvP on both a large and small scale.

    scaled.php?server=856&filename=mmunclesam.png&res=landing

    You better believe a lot of us here on the forums will live and breathe GW2 PvP. Commander Corehealer is looking for a few good men to take that keep up on the hill...

    If you haven't got the patience to play EvE's PvP scene or you missed out on DAoC's borderlands skirmishes and keep sieges, or you are simply bored of WoW's stale format and want something different, here is where your server pride will be resurrected in a crucible of fire. Get ready to kill some mans.
    OCD Guide to GW2's economy and resource system:

    VIrYg.png

    Gems = Currency bought with real money which can be traded within the in game economy for gold and services. Gems are used to purchase in game store vanity items.
    Gold = In game currency, acquired through various means, such as selling in game goods and services, PvP and PvE dynamic events. It is used for the majority of in game item and service purchases, much like in other games.
    Karma = A resource procured along with gold and experience from dynamic events and completing personal story objectives, among other things. It is used to purchase the PvE versions of gear upgrades for every 5 levels, up to the max of 80.
    Glory = The PvP version of Karma acquired in WvW and battleground PvP. Used to purchase the PvP versions of gear upgrades for every 5 levels up to a max of 80.
    (Note: All gear acquired in PvP and PvE, regardless of how, is useable in both PvP and PvE without any serious handicaps, and both can be upgraded using crafting skills as well).
    Supply = A WvW exclusive resource acquired from various control points and resource nodes found across the WvW maps. After they are captured for your server, players and caravans must transport limited amounts of supply from them in waves to keeps and other strong points to build up the defensive structures and traps of said areas, as well as hire NPC guards to defend them. They must also transport supply as well as a schematic (acquired at any large keep from a quartermaster for gold) for the specific type of siege weapon they wish to build at the site of a keep siege as an attacking force. Siege weapons include battering rams, catapults, trebuchets and Asuran siege golems. Supply cannot be used outside of WvW.
    Another resource, Renown, exists for guilds, but we do not presently know what it's function is in relation to guild advancement and the rest of the game economy.

    Press/Media Section:

    pax-gw2-logo.png

    Video Compilation Section: See previous OPs for video of 2010 video releases, primarily PAX Prime 2010 and Gamescon 2010 videos). Also check Google and Youtube.

    PAX East 2010 Guild Wars 2 Designing Dynamic Events Panel Playlist!: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_lis...69292ECAAB7B5E

    PAX East 2011 Demo Videos (For 2010 PAX Prime Demo videos, see Youtube and the previous thread OP, linked at the top of this one; this Demo focuses on the norn, the guardian, the thief, and various gameplay systems such as crafting and has an improved gear stat system in place over last year's Demo):

    Guild Wars 2 PAX East Panel, Parts 1- 4:

    Alienware Booth Presentation of the Thief Class in the Demo at PAX East (Long video from a streamed original, the good parts start at 14 min in and end at 45 min in, good quality): http://www.justin.tv/alienwarearena/b/281335903

    Gamescom 2011 Video Compilation: (Featuring Cynical Brit Totalbiscuit, PvP first looks and Playable, Redesigned Sylvari and Asura)
    New GW2 Gamescom Game Trailer:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83sQfGJBmg

    Totalbiscuit's interview with Izzy Cartwright on GW2 PvP:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvHV7HB2BDc

    ArenaNet faces off in 5v5 Battlefield PvP with a Pro e-sports German team on the demo feature map, the Battle of Kyhlo:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXc1JwHGNik

    Tequatl the Sunless, presumed Dragon liutenenant of ethier Zhaitan or the unnamed sea based dragon, battles a demo raid group:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1JfSbKjHHI

    Totalbiscuit's WTF is Guild Wars 2 Parts 1 and 2:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ttfOuxB6Gc&feature=BFa&list=WLFB28825DDA3768FC&index=19

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnVGEYGE8hs&feature=BFa&list=WLFB28825DDA3768FC&index=20

    Work in Progress Revealed and Detailed Character Customization Compilation Video (Shows all Race appearence customizations for both genders currently available):

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhPMysnqFwc

    ArenaNet showcase of the Tequatl fight and related mechanics and scaling:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNtwF6UjkR0

    Asura Character customization (In German, no sound):

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtN3ncmDIjk

    Asura Guardian Gameplay:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cobq3Z4KOmo

    GW2Live's Youtube Demo Videos in HD (good quality and played by people who played the first game extensively and know what they are doing, shows off skills and other gameplay features in some videos):
    Elementalist Showcasing the Fire, Water and Air Attunements Tactically to great effect:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW4sGjWJK_0

    Charr Ranger with Pet Action:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofUCav0GTww

    Dye System Demonstration:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sBvWMF44JA

    Elementalist and Thief General Gameplay:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDEwfWHiXis

    GameSpot Norn Interview/Customization Video:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFTSv4CSTAI&feature=related

    10 Minute General Combat Montage Video:

    GameSpot 10 Min Combat Video

    A Q&A Video from June 2011's Fanday chalk full of interesting tidbits:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Los-MliDhY

    GW2 Fan Trailer Contest:Winners got to go with a friend to ArenaNet's new Seattle Development Studio and play the game with the developers.

    Winning Entries (First one is better then second but they are both good and informative):
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wm9NMZDN-A

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtAREKLnyzI

    Art Section: (Some of the most beautiful fantasy artwork I've ever seen, watch in HD.)

    Relevant Site Links Section:

    http://www.guildwars2.com/en/ The Official Game Site.
    http://www.arena.net/blog/ Official ArenaNet Blog
    http://twitter.com/#!/guildwars2 Official Guild Wars 2 Twitter Feed (Best place for updates and FAQ clarification).
    http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/473/Guild-Wars-2.html MMORPG.com's GW2 Page, (With frequent updates on the game.)
    http://www.guildwars2guru.com/ MMOGuru's Guild Wars 2 Community Site.
    http://www.massively.com/category/guild-wars-2 Massively.com's Guild Wars 2 News and Updates Page.

    Be sure to check the thread as links with new info come in all the time as well!

    gw2_arch_blogheader.jpg

    And to tie up the end of the link roundup, a really weirdly awesome comic shared with us courtesy of reVerse, creator unknown:
    reVerse wrote:
    zYo0X.png

    To conserve OP space, and because the FAQ has changed somewhat in the years this thread has been following the game, I'm providing a link to it rather then a wall of text from now on. Read the official site's Frequently Asked Questions here: http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/game-faq/

    Also (as a outsider opinion piece attachment to the somewhat old FAQ page), a really good article you should read which eloquently details various innovative design systems and functions which will be in the game, why they are innovative and awesome, why they will most likely be pulled off, and why you might not like them now, but might learn to love them later:
    sidhaethe wrote:
    I don't like much about mmorpg.com, but this article by a regular forumer (and GW2Guru denizen) really nails, in exquisite detail, what has me so excited about GW2:

    The Tao of Arenanet

    If you have any suggestions for the OP/info that should be in it, let me know here and i'll get it updated.
    A big thanks to reVerse, Sidhaethe, Loki, Enig, zZulu, Arthil and everyone else who has contributed to the OP and the thread, and our resident ArenaNet insider, World as Myth, for providing us with art assets, up to date info and kind words. Let the BETA dissection recommence!
    ironzerg wrote:
    Re-read the OP. Ripped another pair of pants...if this keeps up, I'm not going to have anything to wear by release. Pun intended.

    Corehealer on
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  • CorehealerCorehealer The Apothecary The softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
    edited July 2012
    Part 3 of the OP:

    PAthread.jpg

    Because it's just as much about the people you're with as it is about crushing skulls and storytime.

    This post is reserved for future beta information/how to get in/PA community stuff concerning beta and release. PA community being these guys and gals:

    QLSzs.jpg
    BETA STUFF:
    Official Beta Server and Unofficial Launch Server is FORT ASPENWOOD. Overflow BWE server for convenience will be determined as needed/based on availability. Please go to Fort Aspenwood if you wish to play with PA peeps. Our guilds are all cross server and account/character wide, and so once you join, you'll be able to chat with people regardless of server. Server transfers are also free in the BWE (gems will be required to switch servers after Saturday at 6pm PDT; they are also free to obtain).

    Guide for switching Servers:

    In character select, right after login. In the Bottom left corner of the screen.

    Select "World Selection" > Select "Transfer World" > Select "Server you want".


    NDA restrictions of beta content sharing has now been lifted for April's BWE and all following BWEs leading to release. (BWE = Beta Weekend Event, btw, as all betas we are aware of thus far have been on the weekend and all future ones we are aware of will be on the weekend. Future open betas closer to release may be handled differently).

    Current BWE as of this edit is this weekend, July 20th to the 22nd. The game will be going live in late August.


    OFFICIAL PA BETA GUILD(S):
    - What A Nice Guild [NICE] (GM: Corehealer/Sarah Corehealer)
    - Kryta City Hotsteppers [KCHS] (GM: Tolerant Zero/Rex Coppercutter)
    This list is subject to change in open beta or release, but will serve for now as a list of guilds we create now or later for more specific purposes in PvP and PvE. The GW2 Guild system allows players to be in multiple guilds simultaneously, so we will be using a prime guild (NICE) for networking between smaller, specialized guilds that will be focused on specific aspects of the game. More on all that later as we get closer to release.

    Guilds are also trans-server and account wide; as long as you select to represent a specific guild on a specific character, you will be able to chat with and see the status of anyone on any server in that guild. You will not lose membership in your other guilds, you will simply not be actively representing all but one of them on a given character.

    You can find PA people using GW2 UI's social networking style Contacts tab, shown in a few of the press beta videos, to search for familiar faces and the above guild. When I am in the beta, I will do my best to manage the guild and get the PA peeps in each event networked, so PM Trajan/Sarah Corehealer in game to get in touch with me. If nothing else, try asking in general chat for any PA people, specifically in starting areas or cities. Maybe drop a wang here and there.

    USEFUL/FUN TOOLS TO KEEP YOU FROM GOING CRAZY OVER LACK OF GW2:
    Allows for you to go through the character creation process, even 'choose' your look via screenshots.
    Streamchan

    Useful all around tool that has most skill/trait information. Disclaimer: It's in french, but there's a little button to make it show in the Queen's English. *Monocle*
    LUNA-ATRA

    Only provides the traits but all around seems to have a bit more information, sadly neither tools have info on all traits.
    GW2Tools

    VC INFO:
    For the April BWE we will be using the following Teamspeak 3 server provided by Draygo (seriously, look at how much effort he put into this thing):

    totallyawesomets2.png

    Server IP: 66.135.59.185:9999
    Password: pa
    Admins: Corehealer, Entaru, Draygo, Enig, Geod


    People in the BWE Spreadsheet (please add your info so we know how many people are going to be present in the guild, TS server, etc, for networking and stuff):

    This is to enter data

    This is to view the info

    This is most likely a permanent setup for the BWEs and future events/release now because Draygo has put a lot of work into this solution and has swayed myself and Entaru with it's beauty, icons, functionality and abuse of admin power. It also holds 100+ seats up to a maximum of about 300, more then we really need but excellent nonetheless.
    It is very unlikely that we will need help funding any server upkeep at this time. If we do we will put it up here.


    Livestream: (ON HIATUS AGAIN WHILE I GET IT SET UP AND PLANNED OUT BETTER FOR THE NEXT BWE. WILL DO SOME TESTING IN MAY. HELP APPRECIATED).
    Also, I have a livestream that I'm currently playing around with and tweaking in preparation for GW2, with it being the main focus of my channel. Expect to see it and assorted other games there with live commentary by yours truly with some guest commentary via our GW2 Ventrilo/Skype. Link is here and in my signature. http://www.twitch.tv/corehealer

    Corehealer on
    488W936.png
  • CorehealerCorehealer The Apothecary The softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
    edited July 2012
    This post is now the Penny Arcade Guild Wars 2 Teamspeak FAQ, written by Draygo for everyone's convenience. Server seats 100+ people and everything you want to know about it can be found below or by asking Draygo, as he put it together and has been hosting these servers for years.

    Q) Where do I get it:

    Download teamspeak here: http://www.teamspeak.com/?page=downloads
    You can get teamspeak for windows, mac, and linux. As well as your Ithing and your android, if you so prefer.


    Q) Cool, I installed it, now what?

    Now you must connect to our totally awesome server. In order to do that you must first run teamspeak. Then hit Connections at the top. Select Connect.

    connections.png

    Now you must enter the server details:

    Server Address: 66.135.59.185:9999
    Nickname: Your forum or In Game Name
    Password: pa


    server.png

    Q) What does the banner in the top right do?

    PAthread.jpg

    The community thread banner when clicked on will open the most recent guild wars 2 thread on penny arcade.

    Q) How do I add a class or race icon next to my name?

    You do this by right clicking yourself, put your mouse over server group, then left click any of the categories named with the race or class you want to choose. You can uncheck them at any time to remove the icon.


    Q) Who are the server admins?

    They are Draygo, Corehealer, Entaru, Geod, and Enig.

    Q) So is there a skin/theme for this?

    totallyawesomets2.png

    Yes and you can download it from our lobby. Right click the lobby, and select open file browser. You will see the installer file at the top. Download and run that file to skin your client.

    filebrowser.png

    In order to activate the theme/skin you need to go to settings->options, and click design on the left.

    theme.png

    Then select Theme and change it to PA Guild Wars 2.

    Q) Who made the theme?

    Draygo did.

    Q) How do I change my name?

    Right click yourself and select change nickname. You can do this at any time. Do not change your name to impersonate an admin.

    Q) What rules can I expect?

    Don't be a dick. No personal attacks except 'silly goose', forum rules apply. If it is not appropriate on the forums, it is also not appropriate in teamspeak.

    Q) Someone is breaking the rules, or is being disruptive, but no server admins are online. How do I complain.

    First, I hope you can all be gentlemen and resolve disputes by yourselves. If someone is being a dick, you can fill out a complaint. Right click someone and click make a complaint. Do not abuse this feature. If 5 people complain about one person in a short amount time, that person will be temp banned from the server. Do not abuse this. Admins will see the complaints that lead to the temp banning and will be unhappy to fix it.

    Q) Can I make my own channels?

    Yes!
    Teamspeak is setup that you can make your own channels in any of the major channels (Except Admin HQ, Lobby, and Afk, for obvious reasons) First enter the channel you want to make the sub-channel in. Right click the parent channel and select, create sub channel. You can enter a name, even a password, as well as set any description you want. After you create the channel, make sure the Audio Codec selected is high enough audio quality.


    Right click the channel you created and click edit channel. Click the audio tab and increase the Quality slider. Also decrease the latency slider to reduce lag time. Quality 7, latency 1 are the recommended settings.
    These channels are temp only, when the last person leaves them they are automatically cleaned up.


    channel.png

    channel2.png

    The person who created the channel is the op of the channel and can kick people from the channel (not server). So if you created your own channel and want to remove someone, you can password protect it and remove the troublesome individual.


    Q) Is there an overlay plugin?

    Yes. There is a built in overlay plugin. To enable it, select settings then plugins. Check the teamspeak overlay plugin and then click settings on the bottom to configure it. Here you can configure any color of each of the elements, as well as transparency settings. I recommend you change the input settings to enable mouse polling, and change the initialization mode to minimal. Minimal mode only displays the one person who is talking, the other mode displays everyone in your channel even those that are talking.

    Q) Does teamspeak work with my G15 keyboard.

    Yes. There is a plugin for that. Pretty easy to configure again settings->plugins, and enable the G15 keyboard.

    Also:
    Geod wrote: »
    TS3 Overlay for GW2:

    Here's how to get the overlay working without graphical glitches:

    1. Go to Settings->Plugins in TS3.
    2. Select GW2.exe in the Profile dropdown.
    3. Uncheck all the Direct3D options, except for Direct3D 9 (which is what GW2 uses).
    4. Switch to Input tab
    5. Check "Enable Mouse Poll" and "Use in-game" cursor
    6. Switch to extended, and check "Used ID3DDevice:Present hook..." (This is what fixes the animations not showing in GW2)

    The only thing that I've seen, is I can't move the window around in game, but otherwise it works! You can still set the initial position during the login screen, but once in the game you can't move it. I recommend right clicking on the overlay too and changing the overlay to Full display.

    Corehealer on
    488W936.png
  • reVersereVerse Attack and Dethrone God Registered User regular
    I am excited

    my pants are frightened

  • CorehealerCorehealer The Apothecary The softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
    reVerse wrote: »
    I am excited

    my pants are frightened

    Embrace that fear. Make it your own. And one day, you will share it with dragons and they shall fear you, and quake at your approach, and be felled by your might.

    Excitement!

    488W936.png
  • DigitalSynDigitalSyn Dr Digital Cumming, GARegistered User regular
    ah new thread smell.

    Pants are certainly in a tightened state.

    Xbox360: D1G1T4LSYN ( Yes, those are numbers. )
    PSNID: DigitalX86
    Nintendo ID: digitalsyn
    3DS Friend Code: 5300 - 9726 - 6963
    Steam: http://steamcommunity.com/id/D1G1T4LSYN/
  • SeidkonaSeidkona Had an upgrade Registered User regular
    edited June 2012
    2h 3 minutes. . .

    A bit longer for me.

    Seidkona on
    Mostly just huntin' monsters.
    XBL:Phenyhelm - 3DS:Phenyhelm
  • derangedhermitderangedhermit Madstrike PortugalRegistered User regular
    C'mon A.Net, this Poland-Greece match is boring, open the servers!

    Battle.net: Madstrike#2175 , GuildWars2: Madstrike.1436
  • SwashbucklerXXSwashbucklerXX Swashbucklin' Canuck Registered User regular
    Is it up yet? ::clicks::

    Nope.

    Is it up yet?

    Want to find me on a gaming service? I'm SwashbucklerXX everywhere.
  • charrbroiledcharrbroiled 'dis guy Registered User regular
    I am jealous that you chaps will be playing while I am at work. Fooey.

    4d93c4f1d9d6247c.png
    Guild Wars 2: Tyreh, asura Warrior
  • CaedereCaedere S'no regrets BIRDIESRegistered User regular
    edited June 2012
    Corehealer makes the most ambitious OPs I've ever seen.

    Hmm... likes dragons... dragons like to hoard things....


    Corehealer hoards OPs.

    Caedere on
    FWnykYl.jpg
  • HugglesHuggles Registered User regular
    Corehealer gives excellent OP.

    Sign up this necro for the let's-get-to-35 brigade!

  • VoroVoro Registered User regular
    Do we have to hit 35 to test out the dungeon? That's a long way from 20 :(

    XBL GamerTag: Comrade Nexus
  • unintentionalunintentional smelly Registered User regular
    game seems up

  • am0nam0n Registered User regular
    Voro wrote: »
    Do we have to hit 35 to test out the dungeon? That's a long way from 20 :(

    Story mode is level 30, but I don't think that is in since your story ends at 20. I imagine you can be lower than 35, but it is tuned for 35s, so I probably wouldn't walk in under 33 unless you planned to have a hard time. I don't think 20-35 is too long, though. I think I read something like 1.5 hours per level, so you'd be looking at like 22 hours over the span of 2 and a half days.

  • ArthilArthil Registered User regular
    Voro wrote: »
    Do we have to hit 35 to test out the dungeon? That's a long way from 20 :(

    35 is for the explorable mode version, 30 for the normal.

    PSN: Honishimo Steam UPlay: Arthil
  • GeodGeod swim, swim, hungryRegistered User regular
    I am IN!

  • VoroVoro Registered User regular
    edited June 2012
    game seems up

    YES!
    am0n wrote: »
    I don't think 20-35 is too long, though. I think I read something like 1.5 hours per level, so you'd be looking at like 22 hours over the span of 2 and a half days.

    D: I was planning to sleep and down inferno Diablo. Now I must choose one.

    Voro on
    XBL GamerTag: Comrade Nexus
  • SeidkonaSeidkona Had an upgrade Registered User regular
    Enjoy yourselves, folks. See you at 5pm est.

    Mostly just huntin' monsters.
    XBL:Phenyhelm - 3DS:Phenyhelm
  • Dr_KeenbeanDr_Keenbean Dumb as a butt Planet Express ShipRegistered User regular
    I got to char select and when I hit play I got 'cannot find requested mission'.

    Welp, time to make a new one. I am am going to end up getting back from lunch so late.

    PSN/NNID/Steam: Dr_Keenbean
    3DS: 1650-8480-6786
    Switch: SW-0653-8208-4705
  • CorehealerCorehealer The Apothecary The softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
    Servers are now live as of 10 min ago, come on down and play! TS3 server is growing in population as well.

    488W936.png
  • VoroVoro Registered User regular
    Kicked to login, Connecting... :(

    XBL GamerTag: Comrade Nexus
  • GeodGeod swim, swim, hungryRegistered User regular
    edited June 2012
    TS3 Overlay for GW2:

    Here's how to get the overlay working without graphical glitches:

    1. Go to Settings->Plugins in TS3.
    2. Select GW2.exe in the Profile dropdown.
    3. Uncheck all the Direct3D options, except for Direct3D 9 (which is what GW2 uses).
    4. Switch to Input tab
    5. Check "Enable Mouse Poll" and "Use in-game" cursor
    6. Switch to extended, and check "Used ID3DDevice:Present hook..." (This is what fixes the animations not showing in GW2)

    The only thing that I've seen, is I can't move the window around in game, but otherwise it works! You can still set the initial position during the login screen, but once in the game you can't move it. I recommend right clicking on the overlay too and changing the overlay to Full display.

    Geod on
  • xgalaxyxgalaxy Registered User regular
    Logitech G13/G15/etc users.

    You'll notice a very amazing surprise on your LCD's now.
    The game supports displaying information on them automatically.
    With different tabs displaying different information about your quests, etc.

    Fucking sweet!

    GW2: Rancid Cupcake (Necro), Ranch Dressing (Ranger)
  • ghost_master2000ghost_master2000 Registered User regular
    Speaking of direct 3d 9. Will GW2 not be using DirectX 11 at all, or is the 9 thing just for beta?

  • override367override367 ALL minions Registered User regular
    fort aspenwood is full so my friend cant play on it, blah

    do we have a secondary server

  • SeidkonaSeidkona Had an upgrade Registered User regular
    fort aspenwood is full so my friend cant play on it, blah

    do we have a secondary server

    We didn't really plan that out, no.

    Mostly just huntin' monsters.
    XBL:Phenyhelm - 3DS:Phenyhelm
  • ShenShen Registered User regular
    Yeah, my build is borked due to trait tiers. Ah well, disappointed but I'll live.

    3DS: 2234-8122-8398 | Battle.net (EU): Ladi#2485
    ladi.png
  • AddaAdda LondonRegistered User regular
    Entaru wrote: »
    fort aspenwood is full so my friend cant play on it, blah

    do we have a secondary server

    We didn't really plan that out, no.

    Not to be 'that guy' but people brought it up as an issue and were shot down unsurprisingly by people already on fort aspenwood and already in the guild :P

    steam_sig.png
    I want to know more PA people on Twitter.
  • FletchsmFletchsm Registered User regular
    edited June 2012
    So just in a few minutes in DR it already seems like they added more life to the NPC's there. It was pretty good before but now they seem to be talking more and doing more things, at least from what I remember last time.


    edit: Also server transfer was really quick. Changed from Fort Aspenwood to some friends server and all I had to do was log back on and it was done.

    Fletchsm on
    [GIR is disguised as a government agent]
    Gir: I am government man, come from the government. The government has sent me.
  • WitchdrWitchdr Registered User regular
    is it still just the 3 races for this beta run?

    "Look, all I know is that this cord was plugged into my house and your house was glowing like the freakin' sun. So, I put two and two together there and decided that you're pissing me off." -Carl Brutananadilewski

    In regards to the advocates of his former empire: “I was going to have them all executed… the Royal Advocate talked me out of it.” -Shadowthrone (Emperor Kellanved)

    Handles: LoL-Emerging, BF4/Hardline-Whiskeyjack227, Steam-Fragglerock, HOTS/Blizzard-Whiskeyjack#1333, Life-Jason
  • SeidkonaSeidkona Had an upgrade Registered User regular
    Witchdr wrote: »
    is it still just the 3 races for this beta run?

    Yes. There is a chance the other two races will not be released before release.

    Mostly just huntin' monsters.
    XBL:Phenyhelm - 3DS:Phenyhelm
  • Foolish ChaosFoolish Chaos Registered User regular
    Wow I completely forgot this was happening until I got the email this morning.

  • EnigEnig a.k.a. Ansatz Registered User regular
    edited June 2012
    Reminder: I will be kicking anyone who hasn't logged in by midnight (PDT), unless you send me a PM to say you will be playing this weekend.

    So if you aren't in the main guild and want to get a spot, just after midnight would be the ideal time.

    fort aspenwood is full so my friend cant play on it, blah

    do we have a secondary server

    So you can't select a "full" home world? Does that change if the population goes down at non-peak times?

    I guess we will have to look at changing servers for BWE3.

    Enig on
    ibpFhR6PdsPw80.png
    Steam (Ansatz) || GW2 officer (Ansatz.6498)
  • WitchdrWitchdr Registered User regular
    Entaru wrote: »
    Witchdr wrote: »
    is it still just the 3 races for this beta run?

    Yes. There is a chance the other two races will not be released before release.

    Thanks

    "Look, all I know is that this cord was plugged into my house and your house was glowing like the freakin' sun. So, I put two and two together there and decided that you're pissing me off." -Carl Brutananadilewski

    In regards to the advocates of his former empire: “I was going to have them all executed… the Royal Advocate talked me out of it.” -Shadowthrone (Emperor Kellanved)

    Handles: LoL-Emerging, BF4/Hardline-Whiskeyjack227, Steam-Fragglerock, HOTS/Blizzard-Whiskeyjack#1333, Life-Jason
  • ShenShen Registered User regular
    Ugggh Roll for Initiative is a top tier slot skill, levelling just got a lot less fun :( Boo Anet! Boo!

    3DS: 2234-8122-8398 | Battle.net (EU): Ladi#2485
    ladi.png
  • devCharlesdevCharles Gainesville, FLRegistered User regular
    So, yeah. Fort Aspenwood won't let me join.

    Xbox Live: Hero Protag
    SteamID: devCharles
    twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesewise
  • RednazRednaz Registered User regular
    Geod wrote: »
    TS3 Overlay for GW2:

    Here's how to get the overlay working without graphical glitches:

    1. Go to Settings->Plugins in TS3.
    2. Select GW2.exe in the Profile dropdown.
    3. Uncheck all the Direct3D options, except for Direct3D 9 (which is what GW2 uses).
    4. Switch to Input tab
    5. Check "Enable Mouse Poll" and "Use in-game" cursor
    6. Switch to extended, and check "Used ID3DDevice:Present hook..." (This is what fixes the animations not showing in GW2)

    The only thing that I've seen, is I can't move the window around in game, but otherwise it works! You can still set the initial position during the login screen, but once in the game you can't move it. I recommend right clicking on the overlay too and changing the overlay to Full display.

    I don't want to keep interuppting people in TS, but I don't seem to have the GW2 option in the profile menu, all I see is GW.exe. I tried that one and it didn't work (not like it should have).

    Steam: The_Zeta
    LOL NA: Rednaz
    Currently Playing: Dark Forces
  • CorehealerCorehealer The Apothecary The softer edge of the universe.Registered User regular
    devCharles wrote: »
    So, yeah. Fort Aspenwood won't let me join.

    Goons decided to designate it as a overflow server for their guilds, and it was heavily popped before so... you can see it's causing some issues. Our server is hardly the only one.

    We are talking about designating an overflow server as well but no decision on that will be made right away; for now, roll a character on another server and hang out in TS3 for updates and companionship.

    488W936.png
  • WassermeloneWassermelone Registered User regular
    Is everyone able to get in? Im getting a 'There is no current event' message.

This discussion has been closed.