Hello,
I just placed an order for "Guild Wars" it should be here in a few days.
So there for I was wondering if anyone has any tips of suggestions for those just starting out in the game. Also I would like to here anything I can from those who play on dial up in regards to where to stay away from or any issues and things.
Thanks!
Tips
Mustang1983
Kuldebar Valiturus
Well, this forum and the GuildWiki are the best places to delve for information.
Which campaign are you getting? Prophecies is the first chapter and has a very strong story line. The leveling curve is more slowly paced than other chapters, but that isn't a negative thing.
In fact, I find that each chapter has a unique "feel" when it comes to leveling a character.
Your biggest challenge playing on dial-up will be large updates and the initial amount of huge updates needed when you install Guild Wars.
If you have access from another PC that has a high speed connection, I recommend that you install Guild Wars from it first and get an updated GW.dat. The GW.dat file is the heart of the game program, but you can transfer it from PC to PC.
If you have a friend with a fast internet and a large external hard drive (3 gigs+) it would be pretty easy. My DAT is 2.84 gigs.
If not, expect some initial delays over your connection while the game is fully updated.
Streaming updates occur in the background while you play, but this may cause you issues over dial up.
To download everything and avoid streaming updates you can use this modified shortcut:
"C:\Program Files\Guild Wars\Gw.exe" -image
<only use this command when updates are needed, not every time you run Guild Wars>
But, this simply may be too much for your connection.
The good news is that once you are updated your connection should be able to run Guild Wars fairly well, it was actually optimized for dial-up early in development.
Which campaign are you getting? Prophecies is the first chapter and has a very strong story line. The leveling curve is more slowly paced than other chapters, but that isn't a negative thing.
In fact, I find that each chapter has a unique "feel" when it comes to leveling a character.
Your biggest challenge playing on dial-up will be large updates and the initial amount of huge updates needed when you install Guild Wars.
If you have access from another PC that has a high speed connection, I recommend that you install Guild Wars from it first and get an updated GW.dat. The GW.dat file is the heart of the game program, but you can transfer it from PC to PC.
If you have a friend with a fast internet and a large external hard drive (3 gigs+) it would be pretty easy. My DAT is 2.84 gigs.
If not, expect some initial delays over your connection while the game is fully updated.
Streaming updates occur in the background while you play, but this may cause you issues over dial up.
To download everything and avoid streaming updates you can use this modified shortcut:
"C:\Program Files\Guild Wars\Gw.exe" -image
<only use this command when updates are needed, not every time you run Guild Wars>
But, this simply may be too much for your connection.
The good news is that once you are updated your connection should be able to run Guild Wars fairly well, it was actually optimized for dial-up early in development.
Mustang1983
I guess it must be "Prophecies" . It only just say "Guild Wars" I ordered it for $35 shipped from gamestop.com here's a link to exactly what I ordered.
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=645393
One more thing, anyone had any issues with it playing on a laptop?
I know mine meets the specs suggested on the box. However Everquest did to and some people had issues with that on laptops . I did until I updated a patch.
Just wondering.
Thanks!
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=645393
One more thing, anyone had any issues with it playing on a laptop?
I know mine meets the specs suggested on the box. However Everquest did to and some people had issues with that on laptops . I did until I updated a patch.
Just wondering.
Thanks!
Darcy
The first download is very large. It might take a long time with a dial-up. If you have a friend with the game who can burn a copy of the dat file for you, it will help you out immensely. (The cd that comes in the game box is only part of the file, as the game is constantly changing.)
The dat file is all of the static information in the game, once you have that, all changing info (your characters, stats, titles, maps, items, etc.) is kept on the ArenaNet servers. This enables you to play from any computer once you have registered an account. Also means that you can play well with a dial-up as there are no constant downloads bogging you down.
The dat file is all of the static information in the game, once you have that, all changing info (your characters, stats, titles, maps, items, etc.) is kept on the ArenaNet servers. This enables you to play from any computer once you have registered an account. Also means that you can play well with a dial-up as there are no constant downloads bogging you down.
Kuldebar Valiturus
People run Guild Wars on laptops with no particular issues, especially if minimum requirements are exceeded.
Since it's a laptop, the portability should allow you to "borrow" a high speed internet connection or "grab" a GW.DAT file from somebody fairly easily.
Since it's a laptop, the portability should allow you to "borrow" a high speed internet connection or "grab" a GW.DAT file from somebody fairly easily.
Mustang1983
Thanks for the info all.
I'm really looking forward to the game. If I get half as addicted to it as I did Everquest I'll be happy lol. I loved that game, but dial up don't like it these days. But I hear Guild will do great. So we will see.
I'm a little nervous about the non leveling up stuff , as to what exactly you will do then. But we will see I guess.
Also , how important are the expantions?
I'm really looking forward to the game. If I get half as addicted to it as I did Everquest I'll be happy lol. I loved that game, but dial up don't like it these days. But I hear Guild will do great. So we will see.
I'm a little nervous about the non leveling up stuff , as to what exactly you will do then. But we will see I guess.
Also , how important are the expantions?
Randomway Ftw
My tip to you, avoid the monk skill mending at all costs, don't make a Warrior/Monk.
Loviatar
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http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...-10-id1195.php
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...lon-id1264.php
Mustang1983
btw is there any way to start downloading any files before my game arrive's ?
Also, why not monk/warrior ?
Thanks!
Also, why not monk/warrior ?
Thanks!
Kuldebar Valiturus
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Originally Posted by Mustang1983
btw is there any way to start downloading any files before my game arrive's ?
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| Also, why not monk/warrior ? |
Effectively, it's like playing a classic Paladin: high armor and healing/buff capabilities.
Don't let the silliness of other people dissuade you from a Warrior/Monk.
In the end, play the way you want to play.
Popular combo's and builds are popular for a reason. No reason not to have a Warrior/Monk as a first character if you like melee. If you are more a caster type player, then consider Necromancer/anything.
tijo
Lots of players dont want Warrior/Monk because it's chosen by lots of noobs. You cans till make a W/Mo but don't ever bring mending, it doesn't really help once you get past the first part of the game. There are other secondary professions that are very useful with a warrior. Wiki has all that info. As for Monk/Warrior it's probably not the best choice, Monk/Elementalist is better imo.
Kuldebar Valiturus
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Originally Posted by tijo
Lots of players dont want Warrior/Monk because it's chosen by lots of noobs. You cans till make a W/Mo but don't ever bring mending, it doesn't really help once you get past the first part of the game. There are other secondary professions that are very useful with a warrior. Wiki has all that info. As for Monk/Warrior it's probably not the best choice, Monk/Elementalist is better imo.
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People often forget that to a new player, the jaded judgments of older players are often useless because everything is truly new to them. Things (unless it's a player scam, lol) should be experienced, not avoided, so they can make a judgment of their own.
I envy new players, it's exciting to discover a game for the first time.
I have played many online games, I do recall dying a lot in Guild Wars when it came out. I had to get used to playing a game that "played" much differently than other games. Mob AI was different, skill choices even in the beginning "mattered" in some degree, deciding when to move onto another geographical area, etc.
Mustang1983
Thanks for the tips.
Question about the client. Will I be able to use it as I don't have my CD key or anything yet ? because my game hasn't arrived yet.
Question about the client. Will I be able to use it as I don't have my CD key or anything yet ? because my game hasn't arrived yet.
Kuldebar Valiturus
You will need your key to play, but you can download it all before prompted for the key.
RPGmaniac
Same here about the new players. I still remember going through Prophecies for the first time (19 months ago now, wow where does the time go?). It was so exciting discovering a new world and all the little details about it. But now that I've gone through it, I can help out newer people. One thing I wanna say is feel free to make a W/Mo, most new people do and there isn't anything wrong with that. Just know that your healing skills will NOT make you invincible. It is nice to have some healing to allow the monks to focus on other people, just don't assume that "Wow, I can have constant healing all the time! I'm gonna go into that giant pack of monsters that are way higher than me and bring them to my group! I can handle it". It doesn't work like that.
Other general advice I would give is to be careful about spending money. People may offer to run you to the higher level areas, but I wouldn't recommend it until you've been through the game once and know what to expect. Also, you should only buy armor twice. Once when you leave the tutorial area, and one more time when you get much later in the game. If you find any black or white dye on the ground, sell it! They are the rarest and most valuble dyes in the game, and run for very good money, especially to a new player.
If you have questions or need help in the game, feel free to give me a whisper in game. My in-game name is Kartok the Swift.
Also, on having a dial-up connection. Playing Guild Wars on a dial-up connection isn't all that bad. The only difference is it will take longer to downlaod the updates, but once they are downloaded, the game plays just as well.
Other general advice I would give is to be careful about spending money. People may offer to run you to the higher level areas, but I wouldn't recommend it until you've been through the game once and know what to expect. Also, you should only buy armor twice. Once when you leave the tutorial area, and one more time when you get much later in the game. If you find any black or white dye on the ground, sell it! They are the rarest and most valuble dyes in the game, and run for very good money, especially to a new player.
If you have questions or need help in the game, feel free to give me a whisper in game. My in-game name is Kartok the Swift.
Also, on having a dial-up connection. Playing Guild Wars on a dial-up connection isn't all that bad. The only difference is it will take longer to downlaod the updates, but once they are downloaded, the game plays just as well.
tijo
I have 1 last advice, go on guildwiki and check the scam pages it really helps avoiding scams in pre-searing especially the dye scams and also the ones you will find in Ascalon. 
Commander Ryker
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Originally Posted by RPGmaniac
Same here about the new players. I still remember going through Prophecies for the first time (19 months ago now, wow where does the time go?). It was so exciting discovering a new world and all the little details about it. But now that I've gone through it, I can help out newer people. One thing I wanna say is feel free to make a W/Mo, most new people do and there isn't anything wrong with that. Just know that your healing skills will NOT make you invincible. It is nice to have some healing to allow the monks to focus on other people, just don't assume that "Wow, I can have constant healing all the time! I'm gonna go into that giant pack of monsters that are way higher than me and bring them to my group! I can handle it". It doesn't work like that.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by RPGmaniac
Other general advice I would give is to be careful about spending money. People may offer to run you to the higher level areas, but I wouldn't recommend it until you've been through the game once and know what to expect.
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Originally Posted by RPGmaniac
Also, you should only buy armor twice. Once when you leave the tutorial area, and one more time when you get much later in the game.
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Originally Posted by RPGmaniac
If you find any black or white dye on the ground, sell it! They are the rarest and most valuble dyes in the game, and run for very good money, especially to a new player.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by RPGmaniac
If you have questions or need help in the game, feel free to give me a whisper in game. My in-game name is Kartok the Swift.
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The first character I made was a fire ele. They can do significant damage, it's a great way to get to know the game and they are wanted almost as much as monks in pugs.
Above all remember that it's just a game and the purpose is to have fun.
Kook~NBK~
Some tips:
1. Read the booklets that come with the game, there's some useful information there.
2. Try out different professions to see what they can do and to find ones that you like.
3. DO NOT SELL DYES before you go to the acadamy. They are worth much more than the 1 gold that the merchant will pay for them, and in many cases worth more than what players will pay for them.
4. Don't go to the acadamy before you've reached level 7 or 8.
5. Make the most of collectors. You can get decent weapons and Armor from them, saving you quite a bit of money
1. Read the booklets that come with the game, there's some useful information there.
2. Try out different professions to see what they can do and to find ones that you like.
3. DO NOT SELL DYES before you go to the acadamy. They are worth much more than the 1 gold that the merchant will pay for them, and in many cases worth more than what players will pay for them.
4. Don't go to the acadamy before you've reached level 7 or 8.
5. Make the most of collectors. You can get decent weapons and Armor from them, saving you quite a bit of money
Mustang1983
One more question. If I stop the download in the middle will it resume where it left off?
Jaws Of Doom
I believe it should, but I'm not entirely sure. My best guess would be that you'll start your download where you ended, but you'll still need to decompress all the files (which doesn't take very long) once all the downloading is done.
Mclarenf1905
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Originally Posted by Mustang1983
One more thing, anyone had any issues with it playing on a laptop?
I know mine meets the specs suggested on the box. However Everquest did to and some people had issues with that on laptops . I did until I updated a patch. Just wondering. Thanks! |
wsmcasey
If your on dial-up you should be okay as long as you have a decent computer with enough memory. Guildwars is memory hog, I remember first installing Guildwars on my old computer with only 256ram, lol, the load screens took a loooooooooooooong time to load.
To reduce lag in towns you might wana stay out of district 1.
To reduce lag in towns you might wana stay out of district 1.
Mustang1983
Got the download taken care of . It did let me resume.
But for some reason once installed the back ground keeps saying "Night Fall"
but the file it's self reads just "Guild Wars" So I'm not sure if it's an advertisment or what.
Also, my game just came in the mail as I wrote this.
Gonna install it shortly.
Thanks for all the help people.
But for some reason once installed the back ground keeps saying "Night Fall"
but the file it's self reads just "Guild Wars" So I'm not sure if it's an advertisment or what.
Also, my game just came in the mail as I wrote this.
Gonna install it shortly.
Thanks for all the help people.
BladeDVD
The splash screens are updated to reflect the newest release of the expansion. Since Nightfall is currently the newest game, it's the one featured on the splash screen and character selection screen and stuff like that.
Have fun, read the scam page on guildwiki http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/List_of_popular_scams as suggested earlier, and then just try playing for a bit.
Welcome to the game.
Have fun, read the scam page on guildwiki http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/List_of_popular_scams as suggested earlier, and then just try playing for a bit.
Welcome to the game.
Mustang1983
I found it interesting that there was no install file. That would have saved download time. Thankfully my download client completed before my game arrived. Well it completed on one of my computers anyways.
Question what is the second disk for?
I have game of the year Edition.
Thanks!
Question what is the second disk for?
I have game of the year Edition.
Thanks!
BladeDVD
If you install from the disks, then I think you use both of them. Since you downloaded the client, you didn't need to use it.
If you are still getting loading screens saying downloading files when you enter new areas, try creating another GW short cut and adding the -image switch to your command line: http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Command_line#-image This is a HUGE download, but once done (and if done with every new update to the game) it means you won't have to wait while you download new or updated content everytime you enter a new area.
Since you have the game of the year edition, don't forget to type /bonus in the chat window. The game will tell you this, but it's easy to miss and forget. Doing this will get you bonus weapons that you can use on your characters. Your new characters won't meet the minimum requirements, but experiment with them. For example, you should get a shield that has a requirement of 9 in a warrior's Tactics attribute. At level one, you can get this to 2 at most. But that requirement only applies to the Armor bonus of the weapon. You will still get the full +30 to health and the -2 to damage if you are in a stance (a type of skill that gives you certain benefits). On top of that, while you won't get the 16 armor from the shield w/o having 9 in Tactics, you will still benefit from half of the armor rating (8 in this case).
If you are still getting loading screens saying downloading files when you enter new areas, try creating another GW short cut and adding the -image switch to your command line: http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Command_line#-image This is a HUGE download, but once done (and if done with every new update to the game) it means you won't have to wait while you download new or updated content everytime you enter a new area.
Since you have the game of the year edition, don't forget to type /bonus in the chat window. The game will tell you this, but it's easy to miss and forget. Doing this will get you bonus weapons that you can use on your characters. Your new characters won't meet the minimum requirements, but experiment with them. For example, you should get a shield that has a requirement of 9 in a warrior's Tactics attribute. At level one, you can get this to 2 at most. But that requirement only applies to the Armor bonus of the weapon. You will still get the full +30 to health and the -2 to damage if you are in a stance (a type of skill that gives you certain benefits). On top of that, while you won't get the 16 armor from the shield w/o having 9 in Tactics, you will still benefit from half of the armor rating (8 in this case).
Mustang1983
Finally got the game loaded. Went to one new area and files needed to load.
Not really sure what the heck i'm doing yet. Gonna try to figure out the command thing that was suggested. I must say it does run well on my connection from what I was able to see so far.
Thanks for the help everyone.
Not really sure what the heck i'm doing yet. Gonna try to figure out the command thing that was suggested. I must say it does run well on my connection from what I was able to see so far.
Thanks for the help everyone.
dansamy
My first recommendation: Play a character that you think you will like. Do you like spellcasting? What kind? Do you like archer types? Do you like melee? Don't let other people decide what is the "best" first profession for you. I know lots of people suggest WaMo, but as a player who abhors melee combat, I would have quit GW if I started with a warrior.
Second: Do all the quests you find in Pre Searing. Ignore Sir Tydus and his "leave everything behind" speech until you do all the quests you can. Pre Searing is beautiful and idyllic and once you leave you can never go back. You'll probably be around level 8 or so when you leave Pre.
Third: Wiki is your friend. Use it to find things like Collectors who will give you armor or weapons for nothing more than a few monster drops that only sell for a few gold to a merchant anyway.
Fourth: Either buy the highest armor level you can at Post Searing Ascalon, or use Collector armor until you reach Droknar's Forge. Then you can purchase your basic set of max level armor. After that you can look into some of the 15k armors if you want something prettier.
Second: Do all the quests you find in Pre Searing. Ignore Sir Tydus and his "leave everything behind" speech until you do all the quests you can. Pre Searing is beautiful and idyllic and once you leave you can never go back. You'll probably be around level 8 or so when you leave Pre.
Third: Wiki is your friend. Use it to find things like Collectors who will give you armor or weapons for nothing more than a few monster drops that only sell for a few gold to a merchant anyway.
Fourth: Either buy the highest armor level you can at Post Searing Ascalon, or use Collector armor until you reach Droknar's Forge. Then you can purchase your basic set of max level armor. After that you can look into some of the 15k armors if you want something prettier.
Mustang1983
Well, I choose a ranger for now. Just seemed like something id be if in such a world. So we will see how it go's. When I played Everquest I a was always a warrior or simmilar. So this is simmilar but a little differnt thing for me.
I'm still alittle unsure of my thoughts on the combat system. Just far differnt than I'm use to with an MMO . But it seem's like in the end it may be better.
We will see.
Also, I had thought Guildwars didn't have any leveling up. But I find now it does.
Does it work differntly than other MMO's or something?
Thanks for the input.
I'm still alittle unsure of my thoughts on the combat system. Just far differnt than I'm use to with an MMO . But it seem's like in the end it may be better.
We will see.
Also, I had thought Guildwars didn't have any leveling up. But I find now it does.
Does it work differntly than other MMO's or something?
Thanks for the input.
trf2374
It's interesting to see many people suggest to not upgrade your armor at different places, except in Ascalone and Droks. On my first time through the game, I upgraded at every opportunity without straining my hard earned money. I'd suggest that to every new player. Those armor increases really help when you're learning the ropes.
The best advice is to do the quests, all of them that you can find. This will get you XP, items and skills. Also, salvaging some of the junk you pick up off the ground so you don't have to buy materials for your armors helps. In the later stages of the game, using an ID kit on even white items raises the amount the merchant gives you for the item (it does early in the game too, but it's not worth it then).
The best advice is to do the quests, all of them that you can find. This will get you XP, items and skills. Also, salvaging some of the junk you pick up off the ground so you don't have to buy materials for your armors helps. In the later stages of the game, using an ID kit on even white items raises the amount the merchant gives you for the item (it does early in the game too, but it's not worth it then).
Demilikos
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Originally Posted by Mustang1983
Also, I had thought Guildwars didn't have any leveling up. But I find now it does.
Does it work differntly than other MMO's or something? Thanks for the input. |
In most MMO's the "fun" is in grinding up your characters to high levels to show off your progress. To me, GW doesn't get fun till you're actually max leveled and able to cooperate with others to beat a certain objective. Lots of fun strategies & times I had when the game was new.
Guild Wars Prophecies is fairly empty these days as everyone is either in PvP, Faction farming, or in the newest Nightfall expansion (which I must say was very impressive).
Mustang1983
I must say that I am addicted. Many of you likely have seen me roaming around on quests around the world now. I choose Necromancer as my second profession. So I'm a Ranger/Necromancer . I must say I am happy with the comobo thus far.
I would like to thank all of you for your help.
I would like to thank all of you for your help.
Stormweaver
Number 1 tip: Have fun! Play the character you want to play, not what others tell you you should play. Enjoy your ranger. My favorite characters are my ranger and elementalist.
There is a lot of good advice in this thread. Check out guildwiki for ideas and answers. Please read the section on common scams. Especially about selling dyes in the beginning. Don't sell your black and white dyes to just anyone. They are worth several thousand gold pieces!
While there are a lot of jerks who play GW (just like all mmo's) there are a lot of nice helpful people online. If you have questions while playing, just ask out loud in a town. Ignore the jerks and listen to the many good responses you'll get.
Enjoy!
There is a lot of good advice in this thread. Check out guildwiki for ideas and answers. Please read the section on common scams. Especially about selling dyes in the beginning. Don't sell your black and white dyes to just anyone. They are worth several thousand gold pieces!
While there are a lot of jerks who play GW (just like all mmo's) there are a lot of nice helpful people online. If you have questions while playing, just ask out loud in a town. Ignore the jerks and listen to the many good responses you'll get.
Enjoy!
ischuros
Forgot the most important tip:
Get into a PvE orientated guild. Don't join any of those recruiting in Ascalon, they arn't very good ( I should know, i made one :P). If you look at the guild page here you should find one. Members will help with quests, missions and answer questions that you have about the game, faster than we can. Also, most wont do the missions fr you, but support you as you learn your character.
Get into a PvE orientated guild. Don't join any of those recruiting in Ascalon, they arn't very good ( I should know, i made one :P). If you look at the guild page here you should find one. Members will help with quests, missions and answer questions that you have about the game, faster than we can. Also, most wont do the missions fr you, but support you as you learn your character.