Playing for PvE purposes?

I remember having a blast in this game in the early days of its release. I did a lot of PvP, but now the game has changed way too much to the point where I'm not sure I want to put that much effort into relearning how to fight every class combination. It's just a bit overwhelming.

But what about playing for PvE purposes? What kinds of things can I hope to enjoy? I have only played through Prophecies and Factions so I don't know what lies beyond those.

enjoyable storylines, HM, and titles ;-) a little farming as well

To add along to what Eragon said, pve also offers nice weapon skins and rare drops.

PvE gives weapon skins etc.
pvp gives humiliating an other player behind his pc

I don't think it's to late to do pvp. But It depends on what you want to do. If you want to do GVG/HA, I would say no.

You can always enjoy casual PvP in Fort Aspenwood. You don't need to learn much to play there, which doesn't mean you don't need to know anything. If you play as luxon you adapt to the attacking style (AoE+disenchantmen+minions+healturtle), and if you play as Kurzick you adapt to defense (heals+protection+tanks+trapping).

I just don't really know anyone in-game. All my friends stopped playing a long time ago, and now I only really PvP if I'm with people. Solo PvP doesn't seem to have that flair anymore.

PvE is great fun and full of people. Lots of stuff to have, to do, and nice way to make friends.

Unlike PvP, that is dead, the remaining people are terrible to deal with, bots, etc, etc.

I've always been a single player type of person. Playing with others in a story or challenge is like that, but has more interaction, communication, and randomness.

Well, I'm replaying Prophecies at the moment on an old account of mine (one I've had active since before release). Really thinking of grabbing the trilogy soon after.

Are there social Guilds that do PvE related things (I've always viewed this as a PvP-oriented game so I'm a bit fuzzy on the PvE content)?

There are plenty of guilds that focus on PvE.
And even if you are in a mainly PvP guild, they all do PvE at some point. For instance, elite dungeons are a good guild / alliance activity to do together.

yes there are a tons of guilds that do pve stuff.

i know for example my allince (KISS, one of the biggest or The biggest guilds/alliances in the game) is always doing FoWSC and farming and things like. there are tons of ppl, both kurzick and luxon allainces, and we do crap preety much all the time.

Sounds great guys, thanks! Just one more question while the thread is still useful:

I was reading up on the stylist on the Guild Wars main site.

1) The Temple of Balthazaar. Can I get there easily?
2) Does it cost anything?

open your map click the boat and travel to temple of balthazar

Awesome, thanks much.