Just some General Information

Hey all,

I recently started playing Guild Wars (recently as in yesterday) only had chance to get 1 level but really liked the look of the game. I am in no way a noob coming from a log line of MMO's (most recent being wold of warcraft where I have 3 end game equipped characters)

Guild wars seems to have really captured the essence of the fantasy genre and at first glance looks like a great game. I have decided to take Elementalist as my primary profession and will more than likely go with Necro for secondary.

Anyway could any of you supply me with the following information

Loot - How do I obtain better equipment ? are items dropped from Mobs or is everything in this game equipment wise crafted ?

I dont see any actual stat upgrades anywhere in the game (like stamina intellect agility etc) is the only way to improve your char by putting points into the different skills ?

How long on averedge does it take to lvl your RP char to 20 ?

Is end game totally dedicated to pvp ? or is there some pve dungeons that you can participate in (large scale raids ? like MC/BWL in WoW)

I see on the main page that there are two new classes (assasin and ritualist ?) When i created my char I didnt see these classes available, is this because I need to purchase an expansion ? (have special edition of GW)

And lastly how do I go abouts joining a good guild ? I have always been very much into pvp and like to think as myself as quick thinking and quite skilled once I have ascertained enough game knowledge to really compete. To this end I wouldnt be looking to join some noob guild so can anyone suggest the best way about joining a good guild ?

Thanks for any help you can give me

SiLK aka Kelly

Hey,

You can get better equipment from monster drops, collectors, crafters, or buy from another player.

Yes, you improve your characters abilities by assigning points into attributes. There are runes you can buy or salvage and put onto your armour that will increase these attributes as well.

If you play through the storyline and do quests and missions, you can get to level 20 before ascension, which is 1/2 to 2/3 of the way through the game. If you want to get to level 20 quickly, you can pay other players to help you power level or run you to higher areas of the game and farm high level monsters for Xp. IMO, it's better to play through the game normally and progress naturally otherwise you won't learn much about the game or your character's skills/abilities.

There are no large scale raids. Your party can get to a maximum of 8 members. There are high level areas like Underworld, Sorrow Furance, Fissure of Woe, new Tombs to explore later.

The two new classes are for the "Factions" expansion that is due out and you will need to buy that.

If you're looking for a guild, try the Guild Auditorium forum.

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=9

Items are dropped from mobs. These items can be used by yourself, sold to other players or to the merchant. By using salvage kits, you can salvage crafting materials from the drops. Bring the materials and the cash needed to an armor or weapon crafter to craft the items of your choice. Armor (except shields) can only be crafted or traded from collectors.

As you level up you will gather attribute points (a maximum of 200). These attribute points can be distributed and re-distributed at will as long as you're in a town or outpost. The skills will increase in power according to the number of points you set to the corresponding attribute.

My very first char (with lots of knowledge in RPG's in general) took some 100-140 hrs to reach the end of the PvE storyline (all 25 missions and almost all quests) qithout any help from a guild.

My fourth and latest char took about 40 hrs or so to accomplish the same thing.

There are some pretty tough quests in the high-level areas of the game, and there's always farming for gold a good stuff.

You need to buy the upcoming expansion to use there character classes.

As you leave (at lvl 6-8) the tutorial part of the game, you will start doing the 25 storyline missions. These missions are (at least the latter of them) designed to promote teamwork. If you do them with a pick-up group of real players, instead of with computer controlled henchmen, you will come across some decent (and some not so decent) players. This is the way I found a nice guild. Just by playing with people and thus getting to know them.

/Gwon

Even if your char is level 20, it's far from perfect...you can always get more skills to unlock, second professions, best armour, weapon collection etc.


if you want to pvp, there are special pvp characters for that, already level 20

these guides might help for a good start

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...-10-id1195.php

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...lon-id1264.php

IT IS NOT AN EXPANSION IT IS A FULL STAND ALONE (FULL PRICE) NEW CHAPTER YOU CAN PLAY EITHER WITH A FRESH CHARACTER OR AN OLD FAVORITE FROM CHAPTER 1

after you reach top stat equipment the only difference is looks not any overpowered items at all (game is balanced so one class/item is not an automatic winner)

the game is not dedicated to pvp.

when you consider it in a rational perspective think of it as a vast playground with a few sandboxs (pvp only arenas) reserved for pvp while PVE me gets the rest of the place.

NOTE

you will finish this game and then what you do is up to your ideas of fun.

for me (playing since early beta) if and when i get tired of it i read a book, play another game and simply put it on the shelf until i want some more GW fun.

the first chapter is just the framework and the coming chapters will fill things in.

chapter 2 is spring 06 and the official statement is that after chapter 2 they are on schedule for 2 additional chapters per year.

EACH IS OPTIONAL (MIX AND MATCH AS YOU WANT) AND WILL BE A FULL GAME IN AND OF ITSELF WITH FULL PRICE AS WELL

this is not meant to keep you going all the time like a MMORPG WHICH THIS IS NOT

if you understand this you will not be disappointed by finishing and then forcing yourself to find something to do because it is expected in other games.

enjoy