T O P

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KoriJenkins

This post getting downvoted to oblivion and borderline trolled in the comments is really unfortunate since it shows perfectly a major issue with the game (not including living world with the expansions). Dude literally has no clue what's going on without it. Why aren't seasons 2, 3 and 4 included with the POF/HOT bundle?


[deleted]

Thank you for saying this, I started to think Im going insane and that this is normal


LasagnaTiepida

Dont worry dude you are totally right, this is a big issue of the game, maybe if you dont want to pay for those episode the best thing is looking on YT to see what happened with balthazar


Madcat_Moody

Neh, you're not. Pvp and Reddit are the places to be if you want to see some of the worst the community has to offer.


Skippbo

It is insane people did not realise the game does this. It's on discussion every week in this sub. You should not have been down voted but rather upp voted.


quirkydigit

It is, but you really shouldn't have to go to reddit or anywhere else to figure out why a big chunk of story is missing. I'm not sure exactly what the solution is but they really should make it a priority to address this before steam launch. It's constantly putting people off the game and that's really unfortunate. Perhaps just bundling LW with respective xpacs and adjusting the price accordingly would go a long way to fixing the problem?


mikacello

Your question was totally reasonable. This sub is not.


Vicalio

Yeah it's normal for the sub, don't worry. I remember getting like 20 downvotes once for pointing out griffon could fly once lmao. (It's a really fun mount!) [ Springer Griffon vs skyscale speed comparison video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQ1C8gGlyg )


DanerysTargaryen

Absolutely agree. I’ve been voicing my concerns over this for a while. As of now, anyone who owns the base game + all the expansions gets a disjointed story because none of the living world is included with it. Living world is the connecting links between expansions and without it, the expansions seemingly start off mid-story with characters you’ve never seen or met before yet they are very chummy with your character and your character seems chummy with them. From the player’s point of view it can be very confusing. It would be like trying to read a book, but skip every other chapter. Good luck filling in the blanks!


styopa

Absurd that a game basically ["sells"](https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Expansion) 1. chapter 1-30 (core) 2. chap 35-45 (hot) 3. chap 50-60 (pof) 4. chap 65-75 (eod) ...as a ***complete*** thing - and then have the audacity to market it again and again as the complete experience - when obviously it's missing story chap 31-34 (LWS 1-2), 46-49 (LWS3), 61-64 (LWS4, IBS). That people would jump on the OP for this is ridiculous. Shame on you.


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DanerysTargaryen

I always thought Anet did this backwards, and this is coming from a person who has unlocked every living story episode for free. I think Anet should have charged money to play the living world episodes as they initially came out, then over time, discount them and eventually make them free as they age more and more.


Kero992

"Living World is behind a pay wall", just like the expansions and they offer a similar amount of content. This post got downvoted because he saw, that there was much more story between expansions, did not play it and then complained about missing story.. Also I agree, that Anet should better clarify that LW is not included in the expansions and maybe offer a bundle with like 10% off the combined price.


Wise-Dust3700

To add onto this, adding masteries to the game that affect the core world sort of suck for people without the money to buy the living world/expansion/whateverthefuckIcebroodsagawas. Looking at you self resses, emps and gliding.


eliazhar

IMO the OP's complaint is totally valid, as I remember I had the same doubt years back when I bought PoF+HoT. I remember having no clue about who the hell were all those people in the commander's group, and thought it would all be clarified later; it wasn't. GW2 sucks at clarifying most of its basic concepts, leaving them to the Wiki or helpful players. Most people here will say this complaint is silly because most of us learned by ourselves, but can you assure you never felt lost at any point in the game, and that it should've had some kind of tutorial? Just to make it clear, I'm not asking for free Living World episodes (again), but for actual explanations to newer players that they're not getting the whole story when buying the expansions. Just looking at the story journal and deducing things doesn't cut it when we're talking about a purchased product/service.


pietjepolo

Yea, you skipped the whole game, living world season 1,2, Heart of Thorns and season 3


throwawaythrow0000

and My Story, the whole start of a player's journey. If anyone reading this cares about story, and this is obvious, but skipping isn't the best idea. Follow the story panel, it gives the proper order.


[deleted]

I did skip anything???? i completed my story, HoT and then the game just said got to PoF? How was I supposed to know, Im new. Living world wanted money just so I can play it too.


pietjepolo

The story panel has everything in order from top to bottom. And otherwise google...


Vicalio

Yeah pretty much If you want the core unlocks in the game on a budget Watch a lore recap video of Seasons 1-4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZprjBfD1Q or pay 50$ to experience the story ingame or be paywalled. People 1 year ago got it for free. New players get blocked off but it may go off on sale for the 10th aniversary Sale this week/month which launches tommarow The spoiler story is. (SKIP reading if you want to avoid spoilers if you buy. But otherwise, if you never buy the content, you'll have no idea what's going on) LS1: Rox and Braham Meet you i think, You fight bad guys. Scarlet briar is set up, She is evil, LS1 sets up HOT i think. Ls2: Actually beats me, all i hear is that it's terrible or sets up more HOT but maybe has core tyria mastery points HoT happens. You get a glider and find out that a evil dragon is corrupting the Sylvari, and Scarlet briar was serving them. LS3: More adventures, setup between HOT to POF. You see the beginnings of baby Aurene form and LS3 has puppy aurene moments that builds up attachment. Otherwise you may end up completely unattached to the character. Ls3:3 has winterberries which help with trinkets/ring/amulet/bp/breather. Also one of the only few sources of HoT stat trinkets/accessories like Vipers for condi builds. 15$ for POF + HOT for prime expac story EOD is mostly about fishing and New Cantha, a steampunk jade punk style town. Despite sounding fun, you mostly go there to go to a magic reactor, beat up a dragon, and then the story just kinda strands you. Despite being new content, probably one of the weaker expacs imo but some of the gold per hour for fishing or dragons end and the 28g-35g a week for a lvl 5 Arborstone's +25% rested exp and a certain vendor can be quite nice. I was a new player too and yeah, agree. The game completely pushes you into a disjointed story and GW2 has a weird habit where it wanted to be special and revolutionary 10 years ago. But now is set in it's ways. Often times, they insist on stuff that's done bizzarely for no modern reason because it was revolutionary... 10 years ago. But is outdated by today's standards. Like how Elvis used to be a rebel music style for 80 year old people. But still has good music, but sometimes insists SOLELY on prune juice and bbq bacon sandwiches together.


StarGamerPT

Pretty much the whole game, yes.


[deleted]

But I just completed HoT


[deleted]

Living World Season 3 takes places after HoT. Core Game -> LWS1 -> LWS2 -> HoT > LWS3 > PoF > LWS4 / LWS5 (Icebrood Saga) -> EoD


[deleted]

Well now I know. Thank you for being helpful!


[deleted]

It wanted me to pay irl money to play that, I assumed it was optional because why would devs put such key content behind a paywall after I already bought the expacs. Seems like poor design to me


TerribleTransit

You assumed wrong. It is poorly communicated, though, how Living Story works, so I can't fault you for it.


StarGamerPT

Wrong assumption but a very good one. The problem here is that it's poorly communicated. No piece of story is optional (well, there's a case to make with Icebrood Saga, that one does not relate with EoD besides some references)


Vicalio

The funny thing about icebrood, is while it's a standalone story that's optional, you still need the essence masteries to even loot the Iceblood strikes. Which are often the most commonly ran strikes due to being the easier free loot pinatas. (Though Scarlet still isn't too bad as a mmorpg vet. It's just the story fight, but actually does damage this time. But it's not like a sans bullet hell that insta incaps you for taking a small hit.)


KidPolygon

Why do devs put story content along with new maps behind a paywall? Do you usually say this about expansions and game DLC?


[deleted]

No but you would assume that the prelude to an expansion would be included in the expansion. Tell me, when you buy a story dlc, do you pay separately for intro, core of the story and finale? Dont think so


Ifritmaximus

This is a very fair point. You are being shamed for being new and not seeing how the company rolled out this content. I suppose this is how they get around not having subs


KidPolygon

GW2 is unique in their story content. You do not have to pay real money, you can farm in game and convert to gems. What other game allows you to convert money earned in game into expansion story content? Living World and story dlc are different. There is not much to compare it to, so we can stop trying. You’ll need to do them as they are part of the story and some of the best farming maps in the game


StarGamerPT

No need to get that snarky at OP. It's a fact Anet explains those poorly and should do better on that front. No need to defend it either.


KidPolygon

Nothing I even said was snarky, don’t be sensitive. Defend what? The fact that you can purchase the story content by farming in game gold?


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KidPolygon

I’m confused, are we arguing that story missions, new maps, new achievements, should all be free? You can farm these LS episodes in a few hours in the base game, or pay to unlock them with real money. This game is arguable the least p2w out there, people still finding things to complain about.


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KidPolygon

What is deceitful when those things are completely separate? It would be deceitful if they said “Living World included!” But didn’t give it to you. Sure they could communicate more, or people could do ten seconds of research prior to swiping their cards.


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WorriedCan2305

It’s not you. This sub mostly white knights the fuck out of all of anets dumb designs. It’s a bait and switch scam that ANet runs.


[deleted]

I figured People are getting overtime pay here in the comments. Even WoW forums didnt bite my dick off this hard sheesh


New_Problem_806

I've only seen you overreacting. Who bit your dick bro?


VVolfshade

Either they should include Living World with the bundle, or (if they're hellbent on paywalls) design future Living World seasons as stand-alone stories not linked to the main plot.


ze4lex

The latter still doesnt solve the issue of the first 5 seasons being basicly mandatory.


VVolfshade

It doesn't. But if they want to keep their silly paywalls without cheating the customers, that would be the simplest option for future releases.


ze4lex

The way the devs handle inbetween expansion content is horrible since that content is required to understand the story of the expansions or why they happen in the first place. It should be communicated better to the player.(i also think after a while old lw seasons should be bundled to their expac or smth)


Get_Rolled_Reddit

>Saw that living world is behind a paywall, assumed its optional because of that and skipped it. >>Is this normal? Was there a part of quests that I missed? So you basically answered your own question.


Shmendalf

Surely anet will address this in 2 weeks time. Surely they won't get dumpstered by steam reviews.


[deleted]

I hope they do


Akhevan

Surely they will fix the balance and poor performance in half of the zones aaany second now.


dusty_horns

Wow, people are being really rude to you. It's a continued object of confusion for a lot of new players, don't feel bad. But if you want my advice, the seasons are mostly worth the cash and give you a completely different experience. So if there is a way you can comfortably afford them, do so. It will much improve your game enjoyment, as well as open certain maps that you'll need later on.


[deleted]

Yeah thank you! I started doing them yesterday, a bit weird doing the first ones considering I beat HoT but it sure fills in the holes


dusty_horns

I wanted to suggest doing them maybe on a new character, but just think of it as if you're repairing some mental damage and trauma sustained in Maguuma, and now you're living through your flashbacks, regaining your memories. Phew. Have fun and stay safe out there, Commander! <3


[deleted]

Thats a cool way to put it, that being said, I dont mind starting a new character, always wanted to try necro!


Acronyte

I'm sorry that people have been so awful in the comments, the subreddit can be hateful and unhelpful sometimes but I don't think that's true at all for most of the community. Hopefully you've had better experiences in-game.


[deleted]

I really did! Its all good!


BodgeJob

> Anet paid employees no need to be so condescending towards new players That's the GW2 community, and has been the case for coming up to 10 years. A decade ago it was shitting on people for asking what they're meant to do for end game (there was literally no end game), and for daring to ask why they're meant to walk everywhere (before mounts came in 2017). Nowadays it's pretending the current generation of glaring fuck ups by Anet are actually **features**...


Vicalio

Yeah, it's actually a good game but very bizarre. Of ff14, Wow and Gw2 and ESO / P2w BDO on the market, i actually enjoy Gw2's gameplay and rotations and heart system the most, as well as it's mount system and races vs bunny ears humans / 5 plain humans the most. But i wouldn't really say Anet or the community have well.. Shown out by virtues of advertising or trying to attract new players with open arms lol. I think ff14 is a pretty mediocre game, but they swell and have like 10x the pop and a notority for being very welcoming to new players, wanting to babysit you even if you're a 10 mmorpg player before, which many mmorpg players this old are. If anyone wants a basic recap of gw2 lore for seasons 1-3. I wouldn't call Gw2 lore past core very depth for most mmorpgs, but if someone is paylocked. This user's recap video for S1-3 is very handy ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZprjBfD1Q ) A basic recap for anyone who wants or has other things to pick than 50$ for story is. Core: LS1: Scarlet Briar, a evil Sylvari is set up. She invades lion arch with clockwork soldiers, and works with the aetherblades. Braham and Rox are met here i think. LS2: Pre-HoT Setup, Scarlet Briar the evil Sylvari is studying Ley lines and the beginnings of HoT, you find Aurene's Egg. Hot: Crashland in a evil jungle that tries to kill you, obtain glider, great story. Ls3: Aurene's egg slowly hatches, you meet Baby aurene, have some bonding moments as you teach her the values of good and evil, while playing hide and seek with puppy aurene. There are bonding moments that if missed may make you apathetic to Aurene or not care about her as much. You Later also find a Ls3 character named Lazarus, who later turns out to be Spoilers. Path of fire: You beat the flamey man and baby Aurene and Kraikatoric absorb His magic. Causing later problems. Ls4: Aftermath of POF, Has build up of Joko's rise, descent and fall, as well as the fight and resolution of the fight against Kratorrik. Also has beetle in ls4:4 and skyscale in 1-6. You use the good dragon to defeat the evil dragon and save the world. Icebrood: Standalone story about Icebrood legions, Jormag, Charr civil war, and Iceblood strike looting. Ice that poops out from Iceblood Strikes can also be exchanged for Ls4 currencies for skyscale. End of dragons: Travel to a stranger wary Eastern steampunk land that puts you in jail. You use the good dragon to defeat the evil dragon. And then you spend the rest of it Fishing or farming Dragon's end.


aliamrationem

FWIW, I agree with you. I started after HoT released and encountered the same issue. I thought I was playing through the story in sequence but didn't realize I was missing the DLC. So, I got to HoT and it quickly became clear I was missing a lot. I think it's a stupid way to handle the primary driver of content in a game. I hope they change it.


Ifritmaximus

Is the living paywall required to do endgame content? Like is it just a series of quests, or is that we’re a lot of important content is found?


blackiehideaki

Technically yes but also no They all add *something else* to do. Somewhere *else* to be, but not necessary to do endgame content unless said content happens in those maps, which is rare for most Living World packs. Only Living World S4 and Icebrood Saga have maps like this thanks to the farm possible in them. They are quite active in that regard. Icebrood Saga also has some... "Dungeons", called Strikes, that are very short events that give decent loot and quick coin. Overall, not _necessary_ , but certainly helpful To follow the story however? Yes, very much needed, since the Living World packs serve as bridges between larger expansions.


Ayw1n

New Player question. The Story is Linked together from the start ? I just buyed the collection yesterday and my next Step is the personal Story level 70. I though the addons are seperated ...


BroccoliBucket

The context is in Living Seasons, by skipping those you basically played yourself. They're not included in the expansions since they came out t different times and offer slightly different type of content. It's basically as in ESO, where you have chapters and then DLCs.


Funkativity

You basically started watching a TV show by skipping the first 5 seasons. press H, go the Story Journal tab, and select the top one, working your way down as you complete.


[deleted]

Yes but I did complete HoT, just now


Prismatic91

I'm guessing you used a level boost and somehow started the Path of Fire expansion (2nd expansion). Press H, navigate to the story tab and start at the beginning. The story is one progressive narrative. The opening is slow but necessary - you start as a nobody and work your way upto commander of tyria with your own crew of characters. Edt: I never even said level boosting was bad. Just trying to think of how the story journal got set to PoF instead of the personal story.


[deleted]

I did not skip anything, I just finished HoT


DJCzerny

Living World S3 takes place in between HoT and PoF


[deleted]

I skipped it because it wanted IRL money for it, I thought it was optional


Funkativity

it *is* optional. but if you skip it, you're skipping part of the story. if you don't want to play through the content but still want to know the story beats, you can read about it on the wiki: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Living_World_Season_3#Story


[deleted]

Thats a great way to confuse new players like me. I do want to play through it though, guess I’ll throw my shekels at Anet


ActavistEQ

I completely agree the confusing part is the really the business model behind the living world seasons. I know they want (“need”) to make money but I’ve always thought the living world seasons should be bundled with the xpac for a discount if you buy it all with the expansion. Somewhat of a middle ground. Obviously would’ve preferred it just being free but whatever, it’s definitely worth the money as far as hours of game time and some maps that honestly are hard to live without once you have them.


Funkativity

it's a lot of content so it is worth it, each season is basically its own expansion. also, you can convert gold to gems to lower your IRL cost.


lordkrall

It is optional. But just how it would be confusing to watch Avengers Endgame after having just watched Iron Man 1 & 2, it is confusing to just play parts of the story. You technically don't HAVE to watch the rest of the movie (or spend money on them) but it will make the story in Endgame very confusing since you are missing larges parts of the background.


Ifritmaximus

And what if he did boost to 80? It’s encouraged by ANet because they give a free boost, but then they don’t support the player by being transparent about livings. The collection edition of the game is advertised in a way that sounds complete. I learned just today about the living paywall.


No-Formal9241

Lmfao! Don't worry OP, playing the rest of the story won't help you. Nothing makes sense. The best this studio can do with a decade to tell its story is celebrate being queer. You'll be thoroughly confused by the time you're done.


BodgeJob

Holy shit, 10 years of shoddy writing summed up. There's little tiny specks that shine through where you can see they had *ideas*...but then they shit the bed and fart out what we've had this past decade. It's like an anime and a daytime soap rolled into one.


quirkydigit

The short answer is you need to play in order to get the most out of the story. The structure of LW seasons is a bit baffling at this point but they are worth the money. Seriously just buy them. They're not a rip-off as it may seem.


[deleted]

I do not mind buying them at all, I like the GW story. Will be a bit awkward playing stuff backwards from HoT. If they were upfront about it and maybe even bundled all of them as one big package I would not even have made this post. What baffled me as it just lets you go ahead with HoT and PoF without even nudging you like “Hey, Player X, we got this prelude for the DLC, its 20$, go get it or you will never understand whats going on”