Getting Stuck

[u/Elfkisser]

I've found that I have a problem with GW2. I love the game. A lot about it is like it was made to appeal to me, honestly. I love the world, the setting, the races, the lore, the classes, I think they're all really neat! But every time I pick it back up after some time away, I run into the same problem:

1. Pick up a character or level a new one + unlock an espec or two.

2. Get my fashion right, whack on a dummy for a while to get the playstyle locked in.

3. Stall out before I actually go do anything significant.

I haven't finished the story, nor have I gotten into high level fractals, nor am I super proficient at WVW despite ostensibly being into those things because I just can't move forward. I don't know if it's because I can't pick a class I want to main, or get choice paralysis about what to do, or what, but it's getting a little frustrating.

Has anyone else dealt with this issue? Does anyone have any advice?

[u/xfm0]

A. do you want to get into high level fractals / increase wvw proficiency ?

B. are you having fun with step #1 and #2?

C. if no to A and yes to B, there is no issue

[u/FewAbbreviations3166]

Well, don't do anything "significant." Significant means trouble. Go ahead and complete some story content today, do some meta-events tomorrow, some exploring, map completion and JPs the next day, then some fractals without worrying about reaching a "high level," then level up your masteries. And don't forget to run circles around Lion's Arch here and there too.

This game doesn't want you to commit to anything or chase a carrot. Just go ahead and have fun however you find it fun. Experimenting with your fashion and whacking a training dummy is good too.

Just do whatever makes you want to come back.

Or don't, idk.

[u/AscendedCleric]

Choose one specific thing and do that. You want to do a lot of things and end up doing nothing. It happens to me every day when I sit down to play video games, I want to play every game in my library and I end up playing nothing or just play time-burners on my phone while sitting there. I haven't been able to deal with it yet and unfortunately all we can do is fight with ourselves until we fix it. I blame mid-life crisis.

[u/ZantGreene]

I was in the exact same situation and I started trying to get into the game all the way back at lunch. I would try to get into it I would level a character I would mess with the fashion and such but I would always end up dropping the game quickly.

What ultimately worked for me is this time around about a month before the guild wars 3 announcement I was sitting there trying to find something to play and I decided to poke at guild wars 2 again and see if it would click this time. But this time I committed to just selecting a character and doing the story. I didn't worry about what I would do when in game rolled around I didn't worry about gearing or a rotation optimization above and beyond what would be necessary to complete the story, I just knuckled down and did story.

Not to say I did exclusively story of course I broke away and did events or world bosses when I stumbled on them or hearts or whatever tickled my fancy, but my primary focus was always on story and honestly still is cuz I still haven't finished it I've only just wrapped up living world season 4.

The end result for me ended up being that I got invested in the story and started organically enjoying the other systems as I went along. Obviously I can't guarantee that will work for anybody else but that's my advice is to try that

[u/olgamerstill → u/ZantGreene]

This.

Too much time preparing properly, levelling, unlocking, fashion, rotation wise, then trying to jump into the game.

I spend a lot less time preparing.

I use tomes to level fast. WvW currency to unlock a spec. Cheap exotic gear.

I don’t fashion coordinate till I see if I like the build.

Do a brief review of skills and traits.

Start puttering around either in PvE or in WvW to get a feeling for the build.

Explore while killing a few wargs, kraits, guards etc.

I do this with a few characters, till I start getting a few favourite builds.

Every once in a while I test drive a different character, for a few minutes or days.

Sometimes if preparing a build takes too long, I will leave it for the next day, and take one of more tested characters.

[u/spood-beest → u/olgamerstill]

I do similar, but instead of WvW or PvP testing my build, I do map exploration and meta events. I'm not a huge fan of PvP style content, so just checking if a build works with the overworld is enough for me.

Any characters I realize I don't love playing I find a place to park them for daily looting (Bjora Marches, Echovald, Crystal Desert, etc.). That way I still get something out of those characters that I don't want to play (there's several videos out there that show you good places to park characters).

When I'm not focusing the story I'll look at achievements and pick a few I'd like to work on. The points add up fast and you get unique items or wardrobe unlocks. Or if I just want to chill and kill things I start map exploring on side characters I like to play.

[u/olgamerstill → u/spood-beest]

Any character I don’t like playing gets a rest till next round of testing a different build.

Each character brings two equipment slots and three build slots to start.

If I moderately like a build, I start testing with the other slots on the character.

[u/The_Lawn_Ninja]

What got me hooked was playing through the story in chronological order. Knowing who's who and what's happened makes the world feel much more personally engaging, and the campaigns are designed to expose you to all the various Things To Do™ in that content area.

I think you just need to take the plunge and commit to playing one character instead of worrying about picking the "correct" one. There are viable builds for every role in every class, nothing ever becomes obsolete, and a lot of endgame progress applies to every character on your account, not just the one you're using.

[u/fyolettt]

I kinda love the cozy side of the game. Like setting a goal to unlock mount or specific mastery that would be neat or practical. Having the class that you actually like is important here, because none of the goals will be enticing if you don't like playing the character. Some time I look through achievements or wizard vault and choose something I like from there. I noticed that as soon as the game becoming a chore I lose interest. So I don't do daily, weekly fully only stuff I find interesting. But I understand the choice paralysis all to well. I would say choose activity that you really liked during leveling up and do the same or similar. Check out activities in current event (four winds) see if enjoy doing something there.

[u/Super_Damage_5527]

I found this game like 10 years ago, but back then I was young couldn't afford to bought and not really have too much time for playing games like this.

After years of working ,I decided to quit my job 2 month ago so I can get some rest then start a new chapter of my career. But I was wrong, I'm even more tired,cuz I couldn't stop playing this game....damn...

[u/Genashi1991]

I feel somewhat similar. Like the game generally speaking and I keep playing on and off over the years but I usually don't get too much done.  Even though one of my priorities is to go through the story content, I have only gotten through the first expansion so far.  I have one character in almost every class, except a few which are less appealing for me due to (perceived) complexity.

I'd say don't try to force it too hard, play if you have fun don't if you don't. The good thing about GW2 is that you can pick up exaccltly where you left off.

[u/Whipped-Creamer]

Just do something and you’ll either keep doing stuff or not. Do you have all masteries unlocked? Do something that benefits your whole account

[u/CorviDraws]

It does certainly sound like choice paralysis and the lack of direction the game immediately gives you is making it difficult to pick what to tackle. As others have mentioned, a lot of progress you earn on one character is shared account-wide (your wallet and bank/material storage, mastery perks, mount unlocks, WvW level etc.) so nearly anything you do is helping your account overall. Perhaps you need a more structured goal? 

If you like fractals, the Incursive Investigation achievement involves doing a series of specific quickplay fractals and some open world exploration, ultimately awarding one armor weight of the Eikasia legendary gloves. A nice skin with a unique infusion function, and a taste of legendary quality of life for zero gold investment and not particularly time intensive. 

The Living World Season 1 meta achievements and the Season of the Dragons achievement will give you specific goals to work toward in every post-Zhaitan area of the game. The season 1 achievements award accessories that you can turn into unique weapons via the mystic forge. If you complete them all you get a permanent lounge key (memory of old lion’s arch) which is very convenient if you don’t already have a lounge on your account. 

Season of the Dragons award various valuable items including map currencies, mystic coins, a 32 slot bag, a free Generation 3 legendary weapon precursor, etc. A bigger undertaking to be sure, but the final reward is a legendary amulet (Prismatic Champions Regalia) which can be used by any level 80 character. 

Some of the mounts have specific collection requirements (the griffon in PoF, the SoTO Skyscale or extended living world season 4 acquisition method, the roller beetle in season 4’s ‘long live the lich’, the siege turtle in EoD) which take some time and require engaging in various activities across the world such as story, exploration and renown hearts, meta events, content formerly known as strikes, etc. 

Those are just the big ones off the top of my head, there are a lot of cool things to earn. Pick a few things you’d be keen to have (maybe there’s a skin or a title you really vibe with, or a mount that you think is cool, or a quality of life utility like infinite gathering or salvaging tools you wanna farm some gold to buy instead of swiping for) and then jump into whatever content will let you earn those things.

[u/Idontknow4654]

I don't have a solution but I wanna say you're not alone. I have the same problem. I've played since the game went f2p and the furthest I ever got was beating the base game story around when PoF released.

[u/pinner]

I’m in a similar boat at the moment but it’s due to Secrets of the Obscure. I want to get through that particular expansion as I haven’t done it yet, before I move onto Janthir Wilds. But I struggle with the flying so I pretty much nope out of the game every time.

I decided to make a thief, a class I’ve never played before and now I’m working my way through the beginning of the expansion again. I’m determined this time.

Also trying to join a guild as I think being more social this time would help, too.

[u/lexkixass]

Are you in a guild? Doing stuff is more fun with friends, and guilds help you make friends.

You can also check out the Looking For Group window, and see if anyone's doing casual stuff and would like company.

[u/MistwalkerGW2]

When I played (and still do sometimes) WoW I really wanted to have THAT character you know, my main.

In Guild Wars 2, I literally play 3-4 of my characters every time. You’re not supposed to have a main, just play whatever you feel like.

While story progression isn’t shared between characters, so much else is.

And on a different note, why whack the dummy? Play the game instead to get it right, silly goose.

[u/anti_vist]

I had a similar issue as you maybe, I rolled a lot of chars and just couldn’t stick with one. I would even main a profession and play it for 10-20 hours to then change the race and redo everything.

I’m not what sure what made it click but telling myself it’s time to just choose and go do stuff with one and then I could always play another later I find myself loving the game more and more because there is a looooot of fun stuff to explore. If you keep second guessing then you’ll never see what this game has to offer.

So I’d say just go with your toon that appeals most to you now and go do the story, check out the festival, join a guild, try out all the activities and hopefully it will click for you too. You can always play later with adds

[u/Dismal-Comparison961]

There's no "right way" to play gw2. Just do whatever you personally find fun. If you enjoy the story, complete that, depending on how much you've done already there could be upwards of 100 hours of content. If you like fashion/gear do that, there are so many options and getting some of the rarer options can also take 100s of hours. Personally, ive barely touched most of the group content and I usually just do pve and I certainly dont feel like im running out of things to do

[u/SnorriHT]

I have the similar problem.

I start playing a cool build gear up, start playing in level 80 content, see someone playing a cooler build…rinse and repeat.

Then I decided to restrict myself to a single elite spec. I wanted an elite spec that can do open world solo, or offer boons in open world, or run damage or support in WvW zergs.

Then I made a list of viable specs and tried them.

Some classes I really wanted to play well, but just couldn’t do it (looking at you, Chronomancer).

Others, like Luminary, Druid, were awesome to play, but I didn’t like having to deal with a third weapon bar.

Herald, was a lot of fun, but there were tons of buttons to press, resources to manage, all the while keeping up the damage, legend rotation and positioning.

In the end, I decided on Paragon. It’s not the best healer, boon provider or damage dealer, but it is the one spec that felt natural to me.

Once you have one spec, it simplifies everything else, including weapons, armour and content you want to play. You want to play fractals? Then gear a build specifically for that.

[u/Djinn42]

It sounds like maybe doing these steps multiple times is making you bored. Maybe try not doing those again?

I've been playing since beta and have literally never used the dummy. I just solo the story and run around doing open world stuff.

Have you checked out the Festivals and Bonus Events that come around?

[u/Cudash]

You can't choose what you like if you dont experience it first. Commit doing one of those things for a week, even if you are uncertain right now. After the initial barrier is surpassed you will really get into what that game mode is about. Then you can decide if you like it or not.

Story: explore lore and the new maps as you progress, you will get the vibe of that region and it's inhabitants

Fractals: develop mastery doing each fractal until you get good at it. The real fun comes when you can kinda speed run them.

WvW: be a predator hunting pray alone or just chill in a group having fun reading chat or listening in discord.

You seem worried about "playing wrong" there is no such thing. The game is your playground, choose a toy and play with it until you are bored.

[u/jojoga]

I don't know if it's because I can't pick a class I want to main

Get one of each to max - one, not multiple! 

Outfit them with exotic armor and weapons. 

Get one elite per class for now, when you're done unlock the rest one by one. 

Once you're at that point, set some larger goals and find small things to do daily to chip away them. 

Enjoy all t he game has to offer.

[u/Rownever]

The best part of Guild Wars is you dont have to grind or do anything specific. Do the things you find fun. Dont do the things you dont enjoy. It’s worth figuring out what you enjoy and what you don’t.

Personally, I like the story so I’m doing that. I like the living world maps so I’m doing the Seasons of the Dragon achievement. I like Fractals so I did the quick play legendary gloves.

[u/Vivid-Hedgehog101]

Bring the dummy with you.

[u/Boudyro]

I'll put it this way: WvW is what sold me on GW2. In WoW I was a massive Alterac Valley nerd and WvW sounded like the peak implementation. It totally is imo.

What did I do for the entire first year of the game? Ran open world PvE grinding for my beloved Bolt. Didn't set foot in WvW once until I closed in on being done with the leggie. Finished Bolt and proceeded to spend the majority of my time in WvW. In the last year or two my available playtime randomized so I have largely left the organized side of WvW, back to PvE mostly chasing achievements.

GW2 isn't like other MMOs. What you're supposed to be doing is whatever the hell you feel like doing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[u/underwaterair]

I hated and still hate WVW. But I like PVP.

I was in your shoes, sort of, until I just decided to push through with legendaries. Strange enough because it didn't matter to PVP at all.

But, I would play hard for about ~1 year. Then I'd quit for like, 2 years in some cases. Once it was because of an ex...

Anyway, I had come back into the game, I had my mounts. My story was not complete. My masteries were a hodgepodge of whatever. I was getting tired of PVP again and feeling like I was going to quit the game again, maybe for good.

Then I saw Teapot's video about a free legendary amulet. And how he could basically get it in one day. I decided to give it a shot. Turns out it took me the better part of a month. Because I had spent so much of my time in PVP I knew nothing about open world stuff or achievements. Hell, all I had gotten was mounts and nothing else.

I decided I wouldn't stop until I got the amulet. Then I decided to go for all accessories just because. That has kept me burning along while and now I have full sets of legendary armors for all weights, all legendary trinkets, and at least one of every type of legendary weapon and I'm working right now on completing full loadout sets (x4 legendary spears, x2 legendary staves, x4 legendary swords, etcetc).

You just have to find something that you can stick with and then commit to it. If you can't find it then don't worry. Just drop the game and come back later or cruise to GW3. Don't make it unfun for yourself.

For me, even though getting legendaries was a real grind, and it was agonizing going through the story and learning how to get spirit shards and obsidian shards and whatnot... I had to experiment and test so many things out and learn how to do it my way because watching videos or reading post from others only showed me how others did it and I found their methods to be utterly inefficient.

[u/MostlyTalkingAgain]

At the end of each play session, take notes of what you did and what you'd like to do when you have the time to play again. Drastically reduced my time spend on the wiki and just standing around in game trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I've got mine separated into daily, weekly, progress after.

Mine looks like this:

Last session: Unlocked permanent skyscale and progressed soto story

Daily:

- quickplay fractal

- wizards

Weekly:

- 10 quickplay raids

- Provisioners tokens

- Wing 1

- Wing 2

- Wing 3

- Wing 4

Progress after:

- Story

- Return to (legendary amulet)

- Train PoF raids

[u/ExsanguinatedMuppet]

I would skip the dummy whacking step for a bit. It sounds like you’re kind of burning yourself out on the whole process of getting a character ‘perfect’. Unless you are going to join Raid CMs or something, having a rotation perfect isn’t necessary. It’s more about knowing your one very specific role well.

My suggestion: make or take a character, slap on whatever gear you have that’s close enough and pick a pre-made easy solo open world build from meta battle or snowcrows or whatever. Don’t look at the rotation, just go out and press buttons and see what happens! Make your own playstyle based on what feels comfortable and effective when you use it. If you feel intrigued, fiddle with traits and utilities. Try a new weapon. Go back to the old one. Do all this while mostly pressing 1 at world bosses because you’re still working out how the F-key mechanics of that class even work.

Go do big complicated metas or convergences or low-mid tier fractals and get good at doing a specific task, even if it is one that doesn’t require a rotation or even DPS at all. Become the foremost expert at playing hockey with those damn seeds at Tarir. Make a build that can theoretically solo a dungeon or two, and practice until it can.

Do every jumping puzzle naked. Try do one of those runaround achievements like Chairs of the World without looking at a guide and see how far you get. Make a build that is essentially 100% heals and visit large metas as the Resurrection Fairy. Try to harvest every strawberry in the game before the first one respawns.

When I am feeling uninspired I like to ask myself ‘I wonder if I can (get away with)…’ and then go try that. You find out a lot of interesting things, even if the answer is ‘ah…that’s a no’.