Does Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons Include Path of Fire?
The short and direct answer is: No, Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons does not include the Path of Fire expansion unless you purchased one of the special Collection Editions of End of Dragons that specifically bundled both. This is a common point of confusion for new and returning players, so let’s break down exactly what this means and what it entails for your Guild Wars 2 experience.
Understanding Guild Wars 2 Expansion Purchases
Guild Wars 2 has a unique model when it comes to expansions. Unlike some other MMORPGs, expansions are not always automatically bundled together. Each expansion, including Heart of Thorns, Path of Fire, and End of Dragons, was initially sold separately. This can be a bit different than what some gamers are used to, but there are specific benefits to this system that players enjoy, such as the ability to pick which expansions are of most interest or value to them.
When End of Dragons was released, it primarily came as a standalone product, granting access to the Cantha region, the skiff, fishing, jade bot mechanics, and the continuation of the overarching Guild Wars 2 story. However, special editions, often called “Collection Editions” or similar, sometimes bundled previous expansions. These special edition bundles are usually offered for a limited time and are generally more expensive than purchasing the base expansion.
It is critical to always verify what is included before purchasing any Guild Wars 2 product. Check for clear statements about bundled content, especially if a deal seems too good to be true.
Why Path of Fire is Not Included By Default
The developers at ArenaNet have a few reasons for not automatically including older expansions with the latest release. Firstly, this system allows players to jump into the game at their preferred starting point. Players who are new to Guild Wars 2 are not forced to buy content they may not be ready to tackle. The base game is free-to-play, allowing for a low barrier of entry before any purchases are made. Secondly, separating the expansions allows for a wider range of price points. It provides the opportunity for players to choose what content they’re most interested in first, without being locked into purchasing a more expensive all-inclusive package when they might not be ready for all the content. Lastly, while not always the case, there may be promotions where earlier expansions can be bundled, which would be impossible if bundled into the newest version by default.
The Importance of Path of Fire
Even though End of Dragons doesn’t include Path of Fire by default, it’s still worthwhile considering purchasing Path of Fire. This expansion introduced several significant features that greatly enhance the Guild Wars 2 experience:
- Mounts: Path of Fire introduced mounts to the game, revolutionizing map traversal. Mounts like the Raptor, Springer, Skimmer, Jackal, and Griffon are game-changers and are essential to getting around the world quickly and accessing previously unreachable areas.
- Elite Specializations: Path of Fire granted access to new elite specializations for each profession, dramatically changing how characters play and allowing for more diverse builds.
- A Compelling Storyline: The Path of Fire storyline takes players to the Crystal Desert, offering engaging quests and introducing memorable characters.
Considering Your Options
If you’re considering purchasing Guild Wars 2, here’s what you should consider:
- The Base Game: The core Guild Wars 2 game is free-to-play and provides plenty of content to keep a new player busy.
- Path of Fire and Heart of Thorns: These are often bundled together for a great price and offer a significant amount of new content.
- End of Dragons: This expansion offers a new story, new mechanics, and a new region to explore.
If you’re new, purchasing Path of Fire (which includes Heart of Thorns) is often the best first purchase before investing in End of Dragons due to the essential mounts system. Returning players might want to start with End of Dragons if they have other expansions or content unlocked, as End of Dragons has content designed for level 80 characters. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, priorities, and play style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does End of Dragons include any other expansions?
Typically, no. Unless specifically stated in a Collection Edition offer, End of Dragons does not include Path of Fire or Heart of Thorns.
2. Do I need Path of Fire to play End of Dragons?
No, you don’t need Path of Fire to play End of Dragons. End of Dragons is a stand-alone expansion. However, having Path of Fire is highly beneficial due to the mounts and elite specializations.
3. What do I get with End of Dragons?
End of Dragons unlocks four new zones in the Cantha region, skiffs, fishing, the Jade Bot, and additional story content. You will also have access to free content that continues the expansion’s story.
4. What level do I need to be for End of Dragons content?
End of Dragons content is designed for level 80 characters. If you are new to the game and boost a character to level 80 with the boost item from the expansion purchase, you can immediately start End of Dragons content once the boost has been finalized.
5. What is the purpose of a Skyscale?
The Skyscale mount is incredibly helpful for map completion and world exploration. It breaks a lot of the maps in the game, allowing players to get to many hard to reach areas.
6. Can I get mounts in End of Dragons?
Yes, the Raptor and Springer mounts can be obtained in End of Dragons, but their mastery tracks must be trained in Path of Fire first.
7. Who is the villain in End of Dragons?
Zhaitan, the Elder Dragon of Death and Shadow, is a main antagonist in the personal story of Guild Wars 2, the first Living World season, and is an overarching antagonist of End of Dragons.
8. Is End of Dragons the end of Guild Wars 2?
No, despite its name, the developers have confirmed that End of Dragons is not the end of the Guild Wars 2 story or game development.
9. Is Path of Fire a better purchase than End of Dragons?
That depends on your goals. Path of Fire is often considered to provide more foundational value due to the introduction of mounts. However, End of Dragons features new gameplay mechanics. Path of Fire is often recommended as a first purchase if you don’t have access to mounts.
10. Is Guild Wars 2 still active in 2023?
Yes, Guild Wars 2 has a very active player base with consistent content updates and events.
11. Does Guild Wars 2 have endgame content?
Yes, Guild Wars 2 has a wide variety of endgame content, including cosmetic rewards, achievement hunting, and community-based activities.
12. Do you get Heart of Thorns if you buy Path of Fire?
Yes, if you purchase Path of Fire, you will also receive Heart of Thorns, as of August 30, 2019.
13. What do you get with Path of Fire?
Path of Fire unlocks access to mounts, a new story, new elite specializations, and a new region of the world, among other additions.
14. How fast is a Griffon compared to a Skyscale?
The Griffon is faster in some specific situations (such as diving) but takes a longer time to fully master. The Skyscale is generally more versatile and easier to use.
15. How do you unlock the Skyscale?
The Skyscale is unlocked through the Living World Season 4. A character will need to complete Episode 6 War Eternal, chapter 5: Descent to begin unlocking the mount.
Conclusion
In summary, while End of Dragons is an exciting and engaging expansion, it does not automatically include Path of Fire or Heart of Thorns. Make sure you carefully evaluate your options before making any purchases, considering your preferences for mounts, story, and new mechanics. Both Path of Fire and End of Dragons offer considerable value to the Guild Wars 2 experience, and understanding your options is crucial to enhancing your game. By understanding the contents of each expansion, you can maximize your gaming fun in Tyria!