How to Transform Your Look in Guild Wars 2: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re itching for a new look in Guild Wars 2 (GW2)? Whether you’re tired of your current hairstyle, want a completely different vibe, or just feel like tweaking your character’s features, GW2 offers a robust and flexible system for appearance customization. You primarily change your appearance in Guild Wars 2 through the Hero Panel using the Wardrobe tab for applying acquired looks or using Total Makeover Kits and Self-Style Hair Kits for deeper, permanent alterations. Let’s dive into the details!
Understanding the Wardrobe System
The Wardrobe is your primary tool for visually customizing your character. It unlocks account-wide at level 6 and is accessed by pressing the [H] key to open the Hero Panel, then selecting Wardrobe on the left.
- Applying Skins: The Wardrobe allows you to apply unlocked equipment skins to your armor, weapons, gathering tools, and back items. Think of these skins as purely cosmetic overlays – they don’t affect your gear’s stats. You acquire these skins by equipping the item that has the skin you want to collect, or by consuming the item for its skin. These skins are then permanently added to your account-wide Wardrobe.
- Transmutation Charges: Applying a skin requires a Transmutation Charge. These are obtained through various in-game rewards like daily logins, map completion, and story progress. They’re relatively common, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Profession Restrictions: You can only view and customize skins for weapons and armor accessible to your character’s profession. A warrior, for example, won’t see the skins for a mesmer’s staff.
- Dyeing: Don’t forget about dyes! GW2 offers a vast array of colors that can be applied to your armor and outfits, letting you fine-tune the exact look you’re after. Note that weapons and trinkets generally cannot be dyed. Mounts, gliders and skiffs can also be dyed.
Total Makeover Kits and Self-Style Hair Kits: For Drastic Changes
The Wardrobe covers visual transmutation, but what if you want to fundamentally alter your character’s facial features, hair, or even gender? That’s where Total Makeover Kits and Self-Style Hair Kits come in. These are purchased from the Gem Store using Gems, which can be bought with real money or converted from in-game gold.
- Total Makeover Kit: This kit allows you to completely overhaul your character’s appearance. This includes:
- Face: Change your facial structure, complexion, and details.
- Hair: Select a new hairstyle and hair color.
- Features: Adjust options like eye color, tattoos, and adornments.
- Gender: Yes, you can even change your character’s gender with a Total Makeover Kit!
- Self-Style Hair Kit: This kit is less drastic, focusing solely on your character’s hairstyle and hair color. It’s a cheaper alternative if you’re happy with your character’s face but want a fresh new ‘do.
Using the Kits
Using either kit is straightforward:
- Purchase: Buy the kit from the Gem Store (accessed via the Black Lion Trading Company icon at the bottom of your screen).
- Consume: Double-click the kit in your inventory to consume it.
- Customization Screen: This will open a special character customization screen, very similar to the one you saw when you initially created your character. Here, you can experiment with different options until you find a look you love.
- Confirm: Once you’re satisfied, confirm your changes. The kit will be consumed, and your character’s appearance will be permanently updated.
Other Considerations
- Name Changes: If you want to change your character’s name, you’ll need to purchase a Name Change Contract from the Gem Store. This is a separate item from the makeover kits.
- Character Slots: Every purchased account starts with five character slots. Free-to-play accounts start with two character slots, and will receive extra slots if they purchase the game. You can also purchase additional slots through the Gem Store, up to a maximum of 69 slots per account.
FAQs: All Your GW2 Appearance Customization Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you master the art of character customization in Guild Wars 2:
How do I open the Wardrobe in Guild Wars 2?
Open the Hero Panel by pressing the [H] key (by default) and then select Wardrobe from the list on the left.
Can I preview skins before applying them in GW2?
Yes! In the Wardrobe, you can click on any unlocked skin to preview it on your character before using a Transmutation Charge.
How do I get more Transmutation Charges in GW2?
Transmutation Charges are earned through various in-game activities, including daily logins, map completion, personal story progression, and PvP/WvW rewards.
Can I dye my weapons in Guild Wars 2?
Generally, no. Weapons and trinkets cannot be dyed. Only armor, outfits, mounts, gliders and skiffs can be dyed.
Is it possible to change my race in Guild Wars 2?
No, you cannot change your character’s race after creation. If you want to play a different race, you’ll need to create a new character.
How much does a Total Makeover Kit cost in GW2?
The price can vary slightly, but Total Makeover Kits typically cost around 350 Gems in the Gem Store.
How much does a Self-Style Hair Kit cost in GW2?
Self-Style Hair Kits are usually priced around 200 Gems in the Gem Store.
Can I change my character’s class (profession) in GW2?
No, you cannot change your character’s class (profession) after creation. You must create a new character to play a different profession.
Does character size matter in Guild Wars 2 combat?
Not really. All races have the same size hitbox, regardless of appearance. However, some players find it easier to see combat animations on larger characters.
Can I transfer skins between accounts in Guild Wars 2?
No, skins unlocked in the Wardrobe are account-bound and cannot be transferred to other accounts.
Are there any non-binary characters in Guild Wars 2?
Yes, there are! One example is Zhou Yao, an engineer who uses they/them pronouns. Guild Wars 2 strives for diversity and inclusivity.
What happens if I delete a character that has unlocked skins in GW2?
The skins unlocked by that character will remain unlocked in your account-wide Wardrobe. You don’t lose them!
Can I revert back to my original appearance after using a Total Makeover Kit?
Yes, you can! The customization screen allows you to revert to your previous settings before confirming the changes. Also, you can always use another kit later to change back again.
Are there any free ways to change my appearance in Guild Wars 2?
Aside from the Wardrobe feature, which is readily available to all players, there are no “free” ways to fundamentally alter your character’s facial features or gender. You will need to spend gems on makeover kits for these changes.
Where can I learn more about game design and learning in games?
Explore the wealth of knowledge and resources available at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization is dedicated to understanding how games can be used for education and learning. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights into the intersection of games and education.
I hope this guide helps you create the perfect look for your GW2 character! Happy adventuring!