How to Get a Permanent Mount in Guild Wars 2: A Comprehensive Guide
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Acquiring a permanent mount in Guild Wars 2 (GW2) fundamentally boils down to owning the correct expansions or content packs and completing specific in-game requirements. The methods vary depending on the desired mount. The Raptor, Springer, Skimmer, and Jackal are unlocked through the Path of Fire expansion, the Roller Beetle via the Living World Season 4 episode “Forearmed is Forewarned,” the Griffon after completing the Path of Fire story and purchasing specific items with gold, and the Skyscale via the Living World Season 4 episodes and a series of collections. Finally, with the latest expansion, Secrets of the Obscure, you can unlock the Skyscale as well by completing a specific Mastery track.
Unlocking Mounts: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Path of Fire Mounts: The Core Four
The Path of Fire expansion introduces the foundational mount system. Each mount provides unique traversal abilities and enhances exploration. To access these mounts, you need to own the Path of Fire expansion.
- Raptor: The first mount you’ll acquire. Simply start the Path of Fire storyline. This mount excels at covering ground quickly and traversing moderate inclines.
- Springer: This mount allows you to jump to great heights. To unlock it, you will need to progress in the Desert Highlands map and complete the heart quest near Stablemaster Unja. You’ll then need 50 Trade Contracts and 1 gold to purchase the Springer permit from her. Before you can reach her, you must have unlocked the third Raptor Mastery called Canyon Jumping.
- Skimmer: Essential for traversing bodies of water and quicksand. In the Elon Riverlands map, complete the heart quest near Skimmer Trainer Ardra. Purchase the Skimmer permit from her for 50 Trade Contracts and 1 gold.
- Jackal: Allows you to teleport through sand portals and navigate treacherous terrain. In the Desolation map, complete the heart quest near Drojkor, Spirit Squall. Buy the Jackal permit from him for 200 Trade Contracts and 20 gold. Obtaining a Skimmer and Springer first helps immensely in reaching Drojkor.
Living World Season 4 Mounts: Roller Beetle and Skyscale
The Roller Beetle and Skyscale require owning specific episodes from Living World Season 4.
- Roller Beetle: Play through the story instance “Forearmed is Forewarned” within the Domain of Kourna map. This unlocks the “High Roller” achievement and initiates the Roller Beetle collection. Completing the collection requires various tasks and materials gathered throughout the game.
- Skyscale: This requires owning all episodes of Living World Season 4. The process involves a lengthy collection, requiring interaction with various maps, currencies, and activities. You need to complete Episode 6 War Eternal chapter 5: Descent.
The Elusive Griffon
The Griffon is unique. It requires completing the Path of Fire storyline. Once finished, various items, including items from all of the Path of Fire maps, must be purchased with a total of 250 gold.
Secrets of the Obscure: Skyscale Unlock
In the latest expansion, Secrets of the Obscure, players can obtain the Skyscale through a new method. This involves completing the “Rising Spirits” Mastery track. The final Mastery in this track, “A New Friend“, rewards you with the Skyscale upon completion. This method requires 25 Mastery Points. Return to Dyanne at the Beacon of Ages once you have obtained the final mastery.
Mastering the Mount System
Once you’ve unlocked a mount, it’s crucial to invest in its masteries. Masteries enhance the mount’s abilities, such as increased speed, new skills, and improved stamina. These masteries are unlocked through experience earned while riding the mount and spending Mastery Points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you get a mount in GW2 without an expansion?
No. Mounts were introduced with the Path of Fire expansion. Core accounts can experience a 10-hour trial of the basic Raptor mount upon reaching level 10, but a permanent mount requires owning the Path of Fire or Secrets of the Obscure expansion.
2. How long does it take to unlock the Skyscale in GW2?
Unlocking the Skyscale through the Living World Season 4 method takes a considerable amount of time, often spanning multiple days. This is due to time-gated collection steps. The total minimum time needed to unlock the mount is 3 days plus 8 hours. Unlocking the Skyscale using the Secrets of the Obscure method depends on how quickly you can earn Mastery Points and progress through the required content.
3. Is the Griffon faster than the Skyscale?
The Griffon boasts a higher top speed, particularly when diving from a great height. The Skyscale, however, offers greater maneuverability and the ability to gain altitude, making it more versatile.
4. What is the easiest mount to unlock in GW2?
The Raptor is the easiest mount to unlock, requiring only that you start the Path of Fire story.
5. How much gold does it cost to unlock the Griffon in GW2?
Unlocking the Griffon requires purchasing several items from vendors after completing the Path of Fire story, totaling 250 gold.
6. Which mount is the best overall in GW2?
The “best” mount is subjective and depends on the situation. The Skyscale is generally considered the most versatile due to its ability to fly and its unique abilities. However, the Raptor is excellent for covering ground quickly, the Springer for reaching high places, and the Skimmer for traversing water and quicksand. The Griffon is the fastest for long-distance travel from high altitudes.
7. Do you have to buy each expansion for Guild Wars 2?
No, but buying the expansions unlock a wealth of additional content. Guild Wars 2 does not require a monthly subscription.
8. How do I get Trade Contracts for Springer and Jackal?
Trade Contracts are earned by completing heart quests in the Path of Fire maps. The specific hearts needed for each mount are located near the respective mount vendors.
9. What is the level cap in Guild Wars 2?
The level cap in Guild Wars 2 is 80.
10. Can mounts fly in Guild Wars 2?
The Griffon and Skyscale are the only mounts that can fly. The Griffon can only maintain altitude if it starts from a high point, while the Skyscale can gain altitude.
11. Which is faster, the Raptor or the Jackal?
On flat terrain, the Raptor and Jackal have similar speeds, with the Jackal being slightly slower. However, the Jackal’s teleport ability can make it faster in specific situations, while the Raptor can be quicker over rough terrain.
12. What is the best pet for a Ranger in Guild Wars 2?
The “best” pet depends on the Ranger’s build and playstyle. The Jacaranda is a popular choice for its support capabilities. The Jungle Stalker is a good damage option, while the Fern Hound and Moas provide healing and support. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers further resources on character build optimization, which can help you decide on the best pet based on build and play style.
13. How do I unlock the Roller Beetle in GW2?
Unlocking the Roller Beetle requires owning the Living World Season 4 episode “Forearmed is Forewarned” and completing the story instance within the Domain of Kourna. This unlocks the “High Roller” achievement and initiates the Roller Beetle collection.
14. What are the Skyscale’s special abilities?
The Skyscale can fly, use updrafts (with masteries), and launch an aerial flame attack. A Games Learning Society member might appreciate that the Skyscale teaches about resource management and aerial strategy.
15. What are Masteries and how do they affect my mounts?
Masteries are special skills and abilities that enhance your character and mounts. You unlock mount masteries by gaining experience while riding the mount and spending Mastery Points. These masteries can improve speed, stamina, and introduce new abilities, making your mounts even more valuable for exploration and traversal.
Acquiring and mastering mounts significantly enhances the Guild Wars 2 experience, providing new ways to explore the world and engage with its content. So, saddle up and embark on your journey to become a true master of Tyria!