What Do You Get From Salvaging Ascended Weapons in Guild Wars 2?
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So, you’ve finally reached the point in Guild Wars 2 where you’re wielding an ascended weapon. Congratulations! But what happens when you outgrow it, need the stat swap, or simply want to move on to something new? Salvaging is the name of the game. When you salvage an ascended weapon, you’re guaranteed to get Essence of Luck, an Ascended Shard of Glory and one or more Dark Energy, as well as a chance at infusions and sigils. Ascended weapons will also provide Stabilizing Matrices, which can be useful for crafting legendary gear. Let’s dive deep into the specifics of salvaging ascended weapons, addressing all the burning questions you might have.
Understanding Ascended Salvage
The Importance of Ascended Salvage Tools
The key to salvaging ascended gear effectively is using the right tool. You’ll need either an Ascended Salvage Tool or an Ascended Salvage Kit. Using a lower-tier salvage kit will simply destroy the item without yielding the precious materials contained within.
What Determines the Salvage Outcome?
While you’re always guaranteed some core components, other factors can influence the exact returns from salvaging an ascended weapon. One thing to note is that you won’t get more materials for a more expensive item. You will need to invest in the item’s extraction or conversion separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Salvaging Ascended Weapons
1. Is an Ascended Salvage Tool worth it?
Generally, yes. Ascended Salvage Tools are essential if you regularly salvage ascended gear. While they can be a bit pricey initially, the guaranteed return of valuable materials like Dark Energy and Stabilizing Matrices makes them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
2. Where can I obtain Ascended Salvage Tools?
You can acquire Ascended Salvage Tools through various means:
- Mystic Forge: Combining Mystic Forge Stones with other materials.
- Fractals of the Mists: Occasionally dropped as rewards.
- Trading Post: Purchased from other players.
3. What is Dark Energy used for?
Dark Energy is a crucial component in crafting many ascended and legendary items. It’s primarily used in recipes for ascended weapons, armor, and precursors for legendary weapons.
4. What are Stabilizing Matrices and why are they important?
Stabilizing Matrices are another valuable salvage product, predominantly used in crafting legendary armor. As legendary armor is highly sought after due to its stat-swapping and cosmetic benefits, Stabilizing Matrices are a vital currency for endgame crafting.
5. Can I get back the infusions I put into my Ascended Weapon?
Yes, when you salvage an ascended weapon, you have a chance to recover any infusions slotted into it. However, it’s not guaranteed. Consider using an Infusion Extraction Device from the Gem Store for a guaranteed extraction.
6. What happens if I use a regular salvage kit on an Ascended Weapon?
Using a regular (non-ascended) salvage kit on an ascended weapon will destroy the item and yield no valuable materials. Always use an Ascended Salvage Tool or Ascended Salvage Kit.
7. How much does it cost to craft Ascended Gear?
Crafting ascended gear can be quite expensive, generally ranging from 200 to 400 gold per piece, including time-gated materials. The final cost will depend on current market prices and your crafting efficiency.
8. Are Ascended Weapons significantly better than Exotic Weapons?
Ascended weapons offer approximately a 5% increase in stats over exotic weapons. While this might seem minimal, the additional infusion slot and the higher weapon strength contribute to a noticeable increase in damage output, especially for power-based builds.
9. How much difference does ascended gear make in Guild Wars 2?
A full set of ascended gear provides about a 12.5% damage increase compared to exotic gear. This, coupled with the benefits of infusions, can lead to an overall DPS increase of around 10% in benchmark tests.
10. Is ascended gear the best gear in Guild Wars 2?
Ascended gear is considered Best-in-Slot (BiS) in Guild Wars 2 for its optimal attributes. Legendary gear shares the same stats as ascended gear but offers added convenience, such as stat-swapping on the fly.
11. What’s the difference between Ascended and Legendary gear?
The primary difference lies in the convenience and aesthetics. Legendary gear allows for stat-swapping outside of combat and comes with unique visual effects. Ascended gear provides the same stat benefits but lacks these additional features.
12. What is the highest level of Agony Resistance (AR) needed in Guild Wars 2?
The maximum amount of agony resistance required for Fractals of the Mists at scale 100 is 150 AR.
13. Which classes are the highest DPS in Guild Wars 2?
As of the latest updates, the highest DPS classes in Guild Wars 2 often include Thief, Ranger, and Revenant. However, class balance is frequently adjusted, so stay updated with community benchmarks.
14. Is it better to craft or buy Ascended Weapons?
This depends on your resources and patience. Crafting can be cheaper if you have the materials and time, but buying directly from the Trading Post offers immediate access. Evaluate market prices and your crafting proficiency to decide.
15. What is the best way to make gold in Guild Wars 2 to afford Ascended Gear?
There are numerous ways to make gold in Guild Wars 2, including participating in world events, farming specific materials, trading on the Trading Post, and completing daily tasks. Diversifying your income streams is often the most efficient approach.
Final Thoughts
Salvaging ascended weapons in Guild Wars 2 is a vital part of endgame progression. Understanding the process, using the correct tools, and knowing what materials you can obtain will greatly aid you in your crafting endeavors. Whether you’re aiming for a full set of ascended armor or a shiny new legendary, mastering the art of ascended salvage is a must. Remember to learn more about the application of gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Salvaging ascended weapons offers valuable rewards and contributes to the overall depth and longevity of the Guild Wars 2 experience.