Guild Wars 2: Finding the Best Overall Mount
Determining the best overall mount in Guild Wars 2 isn’t a simple matter of speed or aesthetics. It requires considering a mount’s versatility, accessibility, and how well it fits a player’s diverse needs across Tyria. While specific situations might favor one mount over another, the Skyscale consistently proves to be the most versatile and thus, arguably the best overall mount for most players. The Skyscale’s ability to hover, climb, and travel both horizontally and vertically with relative ease, coupled with its capacity for exploration and platforming, makes it an invaluable asset in a variety of scenarios, overshadowing all others.
The Case for the Skyscale as the Best Overall Mount
The Skyscale isn’t just a mount; it’s a game changer. Here’s why it takes the top spot:
- Unparalleled Vertical Mobility: Unlike the Griffon, which relies on momentum and diving, the Skyscale can ascend and descend with a controlled hover. This allows for unparalleled access to vertical areas, making exploration significantly easier and more rewarding. It essentially eliminates many barriers previously created by cliffs and mountains.
- Hover Capability: The Skyscale’s hover ability is crucial for precise platforming and navigating complex environments. It’s not just about climbing; it’s about the control you have over your movement in the air.
- Versatile Traversal: It handles well both in open areas and intricate maps. The ability to hover and make minor adjustments in mid-air is invaluable when traversing through tight spaces and challenging terrains.
- Exploration Tool: The Skyscale significantly enhances exploration. Hidden areas, vista points, and challenging jumps become far more accessible, opening up the world in new and exciting ways.
- Long-Term Investment: While more challenging to unlock initially, the Skyscale offers a significant return on that investment due to its versatility, making it a long-term asset to your account.
- Engaging Mastery System: Unlocking and mastering the Skyscale requires engaging with the game’s systems, providing more replayability and satisfaction.
While the Griffon boasts incredible diving speed and the Raptor is the first mount most players obtain, the Skyscale provides a blend of mobility and utility that is unmatched by any other mount. Other mounts like the Roller Beetle may provide a speed boost on flat land, and the Warclaw serves a role in WvW, but none offer such a versatile overall solution as the Skyscale.
Other Mounts: Strengths and Weaknesses
Here’s a brief look at other mounts and where they stand in relation to the Skyscale:
- Griffon: The fastest mount when diving from high points. The Griffon’s speed is undeniably impressive, but its reliance on vertical drops limits its utility in certain situations. It requires more mastery to be fully effective and its maneuverability isn’t as forgiving as the Skyscale’s.
- Raptor: Easiest mount to unlock and excellent for horizontal travel across flat terrain. It’s a great starter mount, but it’s hampered by its limited mobility in complex environments.
- Springer: The high-jumping mount, great for navigating cliffs and vertical obstacles. The Springer is less efficient for covering long distances, and its jumps don’t quite compare to the Skyscale’s capabilities.
- Skimmer: Fantastic for traversing water and certain other hazardous environments. It is still a useful mount, particularly in certain areas, but not as versatile.
- Roller Beetle: Fastest on flat surfaces but requires a straight line and is more awkward to control. It’s not useful in all situations and is better suited for races and some open world events.
- Jackal: Good for teleporting short distances and navigating sandy areas. Very situational and less of a necessity for open-world gameplay.
- Warclaw: Primarily used in World vs World combat, lacking general exploration benefits. Its use is limited to WvW.
- Skiff: Water vehicle, offering a unique way to navigate the seas and fish but is less useful in general exploration.
The Siege Turtle, a more recent mount, provides a unique multiplayer experience but is not designed for individual exploration or mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the fastest mount in Guild Wars 2?
The diving Griffon is the fastest mount in GW2 when taking advantage of momentum from a high starting point. However, this speed is situational and relies heavily on the terrain.
2. Can the Griffon fly upwards in GW2?
The Griffon cannot fly upwards on its own. It gains altitude by building momentum through dives, essentially gliding upwards once it has enough speed.
3. How do I unlock the Skyscale in GW2?
You need all episodes of Living World Season 4 to unlock the Skyscale. You will then unlock a Flight Training Mastery Line and train to gain the collection.
4. Is the Griffon easier to obtain than the Skyscale?
Yes, the Griffon is significantly easier to unlock. It primarily requires gold and completion of the Path of Fire story line, whereas the Skyscale demands more time and effort with multiple collections.
5. Can I get the Skyscale without owning the Living World Episodes?
No, you must own all Living World Season 4 episodes to unlock the Skyscale.
6. Which mount is best for beginners in GW2?
The Raptor is the best mount for beginners due to its easy unlocking process after finishing the intro Path of Fire story mission.
7. What are the easiest mounts to unlock in GW2?
The Raptor is the easiest mount to unlock, directly available by simply playing the Path of Fire storyline past the first mission, Sparking the Flame, and hitting level 10.
8. Does the Skyscale use Endurance or a separate resource for flight?
The Skyscale uses a green flight meter above your endurance bar for flying. Ascending uses a portion of this meter, while descending replenishes it.
9. How much gold do I need to get the Griffon?
You need 250 gold to unlock the Griffon, in addition to completing the Path of Fire storyline.
10. Can you get a mount in GW2 without buying an expansion?
No, mounts were introduced in the second expansion, Path of Fire. You need to purchase this expansion (or a later one) to access mounts.
11. What is the maximum agony resistance (AR) needed for Fractals?
The maximum AR needed for Fractals of the Mists at scale 100 is 150.
12. What is the strongest healing class in Guild Wars 2?
The Ranger – Druid is considered one of the strongest healing subclasses in GW2, with powerful group-wide healing and support. Other notable healers are the Engineer – Mechanist and Guardian – Firebrand.
13. What is considered the easiest Legendary item in Guild Wars 2 to obtain?
The Amulet is extremely easy in PvE as it is achieved through playing story content and metas, it is just a very long process taking weeks or even months.
14. Is the Skyscale able to hover indefinitely?
Yes, unlike other mounts, the Skyscale can hover indefinitely and freely move both upwards and downwards.
15. What is the best class for beginners in Guild Wars 2?
The Warrior, Guardian, and Ranger are often recommended for beginners due to their straightforward mechanics and ease of use.
Conclusion
While other mounts offer niche benefits, the Skyscale’s versatility, mobility, and exploration capabilities make it the best overall mount in Guild Wars 2. Its ability to access almost any part of the map, combined with precise maneuvering, makes it an invaluable asset for both new and veteran players alike. The initial challenge in obtaining it is well worth the long-term advantages it brings to your gameplay experience. If you’re looking for a mount that will truly elevate your exploration, platforming, and general movement across the world of Tyria, the Skyscale is undoubtedly the best choice.