Where to Find and Acquire Weapon Skins in Guild Wars 2
Acquiring visually stunning weapon skins is a significant part of the Guild Wars 2 (GW2) experience, allowing players to personalize their characters and stand out in the vibrant world of Tyria. These cosmetic customizations add a layer of depth and enjoyment to the game. But where exactly do you get these coveted weapon skins? The answer is multifaceted, with numerous avenues available to players. You can obtain them through unlocking Weapon Mods, opening Cargo Crates, crafting Matrix Cores, purchasing Cosmetics DLCs, earning them through the Performance Pass, linking your Guild Wars 1 account, or through various in-game events. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Diverse Methods for Obtaining Weapon Skins
Weapon Mod Unlocks
One of the ways to acquire weapon skins is through Weapon Mod unlocks. As you progress through the game and unlock various upgrades for your character, you reach thresholds that may reward you with new skin options. This makes gameplay progression inherently tied to cosmetic enhancements. The more you play and achieve, the more skins become available.
Cargo Crates
Cargo Crates are another source for weapon skins. These crates, obtainable through various means such as in-game rewards or purchases, randomly contain a selection of items, including cosmetic skins. Opening them is akin to a loot box system where you never know what you’ll get but can be lucky enough to snag a rare or desired skin.
Matrix Cores
Crafting Matrix Cores is an exciting way to earn weapon skins. These cores require a combination of crafting skills and in-game resources. This method offers a more hands-on approach to earning skins, making it a rewarding option for players invested in the game’s crafting system.
Cosmetics DLCs
Purchasing Cosmetics DLCs from the in-game Gem Store is a straightforward route to add weapon skins to your collection. These DLCs usually feature themed collections, allowing players to acquire a matching set of customizations for their favorite characters. This option provides instant gratification and access to carefully curated skins.
Performance Pass
The Performance Pass system also provides weapon skins. By leveling up the pass through gameplay and completing challenges, you unlock various rewards, which can include weapon skins, often themed around the season or content update. This is a way for consistent players to earn exclusive cosmetic items.
Guild Wars 1 Hall of Monuments
If you were a dedicated player of the original Guild Wars, you might be in luck. By linking your Guild Wars 1 account to your Guild Wars 2 account, you can unlock unique weapon skins, but only if you completed the Hall of Monuments achievements in Guild Wars 1. Achieving 30 achievement points in the Hall of Monuments unlocks one skin for each weapon type, excluding underwater weapons, granting veteran players recognition for their prior dedication to the franchise.
Seasonal and Special Events
Guild Wars 2 is known for its various in-game events, each offering unique cosmetic rewards. Seasonal and special events often feature exclusive weapon skins as prizes or purchasable items through event-specific vendors. Participating in these events is a great way to acquire limited-time skins.
How to View and Apply Weapon Skins
The Wardrobe Tab
The Wardrobe tab in the Hero panel is your primary interface for managing weapon skins. This tab allows you to view all unlocked skins for each weapon type accessible to your character’s profession. It’s also the place to apply the chosen skins to your equipped gear.
Wardrobe Storage in the Account Vault
Beyond the basic wardrobe, all equipment skins in the game, both locked and unlocked, except for the hidden ones, are viewable in the Wardrobe Storage within your Account vault. This feature ensures that you can browse the vast collection of available skins, even those you haven’t yet obtained.
Previewing and Applying Skins
The Wardrobe tab not only allows you to apply skins, but it also enables you to preview multiple skin changes at the same time. This lets you experiment with various looks before making a final choice. Additionally, you can even apply dyes to the previewed skins through the Dyes tab, allowing for further customization. Once you are satisfied, you can apply the skin using a transmutation charge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Weapon Skins in Guild Wars 2
1. How do I change weapon skins in GW2?
To change your weapon skins, access the Hero Panel (H), go to the Wardrobe tab, select the weapon you want to customize, and choose your desired skin. Then, click apply to finalize the change. You can also preview dye options before finalizing your choice.
2. What are transmutation charges and how do they work with skins?
Transmutation charges are consumable items required to apply a weapon or armor skin to an item. Each skin application typically consumes one charge. Special skins might be free to apply, but usually, transmutation charges are essential for customizing your equipment’s look.
3. Are seasonal weapon skins universal?
Seasonal weapon skins, released with new expansions or seasons, can be applied to any weapon released before or during that specific expansion. This makes them a versatile option for customizing your gear throughout your journey in Guild Wars 2.
4. How much do weapon skins cost in GW2?
Most standard skins cost one transmutation charge to apply. However, certain rare or special skins are free to apply. The cost is the transmutation charge, not the skin itself as they are unlocked through gameplay or purchase, not for immediate sale.
5. How do I get exotic weapons in GW2, and can I get exotic skins?
Exotic weapons can be crafted by level 400 or higher Artificers, Huntsmen, or Weaponsmiths. You can apply any exotic weapon skins you’ve unlocked to exotic weapons using the Wardrobe system. The skins and the weapon tier are separate unlocks.
6. What are “hidden skins” and can I view them?
Hidden skins are a small number of skins that cannot be seen in the Wardrobe tab until they are unlocked. These are typically rewards from very difficult achievements or special events and are designed to be a surprise for players.
7. Can I customize the look of my weapons and armor further?
Yes, in addition to weapon skins, you can further customize your appearance using dyes. The Dyes tab in the Hero panel allows you to preview and apply dyes to your armor and weapon skins, offering limitless combinations.
8. What are the hidden stashes in GW2, and do they contain weapon skins?
Hidden Stashes are chests found within the Troll’s Revenge jumping puzzle, and are required to open Rolan’s Chest at the end. These chests do not typically contain weapon skins directly, but they might have items or crafting materials that can be used to acquire them.
9. What are “junk items” and how do they relate to weapon skins?
Junk items are identified by their grey text in the item’s tooltip and serve no purpose besides being sold to vendors. They have no direct connection to obtaining weapon skins.
10. Is there a way to preview weapon skins I don’t own?
Yes, the Wardrobe Storage in your Account vault displays all available skins, both unlocked and locked, allowing you to preview skins you do not own. However, you must still obtain the skin to apply it to your weapon.
11. What is the significance of “linking” my Guild Wars 1 account?
Linking your Guild Wars 1 account to your Guild Wars 2 account rewards you with unique weapon skins, provided you achieved enough progress in the Hall of Monuments in GW1. It’s a way to reward veteran players with unique cosmetic items.
12. Can I “reset” my skin choices?
Yes, the Wardrobe tab has a “Reset” button that will remove all skin previews on your character. It’s important to note that any changes you’ve finalized with transmutation charges are permanent unless overwritten.
13. Where do I find and buy outfits and do they have weapon skins?
Outfits are primarily found and purchased from the in-game Gem Store, usually for 700 gems. Outfits change your character’s appearance but do not include weapon skins. Weapon skins are handled separately through the Wardrobe.
14. Where do I get “bladed armor” and does it include weapon skins?
Bladed armor pieces can be acquired through the Heart of Maguuma Reward Track in PvP and WvW. These armor pieces do not include weapon skins, as they are separate cosmetic items.
15. What are the yellow numbers on player nameplates in GW2?
The yellow numbers on player nameplates denote the number of unlocked Masteries, as opposed to their character level (which is displayed in green). These numbers do not relate to weapon skins.
By understanding these varied methods and taking advantage of the in-game systems, you can build a fantastic collection of weapon skins and customize your characters to reflect your personal style in the vibrant world of Guild Wars 2. Happy hunting, and may your Transmutation Charges always be plentiful!