ArenaNet is implementing comprehensive changes to underwater combat in Guild Wars 2. Fighting in water is intended to become more enjoyable and faster. Additionally, there are new rewards and a title. Fans are already speculating about an underwater raid.
What was the previous system like? The combat in the 3D environment was significantly slower than on land. According to ArenaNet, this was meant to feel realistic. In practice, most skills provided no feedback, dealt little damage, and led to long fights without any tension. This is the community’s view.
What will be changed? ArenaNet aims to align underwater combat with land combat. While the character will still be slower in water than on land, they should be able to defeat enemies underwater in the same time as on land. Some abilities will be adjusted to achieve this. For instance, the “Tidal Wave” of the Elementalist will receive a significant speed boost, and the damage will scale with the distance covered.
New rewards: Title and increased swimming speed
New rewards are meant to motivate players to spend more time in the water. Diving Master Astora from Lions Arch, south of the waypoint “Sanctum Harbor,” is assisting with this. She explains the reward system and gives the player the first key.
What is the key for? Chests are hidden underwater all around the world. The key can be used to open these.
How can you get more keys? A daily quest requires the player to defeat 10 Krait. As a reward, a key awaits. It is not yet known whether keys can be looted directly from the Krait.
Where are the chests? The location of the chests can be seen in the achievements. Under the categories “General” and “Sunken Treasure Hunter,” the maps are listed. Dulfy.net has already listed the exact locations.
What rewards are there? Mainly swimming speed infusions, which increase movement speed in water. These can then be upgraded with the Diving Master. Additionally, there are some green items and a title when all chests have been opened.
How is the community reacting? They mainly speculate about what this could mean for the future. The raid scene suspects a new underwater raid. Others believe that the next expansion will be about the largely unknown deep sea Elder Dragon. The changes themselves are being received positively, as there is excitement about content for underwater areas.
Improving underwater combat was just one of several wishes from the community for Guild Wars 2. There are still these 5 features that Guild Wars 2 needs after Path of Fire.
