With the upcoming Guild Wars 2 expansion “Heart of Thorns” there will be a new element dedicated to character progression after level 80: the mastery system. We have summarized what exactly changes for veterans and how it is supposed to enhance your gameplay experience.
From level 80: XP for mastery paths
Once your character reaches level 80, the experience bar automatically transforms into the mastery bar. All XP gained from this point onward contributes to your current mastery path. If you are wondering: Yes, there will be no more skill points for “leveling after 80”; these will be obtainable through other endgame content.
How do I obtain mastery paths?
The various paths must first be unlocked with corresponding points. You can earn these points before level 80 (by fully uncovering some maps or solving jumping puzzles), but you can only spend them at max level. Depending on which path you wish to unlock, it costs a varying number of points. It is also important that all masteries apply to your entire account – this also applies to the required points.
So if your main character has already uncovered all maps, you don’t need to do this with a twink; the mastery points will only be credited once.
All well and good – what does the mastery system bring?
Depending on which path you have currently selected, there are new abilities available. With enough progress in the “Exploration Path,” you can summon a glider and soar through the air for a few seconds or save yourself from lethal fall damage. While the glider initially lasts only a few moments and can only be used for downward movement, it becomes better with increasing mastery levels and can (for some moments) be used like a real flying mount. This will grant access to new locations. If you invest in the “Story” path, you can learn the languages of new allies, unlock hidden locations in their areas, or learn some combat techniques from these friends.
Whether the system feels as good as it reads in theory remains to be seen. You can find the original announcement with more details (and often the word “mastery”) on the official website guildwars2.com.
