Should You Boost in Guild Wars 2?
Boosting is a mechanic in Guild Wars 2 that allows players to immediately level their character to the maximum level of 80, and grants them a package of endgame rewards. Whether or not to boost your character is a crucial decision, and in this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
What Does Boosting Do?
Booting immediately raises a character to level 80, equips them with the gear they need for maximum-level play, and grants them a package of endgame rewards. These rewards include things like currency, crafting recipes, and skill points.
When to Use Level-80 Boost
If you’re an experienced player, using a boost on a level-80 character will deliver a package of rewards that you might not have access to otherwise. However, note that there is no trial period for existing level-80 characters, so if you use a boost on an 80-character, the item will be permanently consumed.
What to Do When You Hit 80
Once you hit 80, there are plenty of things to do in Guild Wars 2. Here are a few things you might want to consider:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Continue Your Personal Story | Continue to advance through the story quests and see what other narrative arcs await you. |
| Master the Arts | Jump into End of Dragons and unlock your core gliding and mount masteries, then start your fractal progression grind. |
| PVE Content | Start playing with other players, trying out raids, dungeons, and other PVE activities. |
| Trading Post | Start crafting and trading with other players on the trading post, earning in-game currency and goods. |
Gear Up
One of the first goals of a level 80 character should be to get a full set of gear of the desired attribute combination, together with runes and sigils. Gear of Exotic quality is often easy and inexpensive to obtain through the trading post, and is enough to welcome players into the endgame.
Booster Stacking
Boosters persist on a character for their full duration, regardless of whether you get knocked down, defeated, or travel to another map. Any remaining time on booster effects remains on log-out or character changing. You can stack boosters of different types and activate all their effects.
Do Boosters Expire?
Yes, boosters do expire, but the duration is dependant on the type of booster. The stack cap for boosters is 7 days, at which point the booster will wear off.
Why Should You Boost?
You should boost in Guild Wars 2 if you’re:
- New to the game and want to hit the ground running with an instant 80-character and all the rewards that come with it.
- Playing on a character with poor starting stats or lack of endgame gear.
- Want to try out PVE or WvW combat with an already-maximized character.
Why You Shouldn’t Boost?
You might not want to boost if you:
- Want to explore the world and discover its hidden secrets without the constraints of an already-maximized character.
- Are interested in trying out different builds, classes, or playstyles.
- Are short on funds and don’t have the resources to afford boosting.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not to boost in Guild Wars 2 depends on your goals, playstyle, and personal preferences. If you want to dive head-first into the endgame, or are short on time to grind through the leveling process, boosting might be a good option for you. However, if you want to take your time and explore the world, experiment with different builds, or play on a budget, it might be worth avoiding the boost for now.