I stopped playing Guild Wars 2 about 8 years ago, right around Path of Fire release, and now I’m jumping back in with Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire already owned. I’m trying to decide which expansions or bundles to get next. End of Dragons is looking good because of its third elite specialization, and Janthir Wilds is interesting thanks to the new spear weapon. My friend started fresh without expansions and bought the Elder Dragon Saga Collection, but since I already have two expansions, that seems like a poor deal for me. I’d love some advice on which expansions give the best value and what to focus on next.
5 Answers
I’d definitely go with End of Dragons (EoD). It adds a lot: the final elite specializations, fishing, skiffs (boats), the Jade Bot for quality of life and stats, plus four huge new maps. The story is also plenty to sink your teeth into. The maps and many activities really offer more content and value than other recent expansions like SotO or Janthir Wilds (JW).
If you’re into the story and want to keep things chronological, I suggest grabbing the Living World Seasons first, especially Seasons 3 and 4. Season 3 has some cool maps and makes getting ascended trinkets easier, plus a quest to get a legendary accessory. Season 4 is often praised for its storytelling, finishing up plot threads from PoF, and introduces mounts and another legendary accessory. Season 5 (Icebrood Saga) adds strikes and nice gold-making methods. These seasons are important story-wise and offer unique rewards. Also, Season 1 is free, so be sure to check that out!
Honestly, unless you’re really itching for features from SotO or JW (like homesteads or spears), the best bang for your buck is End of Dragons right now. It’s a big expansion with tons of content and story, plus the new elite specs. The others are smaller and more niche—SotO is good for easier open-world legendary gear and alternative skyscale unlocking, JW has spear weapons and personal housing, but the story isn’t finished. Plus, wait for sales to pick up the smaller expansions after you finish EoD stuff.
If you’re after legendaries, SotO has some open-world legendary armor sets that don’t require raids, focusing on open PvE stuff. JW meanwhile only has the legendary spear so far, but they’re adding more in updates. SotO is more casual-friendly for legendaries, whereas JW’s legendary gear is still pretty limited. Also, Janthir Wilds’ Warclaw mount is really fun and replaces some older mounts for general use. If mounts and legendaries are your thing, take that into consideration.
If your focus is on new build options, Path of Fire’s expansions like SotO offer something unique with weaponmaster training, allowing you to use elite specialization weapons across all specs. It also includes open-world legendary armor and some cool weapon unlocks, which JW doesn’t have much of, mostly just the spear. SotO also has two strike missions, while JW adds one raid and personal housing. Janthir Wilds has the spear and homesteads, but since the full story isn’t out yet, it might be worth waiting. Depending on what gameplay you want—raids, decorating, or builds—this helps decide.
So SotO is better if I want more flexible weapon options and open-world legendaries? That’s helpful, thanks!
Good to hear that the content is substantial! I was worried the other expansions might feel smaller or less engaging.