GW2 Season 3 Currency Guide: Farming, Uses, And Best Strategies
Hey guys! So, you're diving into Guild Wars 2 Living World Season 3, huh? Awesome choice! It's packed with amazing stories, beautiful maps, and some seriously cool rewards. But before you can get your hands on all the goodies, you'll need to wrap your head around the currency system. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it seems! This guide will break down everything you need to know about GW2 Season 3 currency, including how to get it, what to spend it on, and the best strategies for maximizing your gains. Get ready to become a currency-collecting pro!
Understanding the Basics of GW2 Season 3 Currency
Alright, let's start with the basics. Season 3 introduced a handful of new currencies tied to specific episodes and maps. These aren't just random shiny things; they're the keys to unlocking a whole world of content, from unique armor and weapons to powerful consumables and account-bound upgrades. Understanding what each currency is used for and how to obtain it is the first step toward conquering Season 3. The main currencies you'll encounter are often tied directly to the episode you're playing. For instance, you'll find currencies like Pristine Fractal Relics, Volatile Magic, and specific episode-based currencies like Mistborn Keys or Blood Rubies. Each of these serves a purpose. Some are used for crafting specific items, others for purchasing key upgrades, and some for accessing new content within the episode. It's important to remember that these currencies are typically account-bound, meaning they can be shared among your characters on the same account. However, you still need to collect it individually. To truly master the system, you must learn where each currency comes from, and what it can be exchanged for. This knowledge is what will separate you from the casual players.
Remember, the best way to farm these currencies often involves a combination of activities. This could include completing story instances, participating in map events, doing daily achievements, or even opening specific containers. Experimentation is key! You might find that one method suits your playstyle better than another. A well-rounded approach will give you the best return for your time. Prioritizing your goals is important too! You may not want every single item, so focus your currency farming on the things you truly desire. Maybe you want that shiny new weapon skin, or maybe you're after a specific stat combination on your gear. Whatever it is, focus your energy there. Don't worry about trying to collect everything at once; it's a marathon, not a sprint. Also, be sure to always check the trading post. You might be able to buy some of the currencies you need, or even sell off some extras for a nice profit. But do your research first, as prices fluctuate wildly depending on supply and demand. Knowing which currencies are used for account-bound items is also helpful. Since these items are tied to your account, you can transfer them between characters. This means you only need to farm them once, making your overall progress much more efficient.
Detailed Look at the Key Currencies of Season 3
Now, let's dive into some of the most important currencies you'll encounter during Season 3. Understanding their sources and uses is crucial for your success. Remember, each currency is linked to a specific map or episode and will be used to unlock content within that same episode. Let's break down each currency type, so you will be well prepared when you venture into the various zones and the content they offer. Also, note that the currency amounts can vary widely based on your activities. Some repeatable events provide a pittance, while others offer a substantial amount. Therefore, you must carefully choose which content to pursue to optimize the currencies earned.
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Pristine Fractal Relics: These little gems are earned by completing daily fractal challenges in the Fractals of the Mists. You get them from the daily fractal chests, and they're used to purchase ascended gear and infusions. These are an important currency to acquire, because they play a vital role in gearing up your character. The fractal currency is used to buy specific ascended gear and infusions to outfit your character. The higher the fractal level, the better the rewards, so don't be afraid to push your limits. You can also get them from certain vendors, but the most consistent source will always be the daily fractal runs.
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Volatile Magic: This one is a bit more versatile. You mainly earn Volatile Magic through various activities in the Season 3 maps, such as completing events, opening chests, and harvesting nodes. This currency is incredibly useful for trading. You can use this to buy various items from vendors across the Living World maps. You also use Volatile Magic to buy special mounts. They are also used in crafting specific items. Some items can even be sold on the trading post for profit, depending on market conditions. It’s a great way to generate wealth while playing the game, and therefore, it should be a currency you are always actively working towards.
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Episode-Specific Currencies: Each episode of Season 3 introduces its own unique currency, directly tied to the specific map and storyline. For example: In the episode “A Crack in the Ice”, you’ll get Blood Rubies, used to purchase gear, and in the episode “Rising Skies”, you’ll get Mistborn Keys. These currencies are used to purchase unique rewards, such as armor pieces, weapons, and even cosmetic items specific to that episode's theme. Farming these currencies typically involves completing events within the episode's maps. These events could be group content or solo instances. The episode-specific currencies allow you to get the themed rewards the episode offers. These give the player a sense of achievement and a unique look to show off.
Remember to check the vendors in each episode's map, because they will allow you to convert these currencies into powerful rewards. Also, keep an eye out for special events. These events can provide a boost to your currency gains. Don’t neglect the story instances either, since they can often offer bonus rewards and additional currency drops. With a little focus and effort, you'll be swimming in currency in no time.
Farming Strategies and Tips for Maximizing Currency Gains
Alright, let's get down to the good stuff: how to actually get your hands on all this currency. The most efficient farming strategies vary depending on the currency you're after and your preferred playstyle. The key is to find a method that you enjoy and that fits into your schedule. If you find the grinding tedious, you'll quickly burn out. Here are a few proven strategies and some valuable tips to help you maximize your gains and avoid burnout. Remember, consistency is key.
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Daily Achievements: Always, always, always complete your daily achievements. They often reward you with a variety of currencies, along with experience and other valuable items. It's a low-effort, high-reward way to get a consistent stream of currency.
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Map Events: Participating in map events is a great way to earn currency, especially in the Season 3 maps. Many events reward you with chests and other items that contain currencies. Look for events with a high frequency and high reward potential. Group up with others to make events easier and faster. More participants typically mean faster completion times and more rewards for everyone involved.
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Fractals of the Mists: If you enjoy instanced content, Fractals are a fantastic source of Pristine Fractal Relics. Doing your daily fractal runs, even at lower levels, will net you a steady income. Remember to increase your fractal level to access better rewards. You can also farm fractal currencies at higher levels.
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Story Instances: The story instances often reward you with currency, particularly episode-specific ones. Complete the story instances for each episode as you progress. This ensures that you get all the bonus rewards.
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Exploration and Gathering: Don't underestimate the power of exploration and gathering. Explore the maps thoroughly, because you'll find chests, resource nodes, and other hidden treasures that may contain currency. Harvest everything you see, because those materials are necessary for crafting.
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Trading Post: The trading post is your friend! Check the prices of currencies and items regularly. You can often buy currencies at a low price and sell them at a profit when prices increase. Always do your research before making any trades.
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Team Up: Playing with friends or joining a guild can significantly improve your farming efficiency. Coordinate your activities, share information, and support each other. Working together will make the whole process faster and more enjoyable.
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Prioritize Your Goals: Don't try to collect every single currency at once. Focus on the currencies you need to purchase the items you want. This will help prevent burnout and increase your overall satisfaction.
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Be Patient: Currency farming can be a slow process, especially when you are just starting. Be patient, stay consistent, and don't get discouraged. The rewards will come with time and effort.
What to Spend Your Hard-Earned Currency On
So, you've been diligently farming currencies, and now you have a pile of them. Awesome! But what do you do with them? This section will help you decide how to best spend your hard-earned currency. Knowing the best uses for each currency will ensure you get the most value for your effort. The items you choose to buy will depend on your goals and playstyle. There's everything from essential gear upgrades to cosmetic items and account-bound boosts.
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Ascended Gear: Ascended gear is the highest tier of equipment in Guild Wars 2, and it offers the best stats. Focus on getting ascended gear first because it's the biggest power boost. This includes weapons, armor, and accessories. You'll often need Pristine Fractal Relics and other currencies to craft or purchase them.
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Infusions: Infusions can be slotted into ascended gear to increase your stats, such as Agony Resistance. They are essential for high-level fractal runs, and they can improve your character's overall performance. Prioritize stat infusions to maximize the effectiveness of your character.
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Unique Weapon Skins and Armor: Many currencies can be used to purchase unique weapon skins and armor sets that match the theme of a specific episode. These cosmetic items are a great way to personalize your character. So, if you want your character to stand out from the crowd, these items are for you.
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Consumables: Consider consumables like food, potions, and utility items. These can significantly enhance your character's performance in combat and other activities. Some of these are even account-bound, meaning you can use them on multiple characters.
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Account-Bound Upgrades: These upgrades improve your account-wide progression. They include things like additional bag slots, crafting recipes, and other account-wide bonuses. These make your overall gameplay experience more efficient.
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Mounts and Mount Skins: Mounts are an excellent way to traverse the world more quickly. Mount skins allow you to customize the appearance of your mounts. These mounts are great if you are focused on travel and speed.
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Crafting Materials: Use currency to purchase crafting materials. The crafting materials are used to make ascended gear, consumables, and other useful items. Sometimes you can profit by buying crafting materials and selling crafted items, so it's a great way to make money.
Conclusion: Mastering the GW2 Season 3 Currency System
Alright, you've made it to the end, guys! You now have a solid understanding of the GW2 Season 3 currency system. Remember that mastering this system takes time, patience, and a bit of strategy. Keep in mind that Guild Wars 2 is all about having fun. Don't let the currency grind overshadow the enjoyable aspects of the game. Explore the beautiful maps, experience the compelling stories, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Don't be afraid to experiment with different farming methods and to adapt your strategy as needed. With a little effort and the information in this guide, you'll be well on your way to earning all the rewards that Season 3 has to offer! Happy gaming, and may your currency gains be plentiful!
Remember to consistently check for events, new updates, and changes to the game. ArenaNet is always tweaking and improving the game. So, make sure to read the patch notes to keep up to date. Keep an open mind when trying new builds, and try out new activities. Don't be afraid to ask for help from more experienced players. Most of the community is happy to help guide you. Remember, the true reward of Guild Wars 2 isn't just the gear or currency. It's the fun and memories made along the way. Stay positive and persistent, and soon you'll be a master of the Season 3 currency game! So, go out there, explore, and most of all, have fun! Good luck, and may the loot gods be ever in your favor!