If you hadn’t realised, there was a Guild Wars 2 Beta event this weekend. Who’d have thought it? You might also have noticed that GW2Hub was quieter than usual. I’m not going to lie; this is because I spent over 40 hours playing Guild Wars 2 so that I can provide you all with a whole host of content in the coming weeks! Hurrah!
Though not technically Dolyak news, how did you find the weekend? What did you end up doing?
First on my list from the front is GW2Codex. Have you seen this yet? I hadn't until I was tipped off. It’s a rather polished looking site designed to share builds and setups. The highest rated Mesmer build leaves much to be desired, but I’m sure as more and more people start using the site the good builds will come to the surface. Make sure you take a look or post your own for critique.
If you haven’t already read it, ArenaNet took part in a huge Ask Me Anything that went on for hours, answering dozens upon dozens of questions. We’ve linked a transcript of it here on GW2Hub so head on over and have a read.
Rock Paper Shotgun have an article covering this weekends World versus World. Although RPS are a huge website, their MMOG coverage is sparse and it’s great to see them try their hand at something they don’t tend to enjoy. I do feel that they lack a little understanding on WvW and what it offers, but that will come when they experience the game more (or actually take the time to read up on it!)
Team Legacy have a hilarious video titled March of the Golems. On the Crystal Desert server they bought exactly 100 Golem blueprints and spent what must have taken hours amassing the supply and coordinating the build. Quite an achievement!
Distilled Will has a neat little article covering Philisopy and Religion in New Tyria. Based on his "ps." I'm hoping he expands this to the other races.
GuildMag have a great Beta Weekend diary across three days. I always love to read about how people spend their time during this very limited window. From my personal perspective I spent the entire time in structured PvP Tournaments as Desolation didn’t once encounter a single challenge in WvW. Sadly my video hard disk drive decided to blow up on the Saturday meaning I couldn’t record any footage for you all. Still, the GuildMag coverage is well worth a read and all entries can be accessed from the link I've given.
GuildWarsOnline have an article from Alaris covering the Guardian and supportive builds. Guardians caused me nothing but misery in tournament games all weekend, support ones especially. Even though I recommend this post (it is really good) I can't help but pray that they are toned down significantly over the next few phases.
Nerdy Bookahs have two great posts this week. The first is a vast array of screenshots of the Black Citadel. Some of the screenshots do really look spectacular and for anyone who didn't have time to explore it all, it is definitely worth a look.
The second is an interesting article relating to the Hall of Monuments and reaching the milestone of 30 points. I personally found the whole process quite easy, but that's because I'd inadvertently managed to get half way there entirely by accident. I'm not sure I'd ever do it again though.
Lastly, Talk Tyria have an article titled Lone Wolves Need Not Apply, exploring the importance of team work. I really can't emphasize enough how much I agree, especially where structured PvP tournaments are concerned. The team I was in this weekend managed to win a total of 67 matches, something that just wouldn't have been possible if we didn't all pull in the same direction.
Before I go, expect a bumper Dolyak Delivery next week when all the exciting video content and editorials begin to trickle out from the second Beta weekend.
Comments
Sorry, that was probably me who killed some of the doylak. Force of habit.
Same here on the Dolyak.
Regarding support classes, while I don't have hard evidence, part of me wonders if they really need a nerf. Since BWE1 almost every YouTube link and forum post has been 99% about damage or condition builds. Very few on support. I think people have been spending so much time glass cannon building that very few have looked at making counter builds for specific support builds. People need to adjust and come out with some builds for this purpose.
I got my first conditionmancer up and running, and loved him in WvW, but my sPvP experience was poor with this build as it depends greatly on teamwork and that isn't easy doing pickup groups (especially when player, "GanjmasterX" is sitting at the spawn point for every match
I either need to try a different build or a different class for sPvP. I also need to turn about 20 years younger, so that my brain will work faster 
This weekend I tried all the classes I had yet to try out, and I came up with my 5 launch classes. I tried out tailoring and artificing, which I enjoyed. I did a little sPvP and a lot of WvW. There is nothing better than manning an arrow cart at a choke point
We were against the Reddit guild all weekend, which was definitely an experience to remember.
I leave with two final words..."Ranger" and "Wow!"
Greatsword Rangers are....ugh! Did you try your hand at a Mesmer Sylvinstar? I must get some screenshots of mine up.
In relation to WvW, unfortunately Desolation was paired against 2 new worlds this weekend so we steamrolled everyone :(
No shit. I logged on Friday about 1-2 hours after the BWE started and the whole WvW map was already mostly green (our color).
The other 2 servers totally didn't put up a fight, and frankly I can't blame them as Desolation has been steamrolling everything encountered so far.
I kinda hope it's not that extreme when the real thing starts. I prefer a challange.
Thanks for the link and the kind words for my beta posts at GuildMag. Delighted to find out that someone read them (since almost everyone I knew was actually in the event, not reading posts at any fan sites ;-)
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