GW2 gear / loot / grind question

Lala Calamari wrote:

So if all gear is the same, is there any benefit to different gear?  I'm so used to WoW or SWToR where you had to grind for better gear.  In SWTOR, I was mostly War Hero for my Trooper (which is top level PvP gear).  I had to earn coms for the gear.  That doesn't seem to be the case with Guild Wars.

I guess I just don't understand what I'm looking at gaining, or what I'm going after.  Other than fun, what's the goal?  What's the Carrot on the end of the stick?

I don't know how loot works in GW2 exactly, but in GW1 the carrot was elite/prestige (expensive) armor and titles. I imagine it's the same in GW2. You'll either want to craft fancy looking armor, or purchase it somehow (karma points), to show off your elite status. BUT, if you don't have the time or inclination you won't be at a gameplay disadvantage by wearing a more generic set because the STATS are the same. GW2 also has achievements... which are tied to titles, I guess.

Here are two examples of armor from GW1. On the left you have standard Canthan armor for the warrior, and on the right you have the elite set.

And here on the left you have standard Sunspear armor for the dervish, and on the right you have the elite set.

As you can see, the elite armor has a bit more embellishment. The benefit is purely asthetic.

But, your primary goal in the game should be fun: enjoying the beautiful world and compelling gameplay, playing with your friends, laying the smackdown on other servers in WvW. We longtime Guild Wars players are not a fan of "grinding." :)

Lala Calamari wrote:

So if all gear is the same, is there any benefit to different gear?  I'm so used to WoW or SWToR where you had to grind for better gear.  In SWTOR, I was mostly War Hero for my Trooper (which is top level PvP gear).  I had to earn coms for the gear.  That doesn't seem to be the case with Guild Wars. 

I guess I just don't understand what I'm looking at gaining, or what I'm going after.  Other than fun, what's the goal?  What's the Carrot on the end of the stick?

 

You are basically playing for the look of things instead of the stats/look.  There is no question that looks is not nearly as compelling as power is, but it's a decent trade off to show your time or skill investment in something.  I don't think it will be nearly as addicting in that sense (unless you're really into how pretty your character looks) however without a sub attached I don't think you're find the need to grind as much.

In the end I think it will come down to how well we all play together as a guild.  A lot of fun will come from our ability to group together in WvWvW and kick some ass!