When Guild Wars 2 released in 2012, the sequel invited players back to the world of Tyria for a new era of adventure. This time, however, it came with a unique, paint-like aesthetic. This art style created a world unlike any other the MMO community had seen thus far. The world appeared realistic, yet dream-like at the same time. These unique aesthetics were jarring for some but promised a timeless style that might age well into the future.
While the game shows its age in many ways, some of its classic zones still hold up against modern MMOs. Even the most beautiful and stylized games have their drawbacks, though. Some areas of Tyria now appear very bleak or their dream-like quality is now too unsettling. Even still, aesthetics are only the beginning with these zones. Some players dislike zones for their overall layouts while others adore the same zones for the vast amount of resources available.
10 Love: Timberline Falls
Timberline Falls is a serene alpine zone located in the Steamspur Mountains. It boasts two large rivers and lies just on the edge of Tyrian civilization. Fans of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or regions such as Howling Fjord or Grizzly Hills in World of WarCraft: Wrath of the Lich King enjoy the natural splendor this area had to offer since the beginning.
While the area might seem peaceful, Timberline Falls has its dangers. Denizens such as the krait and the dredge call these mountains home. Risen from Orr invade the southwestern area of the zone in droves as well.
9 Hate: Black Citadel
Headquarters of the Iron Legion and home capital of the charr, Black Citadel is an imposing city built on the manufacturing of war machines. At launch, the city appeared quite impressive, especially as players traversed the massive orb known as Imperator’s Core. As time passed, it became clear that Black Citadel was more of a sprawling factory rather than a city hub that players wanted to be in.
The city contains multiple levels from the ground floor to the top of Imperator’s Core. There are many quests to complete in this large city, and finding objectives becomes maddening not knowing which level they reside on.
8 Love: Caledon Forest
Both Sylvari and non-Sylvari players alike adore the beauty presented in the Caledon Forest located in Maguuma Jungle. It’s the epitome of what a fantasy forest should be, with home dwellings made of plants and trees that stretch far into the sky.
The forest stands as the starting experience for new Sylvari players and sets the bar high for what might lay before them in the world of Guild Wars 2. Along with beautiful visuals, the questing experience in Caledon Forest remains an enjoyable experience. The area also features unique jump puzzles comprised of floating bits of earth that perfectly fit the theme of this magical zone.
7 Hate: Tangled Depths
Players with the Heart of Thorns expansion are all too familiar with Tangled Depths. The expansion expands upon the Maguuma Jungle, giving players access to a large new region with dark jungles and dizzying cavern mazes.
Developers created four floors of Tangled Depths, comprised of top, middle, lower, and subterranean levels. The many canyons and tunnels of the zone make it nearly impossible to quest or find objectives. Players who take the wrong turn in a tunnel end up far beyond their intended destination. In fact, the zone is so poorly laid out that players actually create and share navigation guides.
6 Love: Crystal Oasis
Players with the Path of Fire expansion have access to a region of the Crystal Desert known as the Crystal Oasis. It’s rare in the MMO genre to come across a desert zone than players enjoy, and this one is no exception. It boasts many terrains such as sweeping sand dunes, narrow cliffs, and hidden hideaways.
It’s main attraction, however, is the Free City of Amnoon, a port town where players begin their adventure in the area. Amnoon comes with a grid-like layout, making it easy to navigate, even with its massive pyramids. Additionally, it adds a much-needed level of diversity to the humans of Tyria as it’s home to many NPCs of color with stunning, natural hairstyles other MMOs should be envious of.
5 Hate: Siren’s Landing
Within the Ruins of Orr lies a zone known as Siren’s Landing. It hosts many different environments such as Lyssa’s Reliquary, flooded with an unnatural, purple hue. The area has a unique look with its drenched geographic structures and ancient ruins, but after questing here for a long period of time, the world feels bleak.
Aesthetics aside, Siren’s Landing has a quest whose mechanics are easily taken advantage of by other players. The one in question requires players to use the Reclaim skill on Unchained Wraiths. The long cast time of the ability gives other players the opportunity to kill the wraiths or cause them to disperse, ending the cast.
4 Love: Auric Basin
One of the most beloved zones from the Heart of Thorns expansion is Auric Basin. It’s a thick jungle that surrounds the Forgotten City of Tarir, home of magical beings called Exalted. The environment mixes heavenly elements with lost jungle archetypes to create a truly unique experience.
It features some of the most gorgeous and detailed zones in the game, making it a favored area for many players. Auric Basin also includes an interesting story involving the heroic defense of the city, encouraging players to garner an emotional stake in the area they protect.
3 Hate: Queensdale
Every human player in Guild Wars 2 knows of the wide-open green space by Divinity’s Reach known as Queensdale. It’s the traditional human zone many RPG fans come to expect, filled with rolling hills and farms. Why, then, do fans hate this zone?
It’s possible Queensdale was one of the first zones the developers worked on while still refining their style. The region lacks needed detail in some areas and the dream-like quality of the art style pushes itself to the extreme, disorienting many players. Queensdale may be nice to look at when unlocking vistas, but it’s not a place players enjoy being in for long periods of time.
2 Love: Bloodtide Coast
By the sea in Kryta lies a region known as the Bloodtide Coast. It’s a tropical zone with several islands and open water for players to explore. Despite the grim name, Bloodtide Coast is a beautiful, serene area dotted with beaches and majestic sea cliffs.
The area remains relatively calm until the undead from Orr wash up on shore and terrorize the locals. Smart travelers stay far, far away from the water’s edge. But what’s better than killing zombies at the beach?
1 Hate: The Desolation
As the name suggests, there is no more an unfriendly area than The Desolation. It’s a nearly inhospitable region with sprawling, sulfurous rivers, winding canyons, and, well, death. If that’s not enough, the area is also home to a portal connecting this place to the Realm of Torment.
From a story perspective, The Desolation is a contested territory, creating a very large amount of mobs in dense groups. Armies of enemies and maze-like paths players get lost in make for a very unpleasant experience.
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