Unlabelled Guild Wars 2 - Mounts and Math - how much for the skins you want?

11/13/2017 11:28:00 am
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Guild Wars 2 - Mounts and Math - how much for the skins you want?

Mounts and Math - how much for the skins you want?

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 05:12 AM PST

Hi,

trying to figure out whether to spend my gems, I did some maths. Please keep opinions and politics in the megathread; this thread is purely to quantify the expected costs against the RNG, hopefully helping you make an informed spending decision.

The premise is this: you look through the 30 mount skins, and you decide that you like x of them, and don't care for the others. Given that number x, how many adoption licenses would you expect to open until you have everything you want?

Let's say you're only interested in one specific skin. Assuming uniform drop rates, you're equally likely to get it on your first or your 30th license. The average number of licenses you'd need to open is

(1+30)/2 = 15.5.

More generally, the chance for getting the desired X skins with N licenses (for N >= X) is:

(30-X CHOOSE N-X) / (30 CHOOSE N)

Here's how many licenses you'd need to open on average to get the X skins you want:

Skins you want Average licenses required Licenses per desired skin
1 15.50 15.50
2 20.67 10.34
3 23.25 7.75
4 24.80 6.20
5 25.83 5.16
10 28.18 2.82
15 29.06 1.94
20 29.52 1.48
25 29.81 1.19
30 30.00 1.00

Immediately obvious from the third column is the fact that you get more skins for your buck if you like a lot of the skins. Duh.

More interesting is row number 4. You'd expect to need 24.80 licenses, but 24 single licenses cost 9600 gems - as much as the 30-pack.

tl;dr: If you want more than 3 specific skins, it is on average more cost efficient to just buy the 30 pack.

I'm a math person, I've done a lot of stochastics, and those numbers were higher than I expected. Loot boxes are really efficient at obfuscating true costs, so I'm hoping that this will help you make an informed decision.

I also want to reiterate that these numbers only work for picky customers (like me), who want a few specific skins. Like my dual-Astralaria-Warrior totally wants Starbound and Stardust, so if I start buying, then I'm not going to stop until I have both of them. Now I have a better idea of how much that'll cost me.

If you just want a selection of skins, but don't care about the specifics, then my numbers are meaningless, and you can just buy a few and enjoy whatever is inside. Or if you want one jackal-skin out of three you like, and one griffon-skin out of two you like, then you'll get entirely different numbers.

submitted by /u/Kulinda
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Did something happen to home instance Aurillium Nodes?

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 10:41 AM PST

I have had one of these nodes in my home instance for some time, but some time this past week it seem to have disappeared.

submitted by /u/kalbalakrab
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Five+ Years playing GW2 and never noticed this audio cue until now.

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 02:21 PM PST

While you're all arguing about mount skins, our guild was wondering if Path of Fire was big enough...

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 07:02 PM PST

I'll see your fashion magazine and raise you a comic cover

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 06:47 PM PST

WP - "The Lady In Red & Mysterious Dead Bodies | Current Events Return?"

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 04:30 PM PST

[dT] Gear Optimizer Tool & Balance Patch Updates

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 08:00 AM PST

Hi everyone,

we updated our website to reflect the recent balance changes. But let's start with the more fun part:

Gear Optimizer updated

We took your feedback, greatly extended our gear optimizer and it's finally in a state to do a public release.

Link: http://discretize.eu/#mechanics/gear-optimizer

Features

  • Optimization for Damage, Survivability and Healing builds (damage including power and condition damage)
  • Custom limits for Boon Duration and Toughness
  • Inclusion of the Infinite Mist Omnipotion for fractal content

Customization

  • Select class-specific skills and traits for Mesmer, Warrior, Guardian, Elementalist and Ranger (the remaining classes will follow at a later point)
  • All currently available group buffs
  • Choose from popular runes, two sigils, food, utility and stat infusions
  • And finally a component to specify the damage source distribution of your build split by power, bleeding, burning, poison, torment and confusion percentages

The last point is a bit more complicated to explain. The composed "Damage" score you see on results is made up of relative coefficients for power and condition damage.
Depending on the specified damage percentages it weights power damage and individual conditions, which means you should always use the same distribution to compare the damage number for different gear sets.

To get the real damage distribution of your build, there are two main options:

  1. If it has no conditional procs (like "on crit"), do a naked golem benchmark and extract the numbers using ArcDPS
  2. If it has conditional procs (unfortunately, almost all current builds):
    • Do a golem benchmark with full gear and reverse the percentages using your used gear coefficients
    • Calculate the distribution by hand

Unfortunately the second ones aren't easy to get, so for the moment a rough estimation is the next best thing. We're working on providing an automated solution to extract percentages - see in foresight below. We'll also add presets for popular builds once the balance patch dust settles.

Now keep in mind this is a gear optimizer, not a DPS calculator. It is currently impossible to model rotation data and related things like Alacrity, pets or procs like the Geomancy sigil (Bleeding on Crit).

Balance patch updates

Link: http://discretize.eu/#classes

The recent "balance patch" mixed some minor things up, here is a short summary of fractal related changes:

  • General: The Druid trait Grace of the Land had its unique 10% damage buff removed and now generates might instead. This results in a 10% damage loss for all classes.
  • Support Chronomancer: No changes.
  • Power Weaver: Icebow 4 was nerfed from 24 to 6 hits on large hitboxes which results in a ~3k DPS loss, but it is still superior to Lightning Hammer (or Earth Shield, lol) on large hitboxes. The build itself hasn't changed at all, it is still one of the best DPS options for fractal content.
  • Condition Warrior: Phalanx Strength had its Might duration nerfed, which renders the already inferior Power PS build useless and forces Condition PS to take Aristocracy runes for a huge DPS loss. As a result of this, PS builds are not used anymore. Every party will now take one Condition DPS warrior with both Banners and Empower Allies and a boon druid for might. Our Warrior Guide is up-to-date, though we're still looking into the Axe changes.
  • Druid: With the changes to Grace of the Land, a boon duration setup is even more favorable (compared to pure Magi/Cleric) as the Druid is now able to keep up 25x Might on 10 people plus Fury, Regeneration, Swiftness, Vigor and even Protection or Stability - welcome our new boon overlords. Additionally, Condition Druid got nerfed and probably won't be used at all anymore. Our Boon Heal Druid Guide is up-to-date (keep in mind the equipment listed there is only optimal for fractals with omnipotion - use the gear optimizer for raid content). This post by /u/KharTheCharr is a good reference.
  • Condition Firebrand: Quickfire (Burning share) got randomly nerfed which results in a ~4k DPS loss. As the build already had other weaknesses like no CC it is not a recommended DPS option for fractals anymore. Sad!
  • Condition Mirage: Got some bugs fixed and is now a strong DPS alternative to Weaver for longer single-target fights. Still has bad AoE and suffers from switching targets. Basically in the same position as Firebrand was before the patch - better than Weaver on fights like Arkk (100CM), worse on fights like MAMA (99CM). We created and uploaded a Condition Mirage Guide for it. Keep in mind Fencer's Finesse might be bugged, a removal would result in a ~0.5k DPS loss - in this case you don't take Sword anymore.
  • Other classes: Necromancer is still a meme, Holosmith is still not competitive, the only silver lining might be Condition Soulbeast. Its stance sharing got some updates and might be a viable DPS option. This video and its description offer a lot of information. We'll provide an updated guide at a later point.

Please keep in mind some minor things could still change, though this should give you a rough outlook for the coming meta.

Foresight

With the new updates to the gear optimizer we kinda pushed the current website structure to its limits - but we want to do a lot more things:

  • Sharable character setups per URL
  • Options to extract damage distribution percentages from a DPS log or similar
  • "Freezing" of certain gear pieces to generate raid/fractal switch setups
  • Optimization of stuff like runes, food and utility items
  • Maybe even calculation of rotation data
  • Class guides for the remaining classes, including rough "benchmarks" or at least reference values for the current fractals

Therefore we decided to port the whole project to a new framework, which also allows us to open the guide creation process to other contributors. We're working hard on this and hope to provide you with an update in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions concerning the gear optimizer or class changes, feel free to ask in the comments. As always, thanks to all our supporters and see you in daily fractals!

submitted by /u/iamthemetagame
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QoL Suggestion for Salvage All

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 09:08 AM PST

I LOVE the fact that Anet added the salvage all with the preview window. I HATE the fact that if there is an item in the preview window that you do not want to salvage you cannot simply click or right click it to remove from this action. This would be a welcome quality of life enhancement for me if Anet took action to implement it

submitted by /u/Minor_Miss_Demeanor
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Just defeated Tegon and Temar in the Foundry...

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 01:44 PM PST

And wow, what an awesome fight! Cool mechanics, awesome visuals. Honestly, the first time they howled, I got a little shiver. Seriously fun. Nice work!

submitted by /u/katubug
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There's a new sniper in town.

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 06:45 AM PST

https://imgur.com/gallery/ho5e6kZ

And suprisingly, it's a downed ranger.

submitted by /u/PlaysEveryday
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Why are walls dentrimental to the defender? (WvW)

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 04:50 PM PST

I'm curious.

Being on a wall really gives no benefit in WvW to defend anything. In fact, it's more often than not, just pure suicide.

Now granted, this is a fantasy game, but even fantasy games should abide by rules of common sense.

Going on a wall in WvW means you'll either be pulled off or condi-bombed/AoE'd to death. Trying to get on siege, even when the siege is placed in the verrrrrrrrry back edge or corner means the same.

Placing siege behind a wall means you don't have the camera angle to see over and fire. The only time that's remotely effective is if it's behind a gate and you can see through the gap and fire that way, but let's be honest - who attacks gates anymore?

Some thoughts to possible solutions: 1.) AoE's can no longer land on top of the walls, or just on the very edge of the wall due to line of sight.

2.) Defenders on the wall, when the keep is owned by said defender, gain either longer range OR an increase to damage.

3.) Those attacking those up on a wall suffer a decrease to damage.

4.) Catapults have a minimum range from which they must be from the wall to fire.

Any of these solutions would be acceptable, but in reality as it stands now, the most defenders get to usually do is just sit behind a wall and wait for the attackers to burn through and come to them. Thoughts?

submitted by /u/Maksyn2
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I made my Asura engineer just because I knew I'd one day have a Grypphon...

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 07:20 PM PST

What is your experience with the new mount skins?

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 01:42 PM PST

(This isn't a hate post or anything just citing my experience and wondering how everyone else was doing) Since I consider myself super compulsive, I've limited my skin purchases to once a month to match my usual gem compulsory purchases and I've found myself enjoying these skins more than I thought I would've. Shoutout to my fav "Crowned Ancient" you and me against the world babe. How's everyone else's experience with these skins going?

submitted by /u/Bearalin
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people with stowed spears and gs on land

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 07:48 AM PST

After the pof launch i have seen a lot of people with both a spear and theis gs on the back in a cross, like they stowed them both. Can anyone explain how they manage to do that? i cant seem to find it in the setting.

submitted by /u/Melipysjen
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Fall Damage LUL

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 07:08 PM PST

Mirage vs Chronomancer: pros and cons?

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 06:46 PM PST

I just hit level 80 with my Mesmer and am wondering which elite spec to develop first. Which would be better to start with? Can someone give a list of pros and cons? e.g. which is better in which game modes or situations, which has better mobility, burst damage, sustained damage, etc?

submitted by /u/Caspid
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Soooooo.... What were the poll results for the weapon designs!

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 12:07 PM PST

Im itching to see what won! Apparently the deadline is up

submitted by /u/Kiznivis
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Glitched glider created a Flying Saucer Skimmer skin

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 04:32 PM PST

Condi Weaver - 30k dps - Earth/Fire

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 05:42 PM PST

I know no one likes hearing from me, and that they want qT's info, but figured I can share anyhow and let folks take it as they like.

With the nerf to fgs, it seems to be less dps than taking fire elemental (by about 1k or so). Both focus and dagger offhand have the same overall dps; though you get a lot more spikes from focus so use that for shorter fights.

I went ahead and assumed, with the buffs to renegade, that Assassins Presence would be added to the realistic buffs... and then everything else is the usual (minus GotL, of course).

Here are the logs (including my bad habit of cancelling auto attacks):
* Using focus over dagger: https://dps.report/lvbL-20171110-230915_golem
* Small 4mil golem: https://dps.report/Ciio-20171110-230508_golem
* Large 10mil golem (to show sustain): https://dps.report/Q4PV-20171110-230208_golem
* Build
* Video -- just shows rotation as food ran out
* DPS Analysis of Skills in Excel -- Auto-attack numbers are from a full chain.

I do not have legendary armour to test Renegade runes, but it might be a dps increase. The problem there would be the loss of the power damage that gets converted back into condi damage with the Power Overwhelming trait. Unless I am reading it wrong, there is ~35% damage from physical, which also comes into play.

Edit:: Added link to skill on FGS that had the big nerf. You can see the mention in the Version History on that wiki page.

submitted by /u/Daenerys_Ceridwen
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8700k and 1700x users do you mind chiming in about performance?

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 08:47 AM PST

So with black Friday and cyber Monday closing in i'm looking to upgrade my almost 7 year old 2600k @ 4.6. Since GW2 is a game I play regularly i'm trying to see what will be my best option. Now I know intel always holds the upper hand in gaming due to IPC but I want to know if there is marginal gains after a certain point when it comes to GW2.

Edit- parts list in case anyone cares or has suggestions.

1700x build

8700k build

Edit 2- some extra bits. I currently have a 1080, no cpu cooler is selected since I will reuse my current custom loop, just need a new block. Also the reason for a 1kw power supply is due to extra fans, water pump, and maybe sli 1080 in the future.

submitted by /u/frsguy
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[probable bug] Power Engi Conversion Trait Interaction

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 11:00 AM PST

I've been fiddling around with power Holosmith builds, and one of the things that has interested me quite a bit is dropping Glass Cannon for Blasting Zone. Even assuming you are already guaranteed permanent 25 might, the difference between the two talents is pretty small on their own merits. We can approximate power as a 1% damage increase per 30 points, which makes Blasting Zone worth roughly 4%, vs the 5% of Glass Cannon. This means that Blasting Zone pulls ahead if you are below 75% health for 20% or more of the fight (not common in the double-healer meta, but still does happen, especially with frequent overheats).

What interested me though was not the fact that the talents are so close, but rather the fact that Big Boomer should in theory tip the scales entirely in favor of Blasting Zone. My understanding is that conversion talents are not meant to apply to dynamic effects (such as boons and other conversion talents), but they are supposed to apply to static effects, such as the increased power from a talent.

Unfortunately, this conversion does not appear to work. Testing on my Holosmith, I have the same character sheet Ferocity with and without Blasting Zone, indicating that Big Boomer is not applying to the extra 120 power it provides. This is true both in and out of combat. So either my understanding of trait conversions is wrong (very possible!), or Big Boomer is simply bugged and we're missing out on a superior talent pairing in the power HS build.

submitted by /u/kbn_
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Rune of the Renegade Vs. Rune of the Berserker

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 11:04 AM PST

Which one is currently better for the Axe/Torch -/Sword Mirage Build?

submitted by /u/Lsisa
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THE PATH OF FIRE HUNT: [[North American Servers]]

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 09:24 AM PST

THE PATH OF FIRE HUNT: Join us as we tour the Crystal Desert! WP's, HP's, MP's, POI's, Vista's, Event's. Any level is welcome, RP friendly. /sqjoin Brother Drake. 12th of sunday, 10 am PST/ 11 am MST/ 12 pm CST/ 1 pm EST.

submitted by /u/Brother-Drake
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Ls4 release date 2017vs2018

Posted: 12 Nov 2017 12:49 PM PST

What u guys think will we get the season this month or next year january? Let the speculation begin!

submitted by /u/domky123
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