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{{#seo:
|title=Getting Started in PvP - GW2 - MetaBattle
|description=This new player guide aims to explain how Guild Wars 2 PvP game mode works on a fundamental level, from requirements to equipment.
}}{{Guide
| title = Getting Started in PvP
| description = Introduction to PvP for new players.
| mode = PvP
| section = General
| icon = PvP Instructor.webp
| featured = pvp
}}
[[File:Introduction to PvP.jpg|Introduction to PvP|link=|class=img-fluid]]
==Introduction==
This new player guide aims to explain how GW2's PvP gamemode works on a fundamental level, from requirements to equipment.


==Requirements==
GW2's PvP is made to be accessible. Players can compete <span style="color:#00ff00">'''level 1'''</span> against anyone! That said there are a few small barriers of entry:
* You must complete the PvE tutorial instance on your character, this should only take a few minutes.

* Your account's <span style="color:#00ff00">'''PvP rank'''</span> needs to be <span style="color:#00ff00">'''20 or higher'''</span> in order to compete in ranked PvP.


[[File:Gw2 dragon rank.png|Dragon rank|class=img-fluid]]


==Ranks and progression==
PvP rank is the core progression system of the gamemode. Not to be confused with rating and ladder placement, <span style="color:#00ff00">'''rank's similar to levels in PvE'''</span>. Much like XP, you earn <span style="color:#00ff00">'''rank points'''</span> at the end of every unranked and ranked match - 1500 for winning and 500 for losing. 

A couple of extra points are awarded for earning '''top stats''' or pressing the ready up button before the start. Games shorter than 8 minutes however have decreased rewards.

Every 10 ranks up to 80 you unlock:
* A new <span style="color:#00ff00">'''cosmetic finisher'''</span> starting with rabbit and going all the way up to <span style="color:#00ff00">'''dragon'''</span> at rank 80.

* A new <span style="color:#00ff00">'''/rank emote'''</span> to match the finisher.

* If you own Heart of Thorns, a new one-time <span style="color:#00ff00">'''reward track'''</span>.

On top of that every time you rank up you'll be awarded some bags of loot.

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==Heart of the Mists==
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HotM is the <span style="color:#00ff00">'''main hub of PvP activity'''</span> in GW2, this is the lobby where most people hang out while waiting in queue.

To get here simply click the '''crossed swords icon''' at the bar found in top left corner of your screen.

Here PvP gear becomes active and your character is temporarily boosted to level 80. Target golems and hostile NPCs are available for you to test builds before heading into combat. Even PvE players can get some value out of this place, as HotM is an <span style="color:#00ff00">'''ideal testing ground'''</span> for people who are trying to decide on a character before deciding which profession to level up, giving them a taste of what gameplay they can expect at 80.
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<div class="col-md-5">[[File:HotM loading screen.jpg|HotM loading screen|class=img-fluid]]</div>
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==Necessary Equipment==
Before we get into the various gamemodes let's talk about setting up your character and how PvP gear works.

===Slots to fill===
While it's true that gear doesn't matter in PvP, you ''do'' need to fill a couple of slots otherwise you'll get an armor penalty.

Luckily any level 1 starter character already has these filled:
* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Chest'''</span>

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Leg'''</span>

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Foot'''</span>

The <span style="color:#00ff00">'''quality'''</span> of the gear <span style="color:#00ff00">'''doesn't matter'''</span> - a level 1 white piece with no stats will have the same effect as a legendary. The rest of the slots are optional and only cosmetic.

If you lose some of the starting pieces don't worry, the PvP lobby has armor and weapon vendors who sell them for a few coppers.

Weapons are also important to have because they determine the left side of your skill bar, just like in PvE.
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<div class="col-md-2">[[File:Mandatory pvp gear.png|Mandatory PvP gear|class=img-fluid]]</div>
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===Vendors===
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The PvP vendors are located at the Market waypoint: [&BNgJAAA=]

<span style="color:#00ff00">'''Basic armor and weapons'''</span> are sold at the southern edge of the platform, ascended components in the eastern part but that isn't relevant for new players just yet.

The armor vendor sells items based on your PvE level:
* '''Chest, gloves, leg, foot''' armor pieces are available from <span style="color:#00ff00">'''level 1'''</span>.

* '''Headgear''' from <span style="color:#00ff00">'''level 10'''</span>.

* '''Shoulders''' from <span style="color:#00ff00">'''level 15'''</span>.

As discussed above, gloves, headgear and shoulders are not mandatory to have, but you can buy them if you want to transmute some skins.

Look for [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Evan_Fleshgore Evan Fleshgore] (weapons) and [https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Melina Melina] (armor). 
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[[File:Gw2 pvp hotm market.png|Main vendor hub of the PvP lobby|class=img-fluid]]
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==PvP Gear==
In the <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Hero panel'''</span> there's a small toggle at the top left corner. This is where we can <span style="color:#00ff00">'''switch'''</span> between viewing <span style="color:#00ff00">'''PvP and PvE gear'''</span>. Upon entering Heart of the Mists or any PvP map your PvE gear's stats, sigils, runes and infusions are automatically deactivated and the PvP gear becomes active.

The PvP equipment consists of 3 parts:
* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Amulet'''</span> - this determines most of our stats.

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Rune'''</span> - provides a smaller stat boost than the amulet but offers unique bonuses such as procs. In the PvP panel there's only 1 rune slot, this functions like a complete set of 6 PvE runes.

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Sigils'''</span> - every weapon set has 2 sigil slots, offering further customization and minor synergies.

Clicking on any of the PvP equipment slots brings up a selection menu on the left side of the Hero panel.


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[[File:PvP gear toggle.png|PvP Gear Toggle|class=img-fluid]]
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[[File:Pvp amulet.png|PvP Amulet and Rune|class=img-fluid]]
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[[File:Pvp weapon1.png|PvP Weapon 1|class=img-fluid]]
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[[File:PvP sigils.png|PvP Sigils|class=img-fluid]]
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==Builds==
Now that you understand how PvP gear works, the next and final step before jumping into combat is getting a build. [https://metabattle.com/wiki/PvP_Builds Here] you can browse from a wide variety of viable builds for all professions. Considering how easy and cheap it is to set up a PvP build, feel free to try as many as you'd like in the <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Heart of the Mists'''</span> until you find one that suits you the most.

Simply copy the template code from a page and paste it into the <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Build section'''</span> of your Hero panel, but don't forget to sort out your PvP gear to go with it!


==Unranked==
This is where you should start your journey. Unranked is where you get to practice builds and learn the basics of the gamemode while gathering rank points:
* A victory awards <span style="color:#00ff00">'''1500'''</span> rank points.

* Defeat awards <span style="color:#00ff00">'''500'''</span> rank points.

Achieving top stats or using the ready up button at the start each grant a small rank point bonus at the end of the game. While you're in the PvP lobby (Heart of the Mists) or a PvP game you can track your progress at the bottom of your screen where the XP bar would be in PvE.

[[File:GW2 PvP Ranked and Unranked.png|PvP join options]]

===Available Gamemodes===
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In unranked you have two options: Conquest and Stronghold.

<span style="color:#00ff00">'''Conquest'''</span> is the main competitive PvP gamemode of GW2 so '''we recommend playing this,''' as learning the maps will come in handy once you're ready to progress to ranked. This is a gamemode centered around taking <span style="color:#00ff00">'''capture points'''</span> for your team which generate score, once your team has a score of 500 you win. Alternatively whichever team has the highest score after 15 minutes wins, which is the maximum game length.
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[[File:Gw2 unranked preferences.png|Unranked Preferences|class=img-fluid]]
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<span style="color:#00ff00">'''Stronghold'''</span> is a MOBA inspired casual gamemode where your goal is to break down the gates of the enemy base and <span style="color:#00ff00">'''kill their lord'''</span> before they kill yours. It's not a part of the ranked rotation. While practicing PvP in Conquest is better as it prepares you for ranked, your chances of meeting veteran players in Stronghold is way lower, so if you're new to the game starting here isn't the worst idea either as you're almost certainly going to be matched against complete beginners. We do recommend moving over to Conquest around rank 10-15 though to learn the maps and the basics of the gamemode before entering ranked.

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==Ranked==
At rank 20 you unlock ranked PvP where you get to compete on the ladder for unique rewards.


===Seasons===
An average Conquest season lasts <span style="color:#00ff00">'''8-9 weeks'''</span> and each week the requirement for appearing on the ladder goes up by <span style="color:#00ff00">'''15 games'''</span> played.

You start off with <span style="color:#00ff00">'''10 placement games'''</span> during which your <span style="color:#00ff00">'''MMR'''</span> is hidden. Once you've finished placements you'll be assigned a <span style="color:#00ff00">'''division'''</span> based on your rating. From this point on you'll get to track how much rating you've gained or lost after each game.

At the end of the season the top 250 players on the ladder are awarded <span style="color:#00ff00">'''titles'''</span> based on their standing, assuming that they meet the minimum game requirement (usually 120-135 ranked games played during the season).

Titles however are not the only reason to compete or play ranked for. Even if you don't see yourself finishing in the top 250 there are incentives to rank up as <span style="color:#00ff00">'''higher division players earn rewards faster!'''</span> Some of the PvP currencies can be used to purchase <span style="color:#e75480 ">'''Ascended'''</span> or even <span style="color:#9400D3">'''Legendary'''</span> quality gear. If you're interested in those check out our [[Guide:PvP_Legendary_Armor_Crafting_Guide|PvP Legendary Armor Crafting Guide]] where you may learn of the costs and requirements for both Legendary and Ascended tier PvP gear.


===Offseason===
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Between two Conquest seasons is a gap called "offseason". This is where <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Team Deathmatch'''</span> seasons take place.

Each offseason hosts either a <span style="color:#00ff00">'''2v2'''</span> or a <span style="color:#00ff00">'''3v3'''</span> miniseason, a small <span style="color:#00ff00">'''1-2 week'''</span> break from the usual Conquest. Most ranked rewards are still obtainable and the top 250 are awarded special titles for competing, different from those of the Conquest season.

3v3 is special because here you get to play in a premade of 3, whereas during any other season (including Conquest) the party limit is 2.
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<div class="col-md-5">[[File:GW2 Offseason 3v3.png|3v3 Offseason|class=img-fluid]]</div>
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==Rewards==
The most basic form of PvP rewards are the rankup chests which contain gear and materials appropriate for your PvE level, as well as the account-bound {{Item|Tome of Knowledge}} to help you level up your alts in PvE.

[[File:Eod reward track.png|EoD Reward Track|class=img-fluid]]

===Reward Tracks===
When you enter PvP a reward track is automatically selected for you from the ones that are available. You can switch between tracks anytime using the <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Reward Track'''</span> tab in the PvP menu.

Each track is divided into smaller sections, milestones that give you loot when you pass them. The best reward is usually at the end of the track and tends to be someting unique, like a new skin.

Not all reward tracks are available by default and there are several methods of unlocking them:
* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Regional'''</span> reward tracks are a form of linear progression. When you finish the reward track of a region, for instance Shiverpeak Mountains, a new region's track is unlocked. Finishing that one unlocks the next, and so forth.

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Living Story'''</span> reward tracks are unlocked after completing specific PvE story steps associated with them, like ''Journey to Bitterfrost Frontier'' for the Bitterfrost Frontier track.

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''PvP rank'''</span> reward tracks appear in your tab after every 10 ranks (up to 80).

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Dungeon'''</span> reward track are on a rotation, every 2 weeks a different one's available for everyone. To permanently unlock one you must do the PvE story mode of the desired dungeon at least once.

* <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Holiday'''</span> reward tracks come back at the start of annual events and go away when they're over.

Some tracks are locked behind expansions or Living Story purchases but there are plenty of F2P ones too.

Temporarily available tracks (such as holiday ones) remember your progress when they become locked. The next time they become available again you can continue from where you left off.

Most of them are <span style="color:#00ff00">'''repeatable'''</span> but not all. One-time tracks usually have better rewards.

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===League Rewards===
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Certain rewards are tied strictly to ranked play, these mostly come from the seasonal reward tracks.

Ranked games award <span style="color:#00ff00">'''pips'''</span>. Winners get more than losers, while players in Platinum division and above earn more pips per game than those in lower divisions, which gives average players an incentive to climb the ladder.

The more you play during a season the better your rewards will be. As you progress through the reward chests eventually you'll arrive at the last one which is repeatable and has the best loot.
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[[File:PvP league rewards.png|PvP League Rewards|class=img-fluid]]
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League rewards not only offer a decent amount of gold but also include account-bound currencies that are used in both purchasing Ascended quality gear and upgrading them to Legendary quality.


==Tournaments==
Finally we have tournament play. This is where premade <span style="color:#00ff00">'''groups of 5'''</span> players get to test their skill and teamwork against others.

<span style="color:#00ff00">'''Automated Tournaments'''</span>' (also referred to as AT) open up multiple times a day at set intervals.

Doing well in ATs lets you qualify for the <span style="color:#00ff00">'''Monthly Automated Tournament'''</span> (mAT) that happens at the end of every month. Monthlies have better rewards than regular ATs, including unique gizmos.

Tournaments have their own tab in the PvP menu through which your group can enter.

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[[File:Automated tournaments.png|Automated Tournaments|class=img-fluid]]
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[[File:Mat rewards.png|Monthly Automated Tournament Rewards|class=img-fluid]]
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