worth it if you already finished with core Tyria content and nothing left to do, because it adds much new areas and spec for your character, as well as new prof.

there is no upgrade pack at lower price, that is the expansion price, the core game comes as free. so if next expansion you would get core+HOT+new expansion for 1 price.

a while ago you can get HoT for RM134 with discount+monthly coupon on funstockdigital but seems like sold out for now.

i'd recommend getting from official retailers only. like these:

https://uk.gamesplanet.com/game/guild-wars-...1373-2?flyingspaghettimonster=itad

http://www.funstockdigital.co.uk/guild-war...c-game-download

http://www.dlgamer.us/download-guild_wars_...es-p-29808.html (gateway not working for msian i think)

https://www.amazon.com/Guild-Wars-Heart-Tho.../dp/B00ZSF6ZAG/

$34.99 / RM146

expansion is only after the laast living story episode i think, which is coming up next but dunno when. prob aug-sept? or maybe later.

if wait the new expansion, u can get core game + HoT + new expac for 1 price. but no one know the price yet.

cheapest $15 here on sale:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comment..._hot_nuuvemcom/

yeah earlier i saw got when i linked. but it seems like nuuvem has some restrictions, need US paypal or smth =/

gamesplanet is ok, official retailer
https://uk.gamesplanet.com/game/guild-wars-...1373-2?flyingspaghettimonster=itad

dlgamer lowest, but i think Malaysian can't buy last time i tried.
https://www.dlgamer.com/us/games/buy-guild-...of-thorns-29808

some other cheaper places like cdkeys.com or offgamers but i don't recommend using them because they are not official retailer, don't wanna risk it.

no u get to keep your characters after upgrade. i suggest buying only from official retailers like gamesplanet.com.

dont buy HoT now, expansion gonna be announced 1st August, so the next expansion might include HoT+Base+new expansion for 1 price.

HoT is more of a feature pack, it adds Gliding which you can use in open world. HoT elite specs are good but most will prob be overshadowed by PoF specs when it comes out. Raids are also in HoT areas. some of the generation 2 legendaries or legendary armor also require HoT.

the Living Story episodes were free if you logged in when it was released, but costs gems now to unlock. each LWS3 episode adds 1 new map area for HoT, some are good for getting ascended trinkets for instance.

the story is mediocre to me, i just complete it once for unlocking map and rewards, but at least it is more interesting than the HoT story itself. you can also play with a friend who has the episode unlocked if you just want the story but wont get the rewards.

HoT maps are more challenging to navigate around than core Tyria maps though, but i like it alot, especially the verticality of maps with underground/canopy layers and your map actually does not help the main 4 HoT maps that you will get have meta events which is like open world teamwork to defeat a boss or defend areas.

i think if you like map exploration HoT has some good zones, gliding is very nice to have and elite specs like Daredevil for Thief is really nice.

This post has been edited by svfn: Aug 3 2017, 11:40 PM

yea, but if you have the level 80 boost from buying HoT/PoF you can use it. although not recommended for first time players since new player may be overwhelmed with the amount of traits/skills if straight to 80.

Living World Season 2 can be added for $16 when you checkout the HoT/PoF bundle (can then buy on its own i think). but LWS2 story is pre HoT, Season 3 is the one in between HoT and PoF, and unlocks 1 new map zone for each chapter.

story is like this: Personal Story (base game) -> LWS1 (not available to play) -> LWS2 -> HoT -> LWS3 -> PoF

both Season 2 & Season 3 can be bought ingame via Gems. each chapter in LWS2/LWS3 can be unlocked for 200 Gems, so you don't need to buy all at once. you can buy Gems with real $ or with ingame gold.

if you've logged in during the episode's release, you would already have unlocked it for free, even though you don't yet have the HoT expansion. check your Story Journal tab.

This post has been edited by svfn: Aug 3 2017, 11:51 PM

you could prob use the boost then, since levelling can be quite slow imo. achievement points come from mostly just playing the game, exploring/doing JP, PvP, doing story journal. dailys give 10 AP, you can see the panel which one is more interesting for you to do.

base game is free to play with some minor restrictions like chat/tp. try it yourself and see.

HoT zones are still pretty active, core Tyria my be a little quiet. Malaysian guild i know HAX is quite active, CCTV fewer ppl now. i recommend playing on NA realm since there are SEA/Oceanic players there. i am on Sea of Sorrows NA, which server u pick is mostly for WvW, PvE doesnt matter which server.