Categories Gaming

Guild Wars 2 Q&A: Homesteads and New Elite Specs Discussed

Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity Q&A on Homesteads and the New Elite Specs

At Gamescom 2025, I met with ArenaNet representatives at NCSoft’s booth to explore two major additions in the forthcoming Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity expansion: revamped Homestead mechanics and fresh Elite Specializations. Below is a revised transcript of my discussion with Sarah Davies (Senior Gameplay Engineer) and Cal Cohen (Lead Competitive Designer). The expansion launches October 28 for PC via Steam.

Fantasy island scene with floating rocks and a spiral-shaped portal near the ocean.
Our layout system enables saving decoration configurations. Access the save/load interface via the menu, letting you preserve your setup and transfer it across Homestead maps. These templates are stored locally, avoiding device synchronization but permitting extensive storage. Users can exchange them externally, as layouts are saved as XML files containing decoration coordinates and scaling data.

Sarah, what Homestead updates arrive with Visions of Eternity?

Sarah Davies: Following Homesteads’ debut in Janthir Wilds, this expansion introduces a novel map alongside feature refinements. Expansion 6 remains required for access, but dual owners can transfer between Homestead locations via NPCs after storing decorations. The default dwelling integrates into a ship’s hull, but let’s spotlight the environment. The new zone features a private island dominated by a ley-infused volcanic structure. Magic currents replace lava, creating an ethereal landscape. Fishing spots, waterfalls, and crystal pools dot the terrain, while a leviathan lurks beneath coastal waters. Low-gravity zones and resource nodes enhance gathering, with Harvest Boxes returning for automated collection. Nighttime accentuates the volcano’s arcane radiance, though daytime better showcases housing. The redesigned home, fully modular via decorations, allows total customization. A duplication tool accelerates fence or wall construction by replicating aligned items. Layout saves mitigate relocation dilemmas—players can archive designs locally as shareable XML files or via in-game sharing among guests.

Fantasy island landscape with glowing portals, palm trees, and mystical mountains under a starry sky.
For players hesitant to edit files manually, an in-game sharing option exists. Homestead hosts can permit guests to save decor templates to their devices. While guests can’t directly load these, they may apply partial configurations using owned items, encouraging collaborative creativity across regions.

How did player input shape Homestead changes?

Sarah Davies: Key adjustments include fully removable starter homes and expanded structural components. Players requested more walls and roofing options for external builds, which we’ve addressed. Shareable layouts aim to resolve visitation hurdles, letting enthusiasts replicate designs without coordination. While cross-device sync isn’t available, local storage ensures flexibility. We’re tracking Homestead engagement metrics—participation justified further investment, and enhanced sharing tools may boost activity.

Cal, break down the new Elite Specs—Luminary and Paragon.

Cal Cohen: The Luminary, a Guardian variant, draws inspiration from Charr aesthetics, channeling light and flame through its Radiance Shroud. Unlike Necromancer Shroud mechanics, it lacks resource management—enter/exit freely with variable cooldowns based on skill usage. Weapons like Hammer (DPS), Staff (support), Sword (mobility), and Shield (defense) grant situational buffs. Traits enable Alacrity distribution, supporting hybrid roles. The Paragon revitalizes Guild Wars 1’s chant-focused Warrior, weaving Motivation—a resource from bursts and traits—into three Chants (Action, Recuperation, Freedom) that scale effects with accumulated stacks. Balancing offensive, defensive, and utility boons, it targets raid-ready support viability.

A glowing cave with luminescent plants, stalactites, and a reflective pool in a surreal landscape.
Homestead engagement metrics justify ongoing development. Expanded sharing and modular tools aim to nurture community creativity, with layout portability reducing rebuild friction for enthusiasts.

How do these specs differ from prior elite designs?

Cal Cohen: We prioritized filling role gaps—Warrior lacked dedicated support, addressed by Paragon. Luminary amplifies core Guardian motifs rather than diverging. Community feedback via extended betas informed adjustments, ensuring mechanics resonate. The Evoker (Elementalist) and Galeshot (Ranger) cater to ranged preferences, while Ritualist nods to nostalgic Guild Wars builds. Post-beta, we’ll refine underperforming elements but avoid overhauling core concepts unless necessary.

Colorful fantasy characters with unique costumes and powers on a vibrant abstract background.
Beta feedback drives iterative changes. While balance targets match existing specs, unexpected player strategies may necessitate post-launch tuning. Core profession adjustments will precede expansion launch if required for new elite compatibility.

Why reintroduce elite specs after Janthir Wilds omitted them?

Cal Cohen: Elite specs remain a cornerstone of player excitement, offering deeper build diversity. With spear combat and other features in prior expansions, we recognized their unmatched impact on gameplay. Development bandwidth allowed their inclusion here, revitalizing combat systems while honoring legacy professions.

Final thoughts?

Sarah Davies: The Evoker’s elemental familiars, especially the Otter, captivate me as an animal lover. Paragon’s support potential excites my inner Warrior main.

Cal Cohen: Reimagining Guild Wars 1’s Paragon and Ritualist provides nostalgic value while innovating combat roles. We’re eager to see how players embrace these.