If you still need help deciding, look at a video of each side by side. It should be pretty obvious after that.
Been watching a pretty extreme amount of videos and lets play on both. Still can't decide lol! I will definitely check out GW2 sale though that another poster mentioned for 10 bucks thats a pretty cake choice. So i'll just simply try both and see which one sticks at the time and then when it gets stale maybe switch. While i wait for the sale im going through old TES games and fallout series. Been fun to rehash
I'd say GW2, but I'm extremely biased. I feel it has more character, in everything from it's art style (which is present in every aspect including the UI) to the combat and main story characters. The characters that ride the tides of fate, Destiny's Edge, the NPC guild are all very well thought out and fleshed out, they've got character arcs and personality. That's cause the story in the game involves such vast world changing forces they don't want the player character to be the hero of the day, sorta like older games that had "heroes" and "mascots". It goes to prevent the whole "The Hero of Kvatch was a nord/human/redguard/argonian/khajiit/male/female and they stopped the tragedy." That arises in games with a single player messiah, and prevents problems with people knowing you in game and all that. Basically it's supposed to create immersion. And that was the biggest complaint I heard about it, you're not "THE ONE".
TESO is about the opposite, you are THE ONE, and so is every other player character. There are 10000000 THE ONE(s) and you're a super special snowflake. The game lacks most character or qualities of an Elder Scrolls game, and is incredibly linear and disapproves of exploration and making fun your own way. It's very anti-adventure and anti-Elder Scrolls. It lacks a LFG tool, it also lacks an auction house, and it's so heavily instanced/phased that grouping is almost impossible. The overall art style is bland, and the graphics are stomach-able, but I feel they lack character. If the game didn't have TES attached in the title I wouldn't be able to tell it apart from Generic Fantasy X.
Pretty convincing case, im pretty torn on which to buy still because I guess im not sure what I want from a themepark game. My experience is mostly from sandbox only games uo/swg/eve types. I think i'll try out GW2 first see if i like it or not. Are there any trial periods?
If you are more into freedom from quests and freedom from being told what to do, go with GW2. If you want story and like doing traditional quests for NPC's, go with ESO. Both have pretty similar combat. I prefer GW2's as it isn't pretending to be real time action combat as ESO is. I also really enjoy the GW2 combo fields idea, pretty nice. GW2 does feel a bit shallow and it isn't really a game for those that like risk vs reward (actually neither is). Grouping is a real issue in ESO as well.
Overall, I would probably try GW2 first if I were you. Person quoted above sums it up pretty well.
Amazing world, combat and the best reward system in the mmo market. The best underwater areas i have ever seen in a game, plus the underwater combat. You can play in every zone even after you get to max lvl and have rewards for your lvl. Imho GW2 also has the best mmo community by a mile.
A huge plus is that a great expansion is coming
All Time Favorites: EQ1, WoW, EvE, GW1 Playing Now: WoW, ESO, GW2
I have played both and currently playing ESO. While GW2 is for me the prime example of an MMO I never don't want to play I must admit that ESO is quite OK. For now. At least until they slow down real development and push cash shop instead.
GW2 main story written by some kid makes me still shudder even after several years.
So to me both games are good in the fact there both so diverse unlike most other mmo's where you are locked to a role like Tank, healer, DPS. To me Elder scrolls should be a diverse game not some role locked game but the player base enforces this play style where you can not be diverse you have to follow the FoTM set-up but of course I never have and never will.
As for the games them selves I bought both but for the same reason I like the story's in both games. I like to open feel to them as well and there game play can not be beat except by other games that follow suit and make there games diverse. I got tired of the games that force you to play one role so much I almost quit mmo's for that reason then I found GW2 to have this very free open play style and then when I heard about elder scrolls and how it was going to be this play how you want set up I went all in and tried it and at first I did not like it but fell in love with the freedom to be as I want kind of play style that I enjoy.
But really its up to you to decide and with GW2 sale this weekend and Elder scrolls going b2p on the 17th you can't beat getting both.
Sherman's Gaming
Youtube Content creator for The Elder Scrolls Online
I wonder if with the new patch, ESO is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Y'see I have a bit of a problem with delayed gratification and I don't want to wait the almost 2 weeks for it to be free. However, I'd be mighty disappointed if my wine money went to something underwhelming and not as entertaining as I predicted.
I played GW2 for almost two years and started got into ESO a month ago.
ESO is the winner for me currently. Both amazing games but ESO has better pve content in my opinion. I find the dungeons in ESO are more enjoyable and the World v World to be better as well. GW2 has challenging content but it turns into one shot one kill ordeals and the boss monsters being on an open map make you feel non-important. One person dies and it is not a big deal as there is a huge army.
On March 6–8, we’re offering both the Guild Wars 2 Digital Heroic Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition for 75% off* to celebrate our WTS Finals and the playable demo of Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns at PAX East! Already a Guild Wars 2 player? Tell your friends so they can get ready for Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns by picking up this award-winning MMO that has captivated millions of gamers worldwide and experience a constantly evolving fantasy world where their actions make a difference.
*Offer applies only to Digital Heroic Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition purchased through buy.guildwars2.com from March 6, 2015, at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) through March 8, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7).
All Time Favorites: EQ1, WoW, EvE, GW1 Playing Now: WoW, ESO, GW2
I played GW2 for almost two years and started got into ESO a month ago.
ESO is the winner for me currently. Both amazing games but ESO has better pve content in my opinion. I find the dungeons in ESO are more enjoyable and the World v World to be better as well. GW2 has challenging content but it turns into one shot one kill ordeals and the boss monsters being on an open map make you feel non-important. One person dies and it is not a big deal as there is a huge army.
I enjoyed ESO for the short time I played it, but I will never go back because of how horridly the classes worked. At the time, everyone was 1 of 2 builds, regardless of what class they chose (spoiler alert: everyone was a dk). It was absolutely retarded, and even if it has completely changed, it left an awful taste in my mouth.
GW2. It is far more polished with a lot of work put into details.
The combat takes a little time to get use to, particularly certain classes (warrior and rangers are easy to play, mesmers and theives are hard but the thief is still my favorite and the most fun class I played in any MMO).
ESO is not a bad game but they tend to recycle stuff far too much. It have loads of dungeons but most of them are small and similar to the rest. And the phasing is bloody annoying. In GW2 you can play together with your friends all the time, even basic single player instances will scale up if you invite friends.
I think ESO need some more time and maybe an expansion. Not that GW2s expansion isn't needed or anything, we should have gotten it last year but ESO needs it more.
But even if I think GW2 is the better game is ESO not a bad choice .
GW2s worst point is that it tend to be a bit zergy in the larger open world events and in WvWvW while ESOs is that the group playing experience needs far more work.
Edit: GW2 is 75% off today and friday from the official store, that should be a tie breaker.
Edit: GW2 is 75% off today and friday from the official store, that should be a tie breaker.
Better check your calendar and clock:)
*Offer applies only to Digital Heroic Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition purchased through buy.guildwars2.com from March 6, 2015, at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) through March 8, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7).
GW2. It is far more polished with a lot of work put into details.
It have loads of dungeons but most of them are small and similar to the rest.
And the phasing is bloody annoying.
I think you havent played ESO for quite a long time.
It is nearly bug-free nowadays. The small delves got overhauled and are now more diversive and much bigger. And the phasing is more group friendly now.
There is no comparison to the status at server start last year.
I'd say GW2, but I'm extremely biased. I feel it has more character, in everything from it's art style (which is present in every aspect including the UI) to the combat and main story characters. The characters that ride the tides of fate, Destiny's Edge, the NPC guild are all very well thought out and fleshed out, they've got character arcs and personality. That's cause the story in the game involves such vast world changing forces they don't want the player character to be the hero of the day, sorta like older games that had "heroes" and "mascots". It goes to prevent the whole "The Hero of Kvatch was a nord/human/redguard/argonian/khajiit/male/female and they stopped the tragedy." That arises in games with a single player messiah, and prevents problems with people knowing you in game and all that. Basically it's supposed to create immersion. And that was the biggest complaint I heard about it, you're not "THE ONE".
TESO is about the opposite, you are THE ONE, and so is every other player character. There are 10000000 THE ONE(s) and you're a super special snowflake. The game lacks most character or qualities of an Elder Scrolls game, and is incredibly linear and disapproves of exploration and making fun your own way. It's very anti-adventure and anti-Elder Scrolls. It lacks a LFG tool, it also lacks an auction house, and it's so heavily instanced/phased that grouping is almost impossible. The overall art style is bland, and the graphics are stomach-able, but I feel they lack character. If the game didn't have TES attached in the title I wouldn't be able to tell it apart from Generic Fantasy X.
Pretty convincing case, im pretty torn on which to buy still because I guess im not sure what I want from a themepark game. My experience is mostly from sandbox only games uo/swg/eve types. I think i'll try out GW2 first see if i like it or not. Are there any trial periods?
If you enjoy EVE and sandboxes man... You wont play GW2 for more than 3 weeks. It's anti thought imo....
ESO has a lfg too. It has guild traders in city's. Think space stations. If ESO is "heavily instanced" I haven't noticed....
You did too notice it was instanced, please dont lie to get someone to play the game. Nearly every single dungeon is an instance, a lot of your solo play missions are in instances (the majority of the game), many buildings like the bank are typically instanced, each zone is an instance. The open space that is there is large, but to say you did not notice the instances is a gigantic lie.
ps; my vote for op is ESO. While instanced heavily, its a great game. The launch issues were blown WAY WAY out of proportion for some reason, but regardless of that the game has always been pretty damn good. I feel there will be way more to do in ESO over time. I love all the little things they are adding. Heck, moving around and finding some of the rare crafting areas hidden about is cool, and they are only going to expand on that and crafting further.
The heavy instancing comes with questing, the questing phases certain NPCs in and out and if you try to play with a few friensd it's incredibly frustrating and almost impossible. You also don't get group stacking objectives or quest pickups.
This is the biggest reason why I cancelled pre order on ESO back in the days. Trying tp play with friend was too much hassle and eventually not worth the fuzz.
GW2 has more to do. Ten times the options. Much better music and replayability. And more to come and grow with the upcoming expansion.
ESO is great with immersion and combat is more fun now and I found group stuff fun to accomplish, but it feels shallow in that there isn't much beyond questing/dungeons/pvp. It's definitely improved since launch but needs more...meta game? added me thinks. Like housing, mini games, etc. and BETTER LOOT. GW2 trumps ESO in terms of loot and armor look.
All that being said, I play both so I suggest both. Come march 17 both will be B2P.
I have only played Guild Wars 2, and I was not impressed. When the game launched I was addicted to it like crack but it slowly lost its magic the lack of content and repetitive gameplay made the game a real drag.
WvW was not all that it was cracked up to be they are now mostly zerg fests where large groups are following each other capturing the same fort you just took 5 minutes ago. Not to mention due to how empty the servers are now, it doesn't feel like the World vs World that it is made out to be.
PvP is pointless it feels like they tried to make themselves an E-Sport but instead made rather dull combat where it is an all out damage fest where the Elementalists and Thiefs wreck.
There has been no long-term content added outside of Fractals and no one even bothers to run them because the stat bonuses don't justify the months that it takes to farm them.
Personally GW2 failed to innovate and is still the same grind fest that we get in most MMORPG's these days.
I've been spending a good bit of my time with ESO. Though much of that has to do with the renewed interest I have due to big patch. I'm sure I'll dive back into GW2 (and XIV) as the expansion draws near.
Honestly, I would just look for the game that delivers the things that you're more in the mood to experience. Happy hunting!
I would start with GW2 myself. Its way cheap to buy right now and getting an expansion soon so if you jump to ESO later and you hate it, your timing will be right about when GW2 expansion hits.
I would also say play them both. Start with GW2 as I find it a solid game with few problems. After ESO goes b2p or after you're done checking out GW2 give ESO a go. I wouldn't start with ESO because they are working on balance issues from that big patch which means the game is going through many changes. Better to play it a little after the dust settles rather then in the middle of a state of major changes. Plus ESO's main concern is getting ready for consoles launch, which may mean that pc users are merely beta testing for future consoles content.
That said there are people who swear by both games and based on your rig and play style it's up to you to decide. Best of game play with both.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
Well, TESO is plagued by phasing issues, so if you intend to play with your friends or in group at all in to levels 1-50, you're going to have a hard time. Every TESO fanboy will tell you that the pvp is meaningful because it has a huge map and whatnot, but the fact that there are multiple "campaigns" where you can switch left and right makes it not that much appealing especially when you add in the imbalance between the few cookie cutter builds versus anything else.
Animations are so bad, like seriously. Its like that since day one.
Armors are nothing more than skin textures with no depth whatsoever
The endgame is mindless grind (currently for veteran ranks, in few weeks for champion points), which further imbalances the game.
The combat is "dynamic" but especially melee feels so clunky it hurts.
Last time i checked they had handful of open dungeon templates, everything else is just copy paste.
Guild Wars 2, on the other hand, will have 75% discount tomorrow through the weekend.
Gw2 employs the same megaserver tech, just tad bit better. You still see people all over the world so you never feel alone. Minus the phasing plaguing.
Nobody steals your mining nodes. You don't hate it when people outside your party help you out to kill a monster, because you both get rewarded equally.
Dynamic events that pop up left and right. I mean sure, they are scripted to appear on given time after certain amount of conditions are met.
The game is literally for everybody. Somebody said that they never died in Gw2. That's because they've been stuck in starter zones I assume. I'm fairly experienced player, I'm in the PvP leaderboards, doing ranked PvP matches all the time, and *all* of my characters have at least 500+ deaths each. And i consider myself one of the elite players. Who don't usually die.
Also Guild Wars 2 will release an expack by the end of the year that adds a new profession and tons of other stuff.
The combat is so much fun to play, especially in PvP, which btw is one of the most balanced, if not all MMOs with the 2 PvP modes.
Guild Wars 2 is no fun if you play alone!
So if you intend to play it, find a guild or bunch of friends. It pays out every penny
Comments
"If I offended you, you needed it" -Corey Taylor
I recently went back to both, ESO lasted a week, and I am back leveling a new character in GW2 and so far its as boring as it ever was.
Thank God Skyforge CBT is just around the corner or I might beat myself to death with a CE box set or two.
I absolutely can't stand playing more than one mmorpg at a time.
Been watching a pretty extreme amount of videos and lets play on both. Still can't decide lol! I will definitely check out GW2 sale though that another poster mentioned for 10 bucks thats a pretty cake choice. So i'll just simply try both and see which one sticks at the time and then when it gets stale maybe switch. While i wait for the sale im going through old TES games and fallout series. Been fun to rehash
If you are more into freedom from quests and freedom from being told what to do, go with GW2. If you want story and like doing traditional quests for NPC's, go with ESO. Both have pretty similar combat. I prefer GW2's as it isn't pretending to be real time action combat as ESO is. I also really enjoy the GW2 combo fields idea, pretty nice. GW2 does feel a bit shallow and it isn't really a game for those that like risk vs reward (actually neither is). Grouping is a real issue in ESO as well.
Overall, I would probably try GW2 first if I were you. Person quoted above sums it up pretty well.
For me its GW2.
Amazing world, combat and the best reward system in the mmo market. The best underwater areas i have ever seen in a game, plus the underwater combat. You can play in every zone even after you get to max lvl and have rewards for your lvl. Imho GW2 also has the best mmo community by a mile.
A huge plus is that a great expansion is coming
All Time Favorites: EQ1, WoW, EvE, GW1
Playing Now: WoW, ESO, GW2
I have played both and currently playing ESO. While GW2 is for me the prime example of an MMO I never don't want to play I must admit that ESO is quite OK. For now. At least until they slow down real development and push cash shop instead.
GW2 main story written by some kid makes me still shudder even after several years.
So to me both games are good in the fact there both so diverse unlike most other mmo's where you are locked to a role like Tank, healer, DPS. To me Elder scrolls should be a diverse game not some role locked game but the player base enforces this play style where you can not be diverse you have to follow the FoTM set-up but of course I never have and never will.
As for the games them selves I bought both but for the same reason I like the story's in both games. I like to open feel to them as well and there game play can not be beat except by other games that follow suit and make there games diverse. I got tired of the games that force you to play one role so much I almost quit mmo's for that reason then I found GW2 to have this very free open play style and then when I heard about elder scrolls and how it was going to be this play how you want set up I went all in and tried it and at first I did not like it but fell in love with the freedom to be as I want kind of play style that I enjoy.
But really its up to you to decide and with GW2 sale this weekend and Elder scrolls going b2p on the 17th you can't beat getting both.
Sherman's Gaming
Youtube Content creator for The Elder Scrolls Online
Channel:http://https//www.youtube.com/channel/UCrgYNgpFTRAl4XWz31o2emw
I played GW2 for almost two years and started got into ESO a month ago.
ESO is the winner for me currently. Both amazing games but ESO has better pve content in my opinion. I find the dungeons in ESO are more enjoyable and the World v World to be better as well. GW2 has challenging content but it turns into one shot one kill ordeals and the boss monsters being on an open map make you feel non-important. One person dies and it is not a big deal as there is a huge army.
Btw have a look on this.
Guild Wars 2 is 75% off March 6–8
On March 6–8, we’re offering both the Guild Wars 2 Digital Heroic Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition for 75% off* to celebrate our WTS Finals and the playable demo of Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns at PAX East! Already a Guild Wars 2 player? Tell your friends so they can get ready for Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns by picking up this award-winning MMO that has captivated millions of gamers worldwide and experience a constantly evolving fantasy world where their actions make a difference.
*Offer applies only to Digital Heroic Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition purchased through buy.guildwars2.com from March 6, 2015, at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) through March 8, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7).
All Time Favorites: EQ1, WoW, EvE, GW1
Playing Now: WoW, ESO, GW2
Thats kinda point of MMOs.
I enjoyed ESO for the short time I played it, but I will never go back because of how horridly the classes worked. At the time, everyone was 1 of 2 builds, regardless of what class they chose (spoiler alert: everyone was a dk). It was absolutely retarded, and even if it has completely changed, it left an awful taste in my mouth.
GW2. It is far more polished with a lot of work put into details.
The combat takes a little time to get use to, particularly certain classes (warrior and rangers are easy to play, mesmers and theives are hard but the thief is still my favorite and the most fun class I played in any MMO).
ESO is not a bad game but they tend to recycle stuff far too much. It have loads of dungeons but most of them are small and similar to the rest. And the phasing is bloody annoying. In GW2 you can play together with your friends all the time, even basic single player instances will scale up if you invite friends.
I think ESO need some more time and maybe an expansion. Not that GW2s expansion isn't needed or anything, we should have gotten it last year but ESO needs it more.
But even if I think GW2 is the better game is ESO not a bad choice .
GW2s worst point is that it tend to be a bit zergy in the larger open world events and in WvWvW while ESOs is that the group playing experience needs far more work.
Edit: GW2 is 75% off today and friday from the official store, that should be a tie breaker.
Better check your calendar and clock:)
*Offer applies only to Digital Heroic Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition purchased through buy.guildwars2.com from March 6, 2015, at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) through March 8, 2015, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-7).
I think you havent played ESO for quite a long time.
It is nearly bug-free nowadays. The small delves got overhauled and are now more diversive and much bigger. And the phasing is more group friendly now.
There is no comparison to the status at server start last year.
Hodor!
You did too notice it was instanced, please dont lie to get someone to play the game. Nearly every single dungeon is an instance, a lot of your solo play missions are in instances (the majority of the game), many buildings like the bank are typically instanced, each zone is an instance. The open space that is there is large, but to say you did not notice the instances is a gigantic lie.
ps; my vote for op is ESO. While instanced heavily, its a great game. The launch issues were blown WAY WAY out of proportion for some reason, but regardless of that the game has always been pretty damn good. I feel there will be way more to do in ESO over time. I love all the little things they are adding. Heck, moving around and finding some of the rare crafting areas hidden about is cool, and they are only going to expand on that and crafting further.
This is the biggest reason why I cancelled pre order on ESO back in the days. Trying tp play with friend was too much hassle and eventually not worth the fuzz.
GW2 has more to do. Ten times the options. Much better music and replayability. And more to come and grow with the upcoming expansion.
ESO is great with immersion and combat is more fun now and I found group stuff fun to accomplish, but it feels shallow in that there isn't much beyond questing/dungeons/pvp. It's definitely improved since launch but needs more...meta game? added me thinks. Like housing, mini games, etc. and BETTER LOOT. GW2 trumps ESO in terms of loot and armor look.
All that being said, I play both so I suggest both. Come march 17 both will be B2P.
I have only played Guild Wars 2, and I was not impressed. When the game launched I was addicted to it like crack but it slowly lost its magic the lack of content and repetitive gameplay made the game a real drag.
WvW was not all that it was cracked up to be they are now mostly zerg fests where large groups are following each other capturing the same fort you just took 5 minutes ago. Not to mention due to how empty the servers are now, it doesn't feel like the World vs World that it is made out to be.
PvP is pointless it feels like they tried to make themselves an E-Sport but instead made rather dull combat where it is an all out damage fest where the Elementalists and Thiefs wreck.
There has been no long-term content added outside of Fractals and no one even bothers to run them because the stat bonuses don't justify the months that it takes to farm them.
Personally GW2 failed to innovate and is still the same grind fest that we get in most MMORPG's these days.
The Arcade Corner
The Daily Exposition
I've been spending a good bit of my time with ESO. Though much of that has to do with the renewed interest I have due to big patch. I'm sure I'll dive back into GW2 (and XIV) as the expansion draws near.
Honestly, I would just look for the game that delivers the things that you're more in the mood to experience. Happy hunting!
I would also say play them both. Start with GW2 as I find it a solid game with few problems. After ESO goes b2p or after you're done checking out GW2 give ESO a go. I wouldn't start with ESO because they are working on balance issues from that big patch which means the game is going through many changes. Better to play it a little after the dust settles rather then in the middle of a state of major changes. Plus ESO's main concern is getting ready for consoles launch, which may mean that pc users are merely beta testing for future consoles content.
That said there are people who swear by both games and based on your rig and play style it's up to you to decide. Best of game play with both.
"We all do the best we can based on life experience, point of view, and our ability to believe in ourselves." - Naropa "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." SR Covey
Well, TESO is plagued by phasing issues, so if you intend to play with your friends or in group at all in to levels 1-50, you're going to have a hard time. Every TESO fanboy will tell you that the pvp is meaningful because it has a huge map and whatnot, but the fact that there are multiple "campaigns" where you can switch left and right makes it not that much appealing especially when you add in the imbalance between the few cookie cutter builds versus anything else.
Animations are so bad, like seriously. Its like that since day one.
Armors are nothing more than skin textures with no depth whatsoever
The endgame is mindless grind (currently for veteran ranks, in few weeks for champion points), which further imbalances the game.
The combat is "dynamic" but especially melee feels so clunky it hurts.
Last time i checked they had handful of open dungeon templates, everything else is just copy paste.
Guild Wars 2, on the other hand, will have 75% discount tomorrow through the weekend.
Gw2 employs the same megaserver tech, just tad bit better. You still see people all over the world so you never feel alone. Minus the phasing plaguing.
Nobody steals your mining nodes. You don't hate it when people outside your party help you out to kill a monster, because you both get rewarded equally.
Dynamic events that pop up left and right. I mean sure, they are scripted to appear on given time after certain amount of conditions are met.
The game is literally for everybody. Somebody said that they never died in Gw2. That's because they've been stuck in starter zones I assume. I'm fairly experienced player, I'm in the PvP leaderboards, doing ranked PvP matches all the time, and *all* of my characters have at least 500+ deaths each. And i consider myself one of the elite players. Who don't usually die.
Also Guild Wars 2 will release an expack by the end of the year that adds a new profession and tons of other stuff.
The combat is so much fun to play, especially in PvP, which btw is one of the most balanced, if not all MMOs with the 2 PvP modes.
Guild Wars 2 is no fun if you play alone!
So if you intend to play it, find a guild or bunch of friends. It pays out every penny