Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure is introducing an exciting new gameplay mechanic called the Relic system, which aims to revamp the existing Rune and Relic mechanics, adding more depth and customization options for players. In this guide, we'll explore the key features of the Relic system and the impact it will have on your gaming experience.

 

• What is a Relic?
• Designing Relics
• Core & Expansion Relics
• Example of Core Relic: Relic of the Zephyrite
• Example of Expansion Relic: Relic of the Wizard's Tower
• Legendary Relics

 

↖ What is a Relic?

Before discussing the main functions of the New Relic System, let's first understand what Relic is. A Relic is a sixth bonus slot separate from runes, allowing for a whole new level of customization. Instead of the usual two rows of three runes, you now have four slots to work with. Relics offer unique and powerful effects that go beyond simple stat boosts, making your gameplay more dynamic and engaging.

 

Relic Type	Scaling Effect	Design Focus	Quantity	Acquisition Method	Account-Bound Status
Core Relics	Scale with skill cooldowns	Active gameplay, moving away from passives	40	Craft, buy, and use across characters	No
Expansion Relics	Scale with skill cooldowns	Active gameplay, moving away from passives	12	Obtain through collections, achievements, or story progression	Yes
Legendary Relics	Scale with skill cooldowns	Active gameplay, moving away from passives	Not available at launch	Based on the number of legendary runes crafted, progress toward unlocking the Legendary Relic	Yes

 

The table summarizes the key characteristics of the Relics in Guild Wars 2:

 

• Relic Type: This column specifies the type of Relics available in the game, which are divided into Core Relics and Expansion Relics.
• Scaling Effect: Both Core and Expansion Relics have the ability to scale with skill cooldowns, making their power stronger when used with longer cooldown skills and weaker with shorter cooldown skills.
• Design Focus: The development team's focus is on active gameplay, meaning that the Relics are designed to provide exciting and fun mechanics rather than passive bonuses, encouraging players to use them in their playstyle actively.
• Quantity: There are 40 Core Relics available in the game, while Expansion Relics are limited to 12. Expansion Relics are released alongside upcoming expansions and are expected to have more intricate and thrilling effects compared to Core Relics.
• Acquisition Method: Core Relics can be acquired through crafting or buying, and they are not account-bound, allowing players to use them across different characters. On the other hand, Expansion Relics can be obtained through collections, achievements, or story progression and are account-bound.
• Legendary Relics: Although Legendary Relics will not be available at launch, they are planned for future implementation. Players who have crafted legendary runes will be compensated with progress toward unlocking the Legendary Relic, with the number of legendary runes crafted determining the amount of progress made.
• Account-Bound Status: Core Relics are not account-bound, promoting a healthy guild wars 2 economy as players can trade or craft them for use across characters. In contrast, Expansion Relics are account-bound to prevent market saturation and maintain a sense of accomplishment when unlocking them.

 

These features aim to enhance the gameplay experience, providing players with a variety of exciting Relics to experiment with while also rewarding dedication and achievement in the game.

 

↖ Designing Relics

The Relic system is set to revolutionize the way players approach build customization and character progression. Currently, Rune sets provide attribute increases and a special bonus effect when wearing a complete set of six. However, some Rune sets were underutilized due to the focus on stats, leaving the unique bonus effects largely unnoticed.

 

With the expansion's release, Rune sets will still offer attribute bonuses, but the special bonus effects will be moved to a brand-new equipment type called Relics. Relics will have their own dedicated slot, allowing players more flexibility and control in customizing their builds. Moreover, this shift in focus from passive bonuses to interactive effects aligns with the developers' goal of enhancing player engagement and gameplay dynamics.

 

↖ Core & Expansion Relics

Upon the expansion's launch, players of level 60 or above will receive a Relic chest containing three core Relics to kickstart their journey with the new system. Additionally, Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure will introduce 40 core Relics and 12 expansion Relics. More core Relics will be added over time to enhance build variety and options.

 

Core Relics will not be account-bound and can be crafted and shared among players. On the other hand, expansion Relics will be closely tied to the expansion's narrative, revealing tantalizing lore tidbits. Although not inherently more powerful than core Relics, expansion Relics will boast more intricate and thrilling effects, making them a flavorful addition to your character's arsenal.

 

↖ Example of Core Relic: Relic of the Zephyrite

The Relic of the Zephyrite is a prime example of a core Relic. This Relic grants the player seven crystals that apply protection and resolution to allies after using an elite skill. The duration of these crystals scales with the recharge time of the elite skill. This new dynamic effect adds depth and interactivity to the gameplay, potentially opening up new support-oriented playstyles.

 

↖ Example of Expansion Relic: Relic of the Wizard's Tower

The Relic of the Wizard's Tower is a tantalizing expansion Relic that activates a projectile-reflecting barrier around the player while summoning a wave that pulls enemies towards them after using an elite skill. This powerful and crowd-controlling effect is sure to be useful in various game modes, particularly in World versus World scenarios.

 

↖ Legendary Relics

Legendary Relics will be introduced in Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure during one of the quarterly releases in 2024. These prestigious relics will allow players to swap between various Relic effects freely, providing unparalleled build versatility. Players who have already crafted legendary runes will receive significant progress toward unlocking legendary relics, ensuring their investment is rewarded.

 

Conclusion

The new Relic system in Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure promises to breathe fresh life into the game's build customization and character progression mechanics. With the introduction of core and expansion Relics, players will have more options and choices to express their playstyles and preferences. The addition of legendary relics in the future further enhances build versatility and ensures that players' efforts in crafting legendary runes are not in vain. Stay tuned for the expansion's release to experience the full range of Relics and their exciting effects.