Guild Wars 2 has introduced a plethora of new armor and weapons in the Secrets of the Obscure (SOTO) expansion cycle. In this detailed guide, we will unveil the secrets to unlocking a plethora of mesmerizing armor sets, formidable weapons, and unique items that will elevate your gaming experience to new heights. Join us on this epic journey as we explore the realms of Tyria, revealing the intricate steps and achievements required to claim your coveted loot. From Astral Ward Armor to Enchanted Owl Griffon Skins, we've got you covered. So, gear up and prepare for an adventure like no other. 

• New Armor Sets
• Achievement Unlocks
• Weapons and Sets
• One-Off Items
• Mount Skins

↖ New Armor Sets

Astral Ward Armor

The Astral Ward Armor is a stunning set seen on many NPCs around the Wizard's Tower. To unlock the vendor selling this beautiful armor, you must have completed and unlocked the Astral Crafting Mastery found in the Astral Ward Mastery track. The Astral Ward Armor is a precursor collection for the new PVE Obsidian Legendary Armor sets, all three of them.

• Armor Weights: Light, Medium, and Heavy all share the same appearance.
• Components Needed: To purchase a complete set, you will need:
  • Six Purified Cryptus Essences
  • 3,000 Research Notes
  • Six Pouches of Stardust
  • Six Cases of Captured Lightning
  • One Gift of Claws, Dust, Scales, Venom, Bones, and Fang (one gift per item).

There are two vendors for this armor, both located in the outer ring of the Wizard's Tower. It's recommended to use Leah, a vendor who not only sells Astral Ward Armor but also offers the necessary gifts for those who still need to get max-level Crafters.

Rift Hunter Armor:

The Rift Hunter Armor shares the same appearance across all weights and is rewarded for completing the main story arc of Secrets of the Obscure. It is also part of the Legendary Obsidian Armor collection, which can be found in the achievement section under 

Legendary Armor:

Please note that world vs. world and PvP players can unlock Rift Hunter's Armor via the SOTO reward track, provided they have purchased the expansion.

Upcoming Armor Sets:

As of September 2023, there are two armor sets, including a cryptus-inspired Demonic set, which will be added to the game through content patches in the Secrets of the Obscure rollout.

One-Off Armor Items:

The Sanctified Boots, Gloves, and Shoulders are currently available in the Wizard's Vault for 375 Astral Acclaim each. They will be moved to the archive at an increased cost at some point, so it's advisable to acquire them before that happens.

↖ Achievement Unlocks

• Astral Ribbon Back Piece: Unlock via the Skywatch Archipelago Mastery.
• Astral Ward Cloak: Unlocked through the Honorary Astral Ward achievement.
• Visage of Nari's: Find it inside the Amnatas Horde by successfully completing the Defense of Amnatas meta event.

↖ Weapons and Sets

↖ One-Off Items

• Eternal Blade: Unlocked via The Echoes of the Obscure achievement.
• Jotan Sky Piercer: Unlocked by completing the achievement of the same name.
• Scales of Dagrama: Unlocked by the Scales of Dagrama achievement.
• Knowledge of the Elders Torch: Unlocked by the Knowledge of the Elders achievement.
• Spire of the Forgotten: Unlocked via the Spire of the Forgotten achievement.
• Strength of the Unseen: Unlocked by completing the Strength of the Unseen achievement.
• Waylit Lantern: Unlocked by completing the Waylit Lantern achievement.

↖ Mount Skins

• Enchanted Owl Griffin Skin: Costing 1,000 Astral Acclaim from the Wizard's Vault, this mount skin is truly exquisite.
• Cryptus Sky Scale: To unlock this unique mount, you must first complete the New Look Achievement, which involves unlocking the SOTO Sky Scale.

The KryptIs SkyScale requires a significant investment, even if you already have a Sky Scale. Please refer to external sources or guides for detailed information on how to obtain it.

Conclusion:

In total, with this guide, you now possess the Knowledge to embark on your quest for the most coveted gear in the game. Whether you're chasing legendary armor, unique achievements, or exquisite weapon skins, the world of Tyria is yours to explore. So, equip yourself with the finest gear, embrace the challenges, and make your mark in the ever-evolving realm of Guild Wars 2. Your epic adventure begins now!