Back in July, we announced that a set of new and updated mechanics for the skimmer would arrive with the launch of Guild Wars 2®: Visions of Eternity™. Today, we're excited to share more details, including some exciting boosts for those with the previous Skimmer Mount Mastery line trained.
To see the Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity skimmers—including the new abilities in action—join us for a livestream on our Twitch channel this Friday, September 19, at noon Pacific Time (UTC-7).
A Home Called Castora
During your time in Castora, you will likely stumble upon a new, yet familiar, creature that calls this island home. Wavehawks—otherwise known as skimmers in Elonian local parlance—are masters of both sea and sky. They've adapted to the island's rich energies—and, when tamed, they become a valuable asset for those attempting to survive on Castora.
Divergent Evolution
Unlike the skimmers that reside in the deserts of Elona, these skimmers evolved in a setting rich with ley magic that runs through root and sand. This has turned the wavehawks into highly mobile mounts that can navigate with ease and grace over all kinds of terrain, as well as boasting some new combat and exploration abilities:
- Aetherlocation: A pulsing, sonar-like signal that detects nearby threats and enemies. While submerged, it also has the ability to detect hidden treasures throughout the waters of Tyria.
- Slipstream Boost: Increases the base speed of the skimmer for a set duration. During this time, using the Hover skill also increases the vertical height gain of the skimmer past previous limits at the cost of stamina.
- Water Jets: Commands the skimmer to fire a set of projectiles that damages enemies and heals allies. When it is held, the ability will continue to fire up to max ammo count.
Training Your Skimmer
Once unlocked, you will learn to master the skimmer's new abilities throughout your Castoran adventure. For those with the previous skimmer masteries from Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire™, you'll see a boost to the existing Masteries to take your mount to new heights:
- Advanced Hydrodynamics: Grants your skimmer the ability to dive underwater. For those who already have this ability with Skimming the Depths trained, it will also increase the base speed of the skimmer as well as grant temporary stealth when diving into and out of water.
- Castoran Intuition: Unlocks the skimmer's ability to use Aetherlocation while also enhancing the Barrel Roll engage skill. This enhanced version of the skill allows for multiple dashes without dismounting at the cost of stamina. When it is held, the ability will activate its dismount portion of the skill.
- Convergent Evolution: Unlocks the skimmer's Slipstream Boost and Water Jets skills. For those with Ride the Wind trained, it will further increase the aerial ascent power of Hover High while Slipstream Boost is active.
- Riptide Rider: Grants your skimmer the ability to ride ley lines and updrafts both above and within the water.
Alongside these enhancements, all versions of the skimmer—regardless of Mastery or acquisition method—will also be getting base-level updates. Players will now be able to dismount the skimmer in midair and can mount it in combat with no Mastery training required.
Livestream This Friday
Everything we discussed today and more will be shown in detail during our livestream this week! Tune in to our Twitch channel this Friday, September 19, at noon Pacific Time (UTC-7) to see it all for yourself. Get ready to soar over the island of Castora on your very own wavehawk on October 28. Prepurchase Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity and unlock some of the digital rewards today!