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Your first 30 minutes: what should you click?

At a glance

Finish the tutorial, change three settings, then follow the Content Guide in the top right of the default screen layout.

Do this now
  • Finish the tutorial prologue
  • Change three settings
  • Learn WASD movement and F to interact
  • Follow the Content Guide
  • Join an event you come across
This can wait
  • Optimizing your build
  • Using the Trading Post (TP)
  • Starting crafting
  • Learning every profession skill
  • Joining a guild

Follow these steps

Work through these first steps at your own pace.

1
Finish the prologue after creating your character

Your first login begins with a short prologue for your race. Follow the NPC dialogue and objectives to learn basic movement and combat.

Play through the prologue. It is a safe place to get used to your first fights.
2
Change three settings when you reach the starting area

Once you reach the starting area, change these three settings. You can explore the other options later.

Turn on
Show All Usable Object Names This labels objects you can interact with. It helps you see where to go and when to press F.
Turn on
Autoloot: Autopickup After defeating an enemy, press F to collect loot directly into your inventory without opening a loot window.
Turn off
Double-Tap to Evade This prevents accidental dodges when you press a movement key twice. Using the default dodge key, V, is easier to control.
3
Learn three controls first

Start with movement, interaction, and dodging.

WASD
Move Hold the right mouse button and drag to turn the camera. Combine this with WASD to move around.
F
Interact and loot Approach an NPC or object, look for the interaction prompt, then press F. This key is used for talking, using objects, and picking up loot.
V
Dodge When you see a red attack area, press V to move out of it. The yellow bar above your health shows the endurance you use to dodge.
4
Explore with the Content Guide

In the starting area, the Content Guide appears in the top right of the default screen layout. If you are unsure what to do, follow its direction indicator. Complete hearts and explore the map icons along the way.

Guild Wars 2 relies mainly on hearts and events instead of the usual quest-giver system.
5
Join events you come across

Yellow or orange circles on the minimap can mark dynamic events. Go to the marked area and help with the objective or fight the enemies to earn rewards. Sharing an enemy with other players does not reduce your rewards, so join in.

Being defeated in an event has little penalty. Feel free to try one.
6
Gather resources once you have tools

When you find ore, trees, or plants you can gather, press F. You will need the matching tools, which are cheap at early merchants. You do not need to learn crafting yet: keep the materials for later or sell them.

M opens the map and I opens your inventory. Learn these two keys early.
If you have a Level-80 Boost

We recommend leveling your first character normally and saving the boost. Unlocking skills gradually gives you time to learn the controls and your profession. You can use the boost on a second character. If you want to use it now, try the profession in the Silverwastes first, then confirm permanent use once you decide to keep playing it.

Common beginner mistakes

Trying to understand every skill at once

Weapon skills unlock as you level. Try each new skill in combat to learn its range and effects.

Thinking you must finish every heart

Hearts introduce nearby activities. Use the Content Guide to find events and places to explore, then choose what interests you.

Leaving a full inventory untouched

Compare early Fine (blue) or lower-quality equipment with your current gear. Equip upgrades and sell or salvage the rest to make space.

💡

Wondering what the items in your inventory are for? See What Is This Item Used For? → for common items you will find early on.

Thinking you cannot meet a friend of another race

Each race starts in a different place, but the starting waypoints are already unlocked. Open the world map and travel to the starting area where your friend is playing.

Feeling you have to try PvP or WvW immediately

You can leave the competitive-mode buttons alone for now. Open-world PvE is an easier place to learn the controls and interface. Try the other modes when you feel ready.