Guild Wars 2 lifts the curtain on its first three Visions of Eternity elite specs

Elite specializations are returning to Guild Wars 2 with next year’s Visions of Eternity expansion, and ArenaNet has just shared the first trio. Long-time players will recognize elite specs as advanced profession paths that debuted with 2015’s Heart of Thorns, adding new weapons and mechanics to each class. The studio’s July 25 livestream will give a closer look at the fresh takes for mesmer, ranger and guardian, while an open beta from August 20 to August 27 lets anyone with a Guild Wars 2 account test-drive all nine upcoming specs.

Below is a quick rundown of what to expect from the mesmer’s Troubadour, the ranger’s Galeshot and the guardian’s Luminary.

• Troubadour (Mesmer)
  Generates musical notes instead of traditional clones, then spends them with a powerful “Crescendo” finisher.
  Shatter skills turn into illusory instruments that deal damage, heal allies or apply boons while they keep playing in the background.
  Can quote Tyrian legends through utility skills, swapping between supportive and offensive effects.
• Galeshot (Ranger)
  Conjures a Cyclone Bow that passively creates wind-infused arrows, spent on skills like the piercing Supersonic Arrow.
  Finishing move “Hawkeye” rains a volley on locked targets once enough arrows have been fired.
  Traits enhance avian pets and use air squalls for movement, crowd control and area denial.
• Luminary (Guardian)
  Carries an iron brazier that powers the new Radiant Shroud, replacing normal weapon skills with a rotating arsenal of light-based attacks.
  Four shroud weapons (sword, hammer, staff and mace) provide different passive bonuses after exiting shroud, encouraging on-the-fly swaps.
  Stance utilities add extra mobility, crowd control and team support without relying on a resource bar.

ArenaNet plans to unveil the remaining six elite specs in the coming weeks. Visions of Eternity will be Guild Wars 2’s sixth expansion, following 2023’s Secrets of the Obscure and continuing the MMO’s trend of delivering new class variants rather than entirely new professions. If you want to see the first set in action, the livestream starts July 25 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific on the official Twitch channel.

Further reading: Official blogpost