“Guild Wars 2 Mastery System Guide (2025): What to Unlock First After Level 80” 

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

I built this site all by myself and I’m doing my best to keep it growing. If you’ve got questions or ideas, just drop them in the comments! And don’t forget—you can also support me by checking out my YouTube channel for Guild Wars 2 content and hitting that subscribe button: YouTube / @yusking355

Alright folks, in today’s post we’re tackling one of the most asked questions ever: “Is Guild Wars 2 max level 80?” Or, “I hit 80, does that mean I’m basically done with leveling?” Let’s clear that up once and for all.

When you start the game, you’re level 1 during the intro. By the time you finish it, you step into Tyria as level 2. Then you keep questing, exploring maps, following the story—and eventually, boom, level 80! At this point, a lot of new players go: “Okay… now what?”

Here’s the thing: the real game actually starts after 80. Each expansion (DLC) brings new mechanics and skills—but you unlock them through the Mastery system. There are about 633 Mastery Points in total (yep, that many 😅). As you earn them, you gain powerful abilities.

For example:

• In Central Tyria, if you complete Pact Commander, you unlock Auto Loot. That means no more spamming the “F” key to loot mobs—everything just pops into your bag. Total quality-of-life upgrade.

• Or if you work on Fractal Attunement and unlock Mistlock Singularities, you get a one-time death shield. Super handy for Fractals—pretty much mandatory if you plan to run them regularly.

Note: Mastery Points come in two forms: ones you collect on maps, and ones you get through achievements. Map-based ones? Grab every single one you can. In Heart of Thorns, some even drop from hidden strongboxes.

---

Which Masteries Should You Unlock First?

Now, here’s the deal—yes, all Masteries are useful eventually, but early on you don’t want to waste time unlocking random stuff. Some are must-haves, others you can deal with later. These are based on my 5+ years of GW2 experience. You don’t have to follow this order, but trust me, it’ll save you headaches.

Central Tyria:

• Pact Commander (priority #1)

• Fractal Attunement (priority #2)

• Legendary Crafting (endgame only—no rush)

Heart of Thorns:

• Gliding (priority #1, no brainer)

• Exalted Lore (priority #2)

• Raids (only if you actually raid)

• Ancient Magics (after the above, then whatever you want)

Path of Fire:

Mount masteries, all of them. Honestly, there’s no strict order here. Just work on the mount you love most. Events in PoF maps give you the XP to train them, so grind the events and upgrade as you collect points.

Finding the Masteries You Need

Hit H to open your Hero Panel → click the little Settings button next to the search bar. You can filter by expansion so you only see the Masteries you care about.

Icebrood Saga:

• Raven (unlocked through story)

• Then go for Vigilance (lets you open LS5 chests and get Strike Mission rewards).

• After that: Dragon Slayer → United Legion.
  Why? Because Dragon Slayer gives you infusion drops when maxed—and who doesn’t want a free shot at 2k gold loot? 😏

End of Dragons (EoD):

• Jade Bot (priority #1)

• Arborstone (priority #2)

• The rest is up to you.

Secrets of the Obscure (SoTo):

• If you’re aiming for Skyscale, you must max Flight Training first.

• If you already have Skyscale: If you’re curious about Skyscale or mounts and want the full scoop, you can read all about them here Skyscale !

  1. Heart of the Obscure

  2. Astral Wards

  3. Flight Training

  4. Inner Nayos

Janthir Wilds (JW):

• Warclaw (priority #1)

• Lowland Kodan (priority #2)

• Mursaat (priority #3)

• Homesteading (leave this one for last unless you’re loaded with gold 😂)