Guild Wars 2 is bringing back elite specializations, teases return of OG classes

I have fond memories of Guild Wars 2's Asian-inspired expansion, End of Dragons. Transporting us to a gorgeous, jade-encrusted world, it's easily my favorite chapter of Tyria's ongoing saga - partly because of the aforementioned aesthetics, but also because Virtuoso is easily my favorite Mesmer spec. But, as the curtains fell on Cantha and we ventured out into Janthir and Nayos, elite specializations seem to have taken a back seat. In a new blog post that both analyzes the past and looks to the future, however, NCSoft confirms that elite specializations are back on the menu, and they're better than ever before.

As a quick summary, each of Guild Wars 2's professions (or classes) have various specializations, which can be used to modify how specific skills work so that you can craft the perfect build. Elite specializations, however, change the gameplay entirely, and currently offer a new unique weapon, healing skill, utility skills, and a coveted elite skill.

In its post reflecting on Janthir Wilds, however, NCSoft confirms that, while elite specializations will be returning in the next expansion, there'll be some changes to how they operate. For me, the new system makes one of the best MMORPGs even better, and I genuinely didn't think that was possible.

Coming into Guild Wars 2's next expansion - set to be revealed on Tuesday July 15 - elite specializations are returning, but will no longer drop their associated weapon. Instead, they introduce a new trait line and unique profession mechanics, alongside the traditional healing, elite, and utility spells. The goal is to allow for even more customization without "locking you into a specific weapon or loadout."

In many ways Weaponmaster Training (introduced in Secrets of the Obscure) was the first step towards this, allowing you to use your elite specialization weapon even if said spec wasn't equipped. In some ways it reminds me of Final Fantasy 14's job system which, in my opinion, remains the most flexible MMO class system ever created.

But there's more. Right at the bottom of the post there's a cheeky "teaser" image, which appears to show a Paragon spec for Warrior, and the Ritualist spec for Necromancer, both of which haven't been seen since Guild Wars 1.

The former wields a shield and throwing spears (similar to the Amazon in Diablo 2), while also granting various buffs, reminiscent of the standard paladin class. The latter can summon various spirits to fight alongside you, that can both attack and debuff foes.

Paragon was added to Guild Wars 1 as part of the Nightfall campaign, while the Ritualist joined the fray as part of Factions. We haven't seen them since, however, but as a Javazon main in Diablo 2, a new and improved Paragon sounds amazing.

There's a whole slew of new information in NCSoft's official blog, and Janthir Wilds' final chapter, Absolution, is available now. We'll find out more about the new Guild Wars 2 expansion on Tuesday July 15, so make sure you check back with PCGamesN for all of the details.

In the meantime, however, we have a list of all the best free MMOs if you've already completed everything Absolution has to offer. Alternatively, if you, like me, love roaming through grassy plains and fending off dragons, we have a list of the best fantasy games.

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