I still don't get how the expansion works, especially for veteran players.
I bought the game at launch, well technically I pre-ordered it. How much should I pay to get Heart of Thorns?
What if I don't buy the expansion, will I be able to see the expansion's content (like costume/weapon, etc). I'm pretty sure I won't be able to go to the expansion exclusive maps, right?
If you don't buy HoT, you'll still have access to : :
- Stronghold the new sPvP mode (but won't have acess to the complete selection of summonable heroes)
- The new WwW Borderland ( you might have some restrictions on some guild related upgrades though)
- Part of the guild hall experience : you won't have access to your guild's guild hall but you'll be able to take advantage of some of the features in the Guild Initiative headquarters in Lion's Arch
Some changes already happened in game in preparation for the expansion so if you haven't played in a while there was a big revamp to all the trait system, that is in some way also part of the expansion (the most notable thing that it made happen is finally make condition builds as good as power builds)
One thing I'm not sure-of is if non HoT players will have acess to the new map reward system.
Same for the changes for Fractals, I don't think we have enough details about how it will affect players who won't upgrade.
as for the price go to the GW2 website on the preorder page and look for the Standard edition, that'"s the cheapest you can get it (it's around $50 but price may vary depending on region and currency)
So I'm assuming from the pre-order page for the expansion pack, I will still need to pay 75 to get a additional character slot right? Even if I bought the original at launch?
You get a free slot for any of the pre-order options if you had registered an account before January 23 this year (beware it might not be added to your account right away)
It was added after on the page so it's not clear on first glance, but there is a little link on the page that clears it.
( if you buy the deluxe or ultimate and fullfill the requirement above you get 2 slots)