Traits is a way you continue improving your character
Initially you will only have access to the Adept trait tier. As you continue leveling, you will gain access to two additional tiers; Master and Grandmaster. The levels at which these unlock are:
- Adept – level 11
- Master – level 40
- Grandmaster – level 60
Each tier unlock allows you to spend 10 additional points in each line, for a total of 30 points per line once you’ve unlocked Grandmaster traits at level 60.
There are no hard, fast rules to how you spend your points. For example, by level 80 you could spend 30 points in 2 lines and 10 in a third line, 30 in one and 20 in two, or even 20 in two lines and 10 in three. Just remember that each point spent in a single line will directly impact 2 of your attributes, so you will typically get more benefit from specializing in fewer lines than if you attempt to diversify your points too much.
Resetting or Refunding Traits
If you decide you want to reset your traits you can do so at any time, but there will be a fee associated with doing so outside of structured PvP. In sPvP you can reset your traits directly in the trait window (as shown in our example image above) by clicking on the Refund Traits button. Please note that this can only be done between matches while in the Mists.
To refund your traits in PvE or WvW, you can do so in the following ways:
- Purchasing and using a trait manual
- Paying a trainer 71 copper per point refunded*
*Please Note: The amount listed above reflects the cost per point refunded during the beta, and is subject to change in the live game. We will be updating this guide to reflect any changes once exact costs can be confirmed in the live game during the headstart weekend!
You’ll also want to take note of the fact that your sPvP builds are stored separately from your normal PvE build. As such, resetting points in one game type will not directly impact the other. This can be extremely useful since it allows you to “try before you buy” by traveling to the Mists, spend or reset trait points, and test the results on the static and AI controlled practice targets.
Traits are one of the ways you will be able to continue improving your character as you level, and customize your build to suit your combat style. In this guide we’ll explain how the trait system works, the direct impact traits will have on your attributes, and how traits factor into your overall character build.
As part of the natural level progression of your character in PvE and World-versus-World (WvW), you will unlock access to the trait system once you reach level 11. From this point on you will gain 1 additional trait point each time you level, for a total of 70 trait points by the time you reach level 80. If you’re stepping directly into the Mists for structured PvP (sPvP) – regardless of your character level – you will automatically be scaled up to level 80, so all 70 trait points will be available to use.