My hype today is tinged with nostalgia. Despite all the wonders that we will be receiving, we'll also be losing something- a video gaming space in which I've spent more time and developed more memories than any I can recall. I'm referring of course to the WvW Alpine Borderlands map. My experience with this game has taught me its return is far from guaranteed. So here is my tribute to you, old friend:
This image was taken during BWE3. I had never played anything resembling WvW before; it was mind-blowing.
In the beginning no one really used siege weapons, so the best defense of a tower was your trusty rifle.
Proof that I was indeed once SBI and mercilessly slaughtered JQQ.
Stealth golem assault through the lake. The lake was removed years ago. I still have my giant pearls.
It was replaced by the ruins and the bloodlust mechanic, which really shone during the tournaments. The best fights were atop the SE node.
There was an alternative mechanic in place at launch. RIP GW2's version of Splatoon's Rainmaker mode.
The best keep fights were in Bay. Prevailing in a threeway like this requires incredible command and coordination.
The best keep to defend however was Hills. Just try to hold that lord room one more moment until reinforcements arrive...
And of course the keep that mattered most was Garrison (waypoint). A proper frontal assault took hours.
You could try to enter via Water Gate but it would be ugly if you're spotted.
Entering this way is not advisable.
Best to just bring overwhelming force.
The Citadel was the most underrated part of the map. It had a great physical presence and beautiful old LA-esque architecture.
Those banners are the enemies'. No it didn't help.
Conversely we probably won this fight by constantly running back. Loved those waterfalls.
Short of the plains between Garrison and Bay, this delta region probably saw the most full-scale, open field action.
This was an underrated open field area where terrain came into play.
Yes, we really engaged in water flights.
The boat inside of Bay was not a great staging area for an amphibious assault.
Impending doom (from a gate's perspective).
I got a little cocky during the brief Beastmastery era. That build was glorious.
God help anyone who ran into this pain train in a back alley.
Goodbye, Alpine WvW Borderlands! I'll miss you!
We hope people will be able to attend!
