So I recently started playing the free version of gw2.
I have a level 25 ranger that I mostly solo quests and the personal storyline.
What 2 weapon sets should I be using and what else should I be focusing on? I feel a little lost and feel as though things are slowly getting harder to solo. Should I be crafting or something?

Most of the guides I have found seemed out of date, so if anyone could link me an up to date beginners guide to gw2 basics it would be greatly appreciated. Mainly playing this game casually

This post was edited by Virtue on Aug 16 2016 11:09am

Game's learning curve is massive. Solo will be boring until you hit 80. Right now focus on map completion; exploring and getting vistas and hero points and such. The content gets a hell of alot more fun later on, especially events like Auric Basin in HoT or fractals. You also may want to try dungeons. Once you hit 80 you will get a better idea if you want to buy game.

Learn about squads and how to use the LFG tool to find groups who do event chains or kill champions in your area - will greatly speed up leveling.

Learn about the TP and how to make gold with it.

Crafting in this game is insane and a huge commitment. I would hold off until you are level 80 and have a better grasp of the game.

Check out these resources:

wiki.guildwars2.com/
gw2efficiency.com
metabattle.com

longbow for dps, greatsword for movement is a good set for faceroll

if your gear is lacking
shortbow with condi damage set is pretty nice for DoT and a little defense

minor rune of bloodlust will help. power scales nicely at lower levels.

other thoughts... are you fighting enemies within your level range? even 1 level higher would be tough to kill with mediocre gear

put 6 different minor runes with +10 power in your armor, it's cheap
make sure jewelry is upgraded with gems
maguuma burls used to be very op. i think they put a level req on these. look into it on the TP, i'm not 100% sure about this.

This post was edited by Wretch on Aug 16 2016 12:11pm

Thanks for the help guys. And thank you for the links I'll check them out when I'm home.

When you talk about runes, do I get those from the marketplace or is there another way to get them? An npc maybe? I did notice I have a lot of unused slots in my gear.

Also, what's the best way to get gems to upgrade my jewelry?

When I get new armor and weapons from quests should I always pick the +power stat items? I had been using a short bow so I had been choosing the +condi damage items ir +precision

I also have yet to see any type of "henchmen" like gw1 had. I'm assuming there are no npcs you can hire to bring with you on quests, or I'm looking in the wrong areas?

This post was edited by Virtue on Aug 16 2016 05:07pm

If you insist on playing core with no HoT, aim at this by level 80.
There are condi specs you could use but I highly suggest running the classic LB/GS Power as your first spec for many reasons.

Core Power Ranger Spec:
- Longbow with superior sigils of air/fire or blood
- Greatsword with superior sigils of energy/superior bloodlust or leeching
- Power/Precision/Ferocity gear or "Berserker's" as it's called at high levels - Superior rune of the pack in all of your armor
Marksmanship - clarion bond - moment of clarity - read the wind
Skirmishing - primal reflexes - spotter - quick draw
Wilderness Survival - oakheart salve - shared anguish - wilderness knowledge
#6 - troll unguent
#7 - lightning reflexes
#8 - protect me or stone signet
#9 - quickening zephyr
#0 - strength of the pack
Buy blackberry pies and hardened sharpening stones, for cheap food/utility
Understand that life steal deals damage to the target and heals you.
Blood sigils are 451 life steal 5s cooldown
Leeching sigils are 974 life steal 9s cooldown
Food life steal is 325 2s cooldown

Oh, make sure you turn auto target OFF
and turn reposition target on target change ON