Best GW2 Addons That Give You an Advantage

Addons are enhancements you can put download and use on a game to make it more fun or add another element. GW2 does not make addons, but there are plenty of third party addons to choose from. Here are the top ten addons to change your GW2 world.

1. Tactical Overlay, or TacO

TacO is an addon used by many to help in gameplay. It is generally one of the most useful addons available.

• Gives hints and pointers in how to play and what to do in GW2
• Helps with jumping puzzles
• Helps with navigating
• Give instant information when your cursor hovers over an icon
• Customize what TacO helps you with
• Dungeon help
• Gives you information on events and bosses
• It tells you how long night and day time last
• Shows where elements needed for achievements are
• Players make markers to show where bosses, achievements, etc. are which means it is always up to date and accurate

Get TacO here.

2. Personal Assistant Overlap, or PAO

PAO is an addon that gives you updates on where things are. Think of it as your personal secretary reminding you of when your appointments are, only this is a small drop-down box on your screen that gives you the times of upcoming events.

• Alerts you of upcoming and current events
• On screen notifications
• Customize where and how long notifications are on your screen
• Alerts are for events, dungeons, wvw, and tasks
• Chat settings make it easier to know who is talking in your group

        Get PAO here.

3. Mount Swap

When GW2 added mounts, people were ecstatic. The hype didn’t go down, but some people were frustrated when they weren’t able to swap their mounts. With this addon, swapping mounts is made easy.

• Access mounts easier
• Swap between mounts quickly
• Have all your mounts visible

 Get mount swap here.

4. Arc DPS

Arc DPS is an addon that allows you to see your characters outgoing damage. It helps you assess your damage and suggests how best to attack.

• Allows you to see more information about your health
• Save combat logs
• Save information about killing bosses
• Customize what things are most important to you and make them visible

Get Arc DPS here.

5. Build Templates

Build Templates is an addon that saves build information on your account. This is a temporary build that allows you to test out your build and see if you like it. Think of it as trying on sneakers before buying them.

• Test builds
• Save traits, skills, gear, stats, and ruins
• Build specs and gear quicker instead of one by one
• Update your templates instantly

Get Build Templates here.

6. GW2 Hook

GW2 Hook is all about visuals. It is an easy to use addon that is designed to take the graphics of GW2 and enhance them.

• Makes things look more dramatic
• A more fantastical look to the game
• Customize which effects you want
• Make effects more or less intense
• Create more or less fog in games

Get Hook here.

7.  Immersive Combat Mode

Immersive combat mode simplifies and minimizes the appearance of GW2. It restricts what you can see but increases your game play.

• Removes borders
• Removes experience bar
• Turn off your mini map
• Less things are on your screen
• It can permanently hold the right mouse key down which is useful when moving the camera and running
• Secures enemies in combat no matter where you move
• Helps you aim

Get Immersive Combat Mode here.

8. GemFX

Like Hook, GemFX is a graphics enhancer addon. It offers some new things that GemFX did not, which gives the player a different experience.

• Enhances graphics
• Customize your graphics
• Share your customizations
• Suggests what you might want to change
• Suggests themes
• Peoples preset changes are public and downloadable
• You can make it look less realistic and more cartoony  
• Tweak preset changes to make something your own

Get GemFX here.

9. Augmented Tyria

If you are new to GW2, or even if you have been playing for a while, one of the more frustrating parts can be navigating the map. Whether that is trying to find your way from point a to point b or trying to see what other parts of the map look like and have to offer. Augmented Tyria is definitely an add on by the people, for the people.

• Routes that guide you where to go
• Routes are on your mini map
• There are lines on your screen that show you where to go
• You can make your own routes
• It is made for your efficiency
• Gives you information about heart and event completion  

Get Augmented Tyria here.

10. Overwolf

Overwolf is an honorable mention. While it is not technically an addon, it is a site that lists most addons for GW2.

• Lists addons
• Approved by GW2 for use
• All links are safe and work
• Access to multiple great addons

Addons can increase your game play, make finding things easier, simplify your screen, and more. They are not a must in GW2, but they make playing easier and more entertaining. I love using TacO, especially since some of those jumping puzzles are literally impossible to find without help. GemFX is also a great addon to start with as it is simple to use and offers a great system to customize what you see and gets you excited about playing GW2.

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