Remember that teaser image that was posted on the WildStar site a few days ago? Well we finally got a chance to see what it was referring to, and damn it is glorious.
This week we got a look at the Path system. In addition to choosing a class for you character you will also choose a Path. Now your Path will not affect your combat in any way, but it will give you access to missions specific to that Path. These missions are completely optional but promise to offer some of the coolest content in the game.
Each Path looks like it will offer a bunch of fun, unique content that is sure to make the decision between them difficult. Continue reading for a list of all the different types of missions each class will be able to undertake, and let us know which one looks the coolest in the comments below.
The first of the Paths is the Soldier. A Soldier will focus heavily on missions that involve combat, more so than the other Paths anyway. A Solider will be able to go on assassination missions, be able to find and rescue civilians, test out experimental weapons, and just go around blowing things up with explosives. They also get access to 4 different “Holdout” missions, including Conquer, Security, First Strike, and Protect. These missions revolve around protecting territory, protecting NPCs, and fighting enemies.
The Explorer focuses on exactly what it’s name says it does. If you like to get out there and see every corner of the map then this is the path for you. The Explorer can undertake missions that involve charting territory, access secret locations, explore uncharted territory, and go on Operations to certain locations. They can also search for ancient artifacts, claim territory for their faction, set up surveillance devices to spy on the enemy, and track enemies and anomalies down for rewards.
The Settler is a great Path for players who like to build things and socialize with others. They can help expand towns, set up defenses in said towns, and seek out supply catches. They also have the option of working on the town’s infrastructure and just helping people out around town.
The fourth and final Path is the Scientist and it is all about learning anything and everything about the planet Nexus. They can scan enemies and databanks, explore archaeological finds, and study the plants and animals of the world. They also can catalog all the data they have acquired, try mixing up new chemical compounds, fix anything from a robot to a broken limb, and study the behavior patterns of the native people.
Still have questions about Paths? That’s okay, luckily for us their was a handy little FAQ included with all this other great info.
Picking a Class is choosing the way you like to fight. Are you a gunslinger, a squishy healer, or meatshield? Picking your Path is choosing your playstyle. Do you like to explore dangerous places, kill enemies, or study things? Make a choice, and we’ll make sure you get lots of what you like.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PATH CONTENT AND OTHER KINDS OF CONTENT?
Path content is specially designed to support particular playstyles. Are you a lorehound? Sure, everyone gets to learn some lore in WildStar, but the Scientist really gets to dig in to the nitty-gritty. Maybe building and socializing is your bag? Then choose a Setter, and construct unique objects and buildings for your buddies on Nexus.
DO I GET CREDIT FOR JOINING IN OTHER PLAYERS’ PATH MISSIONS?
Yes. We call it “Crossing Paths”, and you get rewards for doing it. So get out there and lend a helping hand!
HOW COME I DIDN’T GET A BETA INVITE?
Patience, people! We’re easing into beta to make sure we
do it right, but we’re going to be opening it up to lots more
people in the future. So stay tuned!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I SKIP PATH QUESTS AND PATH CONTENT?
Nothing. Path content is not required in order to level. That being said, you’ll be missing out on some of the coolest content in the game. We wouldn’t recommend it.
All kinds of stuff! As you level your Path throughout the game, you get special abilities, loot, costumes and cash. Sounds pretty awesome, right? It is.
CAN I RESPEC MY PATH?
Currently? No. Like your Class, your Path is a permanent and defining aspect of your character. But you can always roll an alt or two!
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THESE PATHS?
Have you heard of Bartle types? Our Paths are loosely based on those. But mainly we just looked at the ways players play MMOs, and designed cool content around them.
I LIKE KILLING, EXPLORING, LORE AND BUILDING! WHY CAN’T I DO ALL OF THEM?
You can and will! Standard quest content will contain little bits of all of them. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
CAN I GET A BETA INVITE?
Did you say the magic word?
If you want to see the original post you can check it out at the official WildStar site.