User:1Maven/Pros & Cons of Playable Races

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different Playable races? This is a subjective and personal assessment. Others may, of course, have different opinions.

Races

There are currently five Playable races: Asura, Charr, Human, Norn and Sylvari. Each Playable race has a unique appearance and unique Racial skills with variations in their personal story. However, their attributes are identical in all respects.

Asura

Asura are the smallest (in stature) race.

Pros

• Hardest to see / target in WvW and PvP, especially in a crowd.
• Easiest to do Jumping Puzzles.
• Most logically organized home city, Rata Sum.
• Despite their size, Asura are NOT physically weaker or more nimble then other races.
• Unique Assuran Racial skills.

Cons

• Look strange and talk stranger. This may get on your nerves after a while unless you're able to ignore it.

Charr

Charr are the most war-like, with three internal factions that are hostile to each other.

Pros

• If you like the tough talking, battle-ready, no nonsense attitude then Charr are for you.
• Unique Charr Racial skills.

Cons

• Completely covered by fur - get used to it (for some this might be a Pro).
• War-torn, arid starting areas.
• Most difficult to complete home city, Black Citadel.

Human

Of course, Humans are what we are.

Pros

• If you want to constantly be looking at a cute avatar of either sex then it is easiest with a human.
• Pastoral and pleasant starting areas.
• Unique Human Racial skills.

Cons

T.B.D.

Norn

Norn are the largest (in stature) race.

Pros

• Best to display fashion and unique weapon skins.
• Despite their size, Norn are NOT less nimble or physically stronger then other races.
• Unique Norn Racial skills.

Cons

• Easiest to target in WvW and PvP.
• Hardest to do Jumping Puzzles.

Sylvari

Yes, Sylvari are "talking plants". You may never look at salad the same way again.

Pros

• Unique Sylvari Racial skills.
• If you like the underlying nature-loving, pacifistic attitude then Sylvari are for you.

Cons

• Green skin - get used to it.

Proposed Affinities

These are NOT currently available. It is merely a suggestion to the developers.

I would like there to be a greater degree of importance in choosing a character's race. Each race might have an "affinity" for certain professions or crafting skills. The "affinity" might take the form of a small, but definite boost.

Playable race	Profession Affinity 1	Profession Affinity 2	Crafting Affinity 1	Crafting Affinity 2	Comment
Asura	Engineer	Thief	Leatherworker	Jeweler	Natural Engineers, Small stature
Charr	Warrior	Guardian	Weaponsmith	Armorsmith	Warrior spirit
Human	Elementalist	Mesmer	Tailor	Artificer	ESP and Magical Affinity
Norn	Guardian	Ranger	Armorsmith	Huntsman	Protective nature, Animal Spirits
Sylvari	Ranger	Necromancer	Huntsman	Chef	Nature Affinity, Dark Secret

Notes

• Each race has a home instance in their own home city. However, regardless of a character's race they may visit the home instance in every home city.