StatesideBeast: Sadly, I think everyone is over thinking it.

bokan800: When you think about it, the animations for a possible musical class is already built in the game.

MisterNonspecific: I hope that Anet continues to give us similar images throughout the next two weeks, and obviously if we get 9 of them in total then we can pretty much guarantee that we're getting new elite specs.

On the other hand, if this is the only image we get (in this particular style), then perhaps that might mean we're getting 1 elite spec ("bard") for every class. We'd have "mesmer bard," "warrior bard," etc. That would be wierd, but interesting. (Though if that were the case, maybe they'd just introduce a new "lute" weapon for all classes to use, instead of classifying "bard" as an "elite spec.")

On thing is definitely for sure... there's a LOT of wild speculation swirling about. Everyone has high hopes now. If this image turns out to be some frivolous novelty (like "new musical toys to play with while you wait for the next meta to start") then many players will be very, very disappointed.

wernerlemp1687: I hope, HOPE after seeing the background art, that Anet is briging us to Malick's Tree and region. And solve this open mystery.

geekwars3998: Realistically, now that they decoupled Elite Specs from weapons, each Elite Spec boils down to:

* One trait line

* A few utility skills

* A variation of the Profession mechanic

Given it's been 3 years with no Elite Specs, that's more than feasible to achieve. However, they did mention in the past that the reason they're shifting away from Elite Specs is the bloat (all classes can do everything already with just 3 Elite Specs) - which imo is BS given there is no way to avoid bloat regardless, but I digress. Point is, it still could be something other than a Profession specific Elite Spec. But one can hope... They know the community wants more Elite Specs. It would be kinda bad to bait us with what looks to be an Elite Spec only to have something underwhelming instead.

Also, the idea of a single Elite Spec for all Professions sounds absolutely terrible. I really hope it's not that.

New class sounds like too much effort, especially given they would still

firby7341: i hope Bard is a new base class with their elites being Troubadour, Minstrel and Skald

Aidkit5218: haha watch its just " Lute added to the Gemstore". Bard would be nice :D

autumn.raider: the concept art reminded me the cut sylvari storyline of malyck that was from another sylvari grove which was supposed to be featured in heart of thorns. i wished for this storyline to come back since forever and i think that we really deserve some more sylvari involvement in the story again. its been too long since they played a huge part and this would be such a cool way to do it

mishking9547: Bard College, perhaps a new crafting profession that focuses on music and musical things, story and new area involving The Mesmer Collective

altarium4220: The background reminds me of a mangrove biome with the trees and the water, so I’m immediately thinking swamp / jungle.

And for some reason, I’m thinking this might be the map between The Grove and Rata Sum.

What if this expac is like LWS3 and we don’t go to a single region but instead go around Tyria, filling in some missing gaps?

sollnoll9271: My prediction; we gonna end up on the Coastline of Maguuma, and that lute is further expansion of that music skill from Siren's Landing.

La.máquina.de.los.sueños: If a new elite, we'll get more images like this within the next days, to get through all professions before the official preview reveal. Based on the background image = a Canthan shipwreck, debris on a beach, a temporary camp, lots of greenery.... a combination who eliminate many places.

Powermaster111: I believe its gonna be an overclass that everyone can equip.

shnobz_kotik: Traditionally, if Bard is not a class itself, but a subclass - it is a subclass of Rogue.

Which is Thief in GW2.

robgrubb420: looks like the grove beach for style with the sunset themed palm trees boats and floating trees... where EVERYONE can be a bard, just like everyone getting spears, no way its just for one class.

HyldenLord: The background remind me of GW1 crystal desert full of old shipwrecks of margonite descent. And as for the lute - in 2011 when mesmer was announced there was web page with Minstrel proffession reveal. But when you clicked on the image there, it shattered and shown mesmer.

Pirokh: There are multiple places that spot in the background could be. It looks like a marsh or something with the mangrove trees. Hopefully its dealing with the Risen in Cantha, or Dominion of Winds because Raishu Palace would be cool.

HarrpurrYT: I really WANT it to be an entirely new class - it's about time we had one. I love GW2 but honestly it gets to the point where the game starts to feel a bit stale when no new class/profession is introduced after so many years (I believe the last we got was Revenant in the first expansion? Or Path of Fire at most, I can't remember now).

But in reality I feel it is just a new elite spec, based on the hexagon behind it. So we'll see. Still excited though - bard is my favourite class in most RPGs!

quaquaval: ever since HoT, ive been asking for a bard thief elite spec with kits. I think thief could fit a bard pretty well too, especially if they go for a more DnD inspired bard

indigomontari9022: This got me thinking that he location is in the Scavenger's Causeway or east of the brand in Dzalana. As for the bard/ minstrel hint maybe its just a new universal weapon type for all professions? may be something involving Marcello DiGiacomo or one of the other bards across tyria?

temporalinsanity: Tbh, idk about bard for mesmer. Originally the class was very theatrical in gw1, but they tried the bladesong spec and weren't able to make it "bard"-y. Hopefully it's just a new class, but the dual colors might be that subclassing might be back? I know it's wishful thinking.

pyrotik_void: I would be so hype for my Mesmer to be a Bard!!!!

1urie1: I sort of hope they're going to resolve Sylvari finally

mmogemu02: PLS BE A NEW CLASS!!

ch.k.3377: It will be a new class, because ArenaNet knows that the image will give people that idea. If it weren't a new class, the disappointment would be huge – and they can't afford that. Alternatively, a new specc, which differs depending on the class.

Caporai: My guess would be Elite Spec of a Bow Elementalist. Attuning elements to play different types of chords.

Keep your Eyes (Ice) and Ears (Airs) open.

traveling.down.the.road56: I’m guessing that it’s just a new novelty musical instrument, like the grand piano that they released a little while ago. Too many people over hyping this.

Jul 07 2025

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