While leveling, players often look for the fastest way to earn experience and gold to make the whole experience more enjoyable. ArenaNet has implemented several wonderful means of rewarding players, regardless of how they spend their time in the game, but one in particular I am extremely fond of is the zone completion system. If you’re like me and need to explore every corner of your map in every zone, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Where other MMOs may simply give you an achievement or a garish tabard for exploring their entire world, in Guild Wars 2, the rewards are both more frequent and more tangible. If you scout every waypoint and point of interest, complete every renown heart, and master every skill challenge in a zone, ArenaNet will reward you with a chest of silver, some random items and a respectable chunk of experience. 

The best part about it is that the rewards are worthwhile regardless of your level, so there is always incentive to go back and complete each zone!

I’ve included a video which highlights two examples of these zone rewards. The first is from Kessex Hills and the second is from Lion’s Arch. While completion of a capital city won’t net you any gold or items, it’s worth it for the experience gain alone, especially since you can complete them at extremely low levels!

So grab your compass, make room in your inventory, and go reap the rewards of exploration!