When Fish Fly
Among the various mounts introduced in Guild Wars 2’s Path of Fire expansion, the Skimmer is a vital tool for exploration. Resembling a manta ray in both form and movement, this creature’s capacity to hover above terrain and water fundamentally alters how players navigate the Crystal Desert. Its design prioritises utility over speed, offering solutions to environmental challenges other mounts cannot address.
The Skimmer’s primary advantage lies in traversing hazardous surfaces without direct contact. Quicksand, electrified zones and lava pools, which would immobilise or damage players on foot or mounted on other creatures, pose little threat to those riding a Skimmer. This capability ensures safer passage and grants access to areas and hidden routes that might otherwise remain unreachable. The result is a more fluid and adaptable exploration experience, encouraging players to investigate the desert’s secrets without constant risk.
Aquatic navigation is another area where the Skimmer excels. While traditional swimming is slow and leaves players vulnerable to underwater enemies, the Skimmer moves swiftly across water surfaces. A significant update on 20 August 2020 enhanced its versatility by introducing the ability to dive and travel underwater, addressing a long-standing limitation of mounts in aquatic environments. This adjustment reinforced the Skimmer’s status as a multifaceted companion for journeys across varied landscapes.
The Skimmer offers tactical benefits through its ‘Barrel Roll’ skill in group scenarios. This manoeuvre provides boons to nearby allies and, with the appropriate mastery training, can partially revive fallen teammates. Such features make it a practical choice for cooperative play, particularly in regions where environmental dangers complicate combat or traversal.
The Skimmer is not without limitations. It cannot match the Raptor’s speed, the Springer’s vertical agility or the Jackal’s precision in sand portals. Yet, its unique strengths compensate for these shortcomings. Mastery upgrades, such as underwater diving, ensure it remains relevant even as players acquire more specialised mounts. Its design philosophy aligns with the broader approach of Guild Wars 2’s mount system, which emphasises situational utility over universal superiority.
The Skimmer exemplifies how mounts in Guild Wars 2 enrich exploration and problem-solving by providing tailored solutions to specific challenges. Each creature’s distinct abilities encourage players to adapt their strategies to the environment, fostering a more immersive and layered experience within the world of Tyria. The Skimmer’s enduring value, particularly in the Crystal Desert, underscores the importance of versatility in a landscape of beauty and peril.
