In this edition of Flameseeker Chronicles, I’ll list some fantastic YouTubers who you should most definitely check out if you’re not already familiar with them. Many of the names making the list are massively popular and you’d have to have lived under a rock to be unfamiliar with their work, but others deserve much more attention that they get for the fantastic GW2 content they create and might well be new to you. Have a watch of the videos included below and don’t forget to subscribe if you enjoy what you see and, of course, add your favourite GW2 YouTubers in the comments.
1. WoodenPotatoes
Who is this YouTuber?
Any list of Guild Wars 2 content creators would be incomplete without mentioning the human fount of game knowledge that is WoodenPotatoes, and if he doesn’t feature in your list of YouTube subscriptions you should change that fact immediately! Funny, engaging, and intelligently presented videos flood this UK-based YouTuber’s channel, making him a must-not-miss on my recommendations list. Every time my phone notifications inform me that WoodenPotatoes has a new video, I drop almost anything I happen to be doing to tune in. There’s always something to be learned through each and every WoodenPotatoes upload and his insight and linking up of GW2 lore never ceases to amaze me.
What sort of content does this YouTuber create?
What content doesn’t WoodenPotatoes create is perhaps an easier question for someone to answer, but I’ll have a go at summing up the best bits! My favourite content to be found on this YouTube channel has to be the lore deep delves: The connections and predictions made in each one always provide food for thought even if I disagree with some of the leaps made. WoodenPotatoes is also a great resource for those interested in raids and in-game events.
One reason to check out this YouTuber
The content created by WoodenPotatoes has struck a perfect balance between being intelligent and thought-provoking while remaining accessible to even non-players with an interest in the game lore or wider genre: The videos are informative, entertaining, and authentically “him” in both scope and delivery, so you won’t find similar content elsewhere.
2. AuroraPeachy
Who is this YouTuber?
AuroraPeachy is another amazingly popular Guild Wars 2 video content creator that will already be a known name for the vast majority of you, especially since she so regularly features on the Guild Wars 2 channels. Peachy is another infectiously charming presenter who hooks viewers with her enthusiastic, fun-loving, positively and unashamedly geeky ways. If you prefer a more casual video style with a lot of laughs and genuine reactions to new releases, she should most definitely be one of the people on my list who you subscribe to.
What sort of content does this YouTuber create?
Although she started on YouTube, AuroraPeachy is a Twitch streamer, releasing content on a pretty much daily basis, as well as a YouTuber, so much of her content is casual live play videos and reaction-type videos that capture her initial impressions of all sorts of Guild Wars 2 content. I particularly enjoy Peachy’s reactions to new aesthetics in the game: I squeed right alongside her when the new Lion’s Arch was unveiled, and she has the best Fashion Wars game of all the YouTubers on my list!
One reason to check out this YouTuber
If I had to sum up the presentation style and online persona of AuroraPeachy, I would have to call her infectiously energetic and passionate about Guild Wars 2. Even when she has criticisms to deliver or frustrations to vent, the viewer is always aware that this is a player who undoubtedly adores this game and wants it to succeed for a long time yet. She makes me laugh every time she does and her connection with her online fans is amazing: She makes it seem as though she is talking to good friends through the camera instead of a herd of internet strangers.
3. Bog Otter
Who is this YouTuber?
Old-school Massively fans should most definitely know who Richie Procopio aka Bog Otter is! Like AuroraPeachy, Richie is often found on the official Guild Wars 2 channels and is a full-time streamer and content creator who adores all things Guild Wars 2. Approaching content creation with a heavy dose of quirk and humour, Richie’s coverage offers a unique spin on the game that is influenced by his very own brand of fantastically bizarre hilarity. I love how his silliness doesn’t dampen the worth of his content: These videos pack a punch in terms of insights into GW2.
What sort of content does this YouTuber create?
Off-the-cuff live play content tends to be more to Richie’s taste, which is logical considering how popular he is for his Twitch streaming. The Bog Otter YouTube channel features weekly Twitch highlights, guild missions, and playthroughs of key story content. The latter video type is sort of a reaction video combined with an informative, entertaining glimpse at the content, so they form a great visual library of aspects that some players might have missed.
One reason to check out this YouTuber
I think Richie should have a job voice acting characters for everything ever! Just listen to him reading in-game dialogue during his exploration videos and you’ll understand. I find him wildly funny and he’s undoubtedly a fantastic entertainer, so he’s a pleasure to listen to. I don’t think I’ve ever had a conversation with him that hasn’t featured laughter and I don’t think you can ask for more than that.
4. Kroof Gaming
Who is this YouTuber?
Finally, my list will bring up someone who you may not have heard of before! Kroof Gaming is a delightful new YouTuber who seems to have been making videos for the past year or so — on this account at least. She mixes the usual playthrough videos with build and strategy guides, making for a well-rounded channel that should offer something for every Guild Wars 2 fan. Both PvP and PvE pursuits are featured on her channel and I have to admit to catching the PvP bug occasionally after watching her videos. Kroof also has a much-appreciated silly side: her character presents boss guides and
What sort of content does this YouTuber create?
Kroof content is laid back, lighthearted, and engaging: Despite the wide range of topics covered on her channel, Kroof’s presentation style and silky smooth delivery make all of her videos interesting and engaging. Besides the fact that anyone who can PvP without swearing gets major kudos from me, I love how relaxing even her most high-octane videos are. Particular highlights are the Kroof raid boss guides, especially if you are new to this content and are looking for a brief overview before jumping into a newbie run.
One reason to check out this YouTuber
This girl has the loveliest speaking voice and manners, making her a dream to listen to. Before you even get into the range of her content and how well presented it is, you already feel as though you Kroof’s videos are worthwhile due to how well presented they are, which is a fantastic achievement for a channel with around 1,500 subscribers when so many more popular channels never gain her degree of polish or poise.
5. Nike!
Who is this YouTuber?
Nikephoros is behind Death and Taxes, an exclusive, close-knit guild that specialises in speed running content by applying never-before-seen strategies and tactics that have been thought up by some of the brightest minds in the game’s community. As you can imagine from that description, Nike offers some amazing insight into theorycrafting, build optimisation, and game meta.
What sort of content does this YouTuber create?
The primary content type to be found on Nike’s channel is of course daily boss runs from various points of view, allowing fledgeling raiders to see how certain character builds can be applied to various raid encounters. Nike also focuses on the intelligent discussion of the current game state, as well as providing guides on the current meta, getting to grips with high-end play, making gold, and maximising DPS. The channel is as technical as you’ll feasibly need for the vast majority of players and holds a wealth of information for those who wish to tighten up their playstyle.
One reason to check out this YouTuber
Nike’s insights into Guild Wars 2 are well developed over several years of the highest level of achievement possible in the game, so when a video is created you know it will be delivered with authority and a great appreciation of the game’s context and history. He is a highly intelligent player who has dedicated much of his game time to finding the optimum ways to blast through content and he now focuses on posing the tough questions and tackling the technical side of high-level play for those who need it.
Over to you!
Who are your favourite Guild Wars 2 YouTubers? If they didn’t make my very short list, be sure to mention them in the comments in case I’ve somehow missed someone spectacular!
Tina Lauro has been playing Guild Wars 2 since it launched and now pens the long-running Flameseeker Chronicles column, which runs every other Wednesday and covers everything from GW2 guides and news to opinion pieces and dev diary breakdowns. If there’s a GW2 topic you’d love to see covered, drop a comment Tina’s way or mail her at tina@massivelyop.com.
