A fractal is a special type of dungeon that consists of an array of mini-dungeons called fractals, where each fractal has its own story and environment. Players select a level of difficulty when starting a fractal and are adjusted to level 80 while inside. Depending on the difficulty setting, the players will end up on one of four possible fractal 'islands', each having its own set of possible maps. Fractals play a significant role in endgame gearing for ascended equipment. Fractals are generally considered to have more difficult mechanics than dungeons.
Starting a fractal
You need to enter the Mistlock observatory through an Asura Gate directly in the center of Fort Marriner in Lion's Arch.
Once any member of the party has entered, the rest will be prompted to join them if they are anywhere within Lion's Arch. When the first person attempts to zone into the Mistlock observatory, they will be asked to choose a fractal scale.
Choosing a Difficulty
Fractals of the Mists uses a difficulty scale in contrast to the story and explorable modes of dungeons.
- Your personal fractal level increases by one each time you complete a fractal scale equal to or greater than your current level. Your personal fractal level is account-wide.
- Whoever enters the observatory first chooses the difficulty level, which can be set up to the highest personal fractal level of any member of the current party.
- Increased personal fractal levels offer increased rewards, even if the run is at a lower difficulty level. Higher difficulty levels offer greater challenges and higher chances of better rewards, from foes, from chests, and from bonus chests.
Once inside the Mistlock observatory, you can talk to Dessa to learn more about the Fractals of the Mist. There is a repair golem and several vendors in the area who sell basic items as well as those specifically related to fractals. Once you are ready to go, descend through the portal in the middle of the observatory.Agony
Agony is an effect unique to fractals that removes a percentage of the player's health every second and reduces received healing by ~50% per stack. The effect is present at level 20 or higher with the amount of damage inflicted increasing substantially at higher scales. In some fractals, boss attacks are the only source of agony and they can be avoided using normal defensive measures. With other fractals, various environmental events may also apply agony.
Agony's effects can only be reduced by equipping ascended items that include Agony Resistance or by purchasing fractal agony potions once the appropriate mastery is unlocked. The specific details of preparing for agony resistance in later levels is beyond the scope of this guide, so for further details consult the wiki:
Agony
Agony Resistance
Notable Currency
Fractal Relics: Currency used to purchase special items from the vendors in the Mistlock observatory.
Fractal Encryptions: Rewarded for completing each fractal level. They require a fractal encryption key to open, which can be purchased from the vendor in the Mistlock observatory using fractal relics + regular currency
Pristine Fractal Relics: Contained within various levels of Fractals of the Mists chests obtained through daily rewards and achievements. Ten pristine fractal relics can be used to purchase Ascended Rings with the stats of your choice from the BUY-2046 vendor. They can also be broken down to regular fractal relics if needed, though it’s not ordinarily recommended since they are used for Ascended Rings.
Agony Infusions: Combined to make higher levels of agony infusion to slot into gear.
Helpful Links:Fractals of the Mists Wiki
