Globs of Ectoplasm are primarily acquired by salvaging rare or better quality equipment that is level 68 or above. Unlike many other crafting components, these valuable materials cannot be farmed directly from enemies or purchased from NPCs, making the Trading Post a central hub for their acquisition and sale.
What Are Globs of Ectoplasm?
Globs of Ectoplasm are a vital crafting material in Guild Wars 2. They are essential for a wide range of high-level recipes, including crafting exotic and ascended gear, legendary weapons, and various items within the Mystic Forge. Their critical role in end-game progression drives consistent demand, making their unique acquisition method a key part of the in-game economy.
The Primary Method: Salvaging High-Level Gear
The most direct way to obtain Globs of Ectoplasm is through salvaging. This process transforms unwanted equipment into crafting components.
What Equipment to Salvage
To maximize your chances of getting Globs of Ectoplasm, focus on:
- Rarity: Only rare (yellow), exotic (orange), ascended (pink), or legendary (purple) quality equipment has a chance to yield ectoplasm. Common (white), fine (blue), and masterwork (green) items will not.
- Level Requirement: The equipment must be level 68 or above. Items below this level, even if rare or better, will not produce ectoplasm when salvaged.
The Salvaging Process Explained
- Acquire Salvage Kits: You will need a Salvage Kit. These come in various tiers, from Basic to Black Lion. Higher-tier kits generally offer better chances at rare materials or more salvages per kit.
- Master's Salvage Kit: A good general-purpose kit for most rare items.
- Mystic Salvage Kit: Crafted in the Mystic Forge, offering excellent value for its high charge count.
- Black Lion Salvage Kit: Provides the highest chance of obtaining rare materials, but is typically acquired through the Gem Store.
- Identify Eligible Items: Check your inventory for rare or better quality gear that meets the level 68+ requirement.
- Salvage: Right-click the salvage kit in your inventory, then click on the eligible item you wish to salvage.
Table: Example Salvage Kit Benefits
| Salvage Kit Type | Chance for Rare Materials | Salvage Charges | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master's Salvage Kit | Standard | 25 | Cost-effective for bulk salvaging. |
| Mystic Salvage Kit | Standard | 250 | Best value for long-term use. |
| Black Lion Salvage Kit | Highest | 25 | Premium kit, often used for valuable items. |
Acquiring Salvageable Equipment
To maintain a steady supply of Globs of Ectoplasm, you need a consistent source of high-level rare or better equipment. Here are some effective strategies:
- Dungeon Runs: Completing explorable modes of dungeons frequently rewards rare items.
- Fractals of the Mists: Rewards from fractals, especially higher tiers, often include rare or exotic gear.
- World Bosses: Many daily world boss events guarantee rare item drops upon completion.
- Living World Episodes & Expansion Content: Many events, meta-events, and reward tracks in these areas offer rare equipment.
- Purchasing on the Trading Post: A common strategy is to buy inexpensive rare level 68+ equipment from the Trading Post to salvage. Compare the price of the rare item plus salvage kit cost against the current price of a Glob of Ectoplasm to determine profitability.
The Trading Post: A Key Market for Ectoplasm
While Globs of Ectoplasm cannot be purchased directly from NPCs or reliably farmed from enemies, they are one of the most heavily traded items on the Trading Post. This makes it a crucial resource for both buyers and sellers.
Why Buy or Sell Ectoplasm on the Trading Post?
- Convenience: For players who prioritize time over salvaging, buying ectoplasm directly is efficient.
- Market Fluctuations: Prices can vary, allowing savvy players to buy low and sell high, or acquire materials when it's more cost-effective than salvaging.
- Demand: Due to its broad use in crafting and the Mystic Forge, there's always a high demand for ectoplasm, ensuring a liquid market.
Tips for Trading Post Interaction
- Monitor Prices: Keep an eye on the market value of Globs of Ectoplasm.
- Use Buy Orders: Placing a buy order (offering a specific price) can often secure ectoplasm cheaper than instant-buying.
- Consider Selling Salvageable Items: If the price of rare items is high and ectoplasm is low, it might be more profitable to sell your rare equipment directly on the Trading Post instead of salvaging it for ectoplasm.
