So you want a Griffon mount. One of the most expensive investments in the game to date (minus legendary stuff), this mount will cost you a solid 250 gold. Luckily, it doesn't take NEAR as long as the Skyscale mount but it can still take time to do. Let's get this started!
First and foremost, you'll need a stack of gold and you will need to have
completed all 13 chapters of Path of Fire. You can't do this until you
have both things, although technically the gold can wait (still need the 250,
but you can slowly purchase the parts at 25 gold each). Once you've got
those done, it's time to make our way to the Sunspear Sanctuary. This is
located in the southeastern section of Domain of Vabbi. Honestly, all
you need is a Skimmer and either a Springer or Skyscale to get there, although
a Jackal mount "might" make it easier. Since I'm using my husband's
account for this guide, I don't have a lot of mount things invested in.
From my experience, getting the High Vault unlocked on the Springer is all you
need. I, however, did get the Jackal mount unlocked but found out the
Wiki asked for Shifting Sands to be unlocked as well. You don't need
it. This entire guide is written using a Raptor, Springer, or
Skimmer. I didn't use a Jackal, Roller Beetle, Siege Turtle, or Skyscale
for anything in this.
While making my way to the Sunspear Sanctuary, I took some pictures to show you where to go with your Springer. I do suggest using a Skimmer to get through the Brandstorm sections because you will not incur any damage (it doesn't touch the ground). From there, just jump upwards. Check out the slideshow below for guidance!
Once you get to the end, you'll see an item on the ground named Remains of the Last Spearmarshal. Upon interaction, navigate the conversation to the part where you respond with "I'll see what I can do". This starts the Open Skies collections, starting with the Crystal Oasis. After completing these collections, you'll have your brand new Griffon mount.
Open Skies: Crystal Oasis
You've got 1 rune, 3 relics, and 5 eggs to get for this collection. Luckily, one of those relics is already unlocked for us (Spearmarshal's Plea - part 4).
I'm going to provide a slideshow for all this because it is honestly a LOT of pictures. It starts with the first one on the list, the map location and path, then pictures to help explain what you're looking for.
The waypoints you'll be using for this collection:
- Destiny's Gorge Waypoint [&BJMKAAA=]
- Amnoon Waypoint [&BLsKAAA=]
- Temple of Kormir Waypoint [&BEAKAAA=]
Once you have finished the collection...
Congrats! First collection down, more to go.
Open Skies: Desert Highlands
This collection consists of 1 defense situation, 3 relics, and 5 eggs. Just like the previous collection, we get the 4th step "free".
Got another slideshow for this, mostly because of the amount of pictures used and the descriptions. If it helps, you can pause all of the slideshows in the guides for ease of use/reference.
The waypoints you'll be using for this collection:
- Makali Outpost Waypoint [&BGsKAAA=]
- Derelict Delve Waypoint [&BKQKAAA=]
- Lommuld Kraal Waypoint [&BGoKAAA=]
- Highjump Ranch Waypoint [&BJ0KAAA=]
Tada, another collection completed!
Open Skies: Elon Riverlands
Thankfully this collection only consists of 2 champion bounties, 3 eggs, 3 relics, and a mini achievement. Yet again, we get one of the relics "free".
Another slideshow to help show where things are located in this collection.
The waypoints you'll be using for this collection:
- Augury's Shadow Waypoint [&BFMKAAA=]
- Olishar's Oasis Camp Waypoint [&BCgKAAA=]
- Skimmer Ranch Waypoint [&BGcKAAA=]
Finally, another collection done!
Open Skies: The Desolation
We are getting closer to completing all of these! For this collection, we need a total of 4 eggs, get 3 relics, go exploring, and participate in an event. Let's get started! Note: We still get a "free" relic.
Of course, here is a slideshow of all the places we will be visiting.
The waypoints you'll be using for this collection:
- The Darklands Waypoint [&BKMKAAA=]
- The Scourgeway Waypoint [&BHMKAAA=]
- Lair of the Forgotten Waypoint [&BMEKAAA=]
- Bonestrand Waypoint [&BNwKAAA=]
Getting super close to being done!
Open Skies: Domain of Vabbi
Finally the last map for collecting stuff! Also, no more spending gold after this collection (whew!). For this to finish, we need to find 5 eggs, acquire 3 relics, and help someone escape in an event. So, so close I can taste it!
As always, slideshow time!
The waypoints you'll be using for this collection:
- Vehtendi Academy Waypoint [&BA8KAAA=]
- Vehjin Palace Waypoint [&BO0KAAA=]
- Spearmarshal Plea (inventory item)
We did it! Let's get this done!
Next up, we gotta put the griffon eggs we've collected in griffon nests. When you finish all 5 map collections, you'll get a notification that you're ready for this part. Head back to the Spearmarshal area via the Spearmarshal's Plea item in your inventory.
We're going to be completing the rest of this particular collection in order to kick off the final collection. I know, collections within collections.
Once you get to the Spearmarshal area, you'll notice that there are a bunch of grey icons over holes in the ground and by griffons in nests. Just interact with each thing, either a relic or a griffon.
After that is done, you'll get the final collection activated: Open Skies: Sunspear Wisdom. This is the last one to do before the Griffon mount is unlocked. Let's go!
Open Skies: Sunspear Wisdom
The next slideshow is going to consist of helpful tips for this collection. There are maps included, but I didn't take a picture of every single cache.
Now we get to finish this! Head BACK to the Spearmarshal area via the Spearmarshal's Plea (the item in your inventory). Place the Writings of the Last Spearmarshal on the pedestal, indicated by a gray deposit symbol. There might be some slight delay between placing the writings and the instance prompt showing up. Either way, you need to enter the instance that appears where you're standing. Fight the baddies and boom, the mount is yours!
If you've managed to complete this guide: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT! Hopefully this guide was super helpful and if there's anything wrong, please let me know!
I want to give a huge thanks to my husband who allowed me to use his account and spending all that gold!
References:
https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Open_Skies:_Desert_Highlands
https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Open_Skies:_Elon_Riverlands
https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Open_Skies:_The_Desolation
https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Open_Skies:_Domain_of_Vabbi
https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Open_Skies:_Sunspear_Wisdom