View source for Fractals of the Mists

{{otheruses|the dungeon|the region|Fractals of the Mists (region)|the phenomenon that occurs in [[the Mists]]|Fractal (lore)|the achievement category|Fractals of the Mists (achievements)}}
{{Location infobox
| levels = 80
| type = Dungeon
| within = Fractals of the Mists (region)
| location tree = The Mists; Fractals of the Mists (region)
| connections = [[Lion's Arch]]<br>[[Mistlock Sanctuary]]
| coordinates = [49393,31891,1,1]
}}
{{Quotation|In-game description|This portal leads to a mysterious destination. Many adventurers have entered, few have left.}}
[[Fractals of the Mists]] ('''FotM''') is a special [[dungeon]] that consists of an array of mini-dungeons called '''fractals''', each featuring its own story and environment. [[The Mists]] refers to the setting of the fractals which represent various realities and historical events found by groups of explorers. Fractals feature several unique systems when compared to standard dungeons, including a tiered difficulty scale, [[#Agony|Agony]] mechanic, random daily [[#Mistlock Instability|Mistlock Instabilities]], and more.

Like other dungeons, Fractals of the Mists are designed and balanced for [[party|parties]] of five players, but allows smaller groups of players. Characters are [[Dynamic level adjustment|adjusted]] to level 80 while within the fractal. Fractals are one of the primary sources of [[ascended equipment]] and provide materials for crafting [[infused equipment]] and [[attuned equipment]]. They are one of the core pillars of Guild Wars 2's [[endgame]].
 
The Fractals difficulty scale ranges from 1 to 100, and can be selected prior to entering the fractal. The personal fractal level is an account-wide stat which tracks the current maximum difficulty scale that can be selected. To increase the personal fractal level, and therefore, the highest fractal scale accessible to the account, the player must complete a single fractal on a fractal scale equal or greater to their personal fractal level. This provides progression, allowing players to continuously complete higher levels on the difficulty scale and earn greater rewards as a result.

When entering Fractals of the Mists, the players arrive in the [[Mistlock Observatory]] in [[the Mists]], which serves as a fractal [[City#Lobby|lobby]]. There, players meet [[Dessa]] and her group of scientists, who research islands of reality found in the Mists. As these areas still contain threats, the players are asked to "stabilize" each fractal — make it safe for the scientists to start their work. Throughout each fractal, Dessa communicates with the party and comments on their progress. Once a fractal is stabilized, she and her krewe transport the characters back to the Mistlock Observatory.

== Lore ==
{{main|Fractal (lore)}}

== Introduction letter ==
{{Mail
| sender = The Consortium PR and Legal Defense Team
| subject = A Dazzling New Attraction in Lion's Arch
| content = The Consortium invites you to visit our asura gate near Fort Marriner to experience the spectacular scenery and awe-inspiring adventure of its newest attraction: Fractals of the Mists! Re-live the greatest and most exciting moments from Tyria's past as you test your strength, speed, and skill against some of the most formidable opponents from the annals of history. All this and more is waiting for you in the Fractals of the Mists!<br><br>(WARNING: some fractals may cause injury, psychic trauma, blindness, or death. By entering this asura gate, you officially waive any and all rights to pursue legal damages against the Consortium. Participate at your own risk.)
| sign = The Consortium PR and Legal Defense Team
| pointer = Fractals of the Mists
| pointer text = A mysterious asura gate new Fort Mariner in Lion's Arch allows travelers to enter into a realm where history and technology violently collide.
}}

== Getting there ==
* [[Lion's Arch]] – The entrance is an [[asura gate]] directly in the center of [[Fort Marriner]] in [[Lion's Arch]]. Located just south of the "[[Mist Portals]]" point of interest, look for this icon {{map icon|fotm}} on the map.
** [[Memory of Old Lion's Arch]] – Requires [[Lion's Pride]] acquired via achievements. The entrance is located at the [[Claw Island Portage|docks]] of [[Fort Marriner (Memory of Old Lion's Arch)|Fort Marriner]].
* [[Mistlock Sanctuary]] lounge – Requires [[Mistlock Sanctuary Passkey]] from the [[Gem Store]]. The entrance is on the eastern side.

Once any member of your [[party]] has entered, you will be prompted to join them from anywhere within [[Lion's Arch]], [[Memory of Old Lion's Arch]] or [[Mistlock Sanctuary]]. Note that you will not be prompted if you're already in a different fractal instance, even in the Mistlock Observatory lobby area. If you end up in a separate instance to the rest of your party, leave to Lion's Arch and then use the prompt to join them.

== Mechanics ==
=== Matchmaking ===
{{main|Looking For Group#Fractals of the Mists Category Mechanics}}

=== {{anchor|quickplay}}Quickplay mode ===
[[File:Fractal Quickplay Selection.jpg|300 px|thumb|LFG - Fractals of the Mists - Initiate Scale 1-25]]
With the [[Fractal Incursion]], quickplay mode is accessed through the [[Looking For Group|Looking for Group]] panel and automatically pairs players to play a random fractal. The quickplay LFG tool can be used whether a player is solo, in a partial group seeking additional allies, or already partied with friends and looking for adventure. Quickplay fractals are always scale 1 and selected from a curated list:
* [[Aetherblade Fractal|Aetherblade]]
* [[Cliffside Fractal|Cliffside]]
* [[Deepstone Fractal|Deepstone]]
* [[Kinfall Fractal|Kinfall]]
* [[Molten Boss Fractal|Molten Boss]]
* [[Molten Furnace Fractal|Molten Furnace]]
* [[Snowblind Fractal|Snowblind]]
* [[Uncategorized Fractal|Uncategorized]]
* [[Urban Battleground Fractal|Urban Battleground]]
* [[Volcanic Fractal|Volcanic]]

The [[Mist Stranger]] will assist players through the {{effect|Quickplay Boost}} effect.
* If players are [[defeated]], the Mist Stranger will [[revive]] defeated players after a short delay.
* Special [[Pocket Waypoint|pocket waypoint]]s have been distributed within the fractals, allowing players to teleport to the furthest waypoint a group has reached.
* In some multi-hero challenges, the Mist Stranger will lend a hand to flip levers or stand on pressure plates.
* Players will be shielded from the debilitating [[Cultist Hammer Corruption]] in the [[Cliffside Fractal|Cliffside fractal]] and provided with extra [[Cultist Hammer|hammers]] for the group.
* Players will resist the [[Deathly Rime|brutal cold]] in the [[Kinfall Fractal|Kinfall fractal]] even if they use up their [[Life-Fire|life-fire]], and they can expend life-fire to unlock doors even after their flame has run low.

Completing [[Fractals of the Mist]] in Quickplay mode rewards {{Item icon|Fractalline Dust}} (4-6)

=== Difficulty scale ===
[[File:Fractal Difficulty Scale Selection.jpg|240 px|thumb|The difficulty scale selection window, showing all four tiers of the Fractals available.]]

Fractals of the Mists uses a tiered difficulty scale in contrast to the story and explorable modes of [[dungeon]]s. The scales are as follows:
# Tier 1: Initiate, 0—25
# Tier 2: Adept, 26—50
# Tier 3: Expert, 51—75
# Tier 4: Master, 76—100

* Your [[#Personal Fractal Level Rewards|personal fractal level]] increases by one each time you complete a fractal scale equal to or greater than your personal level.
* Whoever enters the hub may choose the initial difficulty level, which can be set up to the highest personal fractal level of any member of the current party.
** The scale may be changed while in the lobby through the [[Scale Setting Sequencer]].
* Increased personal levels offer increased [[#Rewards|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, chests, and bonus chests.
* Each fractal scale corresponds with a specific fractal 'island' and set of unique conditions.
* There are four fractal difficulty scale ranges that are listed in the [[Looking For Group]] tool. For new characters, all of these skill ranges are locked (they cannot be used to find groups). The first scale range called "Initiate Scales 1-25", will unlock when a character reaches level 80. Higher group scale ranges will unlock when an account's personal fractal level nears the lower boundary for that group. For example, the ability to search in the 51-75 range unlocks when an account's personal fractal level is 46. More details can be found on the page [[Looking For Group]].

;Standard changes at higher difficulty levels
* Standard foes spawn in greater numbers and have higher levels.
* Foes gain increased health and damage values.
* Some foes will gain new abilities, e.g. in the [[Uncategorized Fractal]], the harpies start to knock players back.

;Major changes at different tiers
Fractals include more substantial changes starting at level 26, 51, and 76. As such these are referred to as difficulty "tiers".
* New items begin dropping at higher tiers; other items begin dropping more frequently.
* New challenges are added at new tiers:
** [[Agony]] is added to enemy and boss attacks at level 20, and it continues to increase with each level.
** A Mistlock Instability is added at level 26, with additional instabilities added at levels 51 and 76 (for a total of 3).
** Starting at level 71, whenever a player gets downed a [[Fractal Avenger]] will spawn to [[finish]] the player.
*** [[Interrupt]]ing or killing it will cause it to disappear. If a downed player [[stealth]]s or [[teleport]]s away, it will continue its finisher, but it will fail if a player is still stealthed or has moved far enough away by the time its animation finishes.
*** Fractals with the [[Mistlock Instability: Fractal Vindicators|Fractal Vindicator instability]] will spawn a [[Fractal Vindicator]] instead, which deals heavy damage to its target and persists until slain. Unlike with the avengers, only one vindicator will spawn per player whenever they go downed until their current vindicator has been slain.
* [[Daily Fractals|Daily Fractals rewards]] are available for difficulties 1-25, 26-50, 51-75 and 76-100.

=== Mistlock Observatory ===
The [[Mistlock Observatory]] serves as the [[City#Lobby|lobby]] area for the dungeon. It offers a variety of relevant services and merchants that sell fractal-related [[equipment]], [[Fractal Potion]]s, and [[infusion]]s. The [[Fractal Instability Trainer]] gives access to a training area where players can test their build against agony, mistlock instabilities, and enemies of various ranks.

It contains a [[jumping puzzle]] and a [[diving goggles | diving location]].

A portal near the entrance of the Mistlock Observatory can be used to access the fractals; this requires confirmation from all players in the party.

=== Differences from dungeons ===
* There are no [[waypoint]]s. If any party member dies, they must wait to be revived by their party or for the rest of the party to get [[Combat#Combat mode|out of combat]], at which point any defeated member is given the option to teleport back to the most recently completed checkpoint (or to leave the fractal entirely).
* Any character that re-enters an existing fractal instance (excluding the lobby) will spawn dead.
* Any characters under level 80 will be [[Dynamic level adjustment|scaled up]], allowing lower-level characters to participate, though stats gained from gear will still be lower, and mobs will generally target lower leveled players specifically.
=== Agony ===
{{main|Agony}}
Agony is an effect introduced starting at scale 20, reducing healing and dealing a large percentage of your maximum health as damage per second. The amount of damage inflicted gradually increases as the difficulty scale increases, starting at 10% and capping out at 180%. Certain mechanics, mistlock instabilities, and enemy attacks will apply Agony.

The damage taken from Agony can be reduced with [[Agony Resistance]], down to a minimum of 1%. The main source of Agony Resistance are from [[infusion]]s that can be placed in [[Ascended equipment|Ascended]] and [[Legendary equipment]]. Temporary Agony Resistance can be obtained from using an [[Anguished Tear of Alba]].

=== Mistlock Instability ===
Mistlock Instabilities are special modifiers that introduce additional mechanics or effects onto players and their party's journey through the Fractals of the Mists. These can be anything from incurring simple [[condition]]s to insidious extra [[creature]] attacks. These effects start at difficulty scale 26. Starting at difficulty scale 51 there are two Mistlock Instabilities active, and at scale 76 there are three Mistlock Instabilities active. Active instabilities can be previewed from the difficulty scale selected or viewed on your effects bar. Mistlock Instabilities will be assigned randomly every day.

{| {{STDT|pve}}
! Icon
! Mistlock Instability
! Description
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Adrenaline Rush.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Adrenaline Rush|Adrenaline Rush]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Adrenaline Rush}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Afflicted.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Afflicted|Afflicted]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Afflicted}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Boon Overload.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Boon Overload|Boon Overload]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Boon Overload}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Flux Bomb.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Flux Bomb|Flux Bomb]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Flux Bomb}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Fractal Vindicators.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Fractal Vindicators|Fractal Vindicators]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Fractal Vindicators}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Frailty.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Frailty|Frailty]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Frailty}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Hamstrung.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Hamstrung|Hamstrung]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Hamstrung}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Last Laugh.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Last Laugh|Last Laugh]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Last Laugh}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Mists Convergence.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Mists Convergence|Mists Convergence]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Mists Convergence}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability No Pain, No Gain.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: No Pain, No Gain|No Pain, No Gain]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: No Pain, No Gain}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Outflanked.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Outflanked|Outflanked]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Outflanked}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Social Awkwardness.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Social Awkwardness|Social Awkwardness]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Social Awkwardness}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Stick Together.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Stick Together|Stick Together]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Stick Together}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Sugar Rush.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Sugar Rush|Sugar Rush]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Sugar Rush}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Toxic Sickness.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Toxic Sickness|Toxic Sickness]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Toxic Sickness}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Toxic Trail.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Toxic Trail|Toxic Trail]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Toxic Trail}}
|-
| [[File:Mistlock Instability Vengeance.png]]
| [[Mistlock Instability: Vengeance|Vengeance]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Vengeance}}
|}

;Mistlock instability availability by fractal
The following table describes the possible instabilities for each fractal. Click "show" to view.
{{Mistlock instability iteration table}}

;Historical Mistlock Instabilities
The following mistlock instabilities were either renamed, reworked, or removed.
{| {{STDT|pve expandable}}
! Historical Mistlock Instability
! Description
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Agonizing Expedition|Agonizing Expedition]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Agonizing Expedition}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Antielitism|Antielitism]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Antielitism}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Birds|Birds]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Birds}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Bloodlust|Bloodlust]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Bloodlust}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Boon Thieves|Boon Thieves]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Boon Thieves}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Frosty|Frosty]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Frosty}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Ill and Chill|Ill and Chill]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Ill and Chill}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Keep Them in Line|Keep Them in Line]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Keep Them in Line}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Lethargic|Lethargic]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Lethargic}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Overextended|Overextended]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Overextended}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Playing Favorites|Playing Favorites]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Playing Favorites}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Slippery Slope|Slippery Slope]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Slippery Slope}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Sluggish|Sluggish]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Sluggish}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Stamina|Stamina]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Stamina}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Stormy Weather|Stormy Weather]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Stormy Weather}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: Tainted Renewal|Tainted Renewal]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: Tainted Renewal}}
|-
| [[Mistlock Instability: We Bleed Fire|We Bleed Fire]]
| {{effect description|Mistlock Instability: We Bleed Fire}}
|}

=== Fractal Masteries ===
[[Central Tyria mastery tracks#Fractal Attunement|Fractal Attunements]] is a special mastery track introduced with [[Heart of Thorns]]. In addition to providing access to additional rewards and daily achievements, these masteries unlock certain NPCs in the Mistlock Observatory. Through these NPCs players can gain access to [[Infusion Extraction Device]]s, special crafting materials and other rewards. These are extremely helpful in completing the higher difficulty scales. In addition, players pursuing the [[Legendary Backpacks|Legendary Backpiece]] collection will need high fractal mastery to obtain the rare collection items required.
{{mastery table|Fractal Attunement}}

=== Fractal Potions ===
{{main|Fractal Potion}}
There are three types of [[Fractal Potion]] available: [[Mist Offensive Potion|offensive]] (increased outgoing damage), [[Mist Defensive Potion|defensive]] (decreased incoming damage) and [[Mist Mobility Potion|mobility]] (increased movement speed) potions. These consumables stack up to five times (Large potions apply all five stacks in one use), and can be used in addition to [[Food|nourishment]] and [[Utility item|utility]] consumables. Depending on the Fractal Attunement mastery rank achieved, each potion may provide additional bonuses to [[vitality]], [[toughness]] and [[concentration]], respectively.

Infinite Fractal Potions have the same effect as Large, granting five stacks of a standard potion, but can be reapplied infinitely and used to craft the [[Infinite Mist Omnipotion]]. The Omnipotion grants all three potion effects simultaneously, lasts twice as long, and is applied automatically upon interacting with a [[Mistlock Singularity]].

=== Account Augmentations ===
[[Account Augmentation]]s is a system of account progression in the form of upgrades that can be purchased from [[Deroir]]. Augmentations grant additional rewards for completing a fractal and an account-wide bonus to [[agony resistance]]. Each upgrade has four tiers which get progressively more expensive.

== List of fractals ==
{| {{STDT|sortable pve locations}}
|- style="vertical-align:top"
! No.
! [[Area]]
! Description
! Sigils & potions<ref name="damage bonus"/>
! [[Day and night|Day or Night]]<ref name="night"/>
! Fractal Scale
! Date added
|-
| 0
| [[Mistlock Observatory]]
| Main hub for Fractals of the Mists; entry point from the asura gate in [[Lion's Arch]].
| No foes
| Day
| All
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 1
| [[Aetherblade Fractal]]
| Infiltrate the hidden [[Aetherblades|Aetherblade]] base with the help of [[Captain Ellen Kiel|Inspector Ellen Kiel]].
| [[Scarlet's Alliance]], [[Inquest]]<ref name="single enemy"/>
| Day 
| {{fractal info|Aetherblade}}
| [[Game updates/2013-11-26|November 26, 2013]]
|-
| 2
| [[Aquatic Ruins Fractal]]
| Explore an ancient underwater ruin.
| [[Krait]]<ref name="aquatic ruins"/>, [[Fish]]<ref name="minor enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Aquatic Ruins}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 3
| [[Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal]]
| Defeat [[Captain Mai Trin|Mai Trin]], leader of the [[Aetherblades]].
| [[Scarlet's Alliance]]
| Day
| {{fractal info|Captain Mai Trin Boss}}
| [[Game updates/2013-11-26|November 26, 2013]]
|-
| 4
| [[Chaos Fractal]]
| Investigate the destabilization of [[the Mists]].
| [[Elemental]]<ref name="minor enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Chaos}}
| [[Game updates/2016-07-26|July 26, 2016]]
|-
| 5
| [[Cliffside Fractal]]
| Investigate a strange cult in an unknown location.
| [[Bandit]]<ref name="bandit"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Cliffside}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 6
| [[Deepstone Fractal]]
| Aid a pair of master thieves as they journey into the lost dwarven city of Deepstone.
| [[Elemental]]<ref name="single enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Deepstone}}
| [[Game updates/2018-06-26|June 26, 2018]]
|-
| 7
| [[Kinfall Fractal]]
| Flee the dragon's whispers.
| 
| Day
| {{fractal info|Kinfall}}
| [[Game updates/2025-06-03|June 3, 2025]]
|-
| 8
| [[Lonely Tower Fractal]]
| Repel [[Eparch]]'s first strike against Tyria as he seeks revenge against [[Isgarren]].
| [[Demon]]<ref name="lonely tower"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Lonely Tower}}
| [[Game updates/2024-05-21|May 21, 2024]]
|-
| 9
| [[Molten Boss Fractal]]
| Defeat the twin champions at the heart of the [[Molten Alliance]] weapons facility.
| [[Scarlet's Alliance]]
| Day
| {{fractal info|Molten Boss}}
| [[Game updates/2013-11-26|November 26, 2013]]
|-
| 10
| [[Molten Furnace Fractal]]
| Attack the [[Molten Alliance]] weapons facility with the help of [[Rox]] and [[Braham]].
| [[Scarlet's Alliance]], [[Elemental]]<ref name="single enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Molten Furnace}}
| [[Game updates/2013-11-26|November 26, 2013]]
|-
| 11
|| [[Nightmare Fractal]]
| Overcome the monstrosity gestating inside this illusory landscape.
| [[Scarlet's Alliance]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Krait]]
| Day
| {{fractal info|Nightmare}}
| [[Game updates/2016-11-21|November 21, 2016]]
|-
| 12
| [[Shattered Observatory Fractal]]
| Visit a familiar locale, twisted by the tides of time.
| [[Scarlet's Alliance]]<ref name="single enemy"/> (Arkk)
| Day / Both<ref name="shattered observatory"/> <small>(CM)</small>
| {{fractal info|Shattered Observatory}}
| [[Game updates/2017-07-25|July 25, 2017]]
|-
| 13
| [[Silent Surf Fractal]]
| Embark on a search-and-rescue mission in the aftermath of the [[Jade Wind]].
| None
| Day
| {{fractal info|Silent Surf}}
| [[Game_updates/2023-06-27|June 27, 2023]]
|-
| 14
| [[Siren's Reef Fractal]]
| Escape the cursed island.
| [[Ghost]]<ref name="minor enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Siren's Reef}}
| [[Game updates/2019-01-08|January 8, 2019]]
|-
| 15
| [[Snowblind Fractal]]
| Defeat the [[Sons of Svanir]] in a frigid forest.
| [[Sons of Svanir]], [[Elemental]]<ref name="minor enemy"/>
| '''Night'''
| {{fractal info|Snowblind}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 16
| [[Sunqua Peak Fractal]]
| Embark on a journey to bring peace to a troubled land.
| [[Elemental]]
| Day / '''Night''' <small>(CM)</small>
| {{fractal info|Sunqua Peak}}
| [[Game updates/2020-09-15|September 15, 2020]]
|-
| 17
| [[Solid Ocean Fractal]]
| Explore the solid ocean, and slay [[Jade Maw|the beast]] within.
| [[Elemental]]
| '''Night'''
| {{fractal info|Solid Ocean}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 18
| [[Swampland Fractal]]
| Banish evil spirits from a dangerous swamp.
| [[Norn]], [[Plant]]
| '''Night'''
| {{fractal info|Swampland}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 19
| [[Thaumanova Reactor Fractal]]
| Investigate the destruction of the [[Thaumanova Reactor]].
| [[Icebrood]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Inquest]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Flame Legion]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Nightmare Court]]<ref name="single enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Thaumanova Reactor}}
| [[Game updates/2013-11-26|November 26, 2013]]
|-
| 20
| [[Twilight Oasis Fractal]]
| Spearhead the assault on the oasis.
| None
| '''Night'''
| {{fractal info|Twilight Oasis}}
| [[Game updates/2017-11-28|November 28, 2017]]
|-
| 21
| [[Uncategorized Fractal]]
| Ascend an unknown [[asura]]n structure.
| [[Inquest]], [[Bandit]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Flame Legion]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Harpy]]<ref name="minor enemy"/>
| Day
| {{fractal info|Uncategorized}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 22
| [[Underground Facility Fractal]]
| Delve deep into an underground [[dredge]] facility.
| [[Dredge]], [[Elemental]]<ref name="single enemy"/>
| '''Night'''
| {{fractal info|Underground Facility}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 23
| [[Urban Battleground Fractal]]
| Join the [[Flame Legion]] in an assault on an [[Ascalon]]ian city.
| None
| Day
| {{fractal info|Urban Battleground}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|-
| 24
| [[Volcanic Fractal]]
| Eliminate a [[grawl]] cult that resides inside a volcano.
| [[Grawl]], [[Demon]]<ref name="single enemy"/>, [[Elemental]]<ref name="minor enemy"/>
| '''Night'''
| {{fractal info|Volcanic}}
| [[Game updates/2012-11-15|November 15, 2012]]
|}
<references>
<ref name="damage bonus"> Foe types are listed for those interested in using appropriate [[Potion#Slayer potions|slaying potions]] and/or [[Sigil#Damage bonus|damage bonus sigil]]s.</ref>
<ref name="single enemy">There is only a single foe or a group of this type in the fractal.</ref>
<ref name="minor enemy">Minor enemies and no bosses or main groups.</ref>
<ref name="night">[[Sigil of the Night]] is effective in the fractals that are in permanent nighttime.</ref>
<ref name="bandit">[[Powerful Potion of Outlaw Slaying]] is effective as bandits are outlaws.</ref>
<ref name="lonely tower">[[Superior Sigil of Demon Slaying|Demon slaying sigil]] works on [[Eparch]] but not [[Cerus]] or [[Deimos]]. [[Powerful Potion of Demon Slaying|Potion]] does not work on ''any''.</ref>
<ref name="shattered observatory">Although the time changes after the first boss [[Superior Sigil of the Night|sigil of night]] does '''not''' work.</ref>
<ref name="aquatic ruins">Does not work on final boss but will work on the summoned Krait during the boss fight.</ref>
</references>

=== Fractal levels ===
Each difficulty scale corresponds with a specific fractal 'island'. [[Agony]] is introduced at level 20, and its damage increases with the scale. The table below shows the island for each scale plus the minimum amount of [[agony resistance]] required to reduce damage from agony to its minimum of 1% of your total health per tick. (These can be used to match your  [[#Personal Fractal Level Rewards|personal fractal level]] to find a fractal of suiting difficulty.) 

(You can reach this table from in-game at any time by typing <code>/wiki fl</code> into the chat box.)

{{Fractal levels table}}

{{Bug|The recommended agony resistance values shown in-game can vary by ±1 from the actual amounts needed, depending on your character's max HP.}}

== [[Daily Fractals]] ==
There are two types of daily fractals: '''Tier N''' and '''Recommended'''. In every tier there is at least one fractal for each of the three '''Tier N''' Dailies. In each of the three lower tiers (1-25, 26-50, 51-75) there will be one '''Recommended''' fractal.

All Daily Fractal reward chests contain a [[Pristine Fractal Relic]] and some [[1 Agony Infusion|+1 Agony Infusions]].

({{purge}})

=== Tier N Fractals ===
The Tier N Fractal daily achievements are on a 15-day rotation as indicated on the following table.

{{Daily Fractal Schedule}}

Completing a daily fractal will reward players with a chest depending on which tier was completed:
* Tier 1 - [[Fractal Initiate's Chest]]
* Tier 2 - [[Fractal Adept's Chest]] and all lower tiers
* Tier 3 - [[Fractal Expert's Chest]] and all lower tiers
* Tier 4 - [[Fractal Master's Chest]] and all lower tiers

=== Recommended Fractals ===
Recommended fractals are on a 15-day rotation; one at each tier excluding Master.

{{Daily Recommended Fractal Schedule}}

Adept and Expert tier Recommended fractals require the [[Follows Advice]] [[mastery]]. Unlike the Tier N fractals, Recommended fractals are always a single scale.

Completing a Recommended fractal will reward players with a Research Chest depending on the tier. All Research Chests will give a [[Fractal Research Page]] and a large [[Fractal Potion]] depending on the chest.
* [[Fractal Initiate's Research Chest]] - [[Large Mist Defensive Potion]]
* [[Fractal Adept's Research Chest]] - [[Large Mist Mobility Potion]]
* [[Fractal Expert's Research Chest]] - [[Large Mist Offensive Potion]]

[[Fractal Research Page]]s, in conjunction with [[Grandmaster Mark]]s, can be used to exchange for [[Ascended chest]]s through [[BLING-9009]]. They can also be used to combine into [[Fractal Journal]]s, which are used for certain steps of the [[Ad Infinitum]] collection and towards acquiring [[Mist Attunement 1]] and [[Mist Attunement 3]].

== Rewards ==
=== Personal Fractal Level Rewards ===
* Your personal fractal level will increase by 1 each time a fractal difficulty scale is completed at or above your current personal fractal level, unless using Fractal Quickplay.
* Completing a fractal awards you up to 3400 karma. Less karma is received if completing a fractal scale closer to your own personal fractal level, although the amount can be increased with [[Karma#Modifiers|karma modifiers]].

=== Purchasable Reward bonuses ===
[[Deroir]] offers permanent reward increases for your account. They include bonus experience, bonus karma, bonus fractal relics and bonus encryptions.

=== Completion Rewards ===
* +[[1 Agony Infusion]]s
* Character equipment (blue quality or higher)
* [[Recipe: Superior Rune of Resistance]] (above level 30)
* [[Recipe: Superior Sigil of Momentum]] (above level 30)

==== Fractal Relics ====
Completing a fractal grants a certain amount of fractal relics depending on the scale:
{| {{STDT|pve}}
|-
! Scale
! per fractal
|-
| 1-5
| {{token|fr|5}}
|-
| 6-10
| {{token|fr|6}}
|-
| 11-15
| {{token|fr|7}}
|-
| 16-20
| {{token|fr|8}}
|-
| 21-25
| {{token|fr|9}}
|-
| 26-30
| {{token|fr|10}}
|-
| 31-35
| {{token|fr|11}}
|-
| 36-40
| {{token|fr|12}}
|-
| 41-45
| {{token|fr|13}}
|-
| 46-50
| {{token|fr|14}}
|-
| 51-60
| {{token|fr|15}}
|-
| 61-70
| {{token|fr|16}}
|-
| 71-80
| {{token|fr|17}}
|-
| 81-90
| {{token|fr|18}}
|-
| 91-100
| {{token|fr|19}}
|}

Completing each Fractal from level 1 to 100 results in a total of 1,325 Relics. 

Each level of [[Mist Attunement]] acquired adds 1 [[Handful of Fractal Relics]] (Scales 1-50) or 1 [[Pouch of Fractal Relics]] (Scales 51-100), respectively worth an additional 3 and 5 relics each.

==== Fractal Encryptions ====
Completing a fractal grants a certain amount of fractal encryptions depending on the scale:
{| {{STDT|pve}}
|-
! Scale
! per fractal
|-
| 1-20
| 2 {{item icon|Fractal Encryption}}
|-
| 21-40
| 3 {{item icon|Fractal Encryption}}
|-
| 41-60
| 4 {{item icon|Fractal Encryption}}
|-
| 61-80
| 5 {{item icon|Fractal Encryption}}
|-
| 81-100
| 6 {{item icon|Fractal Encryption}}
|}

Each level of [[Mist Attunement]] acquired increases the number of encryptions dropped by 1.

The Chaos Isles Fractal, Nightmare Fractal and the Deepstone Fractal give 1 extra [[Fractal Encryption]] on scales below 40 and 2 extra [[Fractal Encryption]] on scales higher than 40.<br>
There is also a small chance to get a [[Fractal Encryption Key]] instead of one [[Fractal Encryption]].

==== Experience ====
Completing fractals awards experience central Tyria mastery experience in the form of Writs of Tyrian Mastery:
{| {{STDT|pve}}
|-
! Scale
! per fractal
|-
| 1-20
| 2 {{item icon|Writ of Tyrian Mastery}}
|-
| 21-50
| 4 {{item icon|Writ of Tyrian Mastery}}
|-
| 51-75
| 8 {{item icon|Writ of Tyrian Mastery}}
|-
| 76-100
| 12 {{item icon|Writ of Tyrian Mastery}}
|}

Each level of [[Fractal Empowerment]] acquired increases the number of writs dropped by 1.

=== Ascended Crafting Materials ===
Certain crafting materials can be obtained as random loot from foes in the Fractals of the Mists; unlike the above rewards, these drop from killing ordinary enemies, not for completing fractals. Each has a minimum difficulty scale at which it can appear. As of July 26th 2016, these can also be bought from [[INFUZ-5959]].
{| {{STDT|pve}}
! Scales
! Ascended Crafting Materials
|-
| 1+
| {{item icon|Vial of Condensed Mists Essence}}
|-
| 26+
| {{item icon|Glob of Coagulated Mists Essence}}
|-
| 51+
| {{item icon|Shard of Crystallized Mists Essence}}
|-
|}

== Tips ==
* Skills that [[block]], absorb or [[reflect]] [[projectile]]s are very important in the Fractals of the Mists, as almost all fractals have multiple enemies that use ranged attacks and skills and many of them let you deal massive spike damage if you time your reflections properly.
* Skills that provide [[Stability]], [[Blinded|Blind]] or [[Weakness]] and skills that remove [[Condition]]s and [[Boon]]s are very useful during many encounters in the Fractals of the Mists. Be prepared to switch skills often before different encounters.
* Skills that remove or corrupt enemy [[Boon]]s are especially useful in higher-tier fractals with the 'No Pain, No Gain' instability, all the dredge fractals as well as some parts of Aetherblade-themed fractals.
* Crowd control skills such as dazes, stuns and knockbacks help break [[defiance bar]]s, which give your party a reprieve from boss attacks while boosting your own damage. This technique is critical in some fractals such as Nightmare and Shattered Observatory, where bosses have devastating attacks that can only be stopped by breaking it.
* Some enemies, like Jade Colossi in Solid Ocean, who reflect most projectiles and are best fought with melee or non-projectile based attacks.

== Related achievements ==
* {{achievement icon|Daily Fractals}} — complete specific fractals and fractals in level ranges, additional achievements unlock with [[Follows Advice]] mastery
* {{achievement icon|Weekly Fractals}} – complete a certain amount of unique fractals at different scales (Open the page for more information)
* {{achievement icon|Fractals of the Mists (achievements)}} — complete each fractal island and specific tasks in each
* {{achievement icon|Nightmare Fractal (achievements)}} — tasks and challenges specific to the [[Nightmare Fractal]]
* {{achievement icon|Shattered Observatory Fractal (achievements)}} — tasks and challenges specific to the [[Shattered Observatory Fractal]]
* {{achievement icon|Sunqua Peak Fractal (achievements)}} — tasks and challenges specific to the [[Sunqua Peak Fractal]]
* {{achievement icon|Silent Surf Fractal (achievements)}} — tasks and challenges specific to the [[Silent Surf Fractal]]
* {{achievement icon|Lonely Tower Fractal (achievements)}} — tasks and challenges specific to the [[Lonely Tower Fractal]]
* {{achievement icon|Kinfall Fractal (achievements)}} — tasks and challenges specific to the [[Kinfall Fractal]]
* {{achievement|Channel the Creator}}
* {{achievement|Home Sweet Homestead: Fractals of the Mists}}
* {{achievement icon|Incursive Investigation}} — quickplay mode tasks related to obtaining the [[legendary]] gloves [[Eikasia, Mists-Grasper]].

== Trivia ==
* In-game description:
{{quotation|Level 80 rewards.|If you're looking for a new type of dungeon, try the Fractals of the Mists, accessible through the Fractals asura gate in Lion's Arch. The rewards improve as the difficulty rises.}}
* Fractals of the Mists was introduced as part of [[the Lost Shores]] release (November 16th, 2012), which also added the first ascended items into the game.
* 3 new fractals and 2 new boss fractals were introduced as part of [[Fractured]] release (November 26th 2013). These are [[Thaumanova Reactor Fractal]], [[Aetherblade Fractal]], [[Molten Furnace Fractal]], [[Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal]] and the [[Molten Boss Fractal]]. In addition, personal fractal levels were made account-bound rather than character-bound.
* The entrance to Fractals of the Mists originally was outside the [[Consortium Gift Shop]] in [[Fort Marriner]] in [[Lion's Arch]]. With the destruction of Lion's Arch ([[Escape from Lion's Arch]] [[release]]) it was moved to [[Vigil Keep]] in [[Gendarran Fields]]. During the rebuilding of Lion's Arch (May 19th, 2015 patch) the entrance was relocated to [[Postern Ward]], and after the building work was completed (June 23rd, 2015 patch) it moved back to [[Fort Marriner]].
* Numerous changes took effect with the [[Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns|Heart of Thorns]] release (October 23rd, 2015). These include an increase of the max scale to 100, introduction of new challenges and instabilities, the [[Ad Infinitum|legendary fractal backpiece]], the elimination of the old 4 fractals islands per run system, and a complete reworking of fractal rewards.
* Since Heart of Thorns' release and during the timeframe of Living World Season 3, the Fractals have seen the addition of three new fractals (Chaos Isles, Nightmare and Shattered Observatory) and numerous quality-of-life changes in order to make them more engaging. Major highlights include the streamlining of Agony infusions, revamp of the Mistlock Observatory lobby and reworks to the Cliffside, Swampland, Snowblind and Thaumanova Reactor fractals.
* With the release of the first Living World Season 4 Episode: Daybreak (November 28th, 2017) the Twilight Oasis fractal was introduced. The Molten Boss and Mai Trin fractals were also reworked.
* With the release of Living World Season 4, Episode 3: Long Live the Lich (June 26, 2018) the Deepstone fractal was introduced.
* With the release of Living World Season 4, Episode 5: All or Nothing (January 8, 2019) the Siren's Reef fractal was introduced.
* On September 15, 2020, the Sunqua Peak fractal was introduced.
* On June 27, 2023, the Silent Surf fractal was introduced.
* With the quarterly releases of content introduced in Secrets of the Obscure, on May 21, 2024, the Lonely Tower fractal was introduced.
* With the quarterly releases of content introduced in Janthir Wilds, on June 3, 2025, the Kinfall fractal was introduced.
* With the [[Fractal Incursion]] [[special event]], on September 09, 2025, the Quickplay mode was introduced.

== See also ==
* [[Bundles for fractals and dungeons]]

== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z78-u18is_g Fractals of the Mists teaser]

{{Fractals nav}}
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{{Instanced PvE content nav}}
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