View source for Skyscale

{{otheruses|the mount|other uses|Skyscale (disambiguation)}}
[[File:Skyscale.png|right|450px]]
{{quotation|In-game description|Thanks to your training, your skyscale now has an instinctive bond with you and a desire to soar to new heights across Tyria.}}
[[File:Skyscale (overhead icon).png|left|72px]]The [[Skyscale]] is a [[mount]] first introduced in Episode 6 of [[Living World Season 4]], [[War Eternal]]. It is the third new mount added to the game since the release of [[Path of Fire]]. During the [[Glory of Dragons]] story step, your character unlocks the ability to borrow single-use skyscales at [[Skyscale (object)|Skyscale Roost]]s across [[Dragonfall]].

Skyscales are useful for their ability to gain height while also moving horizontally in the air, which helps navigate difficult terrain. They can also hover in the air, cling to vertical surfaces and push themselves further up from them. Riding Skyscales can be compared to flying a helicopter, while another flying mount, the [[Griffon]], functions more like an airplane, crossing large distances at high speeds.
{{clear|left}}

== Unlocking ==
The skyscale can be unlocked via two methods, and only one option is needed for full access everywhere. However, unlocking skyscale with [[Living World Season 4]] method is ''required'' for upgraded mastery later (see [[Who Rescues Whom?]] and [[Wall Spring]]) and full mastery unlocks.

=== [[File:Living World Season 4 logo.png|30px|link=Living World Season 4]] Living World Season 4 ===
{{Mastery unlock text
| header = New Mount Acquired
| image  = Skyscale banner.png
| title  = The Skyscale
| text   = Thanks to your training, the skyscale species now has an innate steed-rider instinct and a desire to soar to new heights.
| icon1  = Skyscale (mount skin).png
| text1  = Train your skyscale to [[Wall Launch|leap off walls]] and [[Rift Repair|harness reality rifts]] in order to reach incredible heights!
| text2  = You've unlocked a Crystal Desert Mastery Point! View the [[#Living World Season 4 2|Mastery Panel]] to learn more.
| ps = Living World Season 4 unlocked pop-up
| float = right
}}
{{main|Skyscale/Walkthrough}}
This original method is a bit longer; however, it is '''mandatory''' for obtaining the {{rarity|legendary}} trinket, [[Vision]], which requires unlocking the [[Rift Repair]] mastery and for the bonus effects in the [[Secrets of the Obscure mastery tracks#Flight Training|Flight Training]] mastery track.

Note that the Flight Training mastery track is unlocked through playing the story [[Hell Breaks Loose]] and does not require ''either'' unlock collection.

Players who unlocked the mount through ''Secrets of the Obscure'' method must ''also'' complete the entire unlock process below to gain access to the [[Path of Fire mastery tracks#Skyscale Mount|Living World Season 4 skyscale mastery track]].

# Requires ownership of ''[[Path of Fire]]'' and all episodes of Living World Season 4.
# Complete the following story chapters:
#* '''[[Legacy]]''', the third chapter of [[A Star to Guide Us]] (episode 4), to unlock access to [[Sun's Refuge]].
#* '''[[Descent]]''', the last chapter of [[War Eternal]] (episode 6), to unlock [[Newborn Skyscales]].
#** You must be logged onto the character that finished the story and epilogue to receive the mail to unlock this collection. Afterwards, any character can complete the collection once unlocked.
# Talk to [[Gorrik]] at [[Skyscale Eyrie]] in [[Dragonfall]] to unlock additional collection achievements.
# Complete all collection achievements to unlock the mount.
#* Total costs: {{coin|410000}} + {{karma|5390}} + {{currency|1700|Volatile Magic}} +  {{currency|520|Trade Contract}} + {{currency|250|Kralkatite Ore}} + {{currency|250|Difluorite Crystal}} + {{currency|250|Inscribed Shard}} + {{currency|250|Lump of Mistonium}} + {{currency|250|Branded Mass}} + {{currency|260|Mistborn Mote}} + 12 {{item icon|Piece of Skyscale Food}} + 1 {{item icon|Grow Lamp}}
#* The total minimum time needed for completion is 3 days and 8 hours due to the below time gates:
#** Each new collection (other than the initial one) is unlocked 2 hours after completing the previous collection, indicated by the {{effect|Waiting for Gorrik}} effect. These total to 8 hours.
#** The [[Skyscale Care]] collection requires a minimum of 3 days (2 daily resets) if contributing a maximum of four times per day.

;Unlock achievements
{{Collapsible section|content style=margin-left:1em;|style=width:80em;|
* {{achievement|Newborn Skyscales}}|
* {{achievement|Skyscale Scales}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Medicine}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Fever}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Eggs}}
}}
{{Collapsible section|content style=margin-left:1em;|style=width:80em;|
* {{achievement|Saving Skyscales}}|
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Water}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Fire}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Ice}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Earth}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Air}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Life}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Blood}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Growth}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Death}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Spirit}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Fear}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale of Courage}}
}}
{{Collapsible section|content style=margin-left:1em;|style=width:80em;|
* {{achievement|Raising Skyscales}}|
* {{achievement|Skyscale Care}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Treats}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Toys}}
}}
{{Collapsible section|content style=margin-left:1em;|style=width:80em;|
* {{achievement|Troublesome Skyscales}}|
* {{achievement|Skyscale Lost}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Reflexes}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Stealth}}
}}
{{Collapsible section|content style=margin-left:1em;|style=width:80em;|
* {{achievement|Riding Skyscales}}|
* {{achievement|Skyscale Saddle}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Flight}}
}}

=== {{SotO}} Secrets of the Obscure ===
{{Mastery unlock text
| image  = none
| title  = Skyscale
| text   = Thanks to your training, your skyscale now has an instinctive bond with you and a desire to soar to new heights across Tyria.
| text1  = Continue improving your skyscale's abilities by completing the [[#Living World Season 4 2|Skyscale Mount Mastery track]]. (Requires ownership of the [[Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire]] expansion and all [[Living World Season 4]] episodes.)
| text2  = Obtain an [[Kryptis Skyscale|exclusive skyscale skin]] by completing the [[A New Friend]] and [[A New Look]] collections in [[Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure]].
| ps = Secrets of the Obscure unlocked pop-up
| float = right
}}
{{main|A New Friend}}
This method streamlines skyscale acquisition<ref name="New Rewards">[https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/a-new-chapter-begins-in-guild-wars-2-secrets-of-the-obscure/ A New Chapter Begins in Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure], Guildwars2.com</ref> and afterwards also unlocks an additional collection ([[A New Look]]) to earn the [[Kryptis Skyscale]] mount skin.

Note that this '''will not''' unlock the [[Path of Fire mastery tracks#Skyscale Mount|Living World Season 4 mastery track]]—[[Rift Repair]] ability requires for the [[Vision]] [[legendary trinket]].

The [[Secrets of the Obscure mastery tracks#Flight Training|Flight Training]] mastery track improves the skyscale's combat functions and allows both [[griffon]]s and skyscales to use [[Updraft (object)|updrafts]] and [[Ley line (object)|leylines]]. Unlocking this mastery track is part of the story and does not require completing the collection unlock below.

Players who already unlocked the mount through Living World Season 4 method and wish to unlock the Secrets of the Obscure mastery track '''do not''' need to complete the unlock process below as they already have skyscale unlocked. This may save additional time and currency if players are not interested in obtaining the mount skin.

# Complete the story chapter [[Hell Breaks Loose]].
#* This unlocks the mount for use in ''[[Secrets of the Obscure]]'' and the Flight Training mastery track. To unlock full access outside of ''Secrets of the Obscure'' maps you must continue following the steps below.
# Unlock the [[Who Rescues Whom?]] mastery.
# Complete [[A New Friend]] and its sub-achievements to obtain the {{item icon|Astral Ward Skyscale Mount Unlock}}.
#* Total costs: {{coin|150000}} + 12 {{item icon|Piece of Skyscale Food}} + {{currency|30|Provisioner Token}} + {{currency|375|Pinch of Stardust}} + {{currency|375|Static Charge}} + {{currency|500|Fine Rift Essence}}

;Unlock achievements
{{Collapsible section|content style=margin-left:1em;|style=width:80em;|
* {{achievement|A New Friend}}|
* {{achievement|Skyscale Growing Comforts}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Egg Infusions}}
* {{achievement|Skyscale Saddle Materials}}
}}

== Mechanics ==
* A skyscale has 5932 base health.

=== Movement/Controls ===
[[File:Skyscale in flight.jpg|thumb|A Skyscale in flight, ridden by a player character.]]
After learning the three masteries, general movement is controlled by the following default controls:
:'''Directional movement''' - {{key|W}}{{key|A}}{{key|S}}{{key|D}} + {{key|Mouse}}
:'''Dash''' - {{key|V}}
:'''Increase altitude''' - {{key|Spacebar}}
:'''Decrease altitude''' - {{key|C}}
:'''Increase/decrease pitch''' - {{key|Mouse}} up/down
:'''Cling to wall''' - {{key|W}} (hold)
:'''[[Wall Launch]]''' - (while clinging to a wall) {{key|Spacebar}}

Once the skyscale is fully unlocked, the player will have additional control options available as [[keybind]]s. In your [[Options#Control Options|Control Options]] menu, under '''Mounts''', you will find '''Mount Ability 1''' and '''Mount Ability 2'''. For the skyscale, these keybinds translate to '''Dash''' and '''Decrease altitude''' respectively. By default, your character can dash using the {{key|V}}, and decrease altitude using {{key|C}}. Alternatively the [[Blast|engage skill]] can be also used to decrease altitude, but this will cause the player to dismount once they reach the ground.

Players can control the pitch (up to approximately 30° from horizontal) of the skyscale by aiming the movement direction up or down with the {{key|mouse}} while in flight.

=== Flying ===
[[File:Flight Meter.jpg|thumb|A full flight meter (top) and a depleted flight meter with a red bar (bottom)]]

Like the [[Griffon]], holding space will cause a skyscale to take flight. Unlike the Griffon, a skyscale is able to hover in the air indefinitely, and can freely ascend and descend in place (for example, ascending by 500 units will cost around 37% of the green '''flight meter''' above the [[Endurance]] bar, then descending 500 units will refill that same 37% of the flight meter). However, flying laterally will begin to consume the flight meter, reducing the maximum height that the skyscale is able to attain, until it is eventually forced to land. Upon landing, the flight meter instantly refills despite the flight bar not immediately reflecting this (for example, simply 'tapping' the ground will give you an entire flight meter the moment you touch the ground).

* If a skyscale hovers too close to the ground, it will slowly descend and then land.
* Descending while the flight meter is already full will waste the excess, and will reduce the skyscale's maximum altitude.

;Flight range
The flight range of the skyscale can be visualized as a narrow cylinder at the skyscale's location with a downward sloping canopy extending out in all directions from the top of the cylinder.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSsYjDIe3bQ&t=1855s Guild Chat Episode 83: Fly High, Skyscale (30:55-32:25)], youtube.com</ref> The initial height of the cylinder is 1350 units, and the radius of the base of the canopy is about 7000 units.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/brbrlw/the_skyscale_speedtests_and_intel/ Research by u/TheBandicoot]</ref> Flying within the cylinder does not change the maximum altitude. Flying horizontally outside the cylinder causes the maximum altitude to decrease, depleting the flight meter and forcing the skyscale to descend when fully depleted; this also effectively forms a shorter cylinder and smaller canopy at the new location.

;Exceeding the canopy
Currently the methods for allowing the skyscale to fly higher and further include
* The '''Dash''' (default {{key|V}}) action, which consumes Endurance to propel the skyscale forwards, temporarily ignoring the maximum altitude; also does a roll in the air
* The Crystal Champion Mastery skill [[Bond of Vigor]] will refill 50% of the flight meter, and refills the Endurance bar completely;
* The Skyscale Mount Mastery [[Wall Launch]] can be used to convert one Endurance bar into about 66% flight meter while the skyscale is clinging to a wall; 
* Touching nodes from the flight paths formed after a [[Rift Repair]] node will refill the flight meter;
* Touching a [[Volatile Magic (object)|Volatile Magic]], [[Unbound Magic (object)|Unbound Magic]] or [[Latent_Magic|Latent Magic]] node will refill (and reset) the flight meter; and lastly,
* Being propelled upwards by a [[Branded Tornado]] or [[Claw of Kralkatorrik]] will refill, but not reset the flight meter.

However, using any of these means to exceed the limits of the canopy will reduce the maximum possible flight meter that can be subsequently recovered, as indicated by a red bar that fills from the right side of the meter. 

This red bar will force a rapid decrease in altitude until it's depleted.

Besides landing, the only way to reduce the red bar is by touching a [[Volatile Magic (object)|Volatile Magic]],  [[Unbound Magic (object)|Unbound Magic]] or [[Latent_Magic|Latent Magic]] node. Using [[Bond of Vigor]] doesn't reduce the red bar, but fills flight meter on top of it. 

While both bars of the flight meter coexists, the red one will deplete the green one. Pressing {{key|Spacebar}} to increase the altitude will take priority, consuming the green bar while increasing the red bar.

=== Wall clinging ===
The skyscale can cling to vertical surfaces by holding {{key|W}}, or activating autorun. While clinging, the Endurance bar and the flight meter won't recharge, and skills such as [[Bond of Vigor]] will have their cooldown frozen. Releasing the key will make the mount bounce backwards, releasing the grip to the wall. 

If [[Wall Launch]] is unlocked, it can be used by holding {{key|Spacebar}} while clinging to a wall. This will convert one Endurance bar into about 66% flight meter. Releasing {{key|Spacebar}} will cause the skyscale to launch upwards, expending about 20% of its flight meter.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Guildwars2/comments/brbrlw/the_skyscale_speedtests_and_intel/ Research by u/TheBandicoot]</ref> As stated before, using the newly obtained teal gauge will increase the red one.

To avoid the automatic wall grab in order to land on small ledges, it's possible to move using only {{key|A}}, {{key|S}} or {{key|D}}, decreasing altitude with {{key|C}} if required. Using the dash at an angle will produce a similar result, it won't trigger the automatic grab even against a wall. 

{{Anomaly|Using [[Air Rescue]] after the player has been propelled by upwards [[Ley Line Gliding|ley lines]] or a [[Branded Tornado|branded tornado]] over a certain altitude will cause the flight meter to start red instead of green, causing a very fast descent.}}

== Related masteries ==
=== Living World Season 4 ===
* To unlock these masteries, unlock and complete the Skyscale mount collections, [[Newborn Skyscales]], at the end [[Living World Season 4]].
{{mastery table|Skyscale Mount}}

=== Secrets of the Obscure ===
* Complete the [[Hell Breaks Loose]] chapter in the [[Secrets of the Obscure story]] on at least one character to unlock.
{{mastery table|Flight Training}}

=== Other masteries ===
;[[Path of Fire mastery tracks|Path of Fire]]
* {{map icon|raptor}} {{effect|Ravenous Discipline}}: Increase damage when using an engage skill.
* {{map icon|skimmer}} {{effect|Nimble Benevolence}}: Gain {{swiftness}} <small>(10s)</small> and {{protection}} <small>(4s)</small> when using an engage skill or being knocked off from your mount.
* {{map icon|jackal}} {{effect|Adroit Evasion}}: Evade when using endurance during a mount movement skill.

;[[Path of Fire mastery tracks#Crystal Champion|Living World Season 4]]
* {{skill icon|Bond of Life (mastery)|size=20}}: Unlocks the {{skill icon|Bond of Life|size=20}} mount healing skill.
* {{skill icon|Bond of Vigor (mastery)|size=20}}: Unlocks the {{skill icon|Bond of Vigor|size=20}} mount utility skill.
* {{skill icon|Bond of Faith (mastery)|size=20}}: Unlocks the {{skill icon|Bond of Faith|size=20}} mount utility skill.

;[[Icebrood Saga mastery tracks#United Legions Waystation Synchronization|Living World Season 5 (Icebrood Saga)]]
* {{skill icon|Ash Legion Mount Stealth|size=20}}: Unlocks the {{skill icon|Stealth (mount)|size=20}} mount utility skill.
* {{skill icon|United Legions Waystation Mastery|size=20}}: Unlocks the {{skill icon|Stealth 2.0 (mount)|size=20}} mount utility skill.

;[[End of Dragons mastery tracks|End of Dragons]]
* {{map icon|siege turtle}} {{effect|Sharing Is Caring}}: Increase maximum mount health by 50%.

;[[Janthir Wilds mastery tracks|Janthir Wilds]]
* {{map icon|warclaw}} {{effect|Well Rested (mastery)}}: Increase endurance regeneration by 20%.

== Skills ==
{| {{STDT|pve}}
{{Environmental skill table header}} ! Mastery Requirement 
{{Environmental skill table row|Skyscale (skill)}} ||
{{Environmental skill table row|Skyscale (mastery skill)}} || {{skill icon|Combat Launch}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Blast|1|chain=mount}} ||
{{Environmental skill table row|Fireball (skyscale)|2|chain=mount}} || {{skill icon|Fireball (mastery)}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Wall Jump|3|chain=mount}} || {{skill icon|Wall Launch}} or<br>{{skill icon|Wall Spring}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Descend|4|chain=mount}} ||
{{Environmental skill table row|Dash (Skyscale)|5|chain=mount}} ||
{{Environmental skill table row|Bond of Life|6|chain=mount}} || {{skill icon|Bond of Life (mastery)}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Bond of Vigor|7|chain=mount}} || {{skill icon|Bond of Vigor (mastery)}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Bond of Faith|8|chain=mount}} || {{skill icon|Bond of Faith (mastery)}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Stealth (mount)|9|chain=mount}} || {{skill icon|Ash Legion Mount Stealth}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Stealth 2.0 (mount)|9|chain=replacedby2}} || {{skill icon|United Legions Waystation Mastery}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Dismount|chain=mount}} ||
|}
	''The update Through the Veil (November 7, 2023) added a toggle skill to disable ley-line riding {{key|F1}} after learning [[Ley-Line Acclimation]]. ''
{| {{STDT|pve}}
{{Environmental skill table header}} ! Mastery Requirement 
{{Environmental skill table row|Disable Ley-Line Riding|F1}} || {{skill icon|Ley-Line Acclimation}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Enable Ley-Line Riding|F1|chain=yes}} || {{skill icon|Ley-Line Acclimation}}
|}

== List of Skyscale skins ==
[[File:Skyscale slot.png|40px|An icon for empty skyscale slot.]] Skins for the skyscale can be viewed and applied in the [[Hero panel]]: [[Fashion]]: [[Travel]] tab.
{{see|Gallery of Skyscale skins}}
{{Account unlocks list|mounts|query=[[Category:Skyscale skins]]|columns=3}}

== Lore ==
{{quotation|[https://www.guildwars2.com/en/path-of-fire/ The Skyscale]|Skyscales are a new and mysterious draconic life form. They use their powerful wings to lift into the air from the ground and maintain altitude and can cling to walls to regain their strength. With a skyscale companion, you’ll reach heights you’ve only dreamed of.}}
Skyscales are a new species of lesser [[dragon]]s born from [[the Mists]] out of the disturbances caused by [[Kralkatorrik]] and [[Aurene]].<ref>[[Glory of Dragons]]</ref> Similar to other lesser dragon species, like [[wyvern]]s and [[drake]]s, while they are capable of consuming magic, they are not capable of ascending into [[Elder Dragon]]s.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSsYjDIe3bQ&t=585s Guild Chat Episode 83: Fly High, Skyscale], youtube.com</ref> The original Skyscales were "born" from the Mists fully grown, resulting in an accelerated growth rate that eventually killed them prematurely. However, the next generation were born from eggs normally and do not suffer from this accelerated aging.<ref>[[Newborn Skyscales]]</ref>

== Gallery ==
;Concept art
<gallery>
Skyscale Concept Art 1.jpg|Concept Art
Skyscale Concept Art 3.jpg|Concept Art
Map Art Sketch concept art.jpg|[[Secrets of the Obscure]] Concept Art
</gallery>

;Renders
<gallery>
Skyscale Concept Art 2.jpg|Concept Art
</gallery>

;Screenshots
<gallery>
Skyscale unlock pop-up.jpg    | Pop-up upon unlocking the skyscale in Living World Season 4.
Skyscale SotO unlock pop-up.jpg    | Pop-up upon unlocking the skyscale in Secrets of the Obscure.
War Eternal screenshot 2.jpg  | Skyscale
War Eternal screenshot 12.jpg | Flying skyscale
Skyscale 01.jpg | Flying skyscale
Skyscale idle animation.jpg   | Idle animation.
Skyscale Egg.jpg              | A skyscale egg.
Baby skyscale.jpg             | A skyscale hatchling in her nest.
SotO screenshot 14.jpg        | Skyscale attack against an elemental in [[Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure]].
SotO skyscale fireball.jpg|Skyscale's fireball attack in Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure.
SotO screenshot 22.jpg  |
</gallery>

== Related achievements ==
* {{achievement|How to Feed Your Skyscale}}
** Can be completed prior to unlocking the mount, so long as you have completed the story mission [[Glory of Dragons]].
* {{achievement|Vision I: Awakening}}
** Required to access the [[Memory Fragment]]s and [[Reality Rift]]s for each sub-collection.
* {{achievement|Grothmar Skyscale Challenge: Silver}}
* {{achievement|Grothmar Skyscale Challenge: Gold}}
* {{achievement|Ruler of the Skies}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Kryta}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Tarnished Coast}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Shiverpeak Mountains}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Ascalon}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Ruins of Orr}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Maguuma Wastes}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Elona}}
** {{achievement|Skyscale Rider: Living World Season 4}}

== Notes ==
* Like all mounts, the Skyscale can be dyed before being unlocked. The dye will affect any borrowed Skyscale.
* During [[Skyscale Care]], the skyscale hatchling will visibly grow after every [[reset]] according to the event progress bar.
* If a player does not own a skyscale and is in any [[Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure]] location, the effect [[Astral Ward Skyscale Attunement]] will be applied granting them use of a skyscale.

== External links ==
* [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-04-09-guild-wars-2-reveals-a-second-flying-mount-a-dragon-the-skyscale Guild Wars 2 reveals a second flying mount: a dragon, the Skyscale], Eurogamer.net
* [https://www.twitch.tv/videos/419862005 Fly High, Skyscale], Arena.Net preview of Skyscale, Twitch.
* [https://clips.twitch.tv/FriendlyTemperedPhoneUncleNox Skyscale flight mechanics] explained by [[Joel Helmich]], Twitch.
* [https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/a-new-chapter-begins-in-guild-wars-2-secrets-of-the-obscure/ A New Chapter Begins in Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure], GuildWars2.com
* [https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/soaring-with-the-skyscale/ Soaring with the Skyscale], GuildWars2.com

== References ==
<references />

{{mounts nav}}
{{Path of Fire content}}
{{Living World Season 4 content}}
{{Secrets of the Obscure content}}
[[Category:Mounts]]
[[de:Himmelsschuppe]]
[[es:Escamaceleste]]
[[fr:Dracaille]]