Question for the Devs; will Heavensward include a new STARTER City-State?

[Numenor1379]

I think the bigger question is where will new players start on the storyline? Will they have to go through all of 2.0's story quests before being able to start anything in Ishgard?

If they DO have to go through all the MSQ missions we've already done it's going to take a LONG time before someone who bought the game for 3.0 gets to what they wanted to play. Add to that, all the lv50 quests you get after Praetorium are going to have to give EXP as the levelcap won't be 50 any longer.

If they DON'T have to going through the MSQ missions, then how are they going to gain access to current content as the majority of that is walled behind the 2.0 MSQ progression.

[Nutz]

I think the bigger question is where will new players start on the storyline? Will they have to go through all of 2.0's story quests before being able to start anything in Ishgard?

It's kind of odd and not the way MMO story lines usually work, but I think it will be the case that any new story quests in 3.0 will directly follow and require the completion of the MSQs from 2.5. Ishgard opening its borders seems like it will be part of the story and it might be the case with access to other areas as well. That is interesting though about the multitude of level 50 quests we've completed since we hit 50. If they all grant experience points once the level cap has been increased then those alone should take you a very long way. However, I could see them unlocking the level cap via the first main scenario quest in 3.0 or something, such that you actually are stuck at 50 until you complete all of the quests through 2.5.

[Sylve]

how are they going to gain access to current content as the majority of that is walled behind the 2.0 MSQ progression.

The easiest way is to give the MSQs i80 rewards, enough that you can Duty Find the Trials and Dungeons to get through.
Something tells me that the "low Level DR" will expand into "low Level Trials" as well, this would allow level capped players to assist in the story progression of new 3.0 players rather seamlessly, in much the way they do right now for new people leveling.

[NefarioCall]

I think the bigger question is where will new players start on the storyline? Will they have to go through all of 2.0's story quests before being able to start anything in Ishgard?

This. I would think SE/Yoshi would want for new players to not be deterred by the massive string of 2.0 MSQs. That has been the design philosophy all along. Please everyone and keep stress levels down. I don't know how it would make sense though. If they do wall the expansion behind the 2.0 MSQs, it would contradict this philosophy, but also allow them a little more creative freedom with the system complexities, since there would be no 'new' or 'inexperienced' players in the areas.

Perhaps the city itself and SOME of the content will be walled.
But many open areas and quests for some contents that are started and completed in those open areas, can be accessed without going through the 2.0 MSQs. A sort of compromise.