Guild Wars 2 continues to surprise players with hidden achievements and story-rich activities that reward exploration and curiosity. One such achievement is Penned by Poky, which may seem obscure at first glance. Found within the Secrets of the Obscure expansion, this achievement isn’t a straightforward combat challenge but rather an interactive lore-based objective tied to a unique character. For completionists, lore lovers, or anyone farming Mastery points and achievement points, understanding how to unlock Penned by Poky is essential. This guide will break down every part of the process, from location to dialogue choices, so you can unlock it smoothly and enjoy what it adds to your journey.
What Is the Penned by Poky Achievement?
The Penned by Poky achievement in Guild Wars 2 is part of the Skywatch Archipelago zone, introduced with the Secrets of the Obscure expansion. It’s a story-rich collectible achievement that involves finding and interacting with an NPC named Poky, a writing enthusiast who has a rather unique perspective on the world around him. Completing the achievement requires locating Poky’s journal entries scattered throughout the region and experiencing his whimsical storytelling.
Achievement Category and Reward
You can find this achievement under the Skywatch Archipelago section in your Secrets of the Obscure achievements tab. Upon completion, the achievement rewards you with achievement points and contributes progress toward meta-achievements for the zone. It may also provide lore-specific rewards or progress toward unlocking additional collections.
Where to Start the Penned by Poky Achievement
To begin this achievement, you must have access to the Skywatch Archipelago map, which is part of the Secrets of the Obscure expansion. Make sure you’ve progressed through the early story steps that unlock this zone. Then, look for the NPC named Poky, who typically appears near certain points of interest or camps within the zone. He’ll often be found writing or surrounded by floating pages.
Who Is Poky?
Poky is a quirky creature with a passion for writing. While most characters in the game might focus on battles or magical artifacts, Poky prefers pens and paper. He writes poetic, curious, and sometimes hilarious observations about his surroundings and the events taking place in the Skywatch Archipelago. His journals are hidden across the zone, waiting for attentive players to find them.
How to Complete the Achievement
The goal of the Penned by Poky achievement is to locate and read all of Poky’s journal pages scattered across the map. These are usually interactable objects placed in semi-hidden areas that require a mix of map knowledge, vertical movement, and sometimes even gliding or using Skyscale mounts.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Step 1Locate Poky or receive the initial dialogue prompt that begins the achievement. This typically unlocks the achievement in your log.
- Step 2Begin collecting the journal pages. These are marked with subtle indicators on the map, but most require players to explore off the main paths or use vertical traversal skills.
- Step 3As you collect each page, Poky’s humorous or poetic commentary will be added to your achievement tracker. Reading each entry gives insight into his personality and the events in the region.
- Step 4After finding all pages, return to Poky (if required) to finalize the achievement.
Tips for Easier Completion
- Use your Skyscale or Griffon mount to reach hard-to-access areas.
- Complete the map’s main story segments to unlock waypoints and easier access to remote areas.
- Watch for hidden ledges, climbable terrain, or floating platforms Poky’s journals are often placed where you might least expect.
- If you’re stuck, explore vertical levels of the zone rather than just horizontal paths.
What Makes This Achievement Special?
Unlike traditional combat-focused or event-based achievements, Penned by Poky offers a slower, more introspective experience. It encourages players to observe their surroundings and listen to a unique NPC’s view of the world. It’s also a rare example of storytelling told entirely through collectible text, blending gameplay with lore in a satisfying and humorous way.
Lore Connection
Poky’s journal entries offer subtle hints about the wider story in Secrets of the Obscure, including theories about magical anomalies, personal reflections on the chaos of the Archipelago, and quirky takes on major NPCs. While not essential to understanding the main plot, these pages deepen your immersion in the region and enrich your knowledge of the world.
Humor and Personality
Poky’s writing is filled with puns, jokes, and odd metaphors. If you enjoy Guild Wars 2’s more lighthearted side, this achievement is particularly entertaining. Each entry feels like a short story or observation that captures the bizarre magic of the expansion’s setting.
Achievement Progress and Tracking
You can view your progress by opening your Achievements panel, navigating to the Secrets of the Obscure tab, and selecting Skywatch Archipelago. Under this section, you’ll see Penned by Poky and a tracker for how many journal pages you’ve collected. Each time you interact with a page, it adds to your total.
Are There Any Prerequisites?
There are no difficult prerequisites, but you should
- Own the Secrets of the Obscure expansion.
- Have unlocked Skywatch Archipelago through the story or exploration.
- Ideally have a flying mount (Skyscale or Griffon) for easier navigation.
Without a flying mount, it’s still possible but may take longer and require clever use of the map’s vertical terrain.
Additional Rewards and Related Achievements
Completing Penned by Poky may contribute to a larger achievement or meta-objective within Skywatch Archipelago. In some cases, collecting all of Poky’s pages also unlocks additional story dialogue or hidden events. If you’re working toward full map completion or want every lore entry possible, this achievement is a must-do.
Similar Achievements
If you enjoyed Penned by Poky, you might also like
- Writings of the RiftAnother collectible-based achievement involving lore entries.
- Skywatch ExplorerA broader map achievement that encourages exploration.
- Scholar of the ObscureFocuses on uncovering hidden knowledge across the expansion zones.
The GW2 Penned by Poky achievement is a standout experience for players who enjoy storytelling, exploration, and quirky characters. While it doesn’t offer high-end gear or flashy rewards, it enriches the game with humor and lore that many players would miss if they only focused on combat or meta-events. If you’re venturing through the Skywatch Archipelago, take the time to search for Poky’s pages, enjoy his writing, and complete this charming and well-crafted achievement. It’s another example of how Guild Wars 2 continues to reward attention to detail and love for the world of Tyria.