Misc questions from a returning player

I stopped playing Wynncraft maybe 5 years ago, only having logged on a few times since then and not bothering to learn new mechanics. I stopped playing before Corkus, before elements were a thing. I'm a level 96 archer. I'm thinking about playing again a bit more, but I have so much to catch up on. Here are some of the questions I just have no clue about.

Which quests are must-dos?
Should I care about elements?
What should I do with my skill tree?
Is there any new skill/strat/item that's absolutely busted as an archer that I should go for?
When should I start exploring the new areas?
HOW IN THE WORLD DO I GET FROM MAEX TO RODOROC PLEASE IT'S BEEN LIKE 3 HOURS
With the introduction of new areas, I imagine there are new xp farming spots. What are the best ones at my level?
Should I look to join a guild? I remember them existing before, but they didn't really matter.
Should I care about crafting/brewing/woodcutting-type skills or can I safely ignore them as I have when I log in on occasion?
What else don't I know?? I feel like a caveman being dethawed and discovering electricity. I don't know what I don't know, so please fill me in on the important things that have happened since Corkus!

 

Ilinus10 made amazing guide to help you understand new things about the skill tree

 

Awesome guide! Caught me up on a lot of my questions! Still would like a more in-depth skill tree guide for archer as well as what functionality guilds provide and what quests are a must, but just about everything else was answered.

 

For quests just do as many as you can, but most importantly the ones level 100+ since they unlock the silent expanse and a pvp mode. The feathers fly is also a cool quest line and the realm of light quests unlock two raids as endgame challenges
Elements are really important for dealing high damage since some enemies are weaker/stronger against certain elements and you can get elemental damage % stats on your items which makes them better than neutral damage
Just explore new areas when you have to go there for a quest or you feel like doing so
Guilds are not a must but nice for the weekly objective and some events hosted by the guilds, otherwise they are pretty much only used for wars and community purposes
Just ignore professions

 

quests: about all the quest that has chapter because they unlock one thing or the other
tunnel trouble for sure
rest pick whatever

elements: yes, you get bummed if you have too less elemental defense

item: mythics lol

when explore: when you feel like it

maex to rodoroc: scroll or go southwest from exit

xp farm: idk whats ur level

guild: yes

crafting: you can ignore people will do it for free for you lol

you do not know: a lot i guess

 

To be completely honest Wynncraft since the pre-elements update has changed so much that it's pretty much a new game now

If I'm being honest? Start a new class and level it up from the beginning (You can keep your level 96 archer don't worry). Trust me, it's much less confusing that way.

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For someone who has not played the game since before they added elements, for all intents and purposes you are pretty much a new player literally every mechanic is different in 2023

I highly recommend you level up a new class for that. You can learn everything as you progress.

 

That's a lot of work
And I like being high-level

 

I mean, you're going to want to level up a new class someday
Also being lost at a high level isn't good at all

Just do it, you're basically starting a brand new game here