Guild Wars 2 final beta event begins, check out these asura and sylvari customizations

The final Guild Wars 2 beta has kicked off, and while returning beta players will notice their old character wiped, we can finally try out the sylvari and asura. If you're not participating in the latest beta or happen to be stuck at work, feel free to live vicariously through these screenshots we're throwing at you.

The Asura

Let's start first with the asura player creation (and intro cutscene). The options for asura customizations are vast, allowing everything from facial details to ear shapes. Certain features like hair and skin markings are oddly limited, but we're thinking/hoping the full game will have more. Dig the creepy head options.

Observant fans may notice the last few choices involve schools of thought, your character's first invention, and favored mentor. Here are a few samples; more screenshots can be found in the gallery at the very bottom.

The Sylvari

The sylvari are the other newly playable race in the current beta weekend, and as you might expect of a non-human race (i.e. humans and norn), their customization options are incredibly fun to play around with. Aside from your usual facial options like eyes and nose sizing, you've also got a number of interesting hair options, which doesn't always look like hair. Hair for sylvari look like leaves, but other than that, you can give your sylvari branches or other plant-like formations.

Skin patterns and unique facial features set the sylvari apart as well. You don't really need to have a human face. Plenty of bark formations and ridges make these nature-loving creatures one of the more distinguished looking folk in Tyria.

Interestingly, you start your adventures not in the real world but pre-awakening. Basically, you're not quite born yet.