Who Are Choya?
Choya are small, round, cactus-like creatures native to the scorching deserts of Elona. Introduced to Tyria in the Path of Fire expansion, they instantly captured the hearts — and the feet — of adventurers everywhere (mostly their feet, because of the spines).
Despite being classified as hostile creatures, players quickly fell in love with their stubby arms, cheerful expressions, and absolute refusal to be taken seriously. They waddle. They dance. They throw their little spine-covered bodies at warriors in full plate armor with zero self-preservation instinct.
Found primarily in the Crystal Desert, the Domain of Vabbi, the Desolation, and other arid regions of Elona, choya are fiercely territorial little cacti. Their leadership structure is unknown, but Gourdon stands as the mightiest choya of them all — a seasoned racer, a legendary relaxer, and an icon of the Crystal Desert. He has competed in every festival race known to Tyria, and he always finishes with dignity. Mostly.
Fast Facts
Classification
Choya are plant-based creatures, sharing traits with cacti — including an abundance of sharp spines that do not tickle.
Habitat
Crystal Desert, Domain of Vabbi, the Desolation, and Domain of Istan. They thrive in extreme heat and sandy terrain.
Famous Dancers
Choya are beloved for their bouncy dance animation. The Choya dance has become iconic within the GW2 community.
Gourdon
The mightiest choya. A veteran racer who has competed in every festival from Halloween to Wintersday. Also an accomplished relaxer.
Choya Pinata
A festive, oversized choya that drops treats when defeated. Even in celebration, choya remain the center of attention.
Community Favorites
Despite being enemies, choya are among the most beloved creatures in GW2 history. Fan art, memes, merchandise — they have it all.
The Great Choya Parade
They march for nobody. They march for themselves.
Choya Dance Party
Gourdon (middle) always gets the spotlight. As is his right.
Known Varieties
Choya Wanderer
The everyday choya. Wanders the desert, guards territory, and looks adorable doing it.
Choya Skirmisher
A slightly more aggressive variant that enjoys throwing itself at enemies with reckless abandon.
Choya Stoneback
Reinforced with hardened spines. Its back is practically impenetrable — its front is still very round.
Gourdon
The mightiest choya. Veteran racer. Professional relaxer. Wears a crown at festivals. Demands respect. Gets it, somehow.
Choya Pinata
A special oversized choya that appeared during festivals. Full of treats. Incredibly dangerous.
Awakened Choya
Choya touched by the power of Joko. Still round. Still spiny. Now also undead. Peak choya.
The Chommandments
(in no particular order of importance)
- We are not a cult.
- Braise Gourdon.
- Cho
ya - DO NOT GAMBA
- Do not booli F Choya
- Blame F Choya
- Wish Happy Birthday to Wolfie
- DO NOT LICK
- The F Choya is invulnerable to all damage, physical or magical.
- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
[&AgEfVwEA]- :GourdonBum:
- Stampede
- Gate bad
- Wol bad
- Unless choyastorm wol
- Speen
- A Choya's business is their own, but it's always of the official kind
- Feral choya get punted off the mesa
- Choavi Choyasdottir must be helped to look for fut
- Evil Choya is not real. Evil Choya cannot hurt you.
- Eggs
- Shane Navan
- :choyuwu:
- DO NOT UWU
- Be excellent to each other.
- This is a place of refuge, not a den of iniquity.
Community Wisdom
❝
"I came to Elona to stop a god.
I stayed because I couldn't stop watching the choya dance."
— Every Path of Fire player, probably