Ad Infinitum is a Legendary Back Piece that you can get by playing Fractals of the Mists. It consists of completing four collections to get a gift and craft an item called Unbound, which is the precursor needed for the final product.
The benefits you get from this item outweigh the time and gold that will go into it. In fact, here is a list of benefits you will get from this Ad Infinitum:
- Can be copied and used across all characters.
- Allows you to change the stats of the item at any point in time for free.
- Changing the skin of this item costs zero Transmutation Charges.
- You will get a Glider skin as well.
- The infusion slot can be changed without using an Infusion Extractor Device.
All these benefits can be pretty enticing, but you have to know that you will be spending a lot of gold, and you will need at least 16 days to get Ad Infinitum if you already have tier 4 Fractals unlocked. This is because you need to obtain a time-gated item called Fractal Research Pages which can only be obtained through daily and weekly means.
How to get Ad Infinitum
To get Ad Infinitum, you have to own any of the expansions to unlock masteries, then collect three gifts and a precursor before you can place them in the Mystic Forge and obtain the legendary back item. Here is a list of items needed:
- Gift of Infinity
- Unbound
- Gift of Ascension
- Gift of Fortune
Note that you have to have rank 500 in any of the crafting disciplines except Cooking and Scribe. before you can proceed.
Gift of Ascension
Purchased from BUY-4373 in the Mistlock Observatory for 
Unbound
Unbound is the precursor for Ad Infinitum. To get it, you have to complete a series of three collections which we will cover one by one in this guide. After that, you will get the recipe that allows you to craft Unbound using any crafting station except Cooking and Scribe.
Ad Infinitum I: Finite Result (6 Achievement Points)
To get started, speak to Kelvei, who is an NPC that can be found as soon as you enter the Mistlock Observatory. She will give you the Theory of the Finite Result, which you will use to unlock the first collection.
Here are all the prerequisite items needed to complete the collection.
Defender of Ascalon
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-2046 PFR in the Mistlock Observatory for 
Char-Nip
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-4373 in the Mistlock Observatory for
Prototype Fractal Capacitor
Purchased from BUY-4373 for
After buying this item, head over to the Mystic Forge and place it, along with the following items to craft a Prototype Fractal Capacitor (Ascended) which is needed for the second collection.
- Vial of Condensed Mists Essence
- Gift of Ascension
- 40 Mystic Crystal or 240 Philosopher’s Stone – Both purchased from Miyani near the Mystic Forge
Burning Frozen Core
Defeat the Champion Svanir Shaman Chief in Wayfarer Foothills to obtain a Gigantic Ice Elemental Core, then use it in the lava after defeating the final boss in the Volcanic Fractal.
To get to the Champion Svanir, use the 
Swampland Challenge Mote
Complete the Swampland Fractal with Challenge mote active in fractal levels 1 – 20.
Aquatic Ruin Challenge Mote
Complete the Aquatic Ruins Fractal with Challenge mote active in fractal levels 1 – 20.
Jade Kraken Timed Mote
Beat the Jade Maw in the level 20 Solid Ocean Fractal in under 5 minutes.
Ascalonian Fractal Field Research Paper
Combine 28 Fractal Research Pages to get a Fractal Journal, then trade it with the vendor who can be found at the end of the Urban Battleground Fractal.
Charged Clump of Swamp Moss
Defeat Bloomhunger in the Swampland Fractal to obtain a Clump of Swamp Moss, then bring it to the Specially Charged Energy Storage Tank in Metrica Province.
To get there, take the
Unstable Magically Charged Infusion Sample
After defeating the boss in Swampland Fractal, Charge a +4 Agony Infusion in the Mist Geyser.
Aetherblade Recruitment Form
In the Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal, head over to the location marked on the image above, and trade in 
The Ball of Dark Energy can be obtained from salvaging Ascended items with an Ascended Salvage Kit. It is guaranteed if you salvage Ascended Weapons and Armor.
Wrap up: Crafting Finite Result
Once you complete the collection, use the recipe you got from the reward chest then go craft Finite Result (Ascended).
Ad Infinitum II: Upper Bound (6 Achievement Points)
After completing the first collection, head back to Kelvei and she will give you the Theory of the Upper Bound which should be used to unlock the second collection.
Here are all the prerequisite items needed to complete the collection.
Dredge Spiral Drill
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-2046 PFR in the Mistlock Observatory for
Glob of Molten Fire
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-4373 in the Mistlock Observatory for
Uncategorized Challenge Mote
Complete the Uncategorized Fractal with Challenge mote active at fractal levels 36 – 44.
Snowblind Challenge Mote
Complete the Snowblind Fractal with Challenge mote active at fractal level 27.
Thaumanova Reactor Timed Mote
Complete level 15 Thaumanova Reactor Fractal in under 20 minutes.
Molten Alliance Fractal Field Research Paper
Combine 28 Fractal Research Pages to get a Fractal Journal, then trade it with the vendor who can be found at the end of the Molten Boss Fractal.
Pollenated Ice Elemental Core
Defeat Shaman Lornarr Dragonseeker in the Snowblind Fractal to obtain an Ice Elemental Core, then imbue it in any of the four boss chambers prior to Vinewrath’s fight.
Jade Maw Fang
Defeat the Vinewrath which is the last boss in the Silverwastes meta event to obtain Vinewrath Tendril. Then trade it to the Frozen Jade Researcher in the Solid Ocean Fractal.
Beta Fractal Capacitor
Place the following items in the Mystic Forge to craft a Beta Fractal Capacitor:
- Glob of Coagulated Mists Essence
- Gift of Ascension
- Prototype Fractal Capacitor (Ascended) that you crafted in the previous step.
Weak Magically Charged Infusion Sample
After defeating the boss in Molten Furnace Fractal, Charge a +6 Agony Infusion in the Mist Geyser.
Aetherblade Handbook
In the Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal, head over to the location marked on the image above, and trade in
Wrap up: Crafting Upper Bound
Once you complete the collection, use the recipe you got from the reward chest then go craft Upper Bound.
Note: Salvage the Finite Result to get Spirit of the Finite Result that is used to craft Bound Wings.
Ad Inifinitum III: Unbound (6 Achievement Points)
After completing the second collection, head back to Kelvei and she will give you the Theory of the Unbound which should be used to unlock the third collection.
Here are all the prerequisite items needed to complete the collection.
Inquest Dragon Energy Research Cube
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-2046 PFR in the Mistlock Observatory for
Essence of Subject 2
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-4373 in the Mistlock Observatory for
Volcanic Challenge Mote
Complete the Volcanic Fractal with Challenge mote active at fractal level 28.
Cliffside Challenge Mote
Complete level 15 Cliffside Fractal in under 20 minutes.
Molten Boss Timed Mote
Complete level 15 Thaumanova Reactor Fractal in under 20 minutes.
Thaumanova Fractal Field Research Paper
Combine 28 Fractal Research Pages to get a Fractal Journal, then trade it with the vendor who can be found at the end of the Thaumanova Fractal.
Old Tom’s Vital Reading (He’s Dead)
Obtain the Vexa’s Golem Diagnostic Reader from Vexa’s Lab in Fireheart Rise, then defeat Old Tom in the Uncategorized Fractal and interact with his remains.
Rabsovich’s Lost Treasure
Defeat Champion Rabsovich in the Underground Facility Fractal to obtain Rabsovich’s Locker Key, then head over to Dredgehaunt Cliffs and use it to unlock his locker.
To get there, take the
Fractal Capacitor
Place the following items in the Mystic Forge to craft a Fractal Capacitor:
- Shard of Crystallized Mists Essence
- Gift of Ascension
- Beta Fractal Capacitor (Infused) that you crafted in the previous step.
Magically Charged Infusion Sample
After defeating the boss in Snowblind Fractal, Charge a +8 Agony Infusion in the Mist Geyser.
Aetherblade Secret Handshake Tutorial Book
In the Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal, head over to the location marked on the image above, and trade in
Wrap up: Crafting Unbound
Once you complete the collection, use the recipe you got from the reward chest then go craft the precursor Unbound.
Note: Salvage the Upper Bound to get Spirit of the Upper Bound that is used to craft Unbound and get Balls of Dark Energy which will be used in further steps.
Like that, you would be done with the precursor, and you can move on to the other parts of the Ad Infinitum collections.
Gift of Infinity
The Gift of Infinity is one of the gifts needed to craft Ad Infinitum.
Legendary Backpack: Ad Infinitum (6 Achievement Points)
After completing the last collection for Unbound, head back to Kelvei and she will give you the Theory of Ad Infinitum which should be used to unlock the last collection.
Here are all the prerequisite items needed to complete the collection.
Aetherblade Pirate Eye Patch
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-2046 PFR in the Mistlock Observatory for
Aetherblade Airship Steering Wheel
Can be purchased from the NPC BUY-4373 in the Mistlock Observatory for
Underground Facility Challenge Mote
Complete the Underground Facility Fractal with Challenge mote active at fractal levels 51 – 100.
Aetherblade Challenge Mote
Complete the Aetherblade Facility Fractal with Challenge mote active at fractal levels 51 – 100.
Mai Trin Timed Mote
Complete Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal in under 20 minutes. (Levels 76 – 100)
Aetherblade Fractal Field Research Paper
Combine 28 Fractal Research Pages to get a Fractal Journal, then trade it with the vendor who can be found at the end of the Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal.
Jungle Wurm Omelet (Mossman Style)
Defeat the Greater Nightmare Vine in Twilight Arbor and obtain a Jungle Wurm Egg, then bring it to the Mossman’s Hut in the Swampland Fractal.
Charged Archdiviner’s Mallet
Defeat Archdiviner and obtain his Mallet from the Cliffside Fractal, then jump in the middle of the Reactor in Metrica Province to Charge it.
If the Reactor is blocked by a force field, simply defeat the Fire Elemental to open it. You can get here by taking the
Explosive Magically Charged Infusion Sample
After defeating the boss in Cliffside Fractal, Charge a +10 Agony Infusion in the Mist Geyser.
Aetherblade Diploma
In the Captain Mai Trin Boss Fractal, head over to the location marked on the image above, and trade in
Lessons in Arbology
After defeating the boss in the Urban Battleground Fractal, take the Gift of Wood to the Ascalonian Woodcutter which can be found beyond the door where the boss came from.
The Recipe for Gift of Wood can be purchased from Miyani for 10 gold.
Lessons in Metallurgy
Take a Gift of Metal to the dredge weaponsmith’s workbench located in the Molten Furnace Fractal.
The Recipe for Gift of Metal can be purchased from Miyani for 10 gold.
Gift of Fortune
The last gift needed to craft Ad Infinitum would be the Gift of Fortune. Thankfully, this is not a collection that has to be completed, but just a gold dump. To craft it, simply take the following items to the Mystic Forge.
- Gift of Magic
- Gift of Might
Globs of Ectoplasm
The best way to get Globs of Ectoplasm is by salvaging Rare and Exotic gear, or by buying them directly off the Trading Post.
Mystic Clovers
There are so many ways that you can get Mystic Clovers, you have PvP and WvW Reward Tracks, or even Gambling them in the Mystic Forge. You can find the best ways to get Mystic Clovers in our dedicated guide.
Gift of Might
Combine the following material in the Mystic Forge:
- 250 Vicious Fangs
- 250 Armored Scales
- 250 Vicious Claws
- 250 Ancient Bones
Gift of Magic
Combine the following material in the Mystic Forge:
- 250 Vials of Powerful Blood
- 250 Powerful Venom Sacs
- 250 Elaborate Totems
- 250 Piles of Crystalline Dust
Once you have the Gift of Fortune, Unbound, Gift of Infinity, and Gift of Ascension, make your way to the Mystic Forge, and place them there, then hit the Forge button.
Congratulations! You now own Ad Infinitum which in my opinion is among the best Legendary Back Items in the game.
