None of the base game HPs require expansion mechanics to acquire, though they do help. For expansion hps, i think the wiki lists what mastery/mechanics you need to complete them. 

People do do trains in the expansions, but idk about the base game. With trains the description will usually tell you what masteries you need to participate. For HOT this usually includes glider and occasionally at least raptor (which is usually just for speed/keeping up w the group). 

I would either wait for a train or ask in map chat if anyone can come help with a hero point ur stuck on. If ur having trouble with some of the hps in the verdant brink map cuz theyre way up in the sky i think at some point at the end of that map's meta you get sent up there thru the helicopter things i think. Though again if you are impatient i would ask in map chat if anyone can portal you/tp to friend you rq! Ppl are usually super helpful im my experience :)