Guild Wars 2
News, coverage and analysis tracking Guild Wars 2 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
With wall-running and surprisingly weighty combat, Guild Wars 3 is aiming high: "If we hadn't been making MMOs for 26 years I don't think we could have built this"
Guild Wars 3 is aiming for a more visceral, action-RPG-like combat experience with a new momentum system that allows for wall-running and impactful attacks. Developer ArenaNet is focusing on making the MMO accessible for both new and returning players, with a launch planned for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Guild Wars 3 is a lot smaller scale than Guild Wars 2 because of the new approach to combat and movement: 'You would probably see about 20 players in a large combat scenario'
ArenaNet's Guild Wars 3 will feature a significantly smaller player scale in combat scenarios, capping at around 20 players, compared to Guild Wars 2's large-scale battles. This decision is driven by the new high-fidelity combat and movement systems, which are designed to be more readable and visceral. While cities will remain busy social hubs, the open world will focus on more intimate, meaningful player interactions.
Guild Wars 3's devs think they've found an answer to one of MMOs' biggest problems, but can ArenaNet pull it off?
ArenaNet is developing Guild Wars 3 with a focus on dynamic momentum-based movement and combat, aiming to break away from traditional MMORPG design. Studio lead Colin Johanson and combat lead Kevin Stocker demonstrated how chaining traversal and combat actions creates a more fluid, action-RPG-like experience, contrasting it with the static nature of many MMOs. The game will also feature more defined player roles and cooperative multiplayer combos.
Flameseeker Chronicles: A first look at combat and the joy of movement in Guild Wars 3
ArenaNet provided a first look at Guild Wars 3, focusing on its fluid movement and kinetic combat systems, which aim to innovate within the MMORPG genre. Director Colin Johanson highlighted features like momentum conservation and environmental interactions in combat, while also acknowledging concerns regarding UI minimalism and potential combat simplification.
ArenaNet says Guild Wars 3 will make you "fall in love with MMOs." Here's why I think it could
ArenaNet aims to revitalize the MMO genre with Guild Wars 3, focusing on innovative 'Momentum' systems that allow for fluid movement and dynamic combat. Studio head Colin Johansen believes the game will attract both existing Guild Wars fans and new players seeking a fresh experience, potentially making them 'fall in love with MMOs.' The design prioritizes a cleaner UI and more action-oriented gameplay, a departure from traditional MMO mechanics.
Guild Wars 3 is embracing more freedom of movement
ArenaNet is reimagining movement mechanics for Guild Wars 3, aiming to bring console-like freedom to the MMORPG genre. The game will feature wall running, mantling, sliding, and a new momentum system that seamlessly transitions between actions like running, mounting, and gliding. These innovations are intended to make Guild Wars 3 a more accessible entry point for both new and returning players on PC and PlayStation 5.
MMOs Have “Stagnated,” Guild Wars 3 Studio Head Says
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre has stagnated, with many players still engaging with games over a decade old. He aims for Guild Wars 3 to introduce "wild, crazy ideas" to revitalize the genre by addressing approachability and respecting players' time, offering a less demanding experience than traditional MMOs.
Guild Wars 3 Plays Unlike Any Other MMO, And That’s A Good Thing
Guild Wars 3 is set to redefine the MMORPG genre with its unique, fluid combat and traversal systems, moving away from traditional action bars and tab-targeting. Developed by ArenaNet, the game emphasizes momentum-based movement and environmental interaction, aiming to provide an equally engaging experience on both PC and PlayStation 5 with controller support.
Guild Wars 3's approach to combat and movement is like nothing I've ever seen in an MMO before: 'One of our big goals when we make a new game in the Guild Wars franchise is to set out and try new things'
ArenaNet's Guild Wars 3 aims to innovate within the MMORPG genre with a focus on dynamic movement and visceral action combat. The game, set 1,000 years before Guild Wars 2 in the land of Orr, introduces mechanics like wall running, mantling, and seamless transitions between gliding and combat, all powered by a momentum system. This approach aims to create a fluid experience distinct from traditional MMOs, with developers Colin Johanson and Kevin Stocker highlighting how movement directly impacts combat effectiveness.
The Stream Team: Praise Joko in Guild Wars 2
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be streaming Guild Wars 2 on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EDT. The stream will focus on exploring Dragonfall following recent in-game events and character developments.
Fight or Kite: PvP siege MMORPG Gloria Victus is back from the dead
Gloria Victus, a PvP siege MMORPG, has been revived and re-released as a free-to-play title by Gamigo after being sunset by Black Eyed Games. The author explores the game's history, its action-oriented combat mechanics reminiscent of games like Mortal Online 2 and Chivalry, and the potential for its relaunch.
The Daily Grind: How much time do you actually spend in your MMO house?
This article discusses the actual time players spend in their player housing within MMORPGs, questioning if developers overestimate its usage. While some players, like crafters and traders in Star Wars Galaxies, utilize housing extensively, others find themselves using it less frequently for decoration and more for services, as seen in Lord of the Rings Online.
Guild Wars 1 makes balance tweaks, adds a new bonus merchant, and makes some small fixes
The original Guild Wars has received new updates including balance tweaks for PvE and PvP, and the addition of a new merchant called the Purveyor. The Purveyor buys and sells normal items and offers account bundles from the cash shop. Minor fixes were also applied in a follow-up patch.
MMO Week in Review: Gamescom, Asura, and Ascension
Gamescom was the dominant event this week, bringing news for numerous MMOs including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and trailers for Dune Awakening, Sea of Remnants, and Cinder City. Star Citizen's Squadron 42 received another delay into 2027, while Guild Wars 3 revealed its Asura, and Blizzard shut down another World of Warcraft private server. Other news included updates for Throne and Liberty, Ultima Online, and The Division 2, alongside discussions on game design, AI training lawsuits, and the shutdown of the Project Ascension World of Warcraft emulator.
One Shots: This gnome does not approve of your life
This week's "One Shots" column features community screenshots from various MMOs, including Istaria, City of Heroes, Fallout 76, Guild Wars 2, and Lord of the Rings Online. The article highlights humorous and interesting in-game moments shared by players.
Guild Wars 2 shares a sizzle reel for Code of Creation’s new raid and convergence rewards
ArenaNet has released a sizzle reel previewing the upcoming Code of Creation update for Guild Wars 2, which includes a new raid and convergence rewards. The update, set to wrap up the Visions of Eternity storyline on September 15th, features new boss encounters and visually striking, necrotic-themed weapons.
The Stream Team: Celebrating Sky Fest in Dinkum
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be streaming Dinkum's Sky Fest event live today at 2:00 p.m. EDT. This marks the first village festival in the game since MJ built her Band Stand. The stream will be available on the OPTV channel on Twitch, with a full recording posted later.
The Daily Grind: What’s the right number of buttons for an MMO hotbar?
This article discusses the optimal number of buttons for an MMORPG hotbar, exploring player preferences and design challenges across various games like Guild Wars, Lord of the Rings Online, World of Warcraft, and Star Wars Galaxies. It questions why a universally accepted 'sweet spot' for hotbar design remains elusive despite player feedback.
Guild Wars 3’s Asura are taller and furrier than their Guild Wars 2 descendants – but just as quirky
ArenaNet has revealed new details about the Asura species in Guild Wars 3, showcasing a taller, furrier appearance compared to their Guild Wars 2 counterparts. Senior narrative designer Liz Baker explained that this change reflects the Asura's more balanced relationship with the surface world in the new game's timeline, over a millennium before Guild Wars 2. The studio also teased upcoming reveals for other species and lore elements.
Perfect Ten: Subscription-free MMORPGs from before Dungeons and Dragons Online’s free-to-play transition
This article examines ten MMORPGs that operated without subscription fees before Dungeons and Dragons Online transitioned to a free-to-play model in September 2009. It highlights games like RuneScape, MapleStory, and Guild Wars, discussing their business models and impact on the genre's evolution towards free-to-play.
