Guild Wars 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Guild Wars 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
MMO Week in Review: Way too early access
This week's MMO news covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, which some consider premature. Other highlights include a look at Guild Wars 3's Kodan, Daybreak's acquisition of Cold Iron Studios, new content for EverQuest Legends, and an analysis of the survival game Stormforge. The article also touches on various other MMO updates, rumors, and industry discussions.
Betawatch: Stars Reach hits early access stumbles and Guild Wars 3 outlines its Kodan details
This week's Betawatch covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, with developer Raph Koster apologizing for initial issues. Guild Wars 3 has also detailed its playable Kodan, while City of Heroes and Stormforge have received updates. The roundup includes news on numerous other MMOs in various testing phases, including Aero Tales Online, Elder Scrolls Online, and Aloft.
‘A fork in their path’: Guild Wars 3 illustrates the folklore of its playable Kodan species
ArenaNet has provided a deep dive into the playable Kodan species for Guild Wars 3, highlighting their spiritual re-awakening and their role as Vaelwardens. The Kodan in Guild Wars 3 are presented as distinct from those in Guild Wars 2, embarking on a new path to heal and protect the land.
It turns out touching grass is the answer: Gaming is great when you leave the house
This article argues that gaming, while often isolating, is best experienced socially, whether through large events like Gamescom or smaller local gatherings. The author shares personal experiences of engaging with other players at an in-person launch event for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, highlighting the connections and fun that come from real-world interaction over online play. Stepping away from digital platforms and engaging with games in person can combat burnout and rediscover the inherent fun of gaming.
Betawatch: Soul’s Remnant wins over MMO fans as Guild Wars 3 talks playable humans
Soul's Remnant has launched to positive reviews and strong player counts, defying initial expectations of a slow start. Meanwhile, Guild Wars 3 continues to discuss its playable races, Stars Reach went dark before its early access launch, and Dune: Awakening is testing its single-player mode.
‘Humanity before its great fall’: Guild Wars 3 previews the look and lore of its Human species
ArenaNet has provided a deep dive into the Human species for Guild Wars 3, detailing their lore and role in the game's world. Unlike Guild Wars 2, Guild Wars 3 will launch with at least four playable races, with infrastructure for more. Humans are presented as 'humanity before its great fall,' with a focus on their role as Vaelwardens in Orr, protecting the magic of the Vael spirits.
NCsoft Q2 2026: Lineage Classic is booming as NCsoft pours money into Guild Wars 3
NCsoft reported a 38% revenue increase in Q2 2026, largely driven by the booming popularity of Lineage Classic in Korea and ad revenue from the JustPlay mobile app. Despite a decline in Guild Wars 2 revenue from its Q1 peak, it remains up year-over-year. NCsoft is investing an additional $85 million into ArenaNet for the development of Guild Wars 3, which is slated for alpha and beta testing in 2027.
Guild Wars 2’s Code of Creation update brings Visions of Eternity to an end on September 15
ArenaNet has announced that the final update for Guild Wars 2's Visions of Eternity, titled Code of Creation, will launch on September 15th. This update will conclude the current story arc with six chapters, introduce new explorable maps, a meta-event, a fractal, a raid, and a new mastery. The studio also confirmed an 18-month content gap before future expansions, during which Guild Wars 3's beta will be available.
MMO Week in Review: Palworld Online sets its sights on the MMORPG genre
Garena has licensed the Palworld IP from Pocketpair to develop a mobile-only MMORPG titled Palworld Online, set to launch in 2026. The announcement comes amidst other MMO news including updates for Guild Wars 3, Lord of the Rings Online, and Aion 2, as well as the official completion of Electronic Arts' acquisition.
Betawatch: Palworld goes full mobile MMORPG as Guild Wars 3 talks species
This week's Betawatch covers several upcoming and in-development MMORPGs, including a mobile-only version of Palworld called Palworld Online and Guild Wars 3 confirming playable species. Updates are also provided on games like Runescape Dragonwilds, ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom, and various titles in testing phases, highlighting the ongoing development and testing cycles within the MMO genre.
More playable species might be coming to Guild Wars 3 later down the line, according to latest developer blog post
ArenaNet has indicated that Guild Wars 3 may receive additional playable species beyond the initial four at launch. The game is being designed with future flexibility in mind, allowing for the addition of new races. While Humans and Kodan are confirmed, the fourth launch race remains unrevealed, and the developer noted that species with extreme body silhouettes might not be feasible.
Guild Wars 3 confirms Humans, Asura, and Kodan, plus a mystery species, will be playable at launch
ArenaNet has confirmed that Guild Wars 3 will feature Humans, Asura, and Kodan as playable species at launch, with a fourth mystery species also planned. The developer is building the game with the intention of adding more playable species in the future, establishing shared technical foundations to support this expansion.
MMO Week in Review: I want to believe
This week's MMO news roundup covers updates and announcements for numerous titles including Stars Reach, EverQuest Legends, Elder Scrolls Online, and Final Fantasy XIV. Key stories include Stars Reach's official early access date, Elder Scrolls Online's post-layoff roadmap, and Guild Wars 3 revealing its composers. The article also touches on game development, business practices, and player sentiment across various MMORPGs.
Betawatch: Stars Reach sets course for early access, EverQuest Legends successfully launches
Stars Reach has announced its paid early access will begin on August 18th, while EverQuest Legends has officially launched. The article also provides updates on Guild Wars 3's music, Cinder City's pre-alpha testing, and Reaper Actual's free weekend, alongside a comprehensive list of games currently in various stages of testing and early access.
Star Wars, Metal Gear, and Halo composer Kazuma Jinnouchi confirmed as lead composer for Guild Wars 3
ArenaNet has announced Kazuma Jinnouchi, known for his work on Star Wars, Metal Gear, and Halo, as the lead composer for Guild Wars 3. A video detailing the creation of the game's main theme, featuring Jinnouchi and other composers like Asuka Ito and Maclaine Diemer, was also released.
‘It’s like your mom reading you an old story’: Guild Wars 3 reveals composers and main music theme
ArenaNet has revealed the composers for Guild Wars 3, with BAFTA Games Awards nominee Kazuma Jinnouchi serving as lead composer. He will be joined by Asuka Ito and longtime Guild Wars 2 composer Maclaine Diemer. A new video showcases the game's main theme, emphasizing a warm and comforting musical style.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 574: Is it getting Evercold in here or is it just me?
The Massively OP Podcast episode 574 covers the launch of EverQuest Legends, reveals from Final Fantasy XIV's Evercold, Guild Wars 3's backstory, SEED's early access, The Guild's Kickstarter success, and Black Desert's 2026 plans. Hosts Bree and Justin discuss these MMO updates and share listener emails.
MMO Week in Review: FFXIV in Berlin, Black Desert in SoCal, and Jimothy saturation
This week's MMO news covers Final Fantasy XIV's Fan Festival in Berlin, Black Desert's Heidel Ball, and the early access launch of SEED. Updates were also provided for Dungeons & Dragons Online, Aion 2, and The Guild reunion movie. Several games saw controversy including World of Warcraft staff cheating, Elder Scrolls Online capacity issues, and Microsoft layoffs.
Betawatch: Aion 2 outlines head start plans as Guild Wars 3 outlines its story premise
NCsoft has detailed head start plans for Aion 2, which is slated for a global launch in September 2026. Guild Wars 3 has also outlined its story premise, with a beta expected in fall 2027. The article also provides an extensive list of other MMORPGs currently in various stages of testing and development.
Roadmaps and Plans
The article discusses roadmaps and plans for Guild Wars 3, referencing the 'Vaelwardens of the Orrian Golden Age' as a potential theme or expansion. Further details on specific plans are not provided.