Guild Wars 3
News, coverage and analysis tracking Guild Wars 3 across the outlets.
Latest coverage
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.
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.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 578: Gamescoming and Gamesgoing
The Massively OP Podcast episode 578 covers Gamescom announcements, including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and future content plans for Dune: Awakening. The hosts also discuss the shutdown of another WoW Classic server, Guild Wars 3's Asura, Star Citizen's delays, and Star Wars Galaxies hacking drama.
Guild Wars 3 collects concept artwork and lore details of its three revealed species in one video
ArenaNet has released a new video for Guild Wars 3, showcasing concept art and lore details for its revealed species: Humans, Kodan, and Asura. The video offers glimpses into their potential customization and general aesthetic, though the game's beta is not expected until fall 2027 and a fourth mystery species remains unrevealed.
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.
Betawatch: Aion 2 plans October global debut, Guild Wars 3 reveals gremlins
Several games are nearing their global launches or entering new testing phases. Aion 2 is set for a worldwide debut on October 5th, while Path of Exile 2 will officially launch out of early access in December. Guild Wars 3 has revealed more about its gremlin-like Asura characters, and Squadron 42 has been delayed again, now targeting 2027.
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.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 577: Stars Reach’s next generation trek
The Massively OP Podcast episode 577 covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, the upcoming MapleStory Classic World, a preview of Stormforge, playable Kodan in Guild Wars 3, and Palia's fall roadmap. The hosts also touch on Daybreak Game Company's financials and other meta site topics.
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 report - all the news and announcements as Witcher 3 expansion Songs of the Past shown for first time
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, hosted by Geoff Keighley, showcased new game announcements and updates. Highlights included the first look at The Witcher 3 expansion Songs of the Past, footage of Warlock, and a glimpse at the final Final Fantasy 7 Remake installment. Potential reveals for Alien: Isolation 2, Guild Wars 3, and Diablo 4 on Nintendo Switch 2 were also speculated, alongside release date confirmations for titles like The Duskbloods.
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.
