Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Guild Wars 2.
What is Guild Wars 2?
Guild Wars 2 is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Tyria, featuring dynamic events and an open-world narrative instead of traditional instanced quests. It distinguishes itself by offering a buy-to-play model with no mandatory monthly subscription fees for core gameplay.
Who are the main characters players control?
Players create their own hero from one of ten races and several professions to become the central figure in the story, rather than playing as a single predefined protagonist. The narrative also heavily features legendary figures like Commander Rytlock Brimstone and Logan Thackeray who guide the player through major conflicts.
Where should a new player start?
Newcomers should begin with the original 'Guild Wars 2' base game, which covers the story of the Elder Dragon Zhaitan and is available for free. This introductory experience provides essential context before diving into paid expansion packs like Heart of Thorns or End of Dragons.
What are Elder Dragons?
Elder Dragons are colossal, reality-warping entities that serve as the primary antagonists throughout the game's history, causing catastrophic environmental changes and societal collapse. The core gameplay loop revolves around players uniting to defeat these dragons while managing their lingering corruption.
Is there a paywall for endgame content?
While the base game is free-to-play, accessing later story chapters, new maps, and specific high-level gear requires purchasing expansion packs or the Living World seasons. However, all core mechanics like PvP, WvW, and open-world exploration remain fully accessible without spending money.
How does the combat system work?
Combat is action-oriented with a focus on dodging, blocking, and using eight skill slots that include weapon skills, utilities, and elite abilities. Players can switch between two different weapon sets instantly during battle to adapt their strategy to any situation.
What are Dynamic Events?
Dynamic events are world-wide objectives that change based on player actions, such as defending a village or hunting a monster, which trigger chain reactions across the map. Unlike static quests, these events scale in difficulty and reward based on how many players participate at once.
Can I play with friends without grinding?
The game utilizes an 'Assist Mode' that allows lower-level characters to contribute meaningfully to high-level zones by automatically scaling their power up to the area's level. This ensures veterans can explore endgame content alongside newer players without forcing them to complete repetitive leveling tasks.
What is World vs. World (WvW)?
World vs. World is a massive, persistent cross-server battle mode where three alliances of servers compete for control over castles and supply lines in a sprawling map. It features large-scale siege warfare and strategic objectives that require coordinated teamwork from hundreds of players simultaneously.
What is the most significant story moment?
The defeat of the Elder Dragon Mordremoth in the Heart of Thorns expansion marked a turning point where players realized their actions could permanently alter the world's state. This victory led to the 'Dragon's Reach' conclusion, setting the stage for the complex political and magical conflicts seen in subsequent expansions.