Finding the best Guild Wars game depends on what kind of MMO experience players want. The franchise has earned a loyal following since its debut in 2005, offering two distinct approaches to online role-playing. Whether someone prefers the original’s instanced missions or the sequel’s open-world exploration, both games deliver quality gameplay. This guide breaks down everything players need to know about the Guild Wars series. It covers the original game, Guild Wars 2, their key differences, and which title suits different playstyles best.
Key Takeaways
- The best Guild Wars game depends on your playstyle—choose the original for strategic, campaign-based gameplay or Guild Wars 2 for open-world action combat.
- Both Guild Wars titles feature no monthly subscription fees, making them wallet-friendly compared to other MMOs.
- Guild Wars 2’s free-to-play base game offers the best starting point for newcomers with hundreds of hours of content.
- The original Guild Wars excels in structured PvP and deep skill customization with its unique 8-skill loadout system.
- Guild Wars 2 provides more end-game variety with raids, fractals, world bosses, and regular Living World content updates.
- Returning veterans can unlock cosmetic rewards in Guild Wars 2 by completing content in the original game through the Hall of Monuments.
Guild Wars: The Original That Started It All
ArenaNet released the original Guild Wars in 2005, and it quickly became one of the best Guild Wars experiences available. The game introduced a unique business model with no monthly subscription fees. Players paid once and owned the game forever.
The original featured a campaign-based structure across four standalone releases:
- Prophecies (2005) – The base game set in Tyria
- Factions (2006) – Introduced the Canthan continent
- Nightfall (2006) – Added Elona and hero companions
- Eye of the North (2007) – Expansion bridging to Guild Wars 2
Each campaign offered 20+ hours of story content. Players could own multiple campaigns and move characters between them freely. The skill system stood out as particularly innovative. Characters could equip only eight skills at a time from hundreds of options. This created deep strategic choices before every mission.
PvP was central to the original Guild Wars design. The game supported competitive formats like Guild versus Guild battles and arena combat. Many players consider it among the best Guild Wars PvP experiences ever created.
The graphics have aged, but the game remains playable today. ArenaNet still maintains servers, and a dedicated community keeps the game alive. New players can purchase the complete collection for around $30.
Guild Wars 2: The Evolution of a Beloved Series
Guild Wars 2 launched in 2012 and transformed the franchise into a true open-world MMO. ArenaNet kept the no-subscription model, making it one of the best Guild Wars values in gaming. The base game went free-to-play in 2015, lowering the barrier to entry even further.
The sequel introduced dynamic events that replaced traditional quests. Instead of picking up tasks from NPCs, players encounter world events happening around them. A centaur attack might start while exploring, and nearby players can join the fight. This system makes the world feel alive and encourages cooperation.
Guild Wars 2 has received three major expansions:
- Heart of Thorns (2015) – Added gliding and the jungle region
- Path of Fire (2017) – Introduced mounts and the Crystal Desert
- End of Dragons (2022) – Returned players to Cantha
The combat system emphasizes active gameplay. Players dodge attacks, combo skills together, and position themselves strategically. Every class can fill multiple roles, giving players flexibility in group content.
World versus World (WvW) pits three servers against each other in massive battles. Hundreds of players fight over castles, keeps, and supply lines. This mode represents some of the best Guild Wars large-scale PvP available.
The Living World system delivers free story updates between expansions. These episodes add new maps, masteries, and narrative content. Players who log in during release windows receive episodes permanently for free.
Comparing Gameplay and Features
Choosing the best Guild Wars game requires understanding how they differ. Here’s a direct comparison of key features:
| Feature | Guild Wars | Guild Wars 2 |
|---|---|---|
| World Structure | Instanced missions | Open world |
| Combat | Tab-target, skill-bar focus | Action combat with dodging |
| Level Cap | 20 | 80 |
| Monthly Fee | None | None |
| Current Player Base | Small but active | Large and active |
| Graphics | Dated | Modern |
Story and Lore
Both games share the same universe but occur 250 years apart. The original tells stories of guild conflicts and rising threats. Guild Wars 2 deals with Elder Dragons awakening and threatening Tyria. Players don’t need to play the first game to enjoy the sequel, but veterans appreciate the callbacks.
Solo vs Group Play
The original Guild Wars works well for solo players. Hero companions can fill party slots, letting players tackle most content alone. Guild Wars 2 scales content dynamically, so both solo and group players find suitable challenges.
End Game Content
Guild Wars 2 offers more end-game variety. Raids, fractals, strike missions, and world bosses give players goals after reaching max level. The original focuses on completing campaigns and participating in PvP.
Monetization
Both games avoid pay-to-win mechanics. Guild Wars 2’s gem store sells cosmetics, convenience items, and expansion content. The original requires one-time purchases with no ongoing store.
Which Guild Wars Game Should You Play?
The best Guild Wars choice depends on individual preferences. Here’s a breakdown by player type:
Play Guild Wars if you:
- Enjoy strategic, slower-paced combat
- Prefer linear story campaigns
- Want a complete experience without ongoing updates
- Love classic MMO aesthetics
- Focus heavily on structured PvP
Play Guild Wars 2 if you:
- Prefer action-oriented combat
- Enjoy exploring open worlds
- Want regular content updates
- Like large-scale WvW battles
- Seek modern graphics and quality-of-life features
For New Players
Guild Wars 2 makes the best Guild Wars starting point for newcomers. The free-to-play base game offers hundreds of hours of content. Modern tutorials and active community make learning easier. If players enjoy it, they can purchase expansions later.
For Returning Veterans
Old-school fans might find joy in revisiting the original. The game still runs, and Hall of Monuments rewards carry over to Guild Wars 2. Completing original content unlocks cosmetic bonuses in the sequel.
Budget Considerations
Guild Wars 2’s free base game offers the best Guild Wars value for tight budgets. The original requires purchasing campaigns but has no ongoing costs. Neither game demands a subscription, making both wallet-friendly compared to competitors.