ArenaNet has announced Guild Wars 3, the third entry in the Guild Wars MMORPG franchise and the studio’s first new game since 2012. The game will release globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5 — marking the first time a Guild Wars title will appear on home consoles. A first beta test is scheduled for fall 2027.
Taking place over a thousand years before the events of the original game, Guild Wars 3 is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, described in the release as a vast wilderness frontier imbued with the world’s magic. Nature entities called Vael spirits embody the vitality of the landscape, and various guilds are engaged in conflict over how to protect or exploit the land beyond civilization’s borders.
Players assume the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild committed to preserving and protecting the spirits of the wild and the land of Orr. The game features the deep character customization and skill-building gameplay the franchise is known for, with players growing relationships with spirits, inhabitants of Orr, and other players.
Vael spirits will vary in size and influence within ecosystems across the game world. The most notable is the Seeker, which serves as each player’s connection to the spirits of Orr and as a mount for travel through the open world.
A combat system designed to function on both controller and keyboard emphasizes movement and momentum. As players transition between movement modes, speed can be converted into increased damage and impact in combat.
“Guild Wars 3 is a new era not just for ArenaNet and Guild Wars, but also for MMORPGs as a whole,” said Colin Johanson, Guild Wars 3 Game Director and ArenaNet Studio Head.
“The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences, and the opportunity to harness that excitement is immense. Our approach with Guild Wars 3 is to push MMORPGs forward, to create an online game world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while at the same time respecting players’ time and providing a positive, supportive space to build community and enjoy new stories in our universe.”
An official debut trailer featuring the first in-engine gameplay footage has been released. Further information on pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027.
Guild Wars 3 is available to wishlist on Steam and the PlayStation Store. It will also be available directly from the developer at GuildWars3.com.
