At Summer Game Fest 2026, ArenaNet officially announced Guild Wars 3, the highly anticipated next chapter in the legendary MMORPG franchise. This marks the first time a Guild Wars title will be available on home consoles, launching globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5. The first beta test is scheduled for fall 2027.
A New Era for MMORPGs
Colin Johanson, Game Director and Studio Head at ArenaNet, described Guild Wars 3 as a new era not only for the studio and the franchise but for the entire MMORPG genre. "The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences," Johanson said. "Our approach is to push MMORPGs forward, creating an online world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while respecting players' time and fostering a positive community."
Setting and Story
Set over a thousand years before the original Guild Wars, the game takes place in the Tyrian region of Orr, a vast wilderness frontier imbued with magic. Nature entities called Vael spirits embody the vitality of this landscape. Players take on the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild dedicated to preserving the spirits and the land. The Seeker, a unique mount, connects players to the spirits of Orr and aids in their journey.
Combat and Gameplay
The combat system is designed to feel great on both controller and keyboard, emphasizing movement and momentum. Players can seamlessly transition between movement modes, using speed to deal greater damage in combat. Deep character customization and skill-building remain core to the experience.
Availability
More details on pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027. Guild Wars 3 will be available directly from the developers at GuildWars3.com and can be wishlisted on Steam and the PlayStation Store starting today.
