ArenaNet describes Guild Wars Reforged as a «new and improved experience.» This version features several visual updates, including new HD assets for interface icons, ambient occlusion effects and dynamic sky glow, more font size options for text, support for 3D positional audio with EAX emulation, and a new mission tracking arrow for better orientation. We also have support for high resolution displays and verification for Steam Deck.
Additionally, for the first time it will be possible to play Guild Wars with XInput controllers and will allow complete reconfiguration of the controls. Regarding content, the base game is accompanied by all the expansions: Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall and Eye of the North. In addition to ArenaNet, 2weeks, a team founded in 2024 by former ArenaNet members who had worked on the original Guild Wars, has participated in this development.
“Even though two decades have passed, we are still passionate about improving the original Guild Wars experience for players,” says game director Stephen Clarke-Willson. «The title has a very devoted fan base, and with this update to modernize the experience, we hope new and returning players alike will find a reason to continue adventuring across Tyria together.»
Guild Wars was a very popular game at the time and possibly the first MMORPG of a generation. The title was launched in 2005 and its success was based both on the playable experience with PvE and PvP elements, and on a business model without a subscription fee. In addition, much of its content was instanced, allowing players to go in groups and live their adventure without having to cross paths with other inhabitants of the fantasy world of Tyria.