The venerable MMORPG Guild Wars has reached a remarkable milestone in the gaming industry, celebrating two decades since its groundbreaking 2005 launch. ArenaNet is commemorating this achievement with a substantial content update and an unprecedented discount on the complete collection, giving both veterans and newcomers compelling reasons to dive into this fantasy world.
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| A stunning courtyard within the world of Guild Wars, symbolizing the game's rich fantasy heritage and 20 years of immersive adventure |
The 20th Anniversary Update
ArenaNet has released a significant content update that brings previously inaccessible promotional items into the game. These rare collectibles were originally only available as pre-order bonuses or regional exclusives from the mid-2000s, making this the first time many players will have the opportunity to obtain them. However, these coveted items won't come easily—they've been implemented as rare drops from high-level enemies throughout the game world, ensuring players will need to invest time and effort to acquire them.
New Weapon Upgrades
The anniversary update also introduces exciting new upgrades for main-hand weapons. These special of the Profession modifiers can set the level of a named profession's primary attribute to as high as 5, even for characters who wouldn't normally have access to that attribute. This opens up fresh build possibilities for established characters, potentially revitalizing gameplay strategies that have been in place for years. As an aesthetic bonus, weapons bearing these modifiers feature distinctive glowing streaks when wielded, with colors corresponding to their aligned Profession.
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| A character in Guild Wars casting a powerful spell, visually representing the exciting new weapon upgrades introduced in the 20th Anniversary Update |
The 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection
For players looking to experience everything Guild Wars has to offer, ArenaNet has released the 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection. This comprehensive package includes all previously released Guild Wars content: the Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall campaigns, the Eye of the North expansion, and the Bonus Mission Pack. The collection also comes with bonus items, weapons, a combat ally, and eight character slots for new players.
Limited-Time Massive Discount
In what ArenaNet describes as the biggest discount in Guild Wars' history, the 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection is currently available for just USD $8, representing an 80% reduction from its regular price. This exceptional offer extends to other editions of Guild Wars on Steam as well, but prospective players should act quickly—the sale runs only until April 29, 2025.
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| A character on a snowy mountain peak holding a glowing sword, embodying the spirit of adventure during the massive discount celebration for Guild Wars' 20th Anniversary |
Limited-Time Miniatures
Beyond the rare item drops, players can also acquire a selection of limited-release miniatures as non-tradeable items from Merrise in Embark Beach. These special collectibles will only be available until May 6, 2025, adding another time-sensitive element to the anniversary celebration.
A Legacy of Innovation
Guild Wars distinguished itself in the MMO boom of the 2000s by offering a subscription-free model when many competitors required monthly payments. Game Director Stephen Clarke-Willson reflected on the milestone, stating, It's very rare for any game to reach 20 years of operation. It's a testament to the support and love from players across the decades that we're still able to add new updates and content to the game.
The 20th anniversary celebration represents not just a nostalgic look back, but ArenaNet's ongoing commitment to a game that helped define an era in MMORPG history. Whether returning after years away or experiencing Guild Wars for the first time, players now have an excellent opportunity to explore this legendary title at an exceptional value.