Guild Wars 3 Announcement: What We Know So Far

ArenaNet has revealed Guild Wars 3, the franchise’s first new entry since Guild Wars 2 launched in 2012. The Guild Wars 3 announcement landed during Summer Game Fest 2026, confirming the MMORPG for both PC and PlayStation 5 – the first time the series has come to home consoles – with a first beta test planned for Fall 2027.

Confirmed Details So Far

The reveal came with an announcement trailer and an official press statement from ArenaNet. The confirmed details so far:

• Platforms: PC (Steam) and PlayStation 5 – the first Guild Wars game on console.
• First beta: scheduled for Fall 2027.
• Wishlisting: live now on Steam and the PlayStation Store.
• Beta sign-ups: open at GuildWars3.com for a chance to play early.
• Developer / Publisher: Notably, Steam lists ArenaNet as both the developer and publisher (as opposed to NCSoft), with Colin Johanson serving as Game Director and Studio Head.

Johanson framed the project as a push to modernise the MMORPG genre while respecting players’ time, describing the goal as an online world that feels responsive and rewarding without leaning on grind.

A New Era Set in Orr

Guild Wars 3 is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, over a thousand years before the events of the original Guild Wars. ArenaNet describes Orr as a wilderness frontier soaked in the world’s magic, home to nature entities called Vael spirits. Various guilds are in conflict over whether to protect or exploit the bounty beyond civilisation’s borders.

Players take on the role of a Vaelwarden, a guild adventurer sworn to preserve both the spirits of the wild and the land itself. A standout spirit called the Seeker serves as each player’s connection to Orr and doubles as a mount for traversing the open world. The studio is leaning on the deep character customisation and skill-building the series is known for.

Action Combat Built for Controller and Keyboard

ArenaNet says the combat system was designed from the outset to feel good on both controller and keyboard – a necessity given the PS5 release. The pitch is action-RPG combat meeting Guild Wars build-making, with a heavy emphasis on movement and momentum: players transition between movement modes and convert speed into bigger damage and impact in a fight.

No Guild Wars 3 Release Date Yet

This is an early reveal, and several key details remain unannounced. ArenaNet has said more information on these will arrive later in 2026 and into 2027:

• Release date
• Pricing and business model
• Professions and character creation specifics

For long-time fans this is the first genuinely new Guild Wars game in over a decade, and the PS5 release opens the series to console MMORPG players for the first time. With the beta more than a year out and pricing still unknown, there are no pre-orders or furhter details yet, beyond wishlisting on Steam or the PlayStation Store and signing up at GuildWars3.com if you want a shot at the Fall 2027 beta. Expect a steady drip of gameplay and business-model details through the rest of 2026.

Update: ArenaNet published “The Future of Guild Wars” blog post alongside a video where they explain that both Guild Wars 1 Reforged and Guild Wars 2 will be updated and expanded alongside Guild Wars 3. They also confirmed that a Hall of Monuments is coming later this year, that will let you earn rewards in Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars 3 by completing new and existing achievements in Guild Wars 2, very similar to the original Hall of Monuments.

More Resources

While we all wait for more information on Guild Wars 3, check out our resources for other great games:

• MetaForge – browse all supported games and tools!
• ARC Raiders Maps and Guides – everything you need for ARC Raiders
• Farever Map and Database – another fun MMO-lite to hold you over while we wait