Guild Wars

 PC
  • Publisher: NCSOFT
  • Release Date: Apr 26, 2005
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 503 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 403 out of 503
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 503
  3. Negative: 48 out of 503
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  1. Duder38
    Apr 7, 2023
    10
    The best (mmo) rpg ever made, by a stretch. Highly recommend buying it with a friend and playing through the trilogy.
  2. giuice
    Apr 22, 2022
    10
    Best Game I played, ever. Unfortunately the sequel (GW2) did not follow the same mechanisms, classes and skills. It would be wonderful games with new interface and improved gameplay. 17 years after its release, I still play with great pleasure.
  3. addiinnocent
    Dec 21, 2021
    10
    Awesome Game with awesome people who are still playing after almost 20 years!
  4. marney
    Apr 28, 2019
    2
    The game from my point of view is a whole platform gamer's paradise most of the game play seems to involve jumping from ledge to ledge and if you dont make the jumps you miss out on loot if you're a platform game fanatic this is heaven for you.If you buy the main game plus xpacs there are still areas you are gated from using, the game constantly dumps garbage items like dyes xp scrolls etcThe game from my point of view is a whole platform gamer's paradise most of the game play seems to involve jumping from ledge to ledge and if you dont make the jumps you miss out on loot if you're a platform game fanatic this is heaven for you.If you buy the main game plus xpacs there are still areas you are gated from using, the game constantly dumps garbage items like dyes xp scrolls etc it seems they are determined to fill your stash with garbage,i guess as an incentive to buy more bag room from gem store.Character slots with both xpacs are enough to make just 5 characters you can of course buy more from the gem store. Game play can be ok but sudden 1 hit deaths kill that for you, constantly facing invulnerable mobs for no reason i can detect they just turn invulnerable in mid fight re-spawn rates are crazy if you fight a mob of 4 by the time the last falls all four are back up it must be a mechanic to force team play so a wasted purchase for solo players.The game gives very little info about the task you are requested to perform quest event whatever not even the direction it might be in it is at times bewildering don't buy this game unless there's absolutely nothing else to play.The graphics may appeal to some they are very good hence the score.… Expand
  5. gracjanski
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    This game is an art. In combinations with all the 3 addons it deserves a much better succes and attention:
    The graphic is written geniously: beautiful and great performance.
    The gameplay gives you so many possiblities: great. And in the beginning it is easy to understand. So you see, the old easy to learn, hard to master principle. The idea of gathering all the players together to a town    This game is an art. In combinations with all the 3 addons it deserves a much better succes and attention:
    The graphic is written geniously: beautiful and great performance.
    The gameplay gives you so many possiblities: great. And in the beginning it is easy to understand. So you see, the old easy to learn, hard to master principle. The idea of gathering all the players together to a town and let them group there to go through an instance is simply perfect.
    The campaing is great, I didnt want to stop to play, because I wanted to know, what happens next.
    The music is great too, I still enjoy to listen to some tracks (I downloaded them separately).
    I dont see any weaknesses in this game (dont forget, the game has 3 addons, that improves the basic game too)    … Expand
  6. Aeryx
    Aug 2, 2017
    8
    Still by far one of the best MMORPGs I've ever played. The graphics back at the time were gorgeous and made me feel very much part of the world. Roaming the crystal desert in solitude was such a hauntingly beautiful experience. The concept art, music and vistas took me away so much I dreamed about this game in my sleep. Compared to today's MMORPGs that harass you BS monetization, backStill by far one of the best MMORPGs I've ever played. The graphics back at the time were gorgeous and made me feel very much part of the world. Roaming the crystal desert in solitude was such a hauntingly beautiful experience. The concept art, music and vistas took me away so much I dreamed about this game in my sleep. Compared to today's MMORPGs that harass you BS monetization, back then, once you bought the game, everything was yours to earn via in-game effort. Getting ectos was critical and the difficult areas, like Hall of Heroes required immense team work to pull off and luck to finish with an unstable internet connection. The PVP and multiplayer were also very enjoyable. Unfortunately Mesmers never found their place in this game, and were rejected by teams for difficult dungeons as they were poor in PVE although good in PVP. Jeremy Soule's music was a masterpiece for this, and I wish for him to return in GW3.… Expand
  7. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2017
    2
    Tiens, Guild Wars soldé à 8,50 euros seulement ! et pourquoi ne pas en profiter pour l'essayer ? surtout que c'est sans abonnement (un excellent point !) et après SWTOR j'avoue que j'étais curieux. Ah évidemment ça a bien vieilli graphiquement mais ce n'est pas tellement plus laid que SWTOR globalement. ça reste mignon et beaucoup moins cul serré au niveau des tenues que le mmo Star Wars.Tiens, Guild Wars soldé à 8,50 euros seulement ! et pourquoi ne pas en profiter pour l'essayer ? surtout que c'est sans abonnement (un excellent point !) et après SWTOR j'avoue que j'étais curieux. Ah évidemment ça a bien vieilli graphiquement mais ce n'est pas tellement plus laid que SWTOR globalement. ça reste mignon et beaucoup moins cul serré au niveau des tenues que le mmo Star Wars. L'interface est aussi plus pratique à l'usage... bref, y a pas à tortiller, c'est bien pensé.

    Toujours est-il que l'absence de voix et de vraie direction narrative par rapport à SWTOR est une belle douche froide et que comme tout mmo qui se respecte -et c'est là l'essence du genre- on se fait rapidement chier. L'intérêt tout de même (!) c'est qu'on peut se faire chier en groupe ! bêêêh...

    Le gameplay de ces mmo rpg est typique et a toujours comme caractéristique frappante cette absence d'intérêt, ce manque flagrant de finesse et cette course débile aux points d'expérience (c'est effectivement le nerf de la guerre) sans queue ni tête. Finalement, le mmo c'est le dernier stade de l'évolution des jeux vidéo : la lobotomisation totale et la fin de l'amusement. C'est bien triste.    … Expand
  8. Schoobs
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    Guild Wars is a unique experience. Excellent story line, multiple campaigns (with hundreds of hours of extra content) and a beautiful world to explore. Easily my favorite game of all time. There's still a decent amount of people online and all the expansion so are inexpensive, I'd still recommend it now in 2016.
  9. Masteis
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    I spent my teenage times while playing Guild Wars. Actually there were many MMORPG's i was playing but the 'Guild Wars' was the real one. I'm not giving "10" points for that i was fan of it. GW deserves it.

    Game provides you "Dude, you are free, you can anything you want. Build your character as you wish" There was no power differences between classes cuz you wouldn't know your    I spent my teenage times while playing Guild Wars. Actually there were many MMORPG's i was playing but the 'Guild Wars' was the real one. I'm not giving "10" points for that i was fan of it. GW deserves it.

    Game provides you "Dude, you are free, you can anything you want. Build your character as you wish"
    There was no power differences between classes cuz you wouldn't know your oppenents' build.

    Maybe the best thing was in GW, it was forcing you to use your brain. You couldn't play only spamming keyboard buttons. You had calculate your enemy and play smart and not only for pvp, pve was difficult to play too.

    Still best MMORPG for me and many players.    … Expand
  10. SilentHightimes
    Sep 12, 2014
    8
    Fantastic fun world to play solo or with friends beautiful graphics and gameplay.

    Solid fun with epic pvp and clan/Faction building very guild oriented.

    Awesome Rpg i don't consider it a MMO.

    Worth $50
  11. Camora11
    Sep 6, 2014
    10
    The first MMO I ever played way back in 2005. It is hands down my favorite game to this day. Everything from the story, the character attributes, skill/spell diversity, pvp, seasonal events, side quests, and community gave me some really fun memories. This game will always be special to me.
  12. thingamajiggly
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    This is the game that actually got me hooked on video games. I would watch my sister and her boyfriend play, and I fell in love. I loved the graphics, the ability to explore, and the storyline. Unlike a lot of other MMORPGs , you don't have to pay a monthly fee after you purchase the game. Also, you have the ability to play by yourself, and don't have to depend on others to get throughThis is the game that actually got me hooked on video games. I would watch my sister and her boyfriend play, and I fell in love. I loved the graphics, the ability to explore, and the storyline. Unlike a lot of other MMORPGs , you don't have to pay a monthly fee after you purchase the game. Also, you have the ability to play by yourself, and don't have to depend on others to get through the game.… Expand
  13. JimCorbett
    May 26, 2014
    8
    My first foray into the MMO scene and I was not disappointed in the slightest. No subscription fee, awesome gameplay, great story, and just an overall wonderful experience.
  14. aatassi
    Mar 3, 2014
    7
    Best RPG in 2005.
    Good things : story lines, missions, graphics, fights with mercenaries (NPC) like in RTS games, attributes, skills, leveling up, exploring, traveling by map, elite skills capture, different regions in Tyria, towns, fights with final boss Khilbron, class specific armors.
    less : CORP, looking for guilds, craft, auction houses, cities, 1 playable race, 1 starting point    Best RPG in 2005.
    Good things : story lines, missions, graphics, fights with mercenaries (NPC) like in RTS games, attributes, skills, leveling up, exploring, traveling by map, elite skills capture, different regions in Tyria, towns, fights with final boss Khilbron, class specific armors.

    less : CORP, looking for guilds, craft, auction houses, cities, 1 playable race, 1 starting point for pve

    Game play : 7/10, graphics : 6,5/10, back ground : 7/10, lifetime : 7/10, sound : 7/10, community : 8/10, world : 7/10    … Expand
  15. renanherz
    Dec 18, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt, the best MMORPG I have played to date (although technically not actually an MMORPG).

    The graphics are gorgeous. There is an endless variety of character skillset possibilities due to the hundreds and hundreds of skills available for each character profession. This means you can never bore of the gameplay, and if you are into PVP it becomes a constantly changing arena    Without a doubt, the best MMORPG I have played to date (although technically not actually an MMORPG).

    The graphics are gorgeous.

    There is an endless variety of character skillset possibilities due to the hundreds and hundreds of skills available for each character profession. This means you can never bore of the gameplay, and if you are into PVP it becomes a constantly changing arena involving teams changing/trialing new and progressively more creative builds to counter the currently winning team's build. Testing builds yourself to try and beat certain enemies/bosses, or solo certain areas is always a fun and rewarding experience.

    The game is complex, but not enough for the learning curve to be huge. The game itself is simple enough to learn to play, the challenge instead comes in learning how to play well.

    The map is huge, especially when combined with its expansions, and you will never run out of things to do.

    The game is free to play, and does not reward players who play for hours on end over those who are more casual. Everyone has access to gear with the same stats, the hardcore players simply pay extra in order to look better than everyone else. This was one of my favourite features about guild wars, especially over guild wars 2, which instead opts to reward hardcore players with a slight edge in stats over ordinary players due to their extensive playtimes.

    I only managed to stop playing this game after my computer crashed, for which I was grateful because this game genuinely ends up taking a large chunk of your life away. These days i play guild wars 2 instead, which is very fun and has stunning graphics, but feels very simple in comparison, especially in PvP due to the very limited skills available and lack of customisation.    … Expand
  16. k0pkaas
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    Whenever I try out a new mmo the first thing I do is compare it to Guild Wars. That is how much of an impact this game left on me. I picked it up within a few months of it having came out and played it for YEARS. I had thousands of hours logged into this game, and STILL can't help but log on every once in a while to take a trip down memory lane. The game is of course very dated and I can'tWhenever I try out a new mmo the first thing I do is compare it to Guild Wars. That is how much of an impact this game left on me. I picked it up within a few months of it having came out and played it for YEARS. I had thousands of hours logged into this game, and STILL can't help but log on every once in a while to take a trip down memory lane. The game is of course very dated and I can't play it with the fervor that I used to, but it is still the mold with which I compare every mmo I come across. Hopefully soon a game will come which will match or surpass my image of it.… Expand
  17. kirbman101
    Sep 10, 2013
    10
    I played this game for years and enjoyed every moment of it. It plays a bit differently than other MMOs, because it is designed to prevent grinding, trolling, imbalance, and various other negative factors that typically plague online games.
  18. RobertN
    Jul 15, 2013
    9
    I don't regret a minute of time spent in this game. The story is beautiful, the PvE is rich in content, and the community is excellent. The game offers so much versatility as well, with any class being able to take on the role of another with builds. The PvP is by far the best I've ever seen. All in all, it's a masterpiece. The only problem as of now is the community is a little on theI don't regret a minute of time spent in this game. The story is beautiful, the PvE is rich in content, and the community is excellent. The game offers so much versatility as well, with any class being able to take on the role of another with builds. The PvP is by far the best I've ever seen. All in all, it's a masterpiece. The only problem as of now is the community is a little on the dead side due to it's awful sequel.… Expand
  19. DivinityItself
    Jan 23, 2013
    9
    All has been said in varied reviews about GW. All I can tell you is from 2005 up until now I've played for 7600+ hours. That's approximately 320 full days over a 7 year span. The only games that got me engaged in the past are Sword of Fargoal on the CBM64, Dungeon Master (and Chaos Strikes Back) by FTL on the Atari ST. I hope that ArenaNet never pulls the plug on it.
  20. gendu
    Oct 16, 2012
    10
    Last time I typed /age in the chat, I got as response that I had played the game over 3500 hours on this account, this excludes the time I spent on my 2 other accounts. A game that can keep me playing and enjoying it for 5 years and over 3500 hours deserves a 10.
  21. St33rpike
    Jul 18, 2012
    6
    Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of MMORPGs. The only other one I've played extensively is World of Warcraft, and I preferred that game by a large margin. Why? Well, Guild Wars always seemed like a more limited version of WoW. The level cap is lower, the possibilities for playing without being in a party are more limited, and the items are less varied and interesting. None of that wouldAdmittedly, I'm not a huge fan of MMORPGs. The only other one I've played extensively is World of Warcraft, and I preferred that game by a large margin. Why? Well, Guild Wars always seemed like a more limited version of WoW. The level cap is lower, the possibilities for playing without being in a party are more limited, and the items are less varied and interesting. None of that would matter very much if I really wanted to spend my time playing with other people, but there's nothing I find more frustrating than sitting down to play a video game and instead spending the next hour trying to get a group together, only to finally give up and turn it off. WoW offers gamers a lot of options for playing without depending on other players, and that is why I preferred it to Guild Wars.… Expand
  22. hfffoman
    Jul 5, 2012
    10
    I have had hours of fun with this game. It is beautifully atmospheric, has a good story, and a combat system capable of enormous sophistication. The world it creates feels very real and I actually cared about its fate.
  23. WaterWoman
    May 18, 2012
    9
    This game was my first MMO and level 20 with all the expansions. As the years went on (maybe I put 400 hours into this game, or 500 but no more), the graphics got a little old and the gameplay not as fun; however, the hooks from this game was already in pretty deep. GW2 beta was more fun than GW the first time I played it. I've never played WoW. Learning all the new builds really wasThis game was my first MMO and level 20 with all the expansions. As the years went on (maybe I put 400 hours into this game, or 500 but no more), the graphics got a little old and the gameplay not as fun; however, the hooks from this game was already in pretty deep. GW2 beta was more fun than GW the first time I played it. I've never played WoW. Learning all the new builds really was enjoyable, esp. all the necro. stuff with your heroes. I didn't play PvP much; I'm sure I was one of the rare people who didn't like it that much.… Expand
  24. Previousricebow
    May 17, 2012
    10
    I wish Diablo 3 was this good. Massive world, every innovative play. Zero grinding, one of the best mmo ever made. Many many korean mmo copied guild war's style.
  25. Trancez
    May 15, 2012
    10
    Guild Wars was a fantastic game that was well worth it's price. It offers more gameplay and customization than any game of it's peers. It was and forever will be a game that will be notable.
  26. rubin
    Apr 30, 2012
    9
    So addictive it's not even funny. Has gameplay unlike any other MMO, graphics that are a rape to the eyeballs and music that you won't be able to get out of your head any time soon. It is also relatively grindfest-free due to the low level cap, which I find to be a huge plus. While the formula gets a little stale after a while and the plot is nothing to write home about, it is still theSo addictive it's not even funny. Has gameplay unlike any other MMO, graphics that are a rape to the eyeballs and music that you won't be able to get out of your head any time soon. It is also relatively grindfest-free due to the low level cap, which I find to be a huge plus. While the formula gets a little stale after a while and the plot is nothing to write home about, it is still the best MMO I have ever played. Here's hoping GW2 will become a worthy successor of the original.… Expand
  27. gist95966
    Apr 4, 2012
    9
    Why imo this game is great:
    (1) No monthly fee. If you do the math for other MMO's out there your going to pay a lot more once you start playing for over a year. Which to me, is very short.
    (2) No real grind besides what you choose to grind out, and it has insignificant impact on play. You can grind out titles which do nothing besides increase your e-peen or grind out materials for armor    Why imo this game is great:
    (1) No monthly fee. If you do the math for other MMO's out there your going to pay a lot more once you start playing for over a year. Which to me, is very short.

    (2) No real grind besides what you choose to grind out, and it has insignificant impact on play. You can grind out titles which do nothing besides increase your e-peen or grind out materials for armor which have no better stats than armor you can get for cheap - again increasing your e-peen but no real benefit other than that.

    (3) No worries about making a mistake with your character - it's very easy to change out what you use. Fitting the no-grind theme of this game.

    (4) Perfect way to deal with death imo - you fail the quest but you don't lose anything like experience or items. Plus you only fail the quest after dying multiple times.

    (5) It's fun!    … Expand
  28. Wynnyelle
    Mar 7, 2012
    8
    I played this game a few years back and for the life of me, could not get into it. Recently I decided to give it a second chance when I was offered the opportunity to play it again, and I'm glad that I picked it up for a second go. Once I got into the game, I became immersed in the story and the characters. The gameplay is slightly awkward for somebody who isn't used to it, but once II played this game a few years back and for the life of me, could not get into it. Recently I decided to give it a second chance when I was offered the opportunity to play it again, and I'm glad that I picked it up for a second go. Once I got into the game, I became immersed in the story and the characters. The gameplay is slightly awkward for somebody who isn't used to it, but once I started to get the hang of things I really began enjoying myself. You don't have to party up with people if group work isn't your thing, and I like that a lot. I can play with friends if I want to, or I can just do things alone. I don't have to team up with total strangers that could potentially ruin my experience. Granted, I have met some nice people and the community seems to be nice overall, which is a good thing. Really looking forward to finishing up the campaigns in this game, and especially looking forward to the sequel.… Expand
  29. CowardlyDog
    Feb 19, 2012
    10
    Amazing game, very addictive, and even after many years after launch, it still has a reason to be played, which is the Hall of Monuments reward system for GW2
  30. AlexanderVascus
    Jan 27, 2012
    10
    Many of the reviews here are either badly composed or off the topic based on personal experiences or just dumb choices. This game is the cure for your wallet, it's an engaging experience that won't burn your money. The PvP is one of this game's most stable and well-designed features, make no mistake this game does have PvE as any MMO game should. Also keep in mind this game is pureMany of the reviews here are either badly composed or off the topic based on personal experiences or just dumb choices. This game is the cure for your wallet, it's an engaging experience that won't burn your money. The PvP is one of this game's most stable and well-designed features, make no mistake this game does have PvE as any MMO game should. Also keep in mind this game is pure perfection if you do not mind instances when out questing. If you don't know what that means is, whoever you take with you whilst leaving the city/outpost, is all you're going to have with you. No random people coming in to yoink your xp gain or kill the mobs you set out to kill. They're all there, at every load. 1. Updates> This game since release has had a variety of changes from classes to balancing.
    2.The World> The expansions add rewarding content is persistent for each of your characters, you can visit any continent as long as you've reached the area to travel to it, the visuals are different everywhere you go, its always nice to have some new colors.
    3.Since navigation is so simple and streamlined, the minimap also shows where you've walked, making it easy for you not to get lost.
    4. PvE combat> PvE is well done, the mobs are easy to find and a wiki feature in the game makes it easy for you to find what you're looking for.
    5. Questing and Progression>This game is extremely quick to level in, what makes your character stronger is how you build their skills and set their gear. You'll reach max rank in no time, quest, do missions and your time shall not be wasted. Missions progress you through the storyline of each campaign (that is if you have the other expansions) but if you just own Prophecies it's the same deal.
    6.End Game> Since leveling is so quick, the true content of the game is its end game, you'll have a variety of missions and titles to gain and due to Guild Wars 2 on the way if you own Eye of the North, you will get rewards for completing them if you get the next installment. Raids, dungeons, (Speed clears) are all in the game, know your role and get moving.

    This game leads you to have a much different experience at each turn, each class feels different, and a second play-through known as hard mode can get you some cash.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 2005
12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
16
#16 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 53
  3. Negative: 0 out of 53
  1. Inside Gamer Online
    90
    It’s impossible to describe the joy playing Guild Wars offers. It isn’t particularly deep, but it’s highly rewarding nonetheless. A friendly design and interface, and the simple, elegant combat, are bound to appeal to a wide range of gamers.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpot
    92
    It innovatively and successfully combines many of the best, most addictive properties of action RPGs, online RPGs, and competitive multiplayer games in one beautifully produced package, which offers a tremendous lasting value yet none of the monthly fees typically associated with online-only games.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    90
    If tedious leveling up, dull combat, or uninspired player vs. player gaming are your quibbles with today's massively multiplayer offerings, Guild Wars is the cure.
    Read full review
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