ArenaNet has revealed that Guild Wars 3 takes place around 1000 years before the events of the original game. The setting is the kingdom of Orr during the time when human gods still wandered the land.
In a video posted to the official Guild Wars YouTube channel, developer ArenaNet detailed the timeline and setting for the upcoming game. Players will join a guild called the Vaelwardens and receive magic from the gods. The story occurs before the gods depart Orr and before the legendary Guild Wars that give the series its name.
Guild Wars 3 was first shown at this year's Summer Game Fest. Studio leadership has confirmed the game will launch without a subscription fee or battle pass. A beta is planned for the fourth quarter of 2027.
The new setting leaves the historic guild conflicts as future events that player characters cannot reach within a normal lifespan. ArenaNet has noted other key lore moments from this era remain to be explored.
