Quick Links
- Free Version
- Paid Version
- When Should You Get A Paid Account?
The base game of Guild Wars 2 is completely free to play, but eventually, you will have the option to pay for additional content. If you are new to the game, you may be asking yourself what the differences between the paid and free versions are, but thankfully, we have all the answers that you are looking for.
First, it's important to know that to download and play Guild Wars 2, you do not have to spend any money. All you need to do is head to the Guild Wars 2 official website and download the game. Now, let's take a look at what the free version of the game includes.
Free Version
The free version of Guild Wars 2 contains the entire base game. This is the main story excluding any Living World seasons and expansions. With a free account, you have access to every class, as well as two character slots.
If you are playing the free version, you will not have access to the following features.
- Daily Bonuses
- Limited Trading Post items
- Exchanging Gold For Gems
- Sending Items In The Mail
- Chatting In the Map Chat
- Chatting In PvP Lobby
- This unlocks once you reach Rank 20
- Using Items Purchased With Gems
- Mount Skins, Gliders, etc.
- Raids
- Using the LFG (Looking For Group)
- This unlocks once you reach level 30
Exploration
Those playing the free version will also have level restrictions for certain areas. For example, you will need to remain in the starting area until level ten, and you will only gain access to Lion's Arch once you become level 35.
WvW
World vs. World is a game mode where you join a squad, attempting to conquer a map while facing other servers. This game mode is locked until at least one of your characters becomes level 60.
Paid Version
As the name suggests, you will need to pay for this version of Guild Wars 2. Currently, you are unable to purchase just the core game, however, there are often deals with other sites (such as Amazon), which allow you to upgrade to the paid version.
To get the paid version of the game, you will need to purchase at least one expansion. There are three in total, with Path of Fire and Heart of Thorns being bundled together, and End of Dragons being a separate purchase. You can also purchase a bundle of all three at the same time.
With the paid version of Guild Wars 2, you will have access to all the content included in the expansions and Living World seasons that you currently own. For example, if you are playing as an Elementalist and own both Path of Fire and Heart of Thorns, you are able to play as both Tempest and Weaver. Since you do not own End of Dragons, you will not have access to the Catalyst specialization until you purchase it.
Overall, with a paid account, you have unrestricted access to all the features that are unavailable for free accounts.
Living World seasons occur between expansions. You can purchase the chapters of each season separately, or buy them all at the same time.
When Should You Get A Paid Account?
Although there are restrictions for free accounts, there is still tons of content in the game. Having a free account lets you 'test the waters' before committing to a purchase. If you do decide to buy the game, you will only need to make a one-time payment; Guild Wars 2 does not have a subscription fee, which means that once you buy it, you don't have to pay each month to continue playing.
It's completely okay to play the free version until you reach level 80, but if you decide that you love the game, you can purchase the expansions right away!
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