The original Guild Wars MMO gets a 20th anniversary upgrade with the launch of Guild Wars: Reforged

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Guild Wars, ArenaNet has released a new, updated version of the MMO titled Guild Wars Reforged. The main focus of the remaster was to provide updated hardware and controller compatibility as well as visual and audio updates alongside UI improvements — and you can check out the whole thing in its remastered glory right now.

The full list of features provided in the Reforged edition are:

• New quest tracking and direction system
• On-screen control guide
• UI enhanced with HD skill icons, larger text options, and quality-of-life improvements
• Support for high DPI displays
• New ambient occlusion, HD bloom, and antialiasing rendering enhancements
• Rebuilt audio system with environmental effects (no hardware support needed)
• Steam Deck Verified (pending)
• Support for XInput controllers (such as the Xbox Wireless Controller)

Players who already own Guild Wars (either standalone or via Steam) will automatically be upgraded to Reforged and all of its included campaigns at no cost. If you do not already have Guild Wars, the new Reforged edition costs $19.99 in the US. Guild Wars is not a subscription MMO like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy 14, so once you purchase the game you’ll have unlimited access to all unlocked content.

Guild Wars Reforged includes all three campaigns, and better Steam integration is coming

Guild Wars was pretty unique for MMOs when it released as the three major campaigns — Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall — were independent standalone purchases that provided their own leveling experience. If you had only purchased one of these in the past your account is now flagged to possess all three so you can start leveling a new character along any of the three paths.

It’s important to note that the expansion Eye of the North and the Bonus Mission Pack DLC are not included with Reforged, although if you already own them you’ll be able to access them as before. The updates provided by Reforged have not been rolled out in the DLC yet (although it is expected at some point).

With Reforged, players on Steam will now have a Steam OS-integrated game. This allows sharing of information with your Guild Wars 2 game if that was purchased in Steam; if you’re using the standalone client for Guild Wars 2 however you’ll want to stick with your ArenaNet login. Steam Deck verification is pending but expected so players who like to be portable while adventuring in Ascalon will be able to do so.