Guild Wars 2’s Future: Beyond End of Dragons and What’s Next
The question on the minds of many Guild Wars 2 fans is: Will Guild Wars 2 end after End of Dragons? The short and definitive answer is no. ArenaNet has explicitly confirmed that another expansion is in development, following the successful release of End of Dragons. This commitment to the long-term future of Guild Wars 2 signals a continued investment in the game, its world, and its dedicated player base. The journey through Tyria is far from over, and the developers have a clear vision for further expansions and story development.
The Confirmation of a New Expansion
ArenaNet has taken the unusual step of announcing a new expansion in very early stages of development. This early confirmation, a first for the studio, underscores their commitment to Guild Wars 2’s future. While they’ve cautioned against expecting news about it immediately, this early announcement provides peace of mind for the fanbase and indicates the game’s long-term viability. This means players can expect new story content, features, and challenges in the years to come. The developers aren’t resting on their laurels; they are actively pushing the boundaries of the game and its narrative.
Moving Beyond the End of the Dragon Cycle
The End of Dragons expansion itself concluded a significant chapter in the Guild Wars 2 saga, resolving the story arc focused on the Elder Dragons. This monumental ending might have led some to speculate about the game’s future. However, it’s evident that ArenaNet has long planned for what comes next. Rather than marking an endpoint, the conclusion of the Elder Dragon saga serves as a catalyst for new conflicts, stories, and challenges, which will be addressed in the upcoming expansion. The very structure of Guild Wars 2 as a living, evolving world lends itself to ongoing content creation.
Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure and Beyond
The current focus is, of course, on the recently released Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure. This is the fourth major expansion for the game, and it’s setting the stage for the next phase of Guild Wars 2. Notably, Secrets of the Obscure isn’t just a single content drop; it’s part of a larger content cycle that will include three quarterly updates, running from late 2023 to mid-2024. This ongoing content stream ensures a steady flow of new features, maps, and storyline progression. While Secrets of the Obscure introduces new aerial exploration via the Skyscale mount and other novel gameplay elements, this is intended to be a chapter, not the final act.
The Long-Term Vision
The ongoing success of Guild Wars 2 isn’t just about expansions; it’s about creating a rich and engaging experience for players. With over 12 million monthly active players, and a large daily active player base, it is clear that the game continues to attract both new and returning fans. The developers emphasize the importance of long-term vision, and this commitment is seen not only in major expansions, but also in regular updates, community events, and continued support for the game’s various modes, including PvE, PvP, and World-vs-World (WvW).
What to Expect in the Future
While specific details about the next expansion are still under wraps, certain trends and development patterns give players a glimpse of what they might anticipate. Future expansions are likely to introduce new playable areas with unique environments, new stories that develop the lore of Tyria, and new gameplay mechanics to keep things fresh. It is also likely that new masteries will be added and will continue to add more vertical progression.
Community Engagement
ArenaNet has always been good at communicating with the player base, and there is no indication that this will stop. Expect to see further communication in the coming months about the next expansion’s progress. Player feedback is vital to the development cycle, so community involvement remains a key part of shaping Guild Wars 2’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many expansions does Guild Wars 2 currently have?
Guild Wars 2 has four major expansion packs to date: Heart of Thorns (2015), Path of Fire (2017), End of Dragons (2022), and Secrets of the Obscure (2023).
2. Will there be a fifth expansion for Guild Wars 2?
Yes, ArenaNet has confirmed that a fifth expansion is in development, slated for a future release.
3. Is End of Dragons the last expansion for Guild Wars 2?
No, End of Dragons is not the last expansion. ArenaNet has made it clear that they are continuing to support the game with new content, including a new expansion in development.
4. What is the current max level in Guild Wars 2?
The current max level in Guild Wars 2 is level 80. Characters are scaled down in lower-level zones to keep content challenging.
5. What do you get with the End of Dragons expansion?
The Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons Standard Edition includes the expansion, a Shared Inventory Slot, and a Max Level Boost. Deluxe Editions include more items and gems.
6. How many character slots do I get with Guild Wars 2?
A purchased account starts with five character slots. Free-to-play accounts begin with two character slots. Additional slots can be purchased up to a maximum of 69 per account.
7. When was Guild Wars 2 released compared to Guild Wars 1?
Guild Wars 2 is set 250 years after the events of Guild Wars 1’s Eye of the North expansion.
8. What are some new features of Secrets of the Obscure?
Secrets of the Obscure introduces new aerial exploration, the Skyscale mount, new Masteries, and two new explorable zones, with a third coming in a later update.
9. Is Guild Wars 2 worth returning to?
Yes, many players feel it is worthwhile to return to Guild Wars 2. With ongoing expansion content and an active player base, there are plenty of new things to explore and experience.
10. Is Guild Wars 2 still popular in 2023?
Yes, Guild Wars 2 remains highly popular with a large monthly active player base and hundreds of thousands of daily active players.
11. What is World-vs-World (WvW)?
WvW is a large-scale PvP game mode where players from different “Home Worlds” battle each other. While the home world matters in WvW, it does not effect PvE gameplay.
12. What is the maximum party size in Guild Wars 2?
The maximum party size for group play in Guild Wars 2 is 5 players.
13. Does End of Dragons include previous expansions?
No, the End of Dragons expansion does not include the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire expansions, unless you purchased a Collection Edition that includes those previous expansions.
14. Can I start with the End of Dragons content?
Yes, but End of Dragons is designed for level 80 characters. Players can use a Max Level Boost to get started with the expansion content on an existing or new character.
15. What are the highest DPS classes in Guild Wars 2?
The highest DPS classes tend to shift with balance updates, but currently Thief, Ranger, and Revenant are some of the classes with consistently high damage output.