What Guild Wars 2 is
Guild Wars 2 is an online roleplaying game set in the fantasy world of Tyria. You pick a profession, choose weapons, and build your character from there. Combat is action-based and fast, and each profession handles each weapon type differently, so the same sword or bow plays in its own way depending on who's holding it. On top of that you unlock and equip hundreds of skills and traits to shape how your build works.
The open world is built around exploration. Your content guide points you toward things to do, your compass shows landmarks, or you can just pick a direction and walk. Characters you meet have their own stories and goals, and you get experience for helping them or working against them through renown hearts and dynamic events. Experience also comes from reviving defeated players, rescuing soldiers, gathering herbs, and similar everyday activities, so there is no single required grind.
Playing together with friends
You do not need to be in a party to cooperate in the open world. Players can join up to help with a fight, investigate a secret jumping puzzle, or take on a deadly world boss as the situation happens. That makes it easy for a group to run into the same event and pitch in without setup.
When you want something more organized, structured PvP is available on its own. There every player competes at the same level, with access to max-level gear and build options, so nobody shows up under-geared for a fight.
Character customization and appearance
Weapons and armor unlock their skins into your wardrobe as you equip them, and there are thousands of possible combinations plus a large selection of collectible dyes. If your group likes comparing looks as much as builds, there is plenty to work with.
Before you start
Guild Wars 2 is free to play with no subscription fee. Expansions and Living World seasons are separate purchases and add Masteries, new zones, rewards, and nine elite specializations each, including the glider in Heart of Thorns, mounts in Path of Fire, and fishing and skiffs in End of Dragons. Living World episodes become playable at level 80, and you may need to relaunch the game for an upgrade to take effect. Existing Guild Wars 2 accounts cannot be accessed through Steam, so plan which account your group will use before anyone starts.