Guild Wars
Guild Wars is a 2005 MMORPG developed by ArenaNet, a studio founded by former Blizzard developers, and is notable for its buy-to-play model with no monthly subscription fee. It blends cooperative online play with a strong emphasis on skill-based combat and highly competitive player-versus-player battles.
The game used instanced areas, giving each party its own private copy of the world outside of shared hub towns and outposts, which reduced crowding and enemy competition. Its defining feature was a deep skill system where players built a focused loadout of just eight abilities drawn from two chosen professions, out of hundreds available, rewarding thoughtful build-crafting and teamwork over sheer grinding for gear. This design gave its structured PvP arenas a reputation for genuine strategic depth.
Guild Wars received several standalone campaigns, including Factions and Nightfall, and the Eye of the North expansion before its acclaimed sequel arrived. The original remains playable today and is fondly remembered for its subscription-free, skill-driven approach.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Guild Wars, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy XIV Online | Free + in-app purchases | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac |
| Guild Wars 2 | Free + in-app purchases | Steam Deck Playable | PC |
| New World | € 39,99 | Steam Deck Untested | PC |
Final Fantasy XIV Online
Free + in-app purchasesA narrative-driven MMORPG with a generous free trial.
Final Fantasy XIV Online runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Guild Wars 2
Free + in-app purchasesThe open-world sequel with dynamic events and no subscription.
Guild Wars 2 runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
New World
€ 39,99An action MMO with a classless build system and open-world PvP.
New World runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
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