This month marks a remarkable milestone—twenty years since the release of the first Guild Wars campaign, which later came to be known as Prophecies. Back in 2005, ArenaNet introduced players to the expansive world of Tyria, sparking what would grow into a beloved global franchise. Since then, millions of players have explored the world of Guild Wars, first through the original series and later in Guild Wars 2, each game offering its own unforgettable stories, characters, and challenges.
To honor two decades of adventure, ArenaNet is kicking off a celebration across both titles. Players will notice that classic Guild Wars homage items have returned to the Guild Wars 2 Gem Store for a limited time, allowing newer players and veterans alike to revisit nostalgic looks at a discount. Meanwhile, the original Guild Wars is holding an Anniversary Celebration festival filled with reissued and newly available content, along with significant sales on the game and its editions—including the debut of a special collection created for this occasion.
In Guild Wars 2, select iconic items inspired by the original game are back in the Gem Store and are being offered at a 20% discount. This is a great opportunity to collect some of the franchise’s most cherished cosmetic gear, such as Gwen’s Attire and the Primeval Dervish Outfit. Fans of classic weapon designs will be happy to see skins like the Storm Bow, Bone Dragon Staff, and Peacock Scepter make a return as well. These legacy items are only available until April 29, so those looking to customize their characters with a touch of history should act quickly. Additionally, it’s worth remembering that a variety of weapons rooted in the original Guild Wars remain available to earn or craft in Guild Wars 2, including the Destroyer and Tengu weapon sets and standout pieces like Fellblade, Razorstone, and the celebrated Sunspear weapon in both staff and spear forms.
The original Guild Wars is also receiving fresh updates as part of the anniversary. Many weapons that were once exclusive to promotions or early releases—such as preorder bonuses and region-specific content—are now obtainable again. These items can now drop as rare loot from high-level foes across Tyria, allowing players a new chance to collect what were previously one-time opportunities. In addition, a variety of limited-release miniatures have become available through questing with Merrise, Sworn to Seas, located at Embark Beach. These minis are now offered in a nontradeable form, letting collectors expand their libraries with some of the game’s rarest companions.
Even more exciting is the introduction of new upgrades for main-hand weapons. These enhancements, which drop as rare loot, come with “of the [Profession]” suffixes that raise the corresponding profession’s primary attribute by up to five points—potentially empowering builds that wouldn’t usually benefit from such attributes. Beyond their gameplay utility, these upgrades also add visual flair, with profession-specific particle effects that glow on the equipped weapon.
While the anniversary event is underway, players can visit the ancient weaponsmith at Embark Beach to obtain exclusive weapons that feature the newly returned skins and attribute-boosting upgrades. It’s a unique chance to both relive history and experience new mechanics.
For those who are new to the series—or those who wish to introduce friends to the magic of the original—now is the perfect time to jump in. In celebration of the anniversary, editions of Guild Wars are available at an 80% discount, which is the most generous sale in the franchise’s history. This includes the brand-new Guild Wars: The 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Collection, a definitive bundle featuring all three campaigns—Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall—as well as the Eye of the North expansion and the Bonus Mission Pack. On top of that, premium items such as storage panes, costumes, and unlock packs are currently being offered at a 60% discount.
This anniversary is more than a look back; it’s a celebration of a vibrant community and the stories built together over the past two decades. Whether you’re returning to Tyria or discovering it for the first time, this moment reflects what has always made Guild Wars special—the players who inhabit its world and breathe life into its adventures. ArenaNet extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of the journey. Here’s to the next chapter in Tyria’s story.
