Guild Wars 2 review

Guild Wars 2 is the best free MMORPG for players who dislike subscriptions. ArenaNet's Steam page describes an open world where you help other players with events, jumping puzzles and world bosses without joining their party, and you earn experience from almost everything, including reviving others and gathering herbs. Structured PvP puts every player at the same level with max-level gear and build options, so spending does not buy an edge there. The core game is free, and ArenaNet says over 16 million players have joined. The free account is limited, though: upgrading adds log-in rewards, more character and bag slots and chat features, and the best-known systems, such as gliding and mounts, come with expansions. In the US Steam store the Starter Pack is $19.99 and expansions cost $24.99 to $29.99. Of 19,371 Steam reviews, 88% are positive. The PC version needs 70 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM.

Who it is for

MMORPG players who want no subscription and fair PvP

Price

Free core game; Starter Pack $19.99 and expansions from $24.99 in the US Steam store.

Guild Wars 2® Starter Pack $19.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Open world with renown hearts and dynamic events you join without forming a party
• Structured PvP where every player competes at the same level with max-level gear
• Hundreds of skills and traits across professions and weapons
• Wardrobe that unlocks skins as you equip gear, plus collectible dyes
• Six paid expansions add gliding, mounts, fishing, skiffs and new maps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No subscription fee required
• Strength: 88% of 19,371 Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: Structured PvP puts everyone on equal gear
• Weakness: Free accounts lack the extra character and bag slots that come with an upgrade
• Weakness: Mounts and gliding need paid expansions
• Weakness: 70 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM required

Key facts

• Developer: ArenaNet
• Price: Free, Starter Pack $19.99
• Players: Over 16 million, per ArenaNet
• Steam reviews: 88% of 19,371 positive
• PC storage: 70 GB

Where it ranks

Guild Wars 2 is No. 5 in our Best Free RPGs verdict.