### Guild Wars 3: A Return to the Roots of Tyria
If you’ve played Guild Wars or its sequel, you know that the land of Tyria is a godless place. This wasn’t always the case; more than 1200 years before the events of the original 2005 MMO, the gods abandoned the planet, leaving its various guilds to fend for themselves with swords and siege weapons at their disposal. In crafting a new game that would be as unfamiliar to longtime fans as it is to newcomers, developer ArenaNet has chosen to set the next installment, Guild Wars 3, at the pivotal moment when the gods decided to leave.
#### Setting: The Land of Orr
Guild Wars 3 will take players to the land of Orr, a region once favored by the gods where their temples and holy cities were located. Following the gods’ departure, the Orrians maintained these ancient structures in hope of their return. However, this locale became the epicenter of conflict, marking the beginning of the first Guild War—a vast struggle among the kingdoms of Tyria. Players will find themselves in this historical moment, just before these grand events unfold.
Colin Johanson, studio head at ArenaNet, revealed that the game is set 1,200 years before Guild Wars 1, right before the outbreak of the first Guild War and following the deposing of one of the gods. This timeframe offers a unique narrative opportunity, allowing players to explore the lore surrounding the gods’ existence and their mysterious departure.
#### A Fresh Perspective on History
The decision to go backward in the timeline, rather than forward, is a bold move by ArenaNet. Similar to Bioware’s approach with The Old Republic, the developers have chosen a time marked by uncertainty and fragmentation in history—a period where much of the lore remains underexplored. According to Johanson, this era is rich with mysteries and stories that have shaped the Guild Wars narrative. It promises to offer exciting quests centered around the chaos that ensues as factions are left adrift without their divine patrons.
As players navigate this tumultuous moment in history, they can expect thrilling missions that reflect the world’s shifting dynamics, especially for those familiar with Tyria’s distant future.
#### Gameplay and Player Experience
In addition to the intriguing setting, Johanson assured fans that Guild Wars 3 will not include a subscription fee or battle pass, a move aimed at addressing player frustrations with common monetization practices in the gaming industry.
As anticipation builds for the game’s beta launch next year, fans are eager to experience the rich historical context of Tyria during a pivotal moment. Players may even dream of participating in quests that highlight significant future events, such as recognizing key locations that will become prominent—or infamous—in Guild Wars lore.
#### Conclusion
Guild Wars 3 aims to delve into an unexplored chapter of Tyria’s history, bringing fresh perspectives on its complex lore while allowing players to witness the origins of monumental conflicts. As the game approaches its beta release, it promises to engage both returning players and newcomers alike in an exciting journey through the godless landscape of this beloved franchise.
