Guild Wars 2 is an MMORPG set in the high fantasy world of Tyria.
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Story & Themes
Guild Wars 2 is set in Tyria 250 years after the events of the Eye of the North Expansion of the original Guild Wars. The player must team up with members of the multiracial group Destiny's Edge in order to face the threat of the Elder Dragons. The core storyline, which is called the Personal Story, remains the same despite the dynamic nature of the game, though players can make several key decisions that shape the journey. For instance, players can decide between joining three different orders after Part III of the main arc, and each order has a distinct approach toward dealing with the Elder Dragons. Ultimately, no matter which route players choose to take, the storyline ends with the defeat of the powerful Dragon Zhaitan.
Save Points
The game automatically saves progress, though not if you log out in the middle of an instance or PvP match.
Difficulty
Guild Wars 2 has a decent tutorial system to introduce the basics, but as with most MMOs, the game can get fairly complicated as players progress.
Heads Up!
Violence Players fight an array of monster and human enemies with typical fantasy weapons, firearms, explosives, and magic. Blood is absent from actual combat, though it does appear in some cutscenes and as underwater blood-cloud effects.
Strong Language The game contains some mild swearing, including words like "ass" and "bastard."
Substance Use Some achievements and minigames feature the consumption of alcohol. When the player's character is drunk, the screen will appear blurry.
Consumerism Players can access the full game with a one-time purchase, though some cosmetic items are available in the cash shop.
Online Community
Guild Wars 2 includes an open chat, though swear words are censored. The game also supports voice chat within guilds, so discretion is advised.
Conversation Starters
- Guild Wars 2's developers made a conscious effort to avoid the grinding element present in many MMOs. Did you notice this difference in Guild Wars 2's gameplay? Did you enjoy it?
- How did you choose to make your major decisions in the Personal storyline? Were you playing in character, or did you pick whatever choice seemed best?
- Do you ever communicate with others in-game using the chat? If so, what do you think of the game's community? How can you help contribute to a positive community experience for others?