Exploring the Origins of Orr

ArenaNet has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Guild Wars 3 will take place 1,000 years prior to the events of the original Guild Wars. The story focuses on the ancient realm of Orr, a setting that the studio believes will serve as a compelling backdrop for both veteran enthusiasts and those new to the franchise.

During an exclusive preview at Gamescom, ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson provided deeper insights into the narrative direction. Players will take on the role of a 'Veil Warden' in a world that predates the catastrophic events depicted in previous entries.


«Players have been asking us for over a decade to see what Orr was like before the gods left, before it was destroyed, and so this is very much for our fans to give them something to get excited about,» said Johanson.

A Narrative Fresh Start

Despite the deep roots in franchise history, Johanson emphasized that Guild Wars 3 is designed to be highly accessible. New players will not be required to have experience with the previous titles to follow the plot or understand the world-building.

According to Johanson, only a fraction of this era’s history has been revealed outside of the studio, meaning the vast majority of the lore is fresh territory for everyone. He explained:

  • The studio has kept significant portions of this timeline's history internal until now.
  • The narrative is crafted so that fans and newcomers will be discovering the setting simultaneously.
  • While longtime fans might recognize specific species, characters, or locations, the broader experience puts all players on equal footing.

Looking Ahead

The developers believe this period offers the perfect entry point for those intimidated by the extensive history of the Guild Wars universe. By setting the game in a time when the world was vastly different from the ruins explored in Guild Wars 2, the team is creating a unique opportunity for collective discovery.

While an official release date has not yet been set, ArenaNet has announced that a beta phase is expected to arrive in the fall of 2027. The title is confirmed for release on PC and PlayStation 5.