The mobile version brings a specially tailored interface and controls for touch screen gameplay. Pre-registration is already open for Android users, while mobile access will first roll out in selected regions: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the Philippines.
Free access to the Prophecies campaign
New players will be able to play the complete Guild Wars: Prophecies campaign for free, along with selected additional content. However, the free version comes with certain limitations: it will not include PvP, chat will be restricted, and loading screens will contain ads.
ArenaNet states that full chat is unlocked with any in-game purchase. Additional campaigns will be available as separate purchases priced at $6.99, while the Guild Wars: Eye of the North expansion will cost $9.99, and the Bonus Mission Pack $5.99.
Existing players retain progress
For veterans of the series, the most important news is the synchronization of existing ArenaNet accounts. Players will be able to log in with their existing account and continue using their characters and progress on PC, Steam Deck, and mobile devices.
By logging into an existing ArenaNet account, ads are automatically removed, and full chat and trading are enabled. This means the mobile version does not function as a separate game, but as an additional way to access the already existing Guild Wars experience.
New naming rules and expansion of Forsaken Tunnels
Along with the mobile announcement, ArenaNet also announced several changes to the game itself. Character naming rules have been relaxed, allowing players to now use single-word names. Name Change Contracts are also coming to the store for those who wish to change the name of an existing character.
Additionally, the dungeon Forsaken Tunnels is officially expanding to post-Searing Ascalon and has been returned to be accessible to a wider range of players. Since Guild Wars Reforged allows full access to campaigns for all PC account owners, new content will be immediately available to existing players.
Guild Wars returns in a big way
The arrival of Guild Wars Reforged on mobile devices could open the door to a new audience, as well as bring back old players who want easier access to the classic MMORPG experience. ArenaNet clearly aims for a model where the mobile version is not a replacement for the PC release, but an extension of it.
If the performance is good, Guild Wars Reforged Mobile could become one of the more interesting attempts to transfer an older MMORPG to modern mobile platforms — without completely abandoning the original identity of the game.
