Guild Wars tries to reduce grinding by using a very low maximum level (20) which can be reached within 24 hours of playing the game. Equipment with maximum statistics is also easy to obtain. [Break] The more you play, the better your gear will look, but your character won't be stronger than others. This means that, unlike most MMORPGs, it is not about who has more hours to spend doing the same thing. Instead, it is about making use of what you've got to create better strategy.

Though Stellar Dawn will not use stats and levels, something similar to this sounds possible and logical.

Q: When is Guild Wars 2 going to be released?
A: When it's finished. Guild Wars 2 is the largest project ArenaNet® has ever undertaken, and we want to make sure we take the time to do it right.

Q: When are you going to release more information?
A: We will release more info about lore and races later this year. We will reveal more about gameplay early next year.

Q: When will there be a beta?
A: Although we publicly beta-tested the original Guild Wars® while it was still in early development, with Guild Wars 2 we will commence beta testing closer to the game's release. Guild Wars 2 is a very large and ambitious game, and Guild Wars players rightfully have very high expectations. We want players to be absolutely blown away by the game the first time they experience it.


Q: How is Guild Wars 2 different from other MMOs?
A: While Guild Wars 2 adds a persistent-world experience, it retains the unique characteristics of the original game, including strong narrative, extensive instanced gameplay, anti-grind design philosophy, and strong support for competitive play.


Q: How will character progression work? Will you be raising the level cap?
A: Guild Wars 2 will have the kind of extensive character advancement appropriate to a persistent-world RPG. Our goal is to avoid forcing players into the grind-based gameplay that too often accompanies a high level cap.
Also, to allow players the freedom to play together even if their friends are at a much higher (or lower) level, we are planning to implement a strong sidekick system, similar to that used in City of Heroes™.
We're applying this same philosophy to competitive play. Players will be able to engage in organized, balanced PvP (similar to GvG in the original Guild Wars) without first leveling up characters, finding equipment, and unlocking skills. While inside the organized PvP area, all characters will be the same power level and will have access to the same equipment.



Q: It looks like the charr have guns in the Guild Wars 2 trailer. Will there be firearms in Guild Wars 2?
A: Since Guild Wars 2 takes place 250 years in the future from Guild Wars, we wanted to introduce new technology to Tyria. From the mystical tech of the asura to the industrial war machines of the charr, Guild Wars 2 unmistakably takes place in a different era than the original game, and the weaponry and machinery reflect that. Firearms will definitely be part of the equation — but with a unique twist.