Guild Wars 3 details reveal prequel setting and playable races

ArenaNet is developing Guild Wars 3, an MMORPG set approximately 1,000 years before the events of the first game. The narrative focuses on the realm of Orr and the role of players as Vaelwächter (Vael Guardians) within a wilder, more primitive version of Tyria.

At launch, players will have access to four playable races: Humans, Asura, Kodan, and a mysterious fourth race. Developers have reworked the existing races to fit this earlier era. The Asura are depicted as curious, progressive explorers rather than the magitech-focused civilization seen in later titles, while the Kodan serve as wise environmental guardians. Humans are portrayed as a younger, central race in Orr.

Speculation regarding the fourth race has gained traction in the community. One prominent fan theory suggests the return of the Sidhe, a concept from the unreleased Guild Wars: Utopia campaign. The Sidhe are described as nature-connected, fairy-like beings, which would provide a distinct identity alongside the other established races.