ArenaNet announced in a Steam news post published October 13, 2026 that Guild Wars 2 Living World seasons are no longer sold individually. Living World Season 2 is now free as part of the base game, and Seasons 3, 4, and 5 are bundled into expansions. ArenaNet’s stated goal is to make it easier for new and returning players to get into the game.
Guild Wars 2 has told its story across six expansions and five Living World seasons over 14 years. The update removes a common purchase complication. Players no longer need to buy separate story episodes between expansions. Under the new structure, a level 80 character can move from the end of the core story through Season 2 and into Heart of Thorns.
What is free and what is bundled
- Living World Season 2 is free for all players with a level 80 character, like Season 1.
- Living World Seasons 3 and 4 are included in the Heart of Thorns + Path of Fire bundle.
- Living World Season 5, The Icebrood Saga, is included in End of Dragons.
- Existing expansion owners automatically unlock any missing Season 3, 4, or 5 episodes.
Which bundle should you buy
The updated Elder Dragon Saga bundle is the clearest option for players who want the first three expansions and their connected Living World seasons. It includes Heart of Thorns, Path of Fire, End of Dragons, and Living World Seasons 3, 4, and 5. The new Astral Ward Saga bundle includes Secrets of the Obscure, Janthir Wilds, and Visions of Eternity, the latest expansion. The updated Complete Collection includes all six expansions plus Living World Seasons 3, 4, and 5, with Seasons 1 and 2 free for everyone.
Expansions remain available individually. Steam players get dynamic bundle pricing, which automatically discounts the cost of content already owned. Each bundle includes the Character Slots and Shared Inventory Slots tied to its expansions, but players who already own expansions in a bundle do not receive those slots a second time.
Refunds and Starter Pack items
Anyone who purchased Living World content after September 12, 2026 automatically receives a gem refund equal to the value of that content. Partial gem refunds are also being issued for Elder Dragon Saga Complete Collection purchases. The improved Starter Pack now includes a Copper-Fed Salvage-o-Matic, 5 Teleport to Friend devices, and 2 Black Lion Chest Keys. Players who previously bought the Starter Pack get these items automatically through in-game mail.
If a player has not received Starter Pack items or the Living World gem refund by October 15, they should contact ArenaNet support at support@arena.net.
What this means for players
The net effect is a simpler buy-in at every stage. A brand-new player can reach level 80, play Seasons 1 and 2 for free, and then pay for one bundle instead of piecing together separate episodes. A returning player can log in and find any missing Season 3, 4, or 5 episodes already unlocked, since ArenaNet is applying the unlock automatically.
This Living World change is separate from the new World vs. World borderlands map entering beta in November. ArenaNet has said Guild Wars 3 will be something truly new, but this announcement concerns how Guild Wars 2 sells its current story content.
