BELLEVUE, Wash., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Critically-acclaimed game development studio ArenaNet tonight announced , the third entry in the legendary and beloved MMORPG franchise and their first new game since 2012. The game will release globally on PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, marking the first time a game will appear on home consoles. The first beta test is scheduled for fall of 2027.
The official debut trailer features the first in-engine gameplay footage and can be viewed . The first concept art and other assets are hosted at the .
" is a new era not just for ArenaNet and , but also for MMORPGs as a whole," said Colin Johanson, Game Director and ArenaNet Studio Head. "The MMORPG genre has millions of players worldwide eager for new, modern experiences, and the opportunity to harness that excitement is immense. Our approach with is to push MMORPGs forward, to create an online game world that feels believable, rewarding, responsive, and innovative while at the same time respecting players' time and providing a positive, supportive space to build community and enjoy new stories in our universe."
Taking place over a thousand years before the events of the original game, is set in the Tyrian region of Orr, a vast wilderness frontier imbued with the world's magic. Nature entities with strong connections to the land called Vael spirits embody the vitality of this lush, verdant landscape. Various guilds are engaged in conflict over how to protect or exploit the bounty beyond civilization's borders. These multitudinous spirits will vary in size and influence within the ecosystems around them, with the most notable of these being the Seeker. As seen in the trailer, every player's Seeker will serve as a connection to the spirits of Orr and a mount that will carry them on their journeys through the game's open world.
Players will assume the role of a Vaelwarden, a member of a guild of adventurers committed to preserving and protecting both the spirits of the wild and the land of Orr itself. Through the deep character customization and skill-building gameplay the franchise is known for, players will seek adventure and confront danger across this sumptuous, vibrant online world, growing their relationships with the spirits of the wild, the inhabitants of Orr, and other Vaelwarden players.
A combat system designed from the outset to feel great on both a controller and keyboard rewards positioning by emphasizing the joy of movement and momentum. As players seamlessly transition between various movement modes, they can harness their speed and turn it into bigger damage and impact when fighting their foes.
More information about pricing, beta tests, release date, and gameplay features will be revealed later in 2026 and into 2027. will be available directly from the developers at , and can be wishlisted on and the beginning today, with more information available at the game's .
is the award-winning, visually stunning MMORPG franchise that originally launched in 2005 on PC. Boasting a timeless art-brought-to-life aesthetic, the epic grandeur of massive role-playing environments, fast-paced action combat, large-scale dynamic events that players tackle together in the open world, team-based competitive player-versus-player battles, and a sprawling fantasy storyline, the series is often proclaimed as having the friendliest player community in gaming. was relaunched as in 2025 and expanded to mobile devices in 2026. launched in 2012 on PC and quickly earned accolades across the industry, including Time Magazine's 2012 Game of the Year. Unlike most competitors, the franchise has always been playable with no subscription fee required, welcoming over 29 million players across its history.
ArenaNet is the developer of the best-selling and the groundbreaking massively multiplayer online PC role-playing games. The studio's mission is to create innovative online worlds, cultivate a vibrant and engaged global community of players, and to incorporate handcrafted artistry into every aspect of their games. ArenaNet formed in 2000, with press and fans consistently calling and two of the best MMOs and RPGs of all time. Based in Bellevue, WA, ArenaNet is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean gaming giant NC.
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