Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is a free-to-play game with many optional purchases. These comes in two forms; extra playable content like expansions, and microtransactions.

Expansions

The game sells 5 expansions that can be purchased in several ways.
- The first and second expansion can only be bought in bundles. Neither of them can be bought alone. To purchase both the first and second expansion costs 30 USD.
- The third expansion can be purchased alone or in a larger bundle. By itself it costs 30 USD.
- The forth expansion can be only be purchased by itself for 25 USD.
- The fifth expansion can only be purchased by itself for 25 USD.

The first, second, and third expansion can be purchased one of four bundles;
- Standard Edition; This unlocks all 3 expansions for 50 USD. This also comes with some other perks such as character boosts and inventory slots.
- Deluxe Edition; This comes with everything from the standard edition as well as extra perks and cosmetics for 75 USD.
- Ultimate Edition; This come with everything from the deluxe edition and 4000 Gems, the in-game premium currency for 100 USD
- Complete Edition; This includes everything from the deluxe edition as well as additional paid content called "Living World". Living World are episodic quest lines that provide extra content. The episodes were released gradually over time.

Expansions in Guild Wars 2 work differently from most other MMOs. Instead of adding content on top of the game, making previous content irrelevant, it's adds content along side what is already there. Character levels are not increased and no more powerful gear is introduced. Instead it's mostly about new content and story lines. This means you can choose to not play certain expansions without falling behind the player curve. Your power level is not diminished by not purchasing new content. However, some expansions do offer new specializations for your character, granting them new abilities.

In-game premium store

The in-game microtransaction are purchased indirectly via a premium currency called "Gems". Gems are bought in bundles where 1000 Gems equals roughly 10 USD. Unlike other games, larger bundles do not grant more gems comparatively.

The game offers a wide variety of microtransactions;
- Cosmetics such as player skins and outfits, dyes, and "minis", mounts, and other non-gameplay-altering content.
- Many convenience items such as extra bag slots, bank tabs, character slots, mail carriers, unbreakable crafting tools, portals, repair kits, and so much more. If there's an time consuming element in the game, there's probably an purchase to lesser that inconvenience.
- Crafting materials, either in the form of direct bundles of materials, or "nodes" to place around your "home instance".
- Services such as character makeover kits, name changes, and server transfers.
- In-game currencies, allowing you to straight up purchase in-game gold with Gems.

Not all items are available for purchase at all times. Many cosmetic items are only available during a limited time, or are on discount for a limited time.

Gems can alternatively also be purchased with in-game earned gold, allowing you to purchase most items in the shop without actually having to spend money. Expansions can not be bought with Gems.

All-in-all Guild Wars 2 is a relatively expensive game if you wish to experience all it has to offer without having to suffer through too many inconveniences. However, it should be noted that Guild Wars 2 does not require a subscription fee to play, unlike many other similar games.