Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Yes—you can play Guild Wars 2’s Living World episodes without buying every expansion. Seasons 1 and 2 are free with the base game for players with a level 80 character; Seasons 3 and 4 come with the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire bundle; and Season 5, The Icebrood Saga, comes with End of Dragons. You need none of the three newer expansions—Secrets of the Obscure, Janthir Wilds, or Visions of Eternity—to finish the five Living World seasons.
ArenaNet changed the rules on October 13, 2026: Living World seasons can no longer be bought as separate gem-store products. The expansion you need depends on which season you want and what your account already owns. Here’s the current map, how to check your unlocks, and what to do if an episode seems to be missing.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Which Living World seasons are free, and which expansion unlocks the rest?
The short version is that you do not need all six Guild Wars 2 expansions. Seasons 1 and 2 are included with the base game once you have a level 80 character. Seasons 3 and 4 are tied to Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire, while Season 5 is tied to End of Dragons.
| Story content | What you need | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Living World Season 1: Scarlet’s War | Base game and a level 80 character | Free; no expansion required |
| Living World Season 2: Glint’s Prophecy | Base game and a level 80 character | Free since October 13, 2026; no expansion required |
| Living World Season 3: Glint’s Legacy | Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire bundle | Included with the matching expansion product |
| Living World Season 4: Rise of Kralkatorrik | Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire bundle | Included with the matching expansion product |
| Living World Season 5: The Icebrood Saga | End of Dragons | Included with the matching expansion |
ArenaNet’s October 13, 2026 announcement says Seasons 1 and 2 are available to all players with a level 80 character, and that Seasons 3–5 are included with specified expansions. If you already own the relevant expansion, missing episodes are supposed to unlock automatically; you do not need to buy each episode separately.
Popular on Amazon
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
For the whole Living World story, the relevant package is the Elder Dragon Saga: Heart of Thorns, Path of Fire, and End of Dragons, along with Seasons 3, 4, and 5. Seasons 1 and 2 are already free. That is three expansions out of the six currently described by ArenaNet—not every expansion in the game.
Is Living World Season 2 free?
Yes. Since October 13, 2026, Season 2 is free as part of the base game for every player with a level 80 character. You do not need Heart of Thorns or another expansion to unlock it.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The Guild Wars 2 Team put the change plainly: “Living World Season 2 is now free as part of the base Guild Wars 2 game! Like Living World Season 1, all players with a level 80 character will now have access to season 2.” The official announcement says the season is included for all players; The Click’s October 31, 2026 guide specifies that all eight episodes are included, rather than only the first episode or a limited-time trial.
The eight Season 2 episodes, in story order, are Gates of Maguuma; Entanglement; The Dragon’s Reach, Part 1; The Dragon’s Reach, Part 2; Echoes of the Past; Tangled Paths; Seeds of Truth; and Point of No Return. Season 2 bridges the core personal story and Heart of Thorns, setting up Mordremoth and characters who matter in the expansion. If you are following the narrative chronologically, play it after Season 1 and before Heart of Thorns.
Do I need Heart of Thorns for Living World?
Not for every season. You do not need Heart of Thorns for free Seasons 1 and 2, but Seasons 3 and 4 are included with the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire bundle.
The wording matters because Heart of Thorns is an expansion story, not a Living World season. It launched on October 23, 2015, and has been included with Path of Fire since August 30, 2019, according to the Guild Wars 2 Wiki’s Living World release and access history. ArenaNet describes the relevant product as the “Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire bundle”; the wiki also marks Seasons 3 and 4 as free with Path of Fire as of October 13, 2026.
Also popular on Amazon
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
For a new buyer seeking Seasons 3 and 4, the practical match is the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire product, not End of Dragons or one of the newer expansions. There is one account-state wrinkle: the sources do not spell out a dedicated rule for an older account that owns Heart of Thorns but not Path of Fire. If that describes you, check the story journal before buying anything. Do not buy duplicate content if the journal already shows the episodes unlocked.
Does End of Dragons include the Icebrood Saga?
Yes. Living World Season 5, also called The Icebrood Saga, is included with End of Dragons. If your account already owns End of Dragons, any missing Season 5 episodes should unlock automatically.
This is the current access rule, not the old gem-store requirement. Before the October 2026 change, players could buy Living World seasons separately, and the historical Icebrood Saga pack required Path of Fire. That older requirement no longer describes the current bundle map: ArenaNet now places Season 5 with End of Dragons. You do not need Secrets of the Obscure, Janthir Wilds, or Visions of Eternity to play it.
Do I need Secrets of the Obscure for Living World?
No. Secrets of the Obscure, Janthir Wilds, and Visions of Eternity are not the unlock path for any of the five Living World seasons. They belong to the Astral Ward Saga, a separate grouping of newer expansions.
Recommended Free Tools
ArenaNet’s current bundle outline divides the six expansions into two sagas. The Elder Dragon Saga comprises Heart of Thorns, Path of Fire, and End of Dragons, and is the group associated with paid Living World Seasons 3–5. The Astral Ward Saga comprises Secrets of the Obscure, Janthir Wilds, and Visions of Eternity; the October 13 announcement does not attach a Living World season to it.
The Complete Collection includes all six expansions and Seasons 3–5. ArenaNet describes it as covering paid content from the game’s 14 years, while reminding players that Seasons 1 and 2 are free. It can make sense if you also want the three newer expansion stories, but it is not necessary just to complete Living World. Expansion ownership does not generally unlock every feature from older content, and owning the newest expansion does not by itself substitute for the matching Living World unlock.
Also popular on Amazon
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Are Living World seasons included with expansions?
Yes, but the season-to-expansion pairing is specific. Seasons 3 and 4 go with the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire bundle; Season 5 goes with End of Dragons. Seasons 1 and 2 are free with the base game for level 80 characters.
ArenaNet’s October 2026 update ended individual season and episode sales: “Living World seasons are no longer available for individual purchase as they are either included for all players or included as part of expansions as detailed above.” That means older instructions to purchase a missing episode in the Gem Store describe a retired system. A new Living World Season 6 was not introduced by this change; the release model for Living World ended with End of Dragons in 2022, and subsequent post-expansion updates are included with their relevant expansion rather than sold as new Living World seasons.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsKeep expansion story chapters separate from Living World episodes when planning your playthrough. The core personal story and each expansion’s story are not Living World seasons. A typical narrative route is core story, Season 1, Season 2, Heart of Thorns, Season 3, Path of Fire, Season 4, Season 5, then End of Dragons. The sequence makes story sense, but access depends on ownership of each relevant product.
How do I check whether the episodes are unlocked?
Use the in-game story journal rather than relying on an old Gem Store guide. The game’s level 80 rewards text, quoted by the Guild Wars 2 Wiki, says: “Level 80 isn’t the end of your journey. Experience the ever-changing world through Living World stories and adventures. You can access Living World episodes in your story journal.”
- Log into the account and platform where you own Guild Wars 2. The expansion and account must be on the same distribution platform; an expansion purchase on a different platform may not apply to that account.
- Make sure you have a level 80 character. That is the stated access gate for Seasons 1 and 2. It is not an expansion requirement.
- Open the story journal. Look for the season and episode you want to play. The in-game journal is the practical place to verify access on your account.
- Check whether your account owns the matching expansion. Seasons 3 and 4 correspond to the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire product; Season 5 corresponds to End of Dragons.
- If an expected episode is still missing, avoid buying it from an old guide’s instructions. Individual Living World purchases ended October 13, 2026. Recheck your account and platform, then contact Guild Wars 2 support if the matching expansion is owned but the episode is not appearing.
The official update says players who already own the relevant expansions get missing episodes unlocked automatically. It does not describe a separate claim window or a manual gem-store redemption step. The Click’s season 2 guide also describes the free access as not limited to a claim period.
Can I still buy Living World episodes with gems?
No. As of October 13, 2026, Living World episodes and seasons are no longer sold individually. To access Seasons 3–5, the current route is the expansion product that includes the season, not a separate gem purchase.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
That is a change from the older system. Historically, players could unlock an episode by logging in during its release window—which typically lasted until the next episode—or buy it later. Complete season packs were sold after a season ended; historical wiki pricing records a Story Journal price of 200 gems and a baseline complete-pack discount of 160 gems per episode, with further discounts for episodes already owned. Those are historical details only, not current prices or offers.
ArenaNet did not publish current bundle prices or a gem-refund amount in its October 13 announcement. Check the Guild Wars 2 web store, the in-game store, Steam, or Epic Games Store for current purchase information. Steam uses dynamic bundle pricing that discounts content the account already owns. Expansions must be purchased on the same distribution platform as the account, so check where your account is registered before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if I bought Living World shortly before the change?
ArenaNet said purchases of Living World content made after September 12, 2026, would receive an automatic gem refund equal to the value of that content. The notice also includes partial refunds for Living World content within an Elder Dragon Saga Complete Collection purchase made during that period.
The announcement does not give the refund amount, and it does not say the refund right expires on October 15. It said to contact support if the gem credit or updated Starter Pack items had not arrived by October 15, 2026. That check date has passed; if an eligible credit is still missing, the announcement directs players to [email protected]. Purchases made before September 12 are not described as refundable under that notice.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Do not confuse other bundle changes with Living World access. The announcement refreshed the Starter Pack, and patch notes described up to two Shared Inventory Slots and Level-80 Boosts for the updated Elder Dragon Saga bundle, and up to five Shared Inventory Slots and Level-80 Boosts for the Complete Collection. Those counts are qualified, and already-owned expansions do not grant character or shared inventory slots a second time. These extras are not keys that unlock Living World episodes.
Which purchase makes sense for the story I want?
Choose by the episodes you lack, not by the idea that every expansion unlocks every earlier feature. If you want only the free base-game story, Seasons 1 and 2 are enough to access without an expansion. If you want Seasons 3 and 4, look at the Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire product; if you want the Icebrood Saga, look at End of Dragons.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
- No expansions owned: You can play Seasons 1 and 2 with a level 80 character. Seasons 3–5 remain tied to their respective expansion products.
- Heart of Thorns and Path of Fire owned: The account should have Seasons 3 and 4. Check the journal for any missing chapter.
- End of Dragons owned: The account should have Season 5, The Icebrood Saga, without needing the newer expansions.
- Want all five seasons: The Elder Dragon Saga—Heart of Thorns, Path of Fire, and End of Dragons—covers the paid-season set; Seasons 1 and 2 are free.
- Want the newer expansion stories too: Consider the Astral Ward Saga or Complete Collection based on those expansion stories, not as a Living World requirement.
ArenaNet’s stated goal for the change was “to make jumping into Guild Wars 2 as seamless as possible.” The practical effect is simpler than the former episode-by-episode system: level 80 unlocks the first two seasons, and the remaining three follow the relevant older expansion ownership. Before spending money, verify what the account’s journal already shows and buy only the missing expansion content that matches the season you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Living World Season 1 include the entire original 2013–2014 story?
No. The free re-release was completed in 2022, and the Guild Wars 2 Wiki describes it as approximately half of the original Season 1 content, with adjustments. The original live release ran from January 28, 2013, to March 18, 2014; the re-release ran from April 19 to November 8, 2022.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Do I have to log in during a limited-time window to claim free Season 2?
The Season 2 change is described as permanent base-game access for level 80 players, not a claim-window promotion. If it does not appear in your journal, first check that you are on the account and platform that own your game.
Can I get the expansion purchase on Steam if my account is from another platform?
The Guild Wars 2 Wiki says expansions must be purchased on the same distribution platform as the account. Check the account’s platform before choosing a store, because a purchase made elsewhere may not unlock the content on that account.
Will I get the same character or shared inventory slots again if I rebuy an expansion bundle?
No. Bundle notes say the associated slots are not granted a second time when the account already owns the expansion. Treat bundle extras as account-sensitive rather than assuming every listed slot or boost is new to every buyer.
