Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds - New Lands in Tyria

By Helen Gray | Created: August 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 25, 2026 | Read Time: 6 minutes

Welcome back to the Chicks Gold guide series! We've got an exciting topic hot off the presses to discuss this week, as the fifth GW2 expansion is here. The Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds expansion is bringing new areas, weapons, raids, rewards, challenges and all new experiences. As always, we're here to provide you with as much insight as possible to ensure when you dive into this all-new content, you're well-versed in what's to come. We'll take a deep dive into the new homestead feature, the changes to Wild Warclaws, and even the system requirements to enjoy all of this content. So, let's get into it! 

guild wars 2 janthir wilds

What to Expect From Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds

The story begins following the inspiration of world leaders and their creation of a Tyrian Alliance. They sent the Wayfinder to befriend new allies and uncovered the Isles of Janthir, which were believed to be an almost forgotten legend. The land has been guarded by the wizards of the Astral World for what is considered to be centuries. Littered with the Mursaat ruins, challenging to navigate and untouched for generations, there is much adventure and lore to be found here. When you enter the Janthir Wilds expansion, you'll be seeking the Kodan colony there. As you do so and find your feet, you must uncover truths, battle and traverse the lands. 

An important factor to remember as you gear up for this adventure is that not all of what we're about to discuss is immediately available. The Janthir Wilds expansion pack is set to come about in a quarterly release style. With August 20th, 2024, being the first look, the second is expected in November sometime, and it will run through until mid-2025. If the excitement of the new land isn't enough incentive to continue your travels, the latest content update certainly will. So, let's take a look at some of those new inclusions: 

janthir wilds guild wars 2

Raids in Guild Wars: 2 Janthir Wilds

With the new story chapters this expansion brings, you'll find yourself facing off against some new raid challenges. The first of the raids is expected with the November drop, and you'll be able to access them in two different ways: classic 10-player raids or large groups in open-world events. You'll also be glad to know that the Convergence system will take effect in Janthir, including some enemies that are only available within the region. 

In the first quarter of 2025, there will be the introduction of a challenge and legendary challenge mode, giving players a chance to truly put their skills to the test. In the final update forJanthir Wilds, a new fractal will be added, as will the challenge mode for it.

Janthir Wilds System Requirements

An essential aspect for all PC gamers to consider before purchasing any game is what system requirements they must meet to enjoy the fun. In the case of Janthir Wilds, you'll need the following:

  • Windows 7 or newer (64-bit only) 
  • Intel i3 3.4 GHz/AMD Athlon x4 3.8 GHz or better 
  • 8 GB RAM 
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680/AMD Radeon HD 7970 
  • Broadband Internet 
  • 70GB available space 
  • Keyboard and mouse 
  • DirectX 11 

Of course, with any further updates that the game may introduce, this may mean you will need to update your software. But for now, the above will have you covered.  

janthir wilds expansion

Wild Warclaws

You'll be well aware that in previous instances, the Warclaw mount has only been available via World vs World. However, in this new expansion, players can find them embedded in the story, introducing new mechanics and new skills for PvE play. The developers have also stated that the WvW skills will be revisited to give users a refreshing experience. 

The Homestead

Not only are there new lands to explore in this expansion, but you can also find a place to call your own! This personal home gives players even more content to sink their teeth into, as they can complete associated mastery to develop the home. You'll be able to share the experience with friends as you cultivate, decorate and grow your knowledge. This, in turn, will provide you access to nodes and unlocks that can further improve your build and better your homestead.

janthir wilds

Spears - Land and Sea

If you’re wondering about Janthir Wilds weapons, you'll likely already be aware that spears were previously restricted to underwater combat, but in Janthir Wilds, you'll be able to take to the land with them, too. You can learn the secrets of the spear from the Kodan tribe, as these weapons have new skills for all professions. Some will wield them in melee combat, while others will have a formidable throwing arm as they use them for ranged attacks. Spears are able to be interchangeably used within the terrestrial and aquatic weapon slots, but multiple must be equipped if you're looking to use them in multiple locations. If you have any spear skins unlocked in-game, you'll be able to use them on any spears you equip on land. 

In one of the later quarterly releases, expect to see the introduction of a brand-new legendary spear. Something we're sure will bring victory to you in battle and absolute desolation to your foes. 

Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds expansion Rewards

With the first quarterly release, you'll be able to work at getting your hands on two new sets of armor and weapons, as well as having the chance at obtaining multiple other cosmetic rewards. With the first and each release following, there will be a Wizard's Vault seasonal refresh to bring new objectives and rewards to players, keeping things fresh and offering a variety of rewards. As we mentioned, there will also be the introduction of a legendary spear in later updates, which will also be followed by a legendary backpack. 

guild wars 2 janthir wilds

Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds FAQ 

Just like with all of our articles, we provide our readers with even further insight by answering some of the community’s most frequently asked questions. So, if you've found some of your questions have been left unanswered in other areas of our blog, then take a look below to find what you need: 

Is this expansion buy-to-play? 

Yes, if you want to take on the adventures in this expansion, you'll need to purchase it. The pack comes in three forms: standard ($24.99), deluxe ($49.99), and ultimate ($74.99). The standard offers you the expansion, shared inventory, and max level boost. Deluxe offers everything, excluding the 4000 gem pack, and ultimate gives players the whole uninterrupted experience. 

Is the expansion worth it?

Absolutely. While the standard Guild Wars 2 game is an excellent game with extensive content, there is so much more to be done within the expansions. As this is the fifth, you'll have a lot of content to work through, but the storylines alone are enough to get you hooked. That's not to mention the game's visuals, combat encounters, and so much more. 

What is the Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds release date? 

This highly anticipated expansion hit the game on August 20th, 2024, and those who were fortunate enough to prepurchase got themselves the following exciting perks: 

  • 'Homesteader' title 
  • The Whispering Serpent’s Pauldron’s Skin
  • A box with your choice of Serpent's Wrath weapon skin 

guild wars 2 janthir wilds expansion

Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds - An Ongoing Adventure

We hope that you found all you needed to know within our guide and that you're well on your way to a successful Tyrian adventure! There's so much more just on the horizon, so keep your eyes peeled for the next update in November. Until then, why not take a look at our blog section for some other gaming ideas? We have some great OSRS, RS3, WoW titles, and more. Additionally, if you're gearing up for a long-haul adventure, why not purchase some GW2 gold and kickstart your adventure the right way? We'll be back next week with more exciting gaming guides; we hope to see you there!


Author profile
Helen Gray

Helen is a gaming blogger with a talent for dissecting complex gameplay. Her insightful analysis and vivid writing style place readers right in the heart of the games she passionately explores.


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