How to use your existing Guild Wars 2 Account with Steam

Welcome to a brand new guide of Guild Wards 2 where you will learn how to use your existing game account with Steam App. This will help you in retaining all your past progress without any lost data.

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Using your existing Guild Wars 2 Account with Steam

Add The Launch Argument

Click “Properties” to access the configuration menu after installation.

Enter the following text in the “Launch Options” box:

 

 

This will use the default launcher rather than the Steam launcher and enable sign-in using your current account information.

Alternative Approach

I didn’t even need to relocate the folder or download the game. I just created a symlink. Open cmd as admin and enter:

mklink /D "X:\steampath\steamapps\common\Guild Wars 2" "Y:\gamespath\Guild Wars 2"

To make it function, simply press “play” in the Steam client. I like symlinks.

Points To Note

• Make sure to capitalize the P in Portal since before I did it, I was unable to log in.
• There are account-wide unlocks that are lost if you create a new profile, so just create a new character on your current account.
• The files in the standalone client and the steam version are identical, with the exception of a text file that is exclusive to the steam version and contains the steamapp id.
• Anyone else with questions should know that choosing the “-provider Portal” startup option effectively removes any Steam integration (purchasing DLC and gems through Steam).
• If you wish to purchase DLC or gems for a non-Steam account, you MUST do so directly from Arenanet and NOT through Steam.

FAQ’s

Q: Let’s say I purchase the game’s DLC from this Steam page. Use this method to access the game using my previous login information. When I log into the game, will that DLC function? Using this strategy, how can I access my previous account?

A: You must purchase the DLCs using your old account.

Q: If I use Steam to sign in to Arena Net and I own every expansion, do I still have access to them?

A: Yes, since you’ll be logging into your normal client, which only utilizes Steam.

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Guild Wars 2

You don’t have to join their party when you run into other players in the open world to offer assistance, look into a hidden jumping puzzle, or join forces with them to take on a dangerous world boss. Play how you want to play; don’t grind! You will gain experience points whether you revive defeated players, save soldiers from a Risen assault, or harvest herbs.

As you play, you can equip your character with a variety of additional weapons. Each type has its own playstyle that you can fine-tune and modify by unlocking and equipping hundreds of skills and attributes. Each profession employs them in a unique way.

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Last Updated on July 9, 2025