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What to know about Steam accounts

Steam Account FAQ

At a glance

Add the -provider Portal launch option to a Steam installation to sign in with an ArenaNet account. The game files can be shared, but the two accounts' characters and purchases cannot be merged.

Steam and ArenaNet accounts: check the differences first

The page below compares the account types and explains how to choose. Read it before this FAQ if you are still deciding.

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ArenaNet vs Steam: comparison Gem cards, expansion purchase channels, support, and other differences
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Use an ArenaNet login with a Steam installation

You can play on an ArenaNet account even if you installed Guild Wars 2 through Steam. Steam normally launches the game with -provider Steam. Override it with -provider Portal to use the ArenaNet login.

This uses Steam-installed game files with an ArenaNet login. Buy ArenaNet expansions from the official ArenaNet store or authorized retailers, and buy gems while logged into the game on your ArenaNet account. Purchases through Steam do not apply to that account.
1
Right-click Guild Wars 2 in your Steam library and open Properties
In your Steam library, right-click Guild Wars 2 and select Properties.
2
General → Launch Options
Under General , find Launch Options and enter the following:
-provider Portal
Case-sensitive: the P in Portal must be uppercase
3
Close Properties and launch the game
The setting saves automatically. Selecting Play in Steam then opens the ArenaNet login screen, where you enter your ArenaNet email and password.
The setting persists
You only need to set the launch option once. Future launches through Steam apply -provider Portal and open the ArenaNet login screen.

Frequently asked questions

Can I merge Steam and ArenaNet accounts later?

You cannot merge accounts or transfer progress. Characters, expansions, and items remain on their respective accounts. You can start using the other account type, but you must progress on that separate account and purchase the content it needs separately.

Can I switch from a Steam installation to an ArenaNet account?

The launch option above lets you sign into an ArenaNet account using those files. Your Steam account's expansions, characters, and progress do not transfer. If you do not have an ArenaNet account, create one and start separately.

Can I buy an expansion from ArenaNet for my Steam account?

For a Steam account, buy expansions through Steam. ArenaNet expansion codes cannot be applied to Steam accounts. Likewise, Steam expansion purchases do not apply to an ArenaNet account.

How do Steam accounts buy gems?

Steam accounts buy gems through the Steam Wallet and cannot redeem gem cards. ArenaNet accounts use the available card, PayPal, or other payment options, or gem cards from authorized retailers.

How do I enable two-factor authentication for a Steam account?

Steam accounts use Steam Guard, with authentication through the Steam app or email, rather than ArenaNet's own two-factor authentication setup.

Where do I get support for a Steam account?

The correct support team depends on the problem.

  • In-game problems, game account restrictions, or items bought with gems → ArenaNet Support at help.guildwars2.com
  • Steam store or Wallet payments and refunds for those payments → Steam Support at help.steampowered.com
  • Steam login or Steam Guard problems → Steam Support. If you can sign into Steam but your GW2 account has a problem, contact ArenaNet Support.

Check where the error occurs and which seller took the payment, then contact the relevant support team.

Can I start with a free account on Steam?

Yes. Install Guild Wars 2 and log in through Steam to play the free core game. Expansion purchases for that Steam account must be made through Steam.

Can I play Guild Wars 2 on Steam Deck?

You can use Steam Input community layouts to map keyboard and mouse actions to Steam Deck controls. Match the game's keybindings to the layout using its author's instructions.

Apply a community layout:

  • Steam Library → Guild Wars 2 → Controller Settings → search Community Layouts
  • "Simple&Intuitive" by Vonsh: works with the game's default bindings. In Desktop Mode, you can open steam://controllerconfig/1284210/3338357161/ directly. For optional additional features, see the author's jsantorek/steamdeck-gw2-layout repository on GitHub.
  • After applying the layout: practice movement, camera, skills, and menus in a safe area. If you have changed the game's keybindings, match them to the layout.

Camera controls: Simple&Intuitive normally rotates the camera by holding the right mouse button. Action Camera is optional; follow the instructions for your chosen layout.