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What Are Addons?

What Are Addons?

At a glance

GW2 has no official addon system, but community tools can add damage meters, route markers, and other useful features.

What is an addon?

GW2 does not have an official addon API like World of Warcraft. Community developers have created tools that display extra information as an overlay on the game.

Some overlays, such as Blish HUD, run separately. Others, such as ArcDPS, connect to the game process. How you install them depends on the tool.

How do they work?

To install ArcDPS or Nexus, place a DLL file in the game folder. It loads with the game and displays additional UI. Blish HUD runs as a separate application.

Two main installation methods

  • Install a DLL: put d3d11.dll beside Gw2-64.exe. ArcDPS uses this method.
  • Run a separate application: an overlay runs alongside the game. Blish HUD uses this method.
Installation basics
ArcDPS uses a DLL; Blish HUD runs after you extract its archive. Nexus lets you install and update addons from its library inside the game.

Can using an addon get me banned?

ArenaNet does not officially approve or endorse third-party tools. Its policy includes these main rules:

  • Do not automate gameplay or rewards while you are away from the computer.
  • Do not use features that give an unfair advantage over other players.
  • Do not misuse other players' information.

This guide introduces community tools including ArcDPS, Blish HUD, and Nexus. Download them from their developers and check the extensions and modules you plan to install individually.

Tools to avoid
  • Automation that uses skills or dodges for you
  • Cheats such as teleport or speed hacks
  • Tools that disclose other players' equipment or builds without consent
Using these features can violate the rules and lead to account suspension or termination.

Common addons

Here are some widely used community tools.

Name Purpose Summary
ArcDPS Damage meter Live damage and boon uptime measurements; widely used in endgame PvE
ArcDPS Unofficial Extras ArcDPS extension Supplies other addons with additional data, such as squad information
Nexus Addon manager Find, install, and update library addons inside the game
Blish HUD Overlay framework Modules for map markers, timers, achievement tracking, and routes
CatBridge Translation and player tools Story dialogue and all chat channels, screen OCR, and Discord voice captions
If you are new
You can wait until level 80 before looking into addons. None are needed for leveling. Consider ArcDPS when you start fractals or raids.

What addons can help with

  • Damage measurements: see your DPS and compare it with your party's output (ArcDPS)
  • Boon uptime: check whether key boons such as Quickness and Alacrity are maintained (ArcDPS)
  • Markers and routes: display gathering routes, achievement locations, and jumping puzzle paths (Blish HUD, TacO)
  • Event timers: display world boss and meta-event times (Blish HUD)
  • Build management: manage build templates with Blish HUD modules
  • Combat logs: save fights and analyze them with ArcDPS and dps.report
  • UI features: custom health bars, skill cooldown displays, and more through Nexus addons

Do I have to install any of these?

No. You can play all GW2 content without addons. In endgame content such as T3+ fractals, raids, and challenge modes, ArcDPS can help you understand and improve your damage output.

If you mainly play open world, Blish HUD's map markers may be enough. Add tools as you find a use for them.