Are the Guild Wars expansions necessary?

Virus

I know there are three Guild Wars: Guild Wars, Factions, and Nightfall. I've been doing a little bit of research on this game in general, because I've been thinking about playing it. But from what I am reading, Factions and Nightfall aren't really expansions per say. Only the latest title, Eye of the North,. is an actual expansion. So, to get full use out of the game, could I purchase Nightfall, then the expansion Eye of the North? I know this is confusing, but I don't quite understand all the different titles. Or flat out, am I just going to have to get all 3? I'm looking for a good online game, I've played all the major ones and don't care for them. Didn't like World of Warcraft, Warhammer, and I'm over playing City of Heroes/City of Villains.

Brahhbert

You are correct, each Guild Wars game, with the exception of Eye of the North, are stand alone games and do not require the other campaigns to play. So, yes, you can buy Nightfall then get Eye of the North. There is a quest in each campaign that you can do to move from that area (in this case Elona) to the Eye of the North.



However, in my opinion, each campaign ties to the other and you will have a much better play experience by getting all three campaigns and the expansion

Mastachiefa

Just buying Nightfall and Eye of the North will not get the full game, however you can buy just those 2 and be able to play just fine.   Each of the 3 campaigns takes place on a different continent on the planet.



Prophecies is in Tyria

Factions is in Cantha

Nightfall is in Elona.



Each of these games has it's own storyline and it's own set of skills. To "get full use out of the game" you would need to purchase all 4 games.  If you just want to try the game and play it for awhile you can buy just 1 campaign.  You'll be able to fully play that campaign without buying the others.