We’ve now released the final version of a 64-bit client for Guild Wars 2. Please review the following FAQ for more information:
What is the 64-bit client?
It is an alternative to the 32-bit client currently used to play the game. Aside from some technical details, the two are identical in functionality.
How do I get the 64-bit client?
If you already have the 32-bit client installed and your computer matches our recommended specifications for the 64-bit client, you will automatically be switched over the next time you launch the game. If you do not, you may download it from the account management page.
I already have the 32-bit client; will I have to completely download the game again?
No. The 64-bit client uses the same data as the 32-bit client. If you already have the game installed, and your computer matches our recommended specifications for the 64-bit client, you can simply launch the game to have it switch automatically. If your computer does not match the recommended specification, but you want to try using it anyway, the process is manual and only recommended if you are comfortable copying data files around:
- Download the 64-bit client installer.
- Rename it from Gw2Setup-64 to Gw2-64.
- Copy the newly renamed file into the Guild Wars 2 game folder.
- Update any game shortcuts to point to the new file.
What are the requirements for automatically switching to the 64-bit client?
Your computer must be running a 64-bit version of Windows, and you must have 4 GB or more of physical memory.
My computer satisfies the requirements for automatic switching to the 64-bit client, but I want to remain on the 32-bit client.
If you want to remain on the 32-bit client, you may add -32 to the command line used to launch the game client. Please refer to the wiki for instructions on how to modify your command line.
Are the two clients mutually exclusive?
Due to technical limitations with the installer, it will not allow you to install both clients simultaneously. You may however do it manually by first installing the 32-bit client, and then following the steps outlined in “I already have the 32-bit client; will I have to completely download the game again?”.
Does the 64-bit client only benefit players with more than 4 GB of system memory?
No. It is true that the 32-bit client in theory can access up to 4 GB of memory. In practice however this is almost never the case, due to gaps in the address space that slowly build up over time (known as fragmentation). Most players crashing today due to being “out of memory” are actually only using between 3 and 3.5 GB of their system memory.
In addition to this, modern operating systems use something known as “virtual memory” to extend the available memory beyond what the system has physically. The 64-bit client will allow you to benefit from the increased address space by making gaps largely irrelevant, and will allow the client to use more memory than it could otherwise rather than crashing.
Are there any performance differences between the 64-bit and 32-bit client?
There may be some very slight differences in favor of either client depending on your computer’s configuration. In the vast majority of cases it should be negligible.
Why is the 64-bit client using more memory than the 32-bit client?
Due to the technical differences between the two platforms the memory usage will never be directly comparable.
Is there a 64-bit Mac client?
The Mac client is still 32-bit.
Communications Manager
Guild & Fansite Relations; In-Game Events
ArenaNet