Gw2.dat

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The file Gw2.dat is a compressed archive file that contains all data that is required to run Guild Wars 2.

To save time in-game, it is possible to have the client download all available data on startup using the -image command line argument. It is also possible to copy the Gw2.dat file to another machine to avoid having to download all the files again.

Notes[edit]

  • The file size of your Gw2.dat might not be the same as someone else's. Since the file is created and modified by adding and changing files inside of it dynamically, its size and CRC will vary in different installations of the game. Also, many files are downloaded in a compressed format and will only be decompressed when you encounter them in-game.
  • To install the game on multiple computers, it is possible to just copy this file and the Gw2.exe or Gw2-64.exe file into the same folder, instead of having to download the game again on each computer.
  • If you need to move the game files to another hard drive, you can drag the files to the new location, and then the following files will require updating manually:
    • In the registry (using Registry Editor): Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ArenaNet\Guild Wars 2 - modify the "Path" parameter to the new path of Gw2-64.exe.
    • Any Start Menu items will require the shortcut pointing at the new location (Properties > Shortcut > Target).

Trivia[edit]

  • The Chinese version of the game employs a unique method of storing game data. Instead of a single Gw2.dat file, the data is stored in thousands of 1MB sized .dat files organized in a specific subfolder structure within Gw2.dat folder.

See also[edit]