Multiboxing

From Guild Wars 2 Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search

Multiboxing means to have one human controlling multiple game clients at the same time, each running a separate account. This can be conducted via multiple computers, using virtual machines on one or more computers, or via third party launcher programs.

Rules[edit]

Multiboxing is a tightly-regulated type of gameplay. Read and understand all policies completely.

ArenaNet policies related to multiboxing[edit]

Implications[edit]

  • Multiboxing is allowed[2]
  • Multiboxing may only be used in PvE content.[3]
    • Multiboxing may additionally be used in Custom Arenas which allow multiboxing (ArenaNet requests that this be stated in the arena name)[4]
  • Multiboxing is not allowed in any competitive content, including activities (and likely races, since they're mentioned under macro rules)[3]
    • There is no way to legitimately multibox in WvW[3].
  • Any form of input multiplexing is banned, including physically tying mice together, macros, etc. One physical interaction should only ever be directed to one account at a time.[5][6]
  • You can use a launcher program to run multiple accounts at the same time on the same machine, however you always do so at your own risk.[7]
  • You can use multiple computers.[8]

The same policies apply to multiboxing as non-multiboxing[edit]

  • Each account must be attended: this means no bots, no scripts, no AFK running into a wall while autoattacking, etc.[9][10][11][12][13]
  • Macros may be used for dodge+jump, autoclickers to consume a stack of items, and music.[14]
  • Macros may not be used to create skill chains in any competitive environment, or activities or events (Bell Choir is called out specifically)[15]
  • Macros must not repeat themselves.[12]
  • Any macros which appear to be primarily useful for farming are banned as well.[16]

How can I multibox?[edit]

Multiple computers[edit]

The simplest way to multibox, and the only one which does not require third-party tools or specific knowledge, is to own multiple separate computers. Launch Guild Wars 2 on each of them, and log into separate accounts.

Cloud gaming[edit]

Simultaneous use of a separate account through cloud gaming services such as NVIDIA's GeForce NOW (same as Steam Cloud Play), is considered multiboxing.

Third-party tools[edit]

Most other methods rely on third-party software. The software performs certain operations on the user's computer to allow multiple instances of Guild Wars 2 to run alongside each other (which is normally impossible). As always, the use of third-party software is governed by ArenaNet's policy on that, which states that you do so at your own risk[7].

Enabling multiple Guild Wars 2 instances by hand[edit]

The sufficiently-motivated reader may also perform the same operations that a third-party software does, except by hand. This requires some particular knowledge of what those operations are.

  • One part of the required operations which can be documented here is the use of the -shareArchive command line argument.
    • Note that this alone is not sufficient, and other specific operations are required to launch multiple instances of Guild Wars 2.

What can I do while multiboxing?[edit]

The following list is not exhaustive, and serve as examples.

Income[edit]

Social[edit]

  • Synchronized emotes
    • Dance party
  • Roleplay as a tight-knit collective
  • Demonstrate wealth/accomplishments
  • In-game band performances, using instrument macros

References[edit]

  1. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    Failing to observe the above guidelines may result in the suspension or termination of any/all associated accounts. To differentiate between bots, each actively playing character must also be responsive to GM inquiries, if contacted. In addition to this, any behavior that violates the Guild Wars 2 User Agreement or the Guild Wars 2 Rules of Conduct may result in further disciplinary action as determined by the ArenaNet team.
  2. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    Playing multiple accounts simultaneously—more commonly known as dual-boxing or multi-boxing—is permitted in Guild Wars 2, though only under specific circumstances.
  3. ^ a b c Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    Multi-boxing may ONLY be used in PvE areas. You are not permitted to run multiple accounts simultaneously in PvP*, WvW, activities, or in other competitive environments.
  4. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    * We make an exception for the use of multiple accounts in custom arenas, but encourage anyone hosting a custom arena to, as a courtesy to all participants, specify that multi-boxing is allowed in that arena.
  5. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    • You may NOT program your keyboard to perform functions on more than one account at a time. For example, if you press [W] on your keyboard to move forward, a single character on a single account should move forward. The keystroke or mouse click should not perform functions on more than one account.
    • You may not use a macro to activate the skills of a character or multiple characters on more than one account.
  6. ^ Policy: Macros and Macro Use:
    You cannot program a macro to perform actions on more than one account at a time.
  7. ^ a b Policy: Third-Party Programs:
    With that said, we are aware that some utilities help players without affecting others; that is, they do not give one player an advantage over another. While, in general, we will not take action on an account for the use of such a utility program or modification, action is subject to ArenaNet's discretion. You use any third-party program at your own risk.
  8. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    You may use more than one computer at the same time.
  9. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    You must be actively playing on each account.
  10. ^ Policy: Dual or Multi-Boxing:
    You may not use third-party botting tools to manage and play any number of characters, or to engage in unattended gameplay.
  11. ^ Policy: Macros and Macro Use:
    You cannot use macros to automate skill use while away from your computer.
  12. ^ a b Policy: Macros and Macro Use:
    You cannot use macros to fully automate a character (“bot”) in the game. Each macro should represent a single action that requires user input before repeating the action.
  13. ^ Policy: Unattended Gameplay:
    As a general policy, ANY form of unattended gameplay is prohibited in Guild Wars 2. This includes:
    • The use of auto-casting abilities to farm while not at your computer or not actively playing the game.
    • The use of a macro to automate character skills while not at your computer or not actively playing the game.
    • The use of a macro to farm repeatable events or activities for rewards while not at your computer or not actively playing the game.
    • The use of a third-party program to automate or create a “bot” that performs autonomous actions in the game.
  14. ^ Policy: Macros and Macro Use:
    • You may bind dodge and jump to a single key.
    • You may create an auto-clicker that opens or consumes a stack of items.
    • You may use music macros to compose or perform in-game music. As long as the macro is used solely for the composition or performance of in-game music and the account is actively attended by a player, we do not place restrictions on its use.
  15. ^ Policy: Macros and Macro Use:
    • You cannot use macros to create skill chains in any competitive environment, including PvP, WvW, open world activities, races, etc.
    • You cannot use macros to participate in activities or events, such as Bell Choir.
  16. ^ Policy: Macros and Macro Use: You cannot use macros for the sole purpose of farming items, currencies, karma, or other benefits in the game, particularly while away from the keyboard (AFK).