GW2 How to Buy Gems: Your Complete Guide to Unlocking Premium Content in Guild Wars 2
Ever stared at that shimmering Gem Store in Guild Wars 2, wondering how to get your hands on those dazzling gems without tripping over confusing menus or hidden fees? You’re not alone. Thousands of Tyrians dream of unlocking elite skins, convenience boosts, and exclusive mounts—but getting there starts with one simple question: how to buy gems in GW2. This guide cuts through the noise, offering a crystal-clear roadmap to purchasing, spending, and maximizing your gem value—no guesswork, no fluff.
What Are Gems in Guild Wars 2?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify the “what.” Gems are Guild Wars 2’s premium currency, purchasable with real money or tradable for in-game gold via the Gem Exchange. Unlike gold, which you earn through gameplay, gems open doors to the Black Lion Trading Company—ArenaNet’s official store packed with cosmetics, account upgrades, and quality-of-life tools.
Think of gems as your VIP pass to customization and convenience. Want that legendary griffon mount? That sleek dye pack? Or maybe just extra character slots? Gems make it happen—and knowing how to acquire them efficiently is half the battle.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Gems in GW2
Step 1: Launch the Game & Access the Black Lion Trading Company
Once you’re logged into your account, press ‘O’ (default key) or click the gem icon in the top-right corner of your UI. This opens the Black Lion Trading Company panel—the gateway to all things gem-related.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Buy Gems” Tab
Inside the panel, you’ll see several tabs: Specials, New, Mounts, etc. Click on “Buy Gems”—usually the first tab. Here, you’ll find preset gem bundles ranging from 400 gems (around
Pro Tip: Always compare bundle value. Buying 4,000 gems ($50) gives you 500 bonus gems—effectively 12.5% more value than buying eight 400-gem packs.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method
Guild Wars 2 supports multiple payment options:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- PayPal
- Regional options (e.g., Alipay in China, WebMoney in Russia)
Select your preferred method, enter your details, and confirm the purchase. Transactions are instant, and gems appear in your account within seconds.
Security Note: ArenaNet never stores your full card details. All payments are processed via secure third-party gateways.
Alternative Route: Buy Gems with Gold (The Gem Exchange)
Not keen on spending real money? You’re in luck. GW2’s player-driven economy lets you convert gold into gems—and vice versa—via the Gem Exchange. Here’s how:
- Open the Black Lion Trading Company.
- Click the Exchange tab.
- Select “Buy Gems with Gold.”
- Set your price or accept the current market rate.
- Confirm—and watch your gold transform into gems.
Real-World Example: In Q1 2024, the average rate hovered around 1 gold = 15 gems. A player farming 50 gold in a weekend could walk away with 750 gems—enough for a mini-pet or a discount mount.
This method is wildly popular among budget-conscious players and is especially effective during events when gold floods the market.
Smart Spending: Where to Invest Your Gems
Buying gems is easy—but spending them wisely? That’s an art.
Top Gem Purchases for New & Returning Players:
- Character Slots ($400 gems): Essential if you love alts.
- Shared Inventory Slots (
400– 1,400): Game-changer for hoarders. - Bank Tabs ($400 each): Never run out of storage again.
- Mounts (
2,160– 2,950): Griffon, Skyscale, and Roller Beetle are fan favorites. - Dye Packs & Gliders (
200– 800): Personalize your look without breaking the bank.
Case Study: Player “Lira of the Grove” spent 3,200 gems on two bank tabs and a glider. Within a month, her organized inventory and faster travel saved her 10+ hours of grinding—effectively turning gems into time.
Avoid impulse buys. Ask yourself: Will this improve my daily gameplay? If not, wait for a sale—or farm gold instead.
Timing Matters: Sales, Events, and Bonus Offers
ArenaNet frequently runs promotions—especially around holidays, Living World releases, or anniversary events. During these windows, you might find:
- Bundled mounts at 20% off
- Double gem bonuses on select purchases
- Limited-time skins returning to the store
Bookmark the official GW2 blog or follow @GuildWars2 on Twitter for real-time sale alerts.
Also, consider buying gems in bulk during major sales. A 20% discount on an 8,000-gem pack equals 1,600 free gems—enough for a mount or two.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Even seasoned players slip up. Here’s what to watch for:
- Don’t confuse “