---
title: Installing gw2cc
description: "If you are a developer, instead refer to [Developer: Getting started](https://gw2cc.eu/docs/getting-started/) ### Prerequisites - Minimum **15 GB** of free disk space (80 GB if not linking your Gw2.dat) - Your **gw2cc account credentials** - Your **GW2 installation**, updated and accessible…"
url: "https://gw2cc.eu/docs/installing-gw2cc/"
updated: "2025-08-26"
category: User Guide
---

# Installing gw2cc

If you are a developer, instead refer to [Developer: Getting started](https://gw2cc.eu/docs/getting-started/)

### Prerequisites

- Minimum **15 GB** of free disk space (80 GB if not linking your Gw2.dat)
- Your **gw2cc account credentials**
- Your **GW2 installation**, updated and accessible (optional)
- **Admin privileges** to symlink the Gw2.dat (optional)

### Download the gw2cc Launcher

Simply press the Download button at the top of the screen to download the launcher and extract it to an **empty folder** of your choice.

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/grafik-19.png?resize=1024%2C65&ssl=1)

Make sure the folder you extract the launcher to is **empty**, **not write-protected**, and **not stored in cloud-synced locations** (i.e. OneDrive, Google Drive etc).

### Selecting the GW2 Version

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/image-26.png?resize=1024%2C370&ssl=1)

Upon launch, gw2cc will ask which version of GW2 you want to use:

- Select **EU/NA** for international GW2 accounts
- Select **China** if using a Chinese GW2 account

### Logging in

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/image-27.png?resize=1024%2C344&ssl=1)

You’ll now be prompted to enter your **gw2cc Username and Password**.

This is **not your GW2 login**, but your **gw2cc account**.

### Accessing the Game Files

gw2cc needs access to the **Gw2.dat**, which contains critical game data. You have two options:

###### Option 1: Use Your Existing Gw2.dat (Recommended)

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/image-30.png?resize=1024%2C301&ssl=1)

1. When prompted, select **"y"** to link your existing**`Gw2.dat`**.
2. If not running as Administrator, the launcher will restart with elevated permissions.
3. Start the official GW2 client and go to the **Character Selection screen**.
4. gw2cc will attempt to detect the **`Gw2.dat`** file automatically

If it fails or you want to provide the **Gw2.dat** manually for some reason:

1. A file browser will open.
2. Navigate to your GW2 installation folder (e.g., `C:Program FilesGuild Wars 2`)
3. Select `Gw2.dat`

###### Option 2: Download or Extract Your Own Gw2.dat (Requires ~80GB)

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/image-31.png?resize=1024%2C325&ssl=1)

1. Select **"n"** when asked if you want to link your Gw2.dat.
2. Choose whether to:
   - **Download** the data
   - **Extract** from an existing copy

Using this method allows independent operation but requires much more disk space.

### Troubleshooting Installation Issues

If you encounter errors:

- Check your **internet connection**
- Confirm that `http://assetcdn.101.arenanetworks.com/latest64/101` is reachable
- Ensure your **Gw2.dat** and **Local.dat** are up to date
- Confirm you selected the **correct file paths**

If linking or map import fails:

- Delete the **`game_data`**folder and **`gw2cc.mft`**
- Restart the launcher and repeat the linking process

Still stuck? Check the [**FAQ**](https://gw2cc.eu/docs/)or ask for help in the **[gw2cc support channel](https://discord.com/channels/935588462365667440/1001426770395930635)**.

### Test Your Installation

After setup, the launcher will start gw2cc automatically.

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/image-32.png?resize=1024%2C664&ssl=1)

Watch the console for **errors**. If none appear, you're good to go!

The **first time you run gw2cc**, a short **on-boarding tutorial** will appear to guide you through **GW2 account setup**.

**Make sure to read and follow all instructions carefully**, as this step ensures a smooth setup and proper configuration.

### Special Case: WeGame Users (China Only)

For users playing GW2 through WeGame:

1. Run the launcher and create a WeGame account in gw2cc.
2. Choose either **Attached** or **Standalone** mode.
3. gw2cc will ask to patch your WeGame install
   1. Locate `Gw2-64.exe` in: `rail_apps/Guild_Wars_2(2001128)/Gw2-64.exe`
   2. gw2cc will rename it to `Gw2-64.orig.exe` and create a patched executable + `gw2cc.cfg`
4. You must now start GW2 through WeGame with the `--gw2cc` flag
5. To play normally, start without the flag.

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/grafik-17.png?resize=1024%2C798&ssl=1)

![](https://i0.wp.com/gw2cc.eu/wp-content/uploads/grafik-18.png?resize=762%2C600&ssl=1)

You may need to repeat this after **GW2 updates**.

This process **does not work with the Editor version** of gw2cc.

### Buy a License

If you haven't done so yet, head over to the Store and buy a [license](https://gw2cc.eu/product/gw2cc/) for gw2cc. Each license allows you to run gw2cc with one GW2 account at a time. I.e. if you want to run two accounts at the same time, you need two licenses as well.