Grind

From Guild Wars Wiki

Grind, in the context of online RPGs, refers to spending large amount of time levelling up, often for the sole purpose of gaining a necessary edge to play in advanced areas.

[edit] Why was it introduced?

Grind is a simple way to pressure players to spend more time in given areas, rather than push forward and finish the game, thus making the game artificially longer.

[edit] Why is it debated?

Pro-grinders usually argue that players that spend more time playing should have some reward for it, usually stronger characters.

Anti-grinders usually argue that grinding itself is a boring and annoying thing to do, and that you shouldn't have to do it in order to be able to play in all areas of the game.

[edit] Grind in Guild Wars

By setting a low and easily-achievable level cap, players no longer need to level up to access content. Instead, other "grind-like" components were put in place that are mostly optional, such as titles and prestige items (that are purely cosmetic). Players who choose to grind get the rewards in the form of recognition and prestige, but do not become stronger than players who choose not to.

Gameplay is more heavily based on skills, builds, and personal skill.