Edit: Non-Steam players, I confirmed you can play via Steam from u/Jademalo's trick!
* Right-click the Steam game -> Properties -> Launch Options -> Set to: -provider Portal
**Note you should NOT make Steam purchases using this method as they will go to your Steam account and not your original ArenaNet account.
* To skip the Steam download, start the install, fully exit Steam, copy/move your Gw2.dat file from your original game folder to the Steam one and relaunch Steam.

Non-Steam account age at time of review: 1,066 hours (dpruzi.7314)

There's a reason this game is going strong after 10 years!
* Pro-consumer monetization - B2P is casual friendly! I've been playing on and off for 10 years.
* Fluid, skill-based combat - elite specializations function and feel entirely unique to others
* Bosses, events, etc focused on naturally bringing players together
* Easily attainable "starter" endgame gear (Exotic)
* Cosmetic-focused cash shop (convenience items don't give gameplay advantages)
* Gold/gem conversion (MUCH better rate for gold -> gems, "buying" gold is not useful)
* Level up from 1-80 once, then boost new characters so you don't have to slog through it again
* Massive horizontal endgame - play the activities that interest you, tons of gold making avenues and no gameplay is "wasted"
* Dyes and wardrobe system make fashion accessible and fun
* Some of the best festivals in MMOs (Super Adventure Box anyone?:)
* IMO the best mount system in any game - mounts are unlocked via fun stories/collections and each have unique mechanics and feels
* Expansions add mechanically valuable content, not just "fluff"

The cons:
* Not as fun solo
* PvP used to be more active** Edit for clarity (except for WvW)
* Graphics in older areas are outdated (check out the expansions)
* CPU-heavy and performance struggles with very large groups (turn Character Model Limit/Quality down)
* No controller support (Steam Input bridges the gap but takes some setup)

And it's free! And the play button is right there! What are you waiting for?!