Guild Wars 1 Currency Guide

Guild Wars 1 players use several currencies for different goals. Gold and Platinum cover everyday purchases, while ectos, Armbraces of Truth and Zaishen Keys also appear in player trading. Here is how to choose between them.

Gold and Platinum: everyday currency

One Platinum equals 1,000 gold. Use it for NPC purchases, skills and other gold costs. If you want the game's basic currency rather than a tradable item, start with Guild Wars 1 Platinum.

Ectos: crafting and trading

“Ecto” and “ectos” refer to Globs of Ectoplasm, a rare crafting material used for Obsidian armor and Chaos Gloves. Players also use ectos in trades. Check the required materials for your armor goal before choosing a quantity. View Globs of Ectoplasm.

Arms: Armbraces of Truth

“Arms” usually means Armbraces of Truth in GW1 trading. An Armbrace can be exchanged with Deacon of Whispers for a Tormented weapon, and players also trade Armbraces for high-value items. Choose Armbraces of Truth when they match the weapon or trade you have planned.

Zkeys: Zaishen Keys

“Zkey” and “zkeys” mean Zaishen Keys. Each key opens the Zaishen Chest and awards five points toward the Zaishen title. Chest rewards vary; a key does not guarantee a particular item. View Zaishen Keys.

Which one should I choose?

  • NPC costs: Gold or Platinum.
  • Obsidian armor or Chaos Gloves: check your Ectoplasm requirements.
  • Tormented weapons: Armbraces of Truth.
  • Zaishen Chest openings or title progress: Zaishen Keys.

Player exchange rates change, so there is no permanent ecto-to-armbrace or zkey conversion to rely on. Check the current trade before buying. Pre-Searing has its own item economy: use our Pre-Searing shop for that part of the game.

Browse the full GW1 catalog, or open our 24/7 live chat to confirm availability and payment details. In-stock GW1 currency is usually delivered in 5–15 minutes after payment confirmation; we confirm timing for more complex orders in chat.

Game references: Guild Wars Wiki on currency, Ectoplasm, Armbraces and Zaishen Keys.

Planning your next goal? Read our GWAMM title guide or Obsidian armor materials guide, or browse all Guild Wars guides.