The Shadow of the Mad King festival has once again begun in Guild Wars 2, inviting players to participate in spooky celebrations until November 3. The event transforms Lion's Arch and introduces a variety of new rewards, alongside returning activities and Gem Store updates. Players can log in now to experience the seasonal content and earn themed items.

To kick off the festivities, players can check their in-game mail for an Invitation to the Mad Realm from Magister Tassi, which serves as a portal to Mad King Thorn's domain. Lion's Arch is the central hub for the event, accessible to players level 35 and above or those with any Guild Wars 2 expansion. For others, haunted doors in locations like the Village of Shaemoor and the Village of Smokestead, guarded by Lunatic Boatmasters, provide access to the Mad Realm. Additional haunted doors can be found in Kessex Hills and Gendarran Fields, offering trick-or-treating opportunities.

New Rewards and Decorations

This year's festival introduces several new rewards. Completing the (Annual) Halloween Rituals meta-achievement grants players the Primeval King’s Wrappings headpiece and a choice of the Fog Machine weapon. Players can also collect Candy Corn Cobs and other spooky materials to purchase a Plush Mad King Backpack and a Mini Longhaired Black Cat. For those who enjoy decorating, Deft Lahar in Lion's Arch offers new guild and housing decorations, including Plush Zhaia, Plush Mad King, Foreboding Raven Tree, and Foreboding Raven Roost.

Gem Store Updates

Evon Gnashblade's Black Lion Trading Company is participating in the celebration with discounts and new items. Halloween-themed items, such as the Witch’s Outfit, are available at a 20% discount until November 3. The Black Lion Chest has been updated to include a guaranteed Evon Gnashblade Trick-or-Treat Bag and a chance to receive the Flowing Sand Cape. Additionally, a new Autumn Garden Homestead Package is available for 800 gems, bundling various autumn-themed decorations like leaf piles, cornstalks, and different versions of a garden tree. The Mad King Homestead Sky and Mad King Conjured Doorway are also still available for purchase.

Returning Activities

The festival brings back beloved activities. In Lion's Arch, Mad King Thorn challenges players every two hours to a game of 'Your Mad King says...' for treasure keys. Players can explore the Mad King’s Labyrinth, battle creatures, and trick-or-treat for goodies. The Mad King’s Clock Tower jumping puzzle returns, along with its Stopped Clock Tower variant. The Ascent to Madness dungeon encounter allows players to face Mad King Thorn. The Mad King’s Raceway offers mount races, with rental mounts available. Finally, Lunatic Boatmasters can transport players to minigames like Reaper’s Rumble and Lunatic Inquisition.

Key points

  • The Shadow of the Mad King festival is live until November 3.
  • New rewards include Primeval King’s Wrappings, Fog Machine weapon, Plush Mad King Backpack, and Mini Longhaired Black Cat.
  • New guild and housing decorations are available: Plush Zhaia, Plush Mad King, Foreboding Raven Tree, and Foreboding Raven Roost.
  • The Gem Store offers discounted Halloween items and a new Autumn Garden Homestead Package.
  • Returning activities include Mad King's Labyrinth, Clock Tower, Ascent to Madness, and various minigames.

Source: Guild Wars 2 (official) · Guild Wars 2 · Oct 13, 2026