Guild Wars 2 Halloween 2026 brings new rewards through November 3

Shadow of the Mad King is now live in Guild Wars 2, with festivities running through November 3. The official October 13, 2026 post announces new rewards alongside returning jumping puzzles and races. This year’s additions include Primeval King’s Wrappings, Fog Machine weapons, and decorations for guilds and homesteads.

New rewards come through achievements and material exchanges

Completing the (Annual) Halloween Rituals meta-achievement earns Primeval King’s Wrappings and a Fog Machine weapon of your choice. The weapon reward therefore includes a selection, rather than a single fixed weapon.

The Plush Mad King Backpack and Mini Longhaired Black Cat follow a different route: they can be purchased with Candy Corn Cobs and other materials. For players choosing between these additions, the distinction matters: the wrappings and weapon require the annual meta-achievement, while the backpack and mini require a material exchange.

For the new decorations, visit Deft Lahar in Lion’s Arch. He lets you unlock Plush Zhaia, Plush Mad King, Foreboding Raven Tree, and Foreboding Raven Roost for guilds and homesteads. The additions span plush characters and raven-themed scenery, giving decorators a separate reason to visit Lion’s Arch during the festival.

Use the invitation to reach the Mad Realm

Magister Tassi sends an Invitation to the Mad Realm through in-game mail. It lets you travel to the realm and back, so the same item covers both the outward trip and the return journey.

Another route uses the portals to Lion’s Arch in major cities. These are available to characters at level 35 or above, or to players who own a Guild Wars 2 expansion. That condition applies to the city portals, rather than festival participation as a whole.

If you cannot reach Lion’s Arch directly, head to the haunted doors in Village of Shaemoor or Village of Smokestead. The Lunatic Boatmasters there provide access to the Mad Realm, offering an alternative to the city portals.

The Clock Tower and Raceway return

Mad King’s Clock Tower returns with its original jumping puzzle and the Stopped Clock Tower variant. Both versions are part of the festival’s 2026 edition.

Mad King’s Raceway offers time trials and races against other players, covering both timed runs and direct competition. Rental mounts are available for these activities.

For players pursuing the new rewards, the practical choice is between completing the annual meta-achievement, gathering materials for purchases, and visiting Deft Lahar for decorations. November 3 is the announced end date, but no closing time or time zone has been specified.