Guild Wars 2 News

Since 2017, ArenaNet has proudly partnered with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals through the annual Extra Life gaming marathon, and we're thrilled to keep the tradition going strong! On Friday, November 1, starting at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time (UTC-8) we'll be kicking off 24 hours of gaming and fundraising, rallying our amazing community to help support this incredible cause. Join us for a memorable event that makes a real difference!





Extra Life unites gamers from across the globe to stream for 24 hours, all in the name of raising money for Children's Miracle Network hospitals. These 170 nonprofit children's hospitals throughout the US and Canada help critically ill and injured children by covering healthcare costs, purchasing essential medical equipment, and funding vital research. Thanks to events like Extra Life, they're able to provide 38 million patient visits to 12 million children annually.

Over the years, Team ArenaNet—with the help of you, the community—has raised more than ONE MILLION dollars in donations for this cause, and on November 1, we'll be aiming to push that total even higher.



Log in to Guild Wars 2® between October 29 and November 19 to receive the title "The Extra Life" if you didn't unlock it in previous years.

A special enhancement effect will also be available in game:

• +5% magic find
  
• +5% experience from all sources
  
• +3% WvW reward track progress
  
• +3% PvP reward track progress

The effect will gain another stack for every $10,000 USD in direct donations to Team ArenaNet. To activate new stacks of the enhancement effect and view hourly donation total updates, just visit the city of Lion's Arch after you log in to Guild Wars 2.

The 2024 Extra Life Donation Bundle will be available in the gem store from October 29 until November 19. The bundle contains five Extra Life Karma Boosters, five Temporary Selfless Potions, and the all-new Guardian Angel Pedestal Chair. Players can also purchase additional Extra Life Karma Boosters separately. Purchasing any of these items will also grant you the in-game title "The Extra Life" in blue text. We'll donate all proceeds from purchases of these items to Extra Life.

As always, when we reach $25,000 in direct donations to Team ArenaNet, ArenaNet will match that amount, instantly doubling our impact to $50,000!



For this year's Extra Life event, we're also setting a stretch goal of $105,000 in direct donations to Team ArenaNet to make an even bigger impact. To thank our generous donors, once we hit this goal, those who contributed will receive two special selection boxes which feature fan-favorite rewards from past events. Select the Feisty Feline tonic, Mini Mr. Sparkles, Celebration Hat, or ten Kegs of Liquid Karma.



This year, we kicked off our Extra Life fundraising efforts with a spicy twist! For those who don't know, ArenaNet's studio head, Colin Johanson, is a huge fan of tacos and hot sauce. Inspired by this, one of our staff took it upon himself to organize the ultimate prank…for charity! At our Guild Wars 2 studio summit in September, team members who donated to our Extra Life campaign received a bottle of hot sauce. Then, during our Janthir Wilds launch party, over 200 bottles were presented to Colin one by one! We raised over $1,100, giving our Extra Life 2024 goal a nice head start—and Colin now has an impressive hot sauce collection!





Want to get involved? It's easy to join Team ArenaNet! Visit our team page and select Join Our Team.

Prefer to create your own team? No problem! You can still be part of the ArenaNet Super Team by choosing "Create a Sub Team" when signing up. You'll have your own page and goals, but your efforts will also contribute to our overall fundraising total.

You don't need to stream Guild Wars 2 to participate—any game will do! Or, if streaming isn't your thing, help us spread the word and encourage friends, family, and coworkers to donate.

We're so grateful for your ongoing support, and we can't wait to come together once again on November 1 to make a difference!

[h2]Release Notes:[/h2]
Halloween

Once again, the gates of the Mad Realm have opened, and Kryta's most infamous monarch, Mad King Thorn, has returned to hold court in Lion's Arch! Loyal vassals of the king are strongly encouraged to enjoy the festivities: meet the denizens of the Mad Realm in events across Kryta; tour the Mad Realm itself in the Mad King's Labyrinth and the fearsome Clock Tower; compete with your fellow mortals in Lunatic Inquisition, Reaper's Rumble, and the Mad King's Raceway; attend to the king's whims in his notorious pastime of Mad King Says; or match wits and blades against royalty in Ascent to Madness.
The Lion's Arch Captain's Council wishes to remind the populace that they are not affiliated with the Krytan monarchy and cannot guarantee the safety of any citizens who choose to dabble in dangerous realms, mad or otherwise.

• The (Annual) Halloween Rituals meta-achievement has been updated with a fashionable new reward, the Clawing Shadow Plate! Earn this spooky new armor piece by completing a variety of Halloween activities and show your allegiance to the Mad King's court with pride. Last year's meta reward, the Clawing Shadow Greaves, can now be purchased from Halloween vendors if you missed it.
  
• A new Candy Core weapon set is now available! You'll receive your choice of a weapon by progressing the (Annual) Halloween Rituals meta-achievement or the (Weekly) Halloween Festivities achievement.
  
• The Grim Machine weapon set is now available from the weekly Halloween vendors.
  
• Three new weapons are now available in the Courtly Weapon Chest, which is rarely found in trick-or-treat bags. They can also be purchased from Sparking Stone in Lion's Arch.
  
• An unsettling new Mini Pummel Spider has been added to Halloween vendors.
  
• Deft Lahar is visiting Lion's Arch for the festival and is offering a variety of handiwork recipes for homestead versions of your favorite Halloween decorations.
  
• New Halloween-themed decorations have been added:
  
  • Haunted Bell, suitable for trick-or-treating in your guild hall or homestead
    
  • Antique Bell, for a less spooky announcement of visitors to the guild hall or homestead
    
  • Gargoyle
    
  • Flame-Bearing Gargoyle
    
  • Warclaw Rental Post
• The Wizard's Vault has been updated with special objectives for participating in Halloween activities.
  
• The Halloween vendor in Hooligan's Route now stocks a much larger variety of Halloween items for customers who find themselves with excess candy corn after the doors to the Mad Realm close for the year, including the recipes for homestead decorations.
  
• The (Annual) Raceway Regular achievement now receives additional progress for laps completed within the gold-medal time for their race.
  
• Checkpoints in the Mad King's Raceway have had their visual size increased to more consistently match their collision area.
  
• Many small bugs have been polished to ensure a more fun festival than ever for all visitors to the Mad Realm.

The gates to the Mad Realm will be open for three weeks, from October 15 until November 5. Have a happy Halloween!

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One legend claims that Dwayna's holy guards were once ascended harpies; these beautiful wings were modeled after that very tale.

Regal, armored, and stunning, the Graceful Bladed Wings Package includes Backpack Straps and these three combo items that serve as both back items and gliders:

• Graceful Bladed Wings Backpack and Glider Combo
  
• Graceful Bladed Left Wing Backpack and Glider Combo
  
• Graceful Bladed Right Wing Backpack and Glider Combo

Enjoy the thrill of gliding with one wing or two! This item soars into the Gem Store at a cost of 700 gems.





Starting October 18 and continuing for the next few days, select back slot items will be 20% off, including the Delicate Lace Cape, Trapper's Fur Cape, Astral Scholar Cape, Dragon's Watch Cape, Abyss Stalker Cape, and many more. Enter the chilly season with a fashionable, warm cape!

Returning This Week

Expand your account with our incredible discounts! From today until October 22, Copper-Fed Salvage-o-Matic, Silver-Fed Salvage-o-Matic, Runecrafter's Salvage-o-Matic, and Equipment Template Expansions are available at an amazing 20% discount, and Build Template Expansions are available at a sweet 40% off.



Log into Guild Wars 2 and press 'O' to access the Black Lion Trading Company for these great offers and more!

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Get ready, brave souls, because the Shadow of the Mad King festival has officially returned, and this year's haunting begins today! Log in now for spine-chilling thrills, eerie adventures, and a host of new tricks and treats waiting to be uncovered. You'll have until November 5 to indulge in all the fiendish fun—so sharpen your wits and prepare to devour candy corn by the handful. Let's descend into the madness, shall we?



It's time to go trick-or-treating! You can earn daily and weekly achievements by ringing a Haunted Bell in another player's homestead or guild hall. Each visit rewards you with bonus trick-or-treat bags, so make sure to stop by and enjoy some festive fun!

Get ready to deck out your homestead in spooky style! This Halloween season, we're introducing brand-new decorations that will bring all the eerie vibes to your space. From the new Antique Bell and Haunted Bell to the Gargoyle and Flame-Bearing Gargoyle, you'll have everything you need to transform your homestead into the ultimate haunted haven.

Whether you're hosting friends or just setting the mood for trick-or-treaters, these new decorations will make your place the most frightful stop this Halloween!
Guild hall decorations from past years' Shadow of the Mad King festivals will also be available to purchase in the form of Homestead Recipe Book: Halloween, volumes 1–9. Make sure to talk to the homestead vendor, Deft Lahar, in Lion's Arch during the festival to purchase your spooky homestead decorations!

Something wicked this way comes! The Wizard's Vault is bursting with Halloween-themed challenges, pointing you toward all the eerie activities on offer. Collect that astral acclaim and claim your well-earned rewards!





Start by checking your in-game mail for a letter from Magister Tassi, which contains an Invitation to the Mad Realm. Use this to travel between the mortal world and the twisted realm of Mad King Thorn.

Lion's Arch serves as the heart of Halloween festivities in Tyria. You'll find portals to Lion's Arch in every major city for players level 35 and above or for anyone who owns a Guild Wars 2 expansion.

For those who can't access Lion's Arch directly, fear not! You can still find haunted doors in locations like the Village of Shaemoor or Smokestead. These spooky portals are guarded by Lunatic Boatmasters, who will happily ferry you to the Mad Realm's horrors. Don't forget to explore the haunted doors scattered throughout Kessex Hills and Gendarran Fields—trick-or-treating opportunities await!





As Halloween looms, the capricious spirit of King Oswald Thorn breaks free to wreak havoc in Tyria while daring adventurers to cross into his Mad Realm.

Lion's Arch: The city is transformed into a nightmarish vision filled with ghoulish decorations and a haunted atmosphere. Every two hours, Mad King Thorn himself will challenge players to a twisted game—obey his commands (but only when he says "Your Mad King says") and win keys to unlock his treasures!

Mad King's Labyrinth: Explore the dark and winding maze of the Mad King's Labyrinth—battling hordes of twisted creatures, racing your mounts, and trick-or-treating for bags stuffed with ghoulish goodies. Be wary, though—dreadful enemies like the Grand High Viscount of Candy Corn and the terrifying Labyrinthine Horror stalk these shadowy halls.

Mad King's Clock Tower: For thrill-seekers, the original heart-pounding jumping puzzle returns. Race against the rising miasma below! Or, if you prefer a slower pace, test your skills on the Stopped Clock Tower variant.

Ascent to Madness: Ready for the ultimate showdown? Face Mad King Thorn himself in this spine-chilling dungeon encounter, available to players of all skill levels.

Mad King's Raceway: Race through creepy courses on your mounts or rent a steed and join time trials or head-to-head races.

Minigames: Speak to a Lunatic Boatmaster to jump into the frenzied chaos of Reaper's Rumble or the survival horror of Lunatic Inquisition.





As you face the horrors of the Mad Realm, you'll be rewarded with trick-or-treat bags full of seasonal delights. Stock up on candy corn, the festival's primary currency, which can be exchanged for all sorts of spooky goods: miniatures, armor skins, recipes, and more!

For the fashion-forward, don't miss out on the Clawing Shadow Plate, a reward for completing the annual Halloween Rituals achievement. Plus, if you missed the Clawing Shadow Greaves or Clawing Shadow Gloves from previous years, they're available for purchase from vendors in exchange for candy corn.



The new Candy Core weapon set awaits those who complete either the Halloween Rituals or Weekly Halloween Festivities achievements. Powered by the essence of candy corn itself, these sinister weapons are sure to make you the envy of every ghoul in Tyria!

Do you dare to open your trick-or-treat bags? You might just find one of three new bloody weapons, including the fearsome Sanguine Shield, Sanguine Staff, and Sanguine Focus.

And don't forget—new Halloween-themed decorations are also up for grabs, perfect for turning your guild hall or homestead into a haunted haven!

We hope you have a frightfully good time this Halloween season, and be sure to share your most spine-chilling moments with us. Let the madness begin!

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Want to bust a move and let loose after a tough day of adventuring? Learn these acrobatic, high-skill moves and impress the onlookers. This new emote tome will teach you how to move like never before! The "/Breakdance" Emote Tome is available for 400 gems.





The Secrets of the Obscure Expedition Contract is here! We'll send out one of our elite Black Lion expedition teams to collect resources for you from Skywatch Archipelago, Amnytas, and Inner Nayos. They'll also collect rift essence for you. This enterprising item is available for 1,000 gems.



Inside each chest, you're guaranteed to find a redeemable Black Lion Statuette, a Black Lion Material Bag: Janthir Wilds, and two common items. You also have a chance to find something rarer in the fifth slot, including special items, glyphs, and skins from the Dokkaebi Weapon Collection and the Bright Inquisitor Weapon Collection.

Exclusive Item: Portable Hot Springs Chair

Soak your aches away with an amazing portable hot spring! Invite a friend and relax anywhere you desire with this little piece of the lowland kodans' magical, healing waters. The Portable Hot Springs Chair is a new, exclusive drop from Black Lion Chests.



Mystical Beast Weapons Collection

Invoke the power of nature's fury with this new collection of spiritual weapon skins—you shall vanquish the wilds with your stout heart and hearty brawn. Each Mystical Beast weapon skin is imbued with the spirit of one of six different beasts and can be obtained in exchange for 1 Black Lion Claim Ticket. Unleash your mystical beast by unsheathing or swapping your weapon!





Starting October 11 and continuing for the next few days, select infinite gathering tools will be 20% off, including the Shifting Sands Mining Pick, Infinite Volatile Magic Gathering Tools, Infinite Cosmic Gathering Tools, and many more! Gather everything you need in endless style!

Returning This Week

From today until October 15, Black Lion Chest Keys, Transmutation Charges, Total Makeover Kits, Self-Style Hair Kits, and Name Change Contracts are available at an incredible 20% discount. Retouch, remake, and reimagine your characters!



Log into Guild Wars 2 and press 'O' to access the Black Lion Trading Company for these great offers and more!