GW2 Halloween 2026: dates, access and what to do first
Guild Wars 2 · Event briefing · Checked 17 October 2026
Shadow of the Mad King began on 13 October and runs until 3 November 2026, according to ArenaNet.
Where to start
Check your in-game mail for the Invitation to the Mad Realm from Magister Tassi. Lion’s Arch is the festival hub; haunted doors near Shaemoor and Smokestead offer another way in.
Pick your activity
- Group combat: explore the Mad King’s Labyrinth.
- Jumping: try the Clock Tower or its slower Stopped variant.
- Racing: visit Mad King’s Raceway; rental mounts are available.
- Festival goals: check the annual Halloween Rituals achievement and rewards before spending festival currency.
A practical first-session checklist
Choose one reward goal, check its requirements in game and make room in your inventory. Decide which activities you enjoy rather than treating every reward as a shopping list. Keep event currency until you have compared the available rewards.
Read ArenaNet’s official Halloween announcement for the full schedule and rewards.