Shadow of the Mad King returns to Tyria with new cosmetic rewards, familiar Halloween activities, and plenty of opportunities to collect candy corn. The festival runs until November 3.
Halloween has officially arrived in Guild Wars 2, as ArenaNet brings back its annual Shadow of the Mad King festival. Starting October 13 and running until November 3, players can once again explore the Mad Realm, face familiar enemies, participate in seasonal activities, and earn a collection of new rewards.
The festival transforms Lion's Arch into a Halloween celebration filled with decorations, haunted portals, and the unmistakable presence of Mad King Thorn. Whether you're returning for another year or experiencing the event for the first time, there's plenty to do throughout the three-week celebration.
New Halloween Rewards for 2026
This year's Shadow of the Mad King introduces several new cosmetic rewards and decorations for players to collect.
Completing the (Annual) Halloween Rituals meta-achievement rewards players with the Primeval King's Wrappings headpiece and their choice of a Fog Machine weapon.
Players who collect enough Candy Corn Cobs and other festival materials can also purchase the Plush Mad King Backpack and the Mini Longhaired Black Cat.
ArenaNet has added new decorations for guild halls and player homesteads as well. Players can speak with Deft Lahar in Lion's Arch to unlock the Plush Zhaia, Plush Mad King, Foreboding Raven Tree, and Foreboding Raven Roost.
The Gem Store is also receiving seasonal additions, including the Autumn Garden Homestead Package, available for 800 gems. The package includes leaf piles, cornstalks, garden fencing, lanterns, trees, and other autumn-themed decorations.
Halloween items such as the Witch's Outfit are discounted by 20% until November 3, while the Black Lion Chest has been updated with new seasonal rewards.
The Mad King's Labyrinth and Clock Tower Return
As expected, several of Guild Wars 2's most recognizable Halloween activities are back for 2026.
The Mad King's Labyrinth remains one of the festival's main attractions, offering players the chance to battle waves of enemies, gather Trick-or-Treat Bags, and encounter dangerous opponents such as the Grand High Viscount of Candy Corn and the Labyrinthine Horror.
For players looking for something more challenging, the Mad King's Clock Tower jumping puzzle returns. Participants must navigate a series of increasingly difficult jumps while racing against the rising miasma below.
Those who prefer a more relaxed experience can attempt the Stopped Clock Tower variant instead.
The Ascent to Madness encounter also returns, allowing players to confront Mad King Thorn himself in a seasonal dungeon designed to accommodate different skill levels.
Other returning activities include the Mad King's Raceway, where players can compete in mount races and time trials, as well as the Reaper's Rumble and Lunatic Inquisition minigames.
How to Join the Halloween Festival
Players looking to participate in Shadow of the Mad King can begin by checking their in-game mail for an Invitation to the Mad Realm from Magister Tassi.
Lion's Arch serves as the central location for the festival, with portals available from major cities for players who are level 35 or higher or own a Guild Wars 2 expansion.
Players who cannot access Lion's Arch directly can use haunted doors in locations such as the Village of Shaemoor and the Village of Smokestead, where Lunatic Boatmasters provide transportation to the Mad Realm.
Additional haunted doors can also be found throughout Kessex Hills and Gendarran Fields.
During the festival, Mad King Thorn appears in Lion's Arch every two hours to challenge players with his familiar command-based game. Following his instructions correctly rewards participants with keys used to unlock seasonal treasures.
Guild Wars 2: Shadow of the Mad King 2026 is available now and runs until November 3.
For the complete list of additions and changes, visit the official Guild Wars 2 announcement.
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